Close It Out
The sun had just begun to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as the crowd gathered at Pallet High's baseball field for the big game. It was the second home game of the season, and the stands were filled with excitement, a mixture of students, families, and loyal fans eager to watch their team take on the challenging Littleroot High Sharks.
Ash stood near the dugout with Drew, Brock, Paul, and Gary, warming up with light stretches and short tosses. His eyes flicked over to the stands, where he spotted Dawn and May already seated, waving brightly. Their cheers carried over the field, and he gave them a small wave in return.
"You ready for this?" Brock asked, his gaze focused as he tightened the laces on his glove.
"Yeah," Ash nodded, ensuring confidence. "We've been working hard all week, and this is the first game that we see what you've really got, Drew."
Don't worry Ash as long as you keep the game in check I'll make sure that we get the win! Drew said confidently.
Gary smirked, tossing the ball back and forth between his hands. "Just make sure you both are ready to pitch lights out tonight. If you guys kill it out there, the whole school will be calling you guys a dynamic duo like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto!"
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet, those two are pros for a reason, however I can promise you guys that I won't let this team down." Ash said, tightening his cap.
That's the spirit! As long as we stay focused, we've got this!" Brock said with enthusiasm
Coach Flores strolled over to the group, clapping his hands together to gather their attention. "Alright, boys. Tonight's the night. You've all put in the work, and I have no doubt in my mind that we can walk away with another win. But it's going to take discipline, focus, and teamwork."
The players nodded in unison, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline that always came before a big game.
"We're starting strong," Flores continued, "Ash, you're on the mound. Brock, you're behind the plate. Paul, you've got first base covered, and Gary, you're at shortstop tonight. We're putting our best foot forward. Drew you'll be closing out in the 8th inning so make sure you get that arm warmed up. This is your first time closing out a game so be prepared at all times!"
Yes sir! Drew shouted.
Coach Flores continued, ¨I like that enthusiasm, now let's break this huddle and let's get out there and show Littleroot what were made of, WIN on 3 WIN on 3. 1, 2, 3.
¨WIN!¨ The Pallet High Dragons were pumped and ready for an epic game.
By the time the game began, the stands were packed, and the energy was electric. Ash could feel the weight of every eye on him as he took his place on the mound, ready to start the first inning. The Sharks were a well-known team with strong hitters, but Ash had prepared for this moment all week. His fastball was sharp, and his curveball had been getting better with every practice.
As the first batter stepped into the box, Ash took a deep breath, eyes narrowing as he focused on Brock's glove behind the plate. He wound up, letting the tension in his muscles build before he released the pitch. The ball whizzed through the air, and with a satisfying pop, it landed squarely in Brock's glove.
"Strike one!" the umpire called out, his voice echoing through the field.
The crowd cheered, and Ash felt a surge of confidence. He repeated the process, delivering another fastball, this time catching the batter swinging for strike two. On the third pitch, he threw a curveball, and the batter whiffed it completely.
"Strike three!" the umpire bellowed. "You're out!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Ash exchanged a fist bump with Brock as the next batter stepped up to the plate. The inning continued smoothly, with Paul scooping up a grounder at first and Gary making a slick double play at shortstop. Littleroots hitters were good, but Pallet's defense was better.
By the time Ash and the team returned to the dugout at the end of the first inning, the score was still 0-0, and they were determined to keep it that way
Meanwhile, in the stands, Dawn and May were on the edge of their seats, watching intently as Ash dominated the mound.
"He's really got them on the ropes tonight," Dawn commented, clapping as Ash walked off the field after another successful inning.
"Yeah, he's been practicing so hard," May added, a proud smile spreading across her face. "He's always so focused when it comes to baseball."
"You can say that again," Dawn agreed, then nudged May with a teasing grin. "You've been watching him pretty closely, haven't you?"
May blushed slightly but didn't deny it. "He's... impressive, that's all."
Dawn smirked, deciding not to push further, knowing May was still figuring out her feelings for Ash. But it was clear that something was there, and Dawn couldn't help but be excited to see how things would unfold between them.
By the fourth inning, the game remained scoreless. Both teams were playing solid defense, and Ash continued to pitch with precision. Littleroots hitters were getting frustrated, but Ash was in his zone, mixing up his pitches and keeping them off-balance.
Then, in the bottom of the fourth, Pallet High finally broke through. With Gary leading off, he smashed a double into the gap in left-center field, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Paul followed with a single to right field, advancing Gary to third.
Brock stepped up to the plate next, the pressure mounting as he faced the pitcher. With runners on the corners, he knew a hit could put them ahead. The pitcher wound up, delivering a fastball down the middle, but Brock was ready. He swung hard, sending the ball soaring into right field for a deep sacrifice fly.
