AN: FINALLY THE NASTY ONE HAS COME BACK TO FANFICTION!

What's up guys? I hope everyone is ready for the New Year that begins tomorrow! So in honor of it, I decided to post the next chapter of RTTS: Journey of a Blockhead early. Hope you guys are ready for it because it starts right now.


Chapter 8: An Unexpected Encounter

Charlie Brown's team came out the following day looking to capitalize on the momentum he gave the club as they looked to remain in first place in the division. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, because they lost the final two games of the home series by scores of 5 – 3 and 4 – 1. In the first game, David Holmberg had a poor outing, as he only managed to go 5 innings, and gave up 4 earned runs, which brought his win loss record to 2 – 4 on the year. Although, the offense did manage to keep the game close with RBI doubles from Rodrigo and Lutz, and then Lutz even came through with a solo homer but it wasn't enough. The second game was actually a much closer affair as Daniel Chavez had another brilliant outing as he went 8 innings and held Tennessee scoreless. Sadly, the offense didn't score either which led into the ninth inning where Vargas came in to relieve Chavez and gave up four runs in only two thirds of an inning. The offense managed a lone run on Freddie's RBI single but no other fight emerged.

The following day was a much needed off day for the team as they traveled down to Jacksonville, Florida to face the Jacksonville Suns™ which are the AA affiliate of the Miami Marlins™. As usual the rookies and Marcie all sat together on the bus playing cards and just sharing old stories about their childhoods, all in all it was a relaxing and fun experience for all parties involved.

Arriving in Jacksonville, the team came out the following day and won the first game of the series behind Pedro 7 to 3. Pedro went 8 innings and gave up only 2 earned runs while striking out 12 batters, his performance improved his record to 3 – 4 on the season. He was supported by another offensive explosion as a couple of players managed to contribute to the winning effort. Williamson had a solo homer, Harvey notched an RBI when he grounded into a double play, Freddie had a 3 RBI double, and Pedro helped himself with 2 RBI singles. The team tried to keep it going behind Richard, but they ended up losing the game 2 to 1. Richard went 6 innings and only gave up one run, but the offensive support wasn't there earning him a no decision. 1B Adam Matthews managed to tie the game up in the 5th with a solo homer, but in the 8th left-handed reliever Bobby Burrows gave up the go ahead run and the offense couldn't recover sealing the loss.


== Game Day (May 13, 2015 Wednesday Afternoon) ==

The game today had a one o' clock start time meaning it was once again an early morning for everyone's favorite blockhead as he arrived at the park three hours before game time. Following his normal routine he changed into his practice gear and began his drills, before coming back in to change into his uniform. After that, he made his way out to the bullpen down the left field line to warm up for the game. Today, he was accompanied by Les as Freddie was given the day off. Making their way down the line, Charlie Brown just so happened to glance into the crowd and noticed two people sitting in the stands about ten rows back and they were paying little attention to them as they were here to cheer on their hometown Suns.

'Well I'll be damned if it isn't Patty and Shermy; never thought I'd see these two again since they moved away after high school. Maybe I should tell Les so he can go off on Patty? Nah then Shermy would get pissed and I don't have anything against him so I'll let it slide for now. Hopefully I can show off today.'

When he was little, Patty was in the group that consisted of Violet, Lucy, and herself that always put Charlie Brown down no matter what he did. Because of this he has always hated them and has lived for the day to shove it down their throats as payback. Shermy on the other hand kept his thoughts to himself, and even though he started dating Patty he never once spoke ill of Charlie Brown with her as he looked disappointed in her for acting such a way. This put Shermy in a grey area for Charlie Brown, on the one hand he never spoke ill about him; but on the other he never once attempted to stop Patty from doing so. (It was most likely so they wouldn't break up because he wasn't supporting her in her bashing of Charlie Brown.)

Moving onwards, Charlie Brown finished his warm ups and started heading back in when he noticed Shermy looking at him with a shocked face, obviously recognizing him. Charlie Brown just smirked and saluted to Shermy indicating he acknowledged him and made his way back into the dugout.


