Field of Love

Chapter One: ( Tyler's POV)

     Top of the 7th, Seattle was up to bat, i stood on the pitching mound staring down the next hitter, Duncan Polly, easy out, but Matt Curtis was next and he always scares me. I threw the first pitch a little outside the middle and Duncan still swung, the umpire called strike one and the Bellevue fans cheered some even calling my name. I threw the next pitch down the center and he swung but too late, strike two. I caught the ball the catcher threw back at me and I wiped my sweaty brow. I winded up and threw the next pitch and Duncan hit it hard, it flew up right over me, I stuck my arm up and caught the ball. He was out. Two outs and no one on base, up next Matt. I took several deep breaths, Matt walked to the plate and kicked the dirt. He put the bat up signaling he was ready and I got ready, I threw the pitch and he didn't swing, the umpire called strike one. Why didn't he swing? It was the perfect pitch, I would rather him get a base then me strike him out because he didn't try. I winded up and threw a purposefully outside pitch and he still swung. I was getting mad, he was better than this why was he not doing his best. I could hear his coach yelling to get his head in the game. " You good?" I heard the catcher say, Matt just nodded. I was ready, I threw one final pitch and he missed it on purpose again. He shrugged and walked off the field. I stood there in shock as my team walked to the dugout. " Ty, let's go." My coach called. I walked to the dugout, I turned back one last time and saw Matt taking his place behind home plate. I was batting first for my team, I was nervous. I watched as the opposing team threw some practice throws. Soon it was time, I walked onto the field and took my batting place on the left of home plate. The pitcher nodded and he winded up and threw the ball to the left, I didn't swing, " Good eye." Matt said and I nodded at him. The pitcher seemed upset. I watched him nod again and he threw the ball, I  swung but it was too early. " Strike one" the umpire yelled. I shook my head and put my focus on the pitcher. The ball was unleashed and I  jumped out of the way as it skimmed my pant leg. Matt jumped up and put his hand on my lower back, " You okay?" he asked. " yeah I am fine, it didn't make direct contact." I said taking my position again, moving away from his touch. The pitcher threw the ball again and Whack! The ball connected with my bat and the crowd roared to life. I started to run and watched as the ball flew over the fence, the pitcher threw his glove down and I kept running. I made it to home plate and Matt extended his hand, I gave him a high five and I could hear the distaste from his fellow team members. I walked to the dugout where I was welcomed with high fives and the occasional butt hits. I sat on the bench and watched the rest of the inning, by the end the Bellevue high knights were winning 7-6. It was a super close game and it was the bulldogs turn to bat. I took to the mound and out walked Matt. My heart was pounding, he was batting early this inning. I wasn't going to hold back, I needed to win. I threw my first pitch, a classic curve ball and Matt swung, he let out a breath. He was actually trying now, I threw another pitch this one just outside the middle, he swung and missed again, strike two. He slammed the bat on the dirt and kicked his feet. He looked at me and nodded. I smiled and threw the ball, the curve was wild but his bat still hit the ball. It flew high and back, the outfielder ran for it and dived to catch it, he made the catch and the crowd went wild, Matt shrugged and walked off, I caught myself watching him walk away, his backside facing me, the next batter approached the plate and I put my focus back on the game. Two outs later we were up to bat, it was a scoreless inning but the knights won and we celebrated hard, we made it to the semi finals! " Listen up team, we have secured our spot!" The coach screamed, the team yelled in approval. " The bulldogs chances of being in the semi finals are still there but we made it harder for them." He said raising his water cup, we all did the same and cheered.