Gary sprinted home, scoring the first run of the game as the crowd erupted in cheers. Pallet was on the board, 1-0.
The tension could be cut with a knife as Gary stepped up to the plate for the bottom of the sixth inning. Pallet High was down by two runs with two outs with Paul on second and Brock on first. The opposing pitcher from Littleroot High suddenly shifted the momentum pitching a strong game, and Gary knew this at-bat was a crucial moment to turn things around.
Ash watched from the dugout, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Come on, Gary. You got this," he muttered under his breath. The entire team was on edge, knowing how much a hit here could shift the momentum in their favor.
Paul took a small lead off second base, his eyes fixed on the pitcher, while Brock crouched at first, ready to sprint if Gary connected. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the pitcher set himself on the mound, glaring at Gary.
The first pitch came, a fastball low and outside. Gary let it pass without a second thought.
"Ball one!" the umpire called.
Gary took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the bat. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him: his teammates, the crowd, even May and Dawn up in the stands. He had to deliver.
The next pitch came, a breaking ball that curved toward the inside corner. Gary swung but fouled it off, sending it soaring high and behind the backstop. "One and one," the umpire declared.
Gary knew he had to stay calm and patient. He had faced pressure situations before, but this time felt different. He wasn't just playing for himself, Paul and Brock were counting on him, and so was the rest of the team. He adjusted his stance, keeping his weight back as he eyed the pitcher's every move.
The pitcher wound up and delivered a fastball down the middle. Gary swung hard, but he was just a bit too early, and the ball shot off the bat straight to the right field line but landed foul.
The count was now one ball, two strikes. Gary stepped out of the batter's box, taking a moment to breathe. His eyes wandered over to where Ash was, giving a subtle nod of encouragement. Gary could see the confidence his friend had in him, and it strengthened his resolve.
Reentering the batter's box, Gary focused on the pitcher again. The catcher signaled for a changeup, and the pitcher nodded in agreement. The crowd seemed to hold its collective breath as the ball left the pitcher's hand, appearing slower than the previous pitches.
Gary recognized the changeup almost immediately. The spin was different, and the speed was deceiving. He kept his weight back, timing his swing with a perfect rhythm. As the ball approached the plate, he unleashed a powerful swing, meeting the ball squarely with the sweet spot of his bat.
The crack of the bat echoed through the stadium, followed by a sudden roar from the crowd. Gary didn't need to look to know he had made solid contact. The ball soared high and deep into left-center field, clearing the outfield wall with plenty of room to spare.
"Home run!" the announcer shouted as Gary rounded first base, a broad grin spreading across his face.
Paul and Brock were already on their way home, pumping their fists in the air as they crossed the plate, scoring two runs to tie the game. Gary followed close behind, stepping on each base with a triumphant stride. The cheers of the fans grew louder with every step he took, and by the time he rounded third, the entire team was waiting for him at home plate, ready to greet him.
As Gary stepped on home plate, his teammates surrounded him, clapping him on the back and lifting him off the ground in celebration. The scoreboard flashed the new score: Pallet High 4, Littleroot 3. Gary had not only tied the game, he had given his team the lead.
"Way to go, Gary!" Ash exclaimed, throwing an arm around his friend. "That was exactly what we needed!"
As Gary made his way back to the dugout Drew walked up to him pretending to throw confetti in his face with seeds as a sign of a good job.
With the momentum shifted firmly in Pallet High's favor after Gary's home run, the dugout buzzed with excitement. Ash grabbed his helmet and bat, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he stepped up to the plate. He could still hear the cheers from Gary's big hit reverberating throughout the stadium. Now, it was his turn to keep the energy going.
The pitcher was visibly rattled after the homer, his confidence seemingly shaken. Ash took a few practice swings, touched the brim of his cap for luck, and then settled into his stance, his eyes locked on the mound. He knew that he needed to be patient, to wait for his pitch. But the first offering came in fast and right over the plate, a perfect fastball. Ash couldn't resist taking a swing, but he was a bit too eager and fouled it back into the stands.
"Strike one!" the umpire called out.
Ash stepped out of the batter's box and took a deep breath, calming himself. He wasn't going to let the count get to him. As he stepped back in, the pitcher threw a curveball in the dirt, and Ash held off easily.
"Ball one!"
The next pitch was another fastball, this time on the outside corner. Ash swung but just missed, the bat slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh.
"Strike two!"
Ash found himself in a two-strike hole. He tightened his grip, his knuckles whitening as he prepared for the next pitch. He expected the pitcher to try to get him to chase something outside the zone, and sure enough, a slider came darting in low and away. Ash wisely let it go.