== With Patty and Shermy ==

"Honey what's got you so shocked?" asked Patty as she noticed her boyfriend's facial expression.

"I just saw someone from our childhood, whose going to be playing for the other team today." said Shermy in disbelief.

"Really who was it?"

"It was Charlie Brown, sweetie."

"That blockhead's playing professionally?! There's no way that someone like him actually got drafted! It just isn't possible!" replied the now angered blonde.

"Well it appears to be so as he's pitching today for the Blue Wahoos."

"I can't wait to see him screw up like he always does, it'll be so satisfying."

"What do you have against him anyway?"

"He's supposed to be a failure that's how it always was. He can't actually succeed; the world would end if that happened."

"Well the world is still functioning, and he appears to be the Southern League's leader in Wins, Innings Pitched, Strikeouts, ERA, fewest losses, and fewest walks so he's doing pretty well."

"Whatever! He's due to screw up pretty soon then."

'What did I see in her again?' was Shermy's thought as the Suns took the field to start the game.


== Game Time ==

In the dugout, Charlie Brown was going over the lineups that Coach had posted and was making some last minute adjustments with Les when he noticed the two and three hitters in Jacksonville's lineup.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos™ (16 – 14) Jacksonville Suns™ (20 – 12)

SS Lance Minor (hot streak) 1. 2B Jose Rodriguez

LF Skip Schumaker (hot streak) 2. 3B Scott Sizemore (hot streak)

3B Rodrigo Becerra (hot streak) 3. 1B Eduardo Rios

RF Jesus Rodriguez (cold streak) 4. CF Javier Pena

1B Donald Lutz (hot streak) 5. RF Roberto Gallegos (hot streak)

CF Yorman Rodriguez 6. C Marco Sierra

2B Peter Nishii (cold streak) 7. SS Daryl McKee

C Les Blackburn 8. LF Rafael Montalvo

SP Charlie Brown (hot streak) 9. SP Kory Vazquez (hot streak)

Pitching Matchup: RHP Charlie Brown (6 – 0, 0.55 ERA) vs. LHP Kory Vazquez (2 – 1, 4.89 ERA)

'Those two are going to present problems when they bat, so we'll need to take an extra careful approach. Sizemore has been in the majors so he knows how to hit and Rios is one of their top prospects that are almost ready for the big time. This ought to be a fun game.'

Since they were on the road, there was no prospect spotlight as the game started in earnest. Pensacola failed to score in the top half, so Charlie Brown took the mound with a clean scoreboard on both sides. As he ran out he was introduced to the crowd and he surprisingly heard a number of cheers coming from the section that Patty and Shermy were sitting. He looked over and saw that a number of Blue Wahoos fans had made the short trip to support him as he took off his cap for them and proceeded to warm up. He couldn't help but notice that Shermy was amongst those cheering, as he went back to finish his warm ups.


== Bottom of the 1st Inning ==

2B Jose Rodriguez was leading off the game for the hometown Suns as he looked to quickly end the scoreless tie. On the third pitch of the at bat he hit a hard grounder to Minor at shortstop. The ball took a hard hop and ricocheted out of Minor's glove but he managed to recover quickly and threw Rodriguez out at first.

Next up was 3B Scott Sizemore who had a few good years with the Tigers and Marlins in the majors before ending up in AA. Sizemore lasted four pitches when he was frozen on a low and away Curve that just caught the corner ringing him up as the second out.

Third up was key prospect 1B Eduardo Rios who had power from the left batter box. Rios lasted only four pitches, before grounded out to Nishii at second, giving Charlie Brown a painless 1-2-3 first inning.


== Top of the 2nd Inning ==

Vazquez's second inning wasn't going as well as his first one did. Lutz led off for Pensacola and hit a sharp single to right field. The next three hitters, Y. Rodriguez, Nishii, and Les, all managed to draw walks which ran up Vazquez's pitch count by twenty five pitches bringing him to 32 on the day so far. Les' walk also managed to drive in Lutz giving Pensacola an early 1 – 0 lead. This brought Charlie Brown to the plate, as the Pensacola fans started cheering.


