Dying Embers

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Twenty Nine: The Cleanup Hitter

"Alright! Gather around here, everyone!"

Tinapos na nila ang kanilang warm ups matapos tawagin sila ng kanilang Coach. Nag-umpisa na sila sa kanilang small meetings to discuss their strategies during the game. At dahil medyo malapit ako sa kanila, hindi ko maiwasan ang makinig.

"Let's talk about defense here, because we're on defense first. The strategy is to work smart and play together. That means we're always thinking ahead, communicating, and keeping an eye on every situation."

Nakikita kong may nakapa-maywang habang nakikinig sa kanilang Coach. May nakaupo naman mismo sa kanilang dug-out bench, nakahawak ng isang bottle of gatorade, habang nakikinig sa nagsasalita nilang Coach.

"First off, know your batter. If you see someone who loves pulling the ball, let's shift a bit toward where he's likely to hit. We're not making huge moves, but enough to be in the right spot. And if we know he might bunt, I want our corners—first and third—ready to charge in. Expect it and stay ready to make that play."

"Mike, make sure to run for your life if we ever in that situation," dinig kong sabi ni Chance sa teammate niyang si Mike. Sila kasi ang first at third baseman sa laro.

"Oh, I will. For sure," sagot naman nito.

"Now, pitcher and catcher, you're the heartbeat of this defense." Napatingin ang kanilang Coach kay Henry at Nimbus. "Henry, I want you keeping an eye on those runners. If they're itching to steal, let's throw in a few pickoff moves, keep them close, and let's not give them anything easy."

"On it, Coach."

"And Nimbus, pitch to our strengths. If we're set up for ground balls, keep it low. If we're positioned for a fly, go high. Work with the defense we've set up. You're strong and capable, 'wag mo ng gawin 'yong ginawa mo dati."

"K, Coach."

"And let's get some talk out there! Outfielders, call for those fly balls like you mean it—louder than a whisper, alright? Center fielder, that means you—you're the boss of the outfield. Infielders, same goes for pop-ups; don't leave it to chance. And when there's a double-play opportunity, let's not look like we're fumbling around out there. Know who's covering the bag, and turn it like we practiced."

"On relays and cutoffs, outfielders, hit the cutoff man like you're aiming for the target you dreamt about. And infielders, be ready and in position for those cutoffs. Don't let a little excitement make you throw it into left field, alright?"

"Now, play smart with the count. If you're at two strikes, scoot in a bit. And if it's a hitter's count, play deeper. If we're in the late innings and it's a tight game, we're not taking risks. Play for the sure out—no hero plays. And if they've got a runner on third with less than two outs, infield, I want you up and ready. No handing them easy runs, got it?"

"Yup!"

"And here's one for the basics: everybody backs up. Right fielder, you're covering first; left fielder, you've got third. No excuses. If I see anyone giving up an extra base because you were daydreaming, you're running laps till the cows come home!"

"Man, here we go again."

"Alright, let's get out there, keep the chatter up, stay sharp, and let's make them work for every single base. We got this—now go show 'em!"

They did a loud chant with their hands put up altogether.

"HAWKEYE... WIN!"

Bago pa man magsimula ang laro, lumapit muna sa akin si Chance and gave me a quick peck on the cheeks. "I miss you, baby."