"Ball two!"
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the count evened at two balls and two strikes. The pitcher, knowing he had to stay aggressive, delivered a high fastball that Ash barely managed to lay off.
"Full count!"
With the count full, Ash's pulse quickened. He could hear the dugout cheering him on, and the sound of May and Dawn's voices somehow cut through the noise. He thought back to all those hours practicing with Brock, Paul, and Gary, the sweat and effort they had put in for moments just like this.
The pitcher wound up and delivered another fastball. It was just a little bit outside, but close enough for Ash to reach for it. He connected, sending a line drive into right-center field. The ball dropped in front of the outfielder, and Ash took off running, rounding first base and reaching safely without hesitation.
The crowd erupted again as Ash stood on first, pumping his fist in celebration. He glanced over at his teammates, who cheered for him with equal enthusiasm, and gave them a nod.
As he stood on first, his mind was already racing. With the energy from Gary's home run still in the air, he wanted to make something happen. He had been working on his speed, and now was the time to test it. He eyed the pitcher, waiting for the right moment to make his move.
Drew, standing in the on-deck circle, gave Ash a nod. He knew what Ash was thinking.
As the pitcher turned his attention back to the batter, Ash took a small lead off first base, keeping his body low and ready to sprint. The pitcher took the wind up and threw the next pitch, as soon as the ball was released Ash immediately bolted for second.
His legs pumped hard as he accelerated, the wind rushing past him. The throw from the catcher came quickly, and Ash knew it was going to be close. He slid feet-first into second base, but something went wrong. His body twisted awkwardly, and his right shoulder jammed hard into the dirt as he put all his weight on his arm trying to avoid the tag.
Ash grimaced in pain, his hand immediately going to his left shoulder. He stayed down for a moment, trying to catch his breath, as the umpire signaled safe. He had made it, but the cost was evident.
The second baseman looked concerned as he crouched next to Ash. "You okay, man?"
Ash nodded, though the pain was sharp and throbbing. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said through gritted teeth. He slowly got up, rolling his shoulder to make sure it wasn't dislocated. It felt sore, but at least nothing was broken.
Coach F ran over with the medical trainer, as they were checking on him Flores asked. "You good to keep playing, Ketchum? If the pain is unbearable I can get a pinch runner in for you right away."
Ash nodded, though the discomfort in his shoulder lingered. I'm good coach, let me finish this inning please, please." he repeated, trying to shake off the pain.
From the dugout, Brock and Gary watched with concern. "That didn't look good," Brock muttered.
"He's tough, but he needs to be careful," Gary added.
Up in the stands, May and Dawn were on their feet, their faces full of worry. May's hands were clenched together as she watched Ash stand back up. "He better not try to act tough and hurt himself more," she said, her voice filled with concern.
Dawn nodded, her eyes glued to the field. "Yeah, that slide didn't look right."
Back on second base, Ash took a deep breath, focusing on the game again. He couldn't let the pain distract him. There was still more baseball to play, and his team needed him. But as he rolled his shoulder one more time, he knew he'd have to be careful for the rest of the game.
The game pressed on into the seventh inning, and the score remained 4-3 in Pallet's favor. Although Ash was in a lot of pain it didn't affect his throwing arm, still going strong on the mound, but Littleroot wasn't going down without a fight. They managed to get a couple of runners on base, threatening to tie the game.
Ash dug deep, his arm starting to tire but his determination unwavering. With two outs and runners on second and third, he faced one of Littleroots best hitters. The pressure was immense, but Ash kept his cool. He wound up, delivering a blistering fastball that the batter fouled off.
"Come on, Ash!" Drew shouted from behind the plate, giving his pitcher a boost of encouragement.
Ash nodded, his focus razor-sharp as he wound up for the next pitch. He threw a curveball low and inside, and the batter swung and missed, striking out and leaving Littleroot's runners stranded.
As the team jogged off the field, Ash felt a wave of relief. But the game was far from over.
By the eighth inning, Ash had thrown over 90 pitches, and Coach Flores could see the fatigue starting to set in. The score was still 5-4.
"Alright, Ash," Coach Flores said, clapping him on the back. "You've done an incredible job, but it's time to hand it over to the bullpen. Drew, you're closing this out."
Drew, who had been watching the game from the dugout, stood up and grabbed his glove. He had been itching for a chance to prove himself, and now he had it.
Ash nodded, grateful for the break but also a little hesitant to let Drew take the reins. Drew was a great pitcher, but there was still that lingering rivalry between them. Still, Ash knew the team came first.
"Close it out, Hayden," Ash said as he handed Drew the ball.
"Don't worry, Ketchum," Drew replied with a smirk. "I've got this."