== With Patty and Shermy ==

"I can't wait to see that blockhead fail in such glorious fashion!" said an overexcited Patty that drew glares from Shermy and the Pensacola fans.

"I don't think he'll do that Patty. I think he'll succeed and put his team even further ahead than they already are." replied a disappointed Shermy as he was seriously becoming fed up with her attitude.

"As if Shermy! You're pretty stupid for believing in that blockhead."

Shermy just glared at her, as he cheered even louder for Charlie Brown. He was also considering ending their relationship as it had been declining steadily over the years, but this was becoming ridiculous since she was needlessly attacking one of their childhood acquaintances. Let's just say that he was seriously done.


== Back to the At Bat ==

Up in the broadcasting booth, Eddy and Ed were both excited seeing the team's favorite pitcher coming to the plate.

"And Charlie Brown is stepping to the plate once again in a big spot for the Blue Wahoos. The bases are loaded and there are no outs here in the top of the second inning. Can Charlie Brown come through again?"

"I think so Eddy. Charlie Brown has been hitting the cover off the ball recently, and not only that but he's a terrific first pitch fastball hitter which can spell trouble for Vazquez."

"Vazquez comes set at the belt, he takes a look at Rodriguez over at third who has a comfortable lead, and here comes the delivery."

THWACK!

'And there's a hard shot by Charlie Brown towards the left center gap as nobody is going to get to it! Rodriguez has scored! Nishii has scored! Here comes Blackburn around third, and the throw is way late as he scores as well! It's a three run double for Charlie Brown as the Blue Wahoos are now up 4 to 0! Charlie Brown has delivered again!"

"LET'S GO BOYS!" shouted Charlie Brown as he beat his chest and saluted the team as they were all chanting his name along with the Pensacola fans, and the bullpen.

The rest of the inning was pretty uneventful as Minor flew out to left, Skip struck out, and Rodrigo hit a shot to left center that was run down by Montalvo ending the inning.


== Bottom of the 2nd Inning ==

CF Javier Pena led off for the Suns as he looked to get them back in the game. Sadly that wouldn't be happening, as on the second pitch he drove a high fly ball to deep left that was caught by Skip on the warning track for the first out.

RF Roberto Gallegos was up next batting .474 in his last four games. He ended up lasting four pitches before grounding the low and away 4SFB to Nishii for the second out.

C Marco Sierra was next up and wanted to prevent the 1-2-3 inning, so on the first pitch he drove a double to left center over Skip's glove as he leaped for the ball.

SS Daryl McKee was next, looking to follow Sierra's lead. On the second pitch he hit a high fly ball to right field that was easily handled by Jesus for the final out.


== Top of the 3rd Inning ==

Jesus led off the inning with a solo homer to dead center, extending the Pensacola lead to 5 – 0. Lutz was up next and struck out swinging. Yorman Rodriguez followed him and grounded out to first base who flipped it to the pitcher for the second out. Nishii followed that up by hitting a sharp grounder in the hole between shortstop and third base. The shortstop fielded it and made a jump throw to first, but Nishii was hustling and beat the throw by half a step. Following that, Les drew his second walk of the game putting runners on first and second with two outs for Charlie Brown.

Looking to capitalize on the momentum, Charlie Brown sat dead red hoping for a 4SFB. He guessed correctly, but swung a little late sending a sharp liner to center field. Unfortunately, Pena was playing in the area of right center and the ball went right to him for the final out of the inning.


== Bottom of the 3rd Inning ==

With a slightly bigger lead, Charlie Brown was definitely feeling more at ease as he took the mound again. First up for Jacksonville was LF Rafael Montalvo who lasted three pitches before softly grounding the ball in front of the plate. Reacting quickly, Les hopped up and grabbed it barehanded, before slinging it to first to get the speedy outfielder for the first out. Charlie Brown and he high-fived before he squatted back down.

Next up was P Kory Vazquez who was having a bad day. Looking to make up for his pitching, the southpaw fought for five pitches before hitting a sharp grounder to first. The ball ricocheted of Lutz's glove into foul territory where he ran it down, but the flip to Charlie Brown was too late as Vazquez was hustling to earn his hit.

Rodriguez was up again for his second plate appearance, but this one was worse than his first one as he struck out after four pitches when he chased a low and away Curve out of the zone.

Following him was Sizemore who kept the inning alive by smacking a high and tight 2SFB back up the middle on the third pitch of the at bat.

This brought Rios up who was overanxious at the plate. On the third pitch, he chased a high 4SFB that he hit a mile high out in front of the plate. Les popped up out of his crouch, discarded his mask, and back pedaled a few steps before making the catch which ended the inning.


== Top of the 4th Inning ==

Blue Wahoos' shortstop Lance Minor led off the inning by drawing a ten pitch walk from Vazquez. This was the final straw for the Suns' manager as he pulled Vazquez after only 3+ innings of work. Left-handed reliever Jacob Montoya entered the game and looked to keep the deficit at only five runs. He got Skip to fly out to left, but Rodrigo managed to draw a walk putting runners at first and second. Things looked promising for Pensacola, but Jesus then hit into a 5-4-3double play to end the inning.


== Bottom of the 4th Inning ==

Pena started the inning off for Jacksonville poorly as after two pitches he popped out behind home plate to Les.

Following that, Gallegos continued the trend by striking out after five pitches, when he was late on the low and away Curve.

The third man, Sierra, capped off the inning by popping out to shallow left field on one pitch giving Charlie Brown a very painless 1-2-3 inning.


== Bottom of the 5th Inning ==

Montoya once again held Pensacola scoreless, keeping the score at 5 – 0. McKee started the inning off for the Suns with a five pitch fly out to medium deep right field.

Montalvo was next as he lined the first pitch hard to Nishii, who barely had enough time to get his glove up to protect his face for the second out. Montalvo slammed his helmet down in frustration as he reached the dugout.

With Montoya due up, the Suns' manager decided to pinch hit and called in backup catcher Evan Simmons to face Charlie Brown. The right handed batter was quickly sent back to the pine as he struck out after six pitches when he was monumentally late on the high and in 4SFB.


== Top of the 6th Inning ==

Right handed reliever Tony Fontenot was called in to replace the pinch hitter as he was prepared to face the 8, 9, and 1 hitters of the Pensacola lineup. Les lead the inning off by grounding right back to Fontenot after three pitches.

Charlie Brown came up next and fought for five pitches, before he was late on an inside 2SFB and flew out to shallow right for the second out.

Minor then followed that up with a single to center, but Skip ended the inning by grounding out to shortstop putting another zero on the scoreboard.


== Bottom of the 6th Inning ==

Rodriguez came up again for his third at bat of the game and promptly popped out to Rodrigo at third after three pitches.

Sizemore followed the at bat up with a three pitch at bat of his own, as he grounded out to Nishii at second when he went after the low and in 4SFB.

Rios came up next and avoided the last out by taking the sixth pitch of the at bat into right center for a two out double.

Pena was next looking to drive in Rios from second. His hopes were dashed however, when he went fishing after a low Curve on the fifth pitch of the at bat, ending the inning.


== Bottom of the 7th Inning ==

Pensacola was held scoreless again by Fontenot, and after the seventh inning stretch Charlie Brown was back in action.

Gallegos started the inning off with a six pitch strikeout when he swung way late on a Curve right down the middle.

After that, Sierra hit a hard shot on the third pitch of the at bat that was clearly foul as it headed for the Suns' bullpen in right field. Jesus however, never gave up on the play and on the dead run caught it before tripping over the bullpen mound and face planting into the dirt. Holding up his hand he showed the ump the ball, before a disbelieving Sierra was sent back to the dugout as the second out.

McKee was up next, and kept the inning alive when on the second pitch of the at bat he hit the ball down the left field line past a diving Rodrigo.

Montalvo stepped into the box hoping to drive McKee in, but he hit a sharp grounder to first that was easily handled by Lutz on his own for the final out.


== Top of the 8th Inning ==

Nishii led off the 8th against Fontenot by flying out to deep right field. Following that, Les struck out looking at a low 12-6 Curve. Charlie Brown walked up again as the Pensacola faithful down the line came alive.