As Ash walked off the mound the crowd roared with cheers at his performance. May was shouting with an immense amount of pride. Before walking into the dugout he took off his hat and tipped it toward the crowd as a thank you for all the support.
Drew took the mound, his presence commanding attention. Could he really close out the game and secure the victory? As he wound up for his first pitch. He delivered a blazing fastball that zipped right past the batter for a strike. The crowd roared with approval, and Drew's confidence only grew.
He worked quickly, striking out the first two batters with ease. But then, with two outs, Littleroot's cleanup hitter stepped to the plate. He was their best power hitter, and the tension in the stadium was exciting.
Drew took a deep breath, knowing that this was the moment that could decide the game. He threw a curveball, and the batter connected, sending the ball flying into a deep pop fly.
The crowd gasped as it looked like the ball might clear the fence, but Paul signaled that he had a clean look at it, opening his glove securing the catch. The stadium erupted in cheers as Paul secured the final out of the inning, and Drew let out a sigh of relief.
In the ninth inning, Pallet High managed to tack on another run, giving them a 6-4 lead. With one more inning to go, Drew returned to the mound to close out the game.
The first batter grounded out to Gary at shortstop, and the second batter popped up to Brock behind the plate. With two outs and one more batter standing between them and victory, Drew wound up for his final pitch. He delivered a fastball, and the batter swung and missed.
"Strike three!" The umpire called out, and the game was over.
As the game came to a close the umpire's loud out call echoed through the stadium, and the team erupted in celebration. Pallet High's defense held strong, and Drew's steady pitching to close it out helped seal the victory over Littleroot High.
The players stormed the field, jumping around and exchanging high fives. Ash ran up to Drew and hugged him with an expression of satisfaction spread across his face. He was proud that his teammate delivered when it was needed.
Coach Flores clapped with a satisfied grin, congratulating his players as they came off the diamond. He gathered all of his players on the home plate, ready to deliver his victory speech. "Great job, everyone! That's how you pull off a team effort," he said, his voice full of pride as he continued. Drew way to deliver that close out. Gary and Paul you guys killed it on offense, Brock as always you took care of business calling out those pitches and Ash, take it easy on that shoulder, you pitched a hell of a game! Tonight we celebrate the win but come Monday we move onto the next week. Letś go home!
As the team cheered roaring with victory Ash was right in the middle of the huddle, his shoulder still sore but his spirits high. Despite the close call during his slide into second, he had managed to keep playing through it. The excitement of the win helped to dull the ache in his shoulder, and for the moment, he focused on celebrating with his teammates.
Brock and Gary came up to him, wide grins on their faces. "You did it, man!" Brock exclaimed, giving Ash a playful shove. "You had us worried for a second there, but you pulled through."
"Yeah, nice hit and an even nicer steal," Gary added, though his tone had a hint of concern as he eyed Ash's shoulder. "You sure you're okay?"
Ash nodded, trying to hide the lingering discomfort. "I'm good, just a little sore. I'll ice it later." He wasn't about to let a bit of pain ruin his mood, not after such a hard-fought victory.
As the team broke the huddle, Ash noticed May and Dawn making their way down from the stands. The crowd was still dispersing, but May's gaze was fixed on him, her expression a mix of excitement and worry.
Ash stepped away from the group, heading toward May and Dawn. As he approached, May's eyes flicked to his shoulder, a small frown forming on her lips.
"You played great out there, Ash," Dawn said, giving him a friendly punch on the arm. "That steal was clutch."
"Thanks, Dawn," Ash replied, flashing a grin. "Glad you enjoyed the show."
May took a step closer, her brow creased with concern. "But what about that slide?" she asked softly. "I saw the way you hit the ground. Are you sure you're okay?"
Ash hesitated for a moment, not wanting to worry her. "It's not a big deal," he said, rolling his shoulder to show that he was fine. "Just landed a little awkwardly. I've been through worse."
May wasn't entirely convinced. Her gaze lingered on his shoulder, and she crossed her arms. "You've got to be careful," she said, her tone firm but kind. "Baseball is important but your health should always come before it."
Ash gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it," he promised. "Besides, with you cheering me on, I've got all the motivation I need."
May's expression softened, and she gave a small smile in return. "Well, you better, because I'm not letting you use that as an excuse to skip out on the next game." she said playfully.
As they all walked off the field together, the thrill of the victory was still fresh, and despite the soreness in his shoulder, Ash felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew he had to take care of himself, not just for his sake, but for his team
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed it! I really took my time with this chapter and wanted to give a great feel to the characters. I can't wait to deliver more and keep it going. As always you are all appreciated and please read and review thank you and go Dodgers!