"Charlie Brown is coming up again for his fourth at bat of the game Ed. Do you think he can jumpstart the inning?"

"Absolutely Eddy! Charlie Brown has proven that he's one of the best hitting pitchers in AA right now, I see no reason why he can't make the adjustment and hit Fontenot right here."

"Fontenot is set and starts his windup, as Charlie Brown starts his leg kick."

THWACK!

"That sounds good, as Montalvo won't get to this one as it starts rolling towards the wall in left center. Pena runs over and corrals it, before firing it back into second base. The throw is going to pull Rodriguez off the bag, as Charlie Brown slides in feet first with his second double of the inning. His helmet comes off in the process and shows his one curly hair that has driven the fans of Pensacola wild all season. Time is out as Charlie Brown retrieves his helmet and waves to the crowd thanking them for the cheers."

Minor came up next to continue the rally, but after two pitches he grounded right back to Fontenot ending the inning.


== Bottom of the 8th Inning ==

With Fontenot due up, the manager once again pinch hit and brought in switch-hitting outfielder Bill Fink. Fink fought for three pitches before singling right back up the middle.

Rodriguez was up next for the fourth time today, as he worked a seven pitch walk as Charlie Brown could not get a corner call from the umpire.

Sizemore came up next and check swung on the first pitch sending a dribbler to Charlie Brown's right side. Charlie Brown fielded it cleanly and fired to Nishii covering second for the out. As he made the turn to fire to first, Rodriguez came in hard and clipped Nishii causing him to fall forward and drop the ball. Using the distraction, Fink rounded third and raced in to score as the team ran to check on Nishii.

Charlie Brown got there first and looked down at Nishii clutching his shin, before signaling for Marcie to come out and check on him.

"You okay Peter?" asked Charlie Brown concerned for his health.

"Yeah I think I'll be fine. It's probably just a bruise, but it sure hurts like hell." replied the half Japanese infielder.

"Yeah I'm sure it does." chuckled Charlie Brown as he was relieved that Nishii would be okay. Marcie came out and confirmed Nishii's suspicions before helping him to his feet. The crowd cheered for him as Charlie Brown rolled him some grounders to make sure he was good.

"Sorry about not finishing the play Charlie Brown."

"It's all good Peter. One run won't hurt us, and besides your health is more important than finishing the play. So don't sweat it."

"Thanks rookie. Now go finish the inning!" exclaimed Nishii as he gained a new found respect for the young rookie. He was wiser than his age led people to believe which impressed the 27 year old infielder.

With the game back on, Rios walked up and flew out to right after five pitches when he went after a low and in Curve.

Following that, Pena stepped in and on the second pitch of the at bat popped out to Minor to end the inning.

Coming back into the dugout, the manager shook Charlie Brown's hand and told him that his day was done as he was well over one hundred pitches. Charlie Brown accepted the decision and started icing his arm, before sitting back down to watch the rest of the game with his teammates.


== Top of the 9th Inning ==

Right-handed reliever Eli Mateo came in to replace the pinch hitter Fink as he looked to keep the deficit at only four runs. Skip led off the inning by drawing a walk from Mateo, before Rodrigo followed that up with a double to left field. Skip managed to score all the way from first as the score was now 6 – 1. Jesus followed that with a double to right field, but Rodrigo tripped coming around third causing him to scramble back as the throw would have had him dead to rights. Lutz came up next and grounded out to shortstop, and Yorman struck out swinging giving them two outs. Peter came up next and hit a sharp grounder to first that was speared by Rios as he scrambled to first for the third out ending the rally.


== Bottom of the 9th Inning ==

Vargas came in to shut the door for Pensacola, as he looked for a bounce back performance from Friday evening. He managed to set down Jacksonville 1-2-3, as Gallegos grounded out to Les behind the plate, Sierra grounded out to Peter at second, and McKee struck out swinging on Vargas' high heat ending the game.

Thanks to his big day at the plate, as well as his miraculous catch in right, Jesus was name player of the game and interviewed with Double D instead of Charlie Brown.


== Final Stat Line ==

Pitching: Win (7 – 0 on season), 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's, 0.63 ERA on season, 110 Pitches, 82 Strikes, 28 Balls

Hitting: 2 for 4, 2 Doubles (4 on the season), 3 RBI's (8 on the season)


== After the Game ==

Charlie Brown and company were heading out to get something to eat at a local burger joint and were being joined by Peter who decided he'd hang out with them since they seemed like a fun bunch. As the group exited the stadium, they were met with a voice that condescendingly insulted Charlie Brown.

"Well if it isn't the blockhead! What are you doing here loser?"

Turning around to face the offender, Charlie Brown recognized that it was Patty and Shermy although he noticed that Shermy looked pissed at Patty more so then him.

"Patty, Shermy, a pleasure to see one of you again. I can see that you haven't changed a bit."

"Don't patronize me Charlie Brown!"

"Or what are you going to insult me again like we were younger?! Doesn't work anymore Patty! I've become much more confident in my abilities!" replied a heated Charlie Brown. Before he could go off on her, Marcie grabbed his hand and squeezed it to calm him down and it worked as he didn't want to upset her or make a scene. Patty could do that all by herself. The others in Charlie Brown's group weren't fairing much better as they couldn't believe the sheer audacity of the woman in front of them.

"Please like you are any good at anything!"

"Well his start today would contradict that Patty. Plus I don't think this is very nice how you're treating one of our old childhood acquaintances." replied Shermy in a semi-even tone as he tried to keep his anger in check.

"So what are you just going to take his side in this Shermy?! He's a blockhead, always was, always will be!"

"You know what Patty I'm done with all of this. Over the years you've grown bitchier for no reason. I tried, Lord knows I tried to put up with it hoping you would become nicer again, but it just isn't happening." said a now thoroughly pissed off Shermy as he stormed over to Charlie Brown and his friends.

"Looks like you've got no support for this one Patty. It's a shame really. Shermy was always there to support you no matter how much of an ass you made yourself to be. Now that he's wised up you're all alone." chuckled Charlie Brown as a faint look of disbelief passed over Patty's face before being replaced by anger once again.

"Fuck off Charlie Brown! You're still nothing to me! It even amazes me that you managed to find someone to love your loser ass!"

That was the final straw for Charlie Brown as his anger practically exploded once she insulted Marcie who was now holding back tears.

"You know I was going to spare you the emotional turmoil from my friend's words. But you've now officially crossed the line Patty. I hope you have a nice life wherever and with whomever you end up with! Les get her!"

For the next ten minutes the entire area was dead silent as Les ripped into Patty with the longest string of insults and cuss words that the Southerner could think up. It was a clear indication of two things to all those present; 1. Don't ever insult Les' friends. 2. Never mess with Charlie Brown's relationship as he was the one who authorized this emotional shellacking.

Following the rant, (I won't write it out here as I want to save it for later. *Insert evil chuckle*), Patty was in tears as she fled the area while trying to keep the last shred of her dignity intact.

"Thanks Charlie Brown I needed to vent some anger fast." said a grateful Les as he patted Charlie Brown's shoulder.

"No problem dude. Anyway, Shermy you want to hang out with us and catch up?"

"You still want me to hang out with you after all that happened?" asked a surprised Shermy.

"Of course I do. Never once in the past did you put me down or insult me with the vehemence the others did. You just proved to me that you were a loyal friend when you chose me over your disrespectful ex. So yeah you're a good person in my book."

"Sure let's go." said a relieved Shermy as the group made its way to the burger joint for some much needed food.


AN: And that's the end of the chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed that encounter as Patty is finally put in her place and Shermy joins Charlie Brown's supporters. When I started writing this I originally didn't have them appearing, but it just hit me and made sense as the chapter progressed. Anyway leave me a review if you loved or hated the chapter. And also make sure to follow and favorite the story to show your support as it seriously motivates me to keep writing this. Have a Happy New Year everyone! I'll see you all in 2016. This is "The Nasty One" signing off.

-PRAK #TheNastyOne