Hard work pays off

Jawaun Bosh The Game 10-25-10Top of the first inning. I’m positioning myself behind the plate. Starting catcher for the Hartford Bombers (HNLL). Batter gets set and the umpire gives the pitcher the signal to start the game. Strike 1, strike 2, strike 3, the first batter is out. Second batter is up to bat. After a number of pitches, the count goes to 3 balls and two strikes. (Announcer) and here comes the three- two pitch. Ground ball, the shortstop takes one hop and throws to first. Two outs. Left-handed batter up to bat. I call an infield meeting at the pitcher’s mound. I tell the pitcher how to go after the batter and the infielders shift left. And just how I told them to shift that is where he hit the ball. Three outs the inning is over. First batter is up for the Hartford Bombers. I was up to bat third in this inning. (Announcer) and there’s a line drive to the gap out in center and the batter slides in with a double. Next batter is up and he is hit by a pitch. Now im up to bat. The third base coach gives me the signal to sacrifice. Perfect sacrifice bunt down the third base line and I hustle down the first base line and im safe! So now the bases are loaded and there are no outs. Next our cleanup batter is up to bat. The coach always tells him not to take the first pitch even if it’s down the middle. He works the count to two and two. (Announcer) here’s the swing. Going, going, going, and its gone. Now we lead four to zero…Now we move to the fourth inning. Rocky Hill is threatening with runners on third and second with two outs. Coach Cody sends a reliever to the bullpen. Batter hits a bases clearing triple and now they’re on the board four to two. Next batter that is up hits a grounder to second and is out.Before we go back up to bat the coach gives a talk and tells us not to give up. Top of the order is up. First two batters reach base safely. Im up to bat now and coach tells me to get these runners in. the count moves to two balls and no strikes. Now we are planning for a double steal. This is when both runners steal the next base. (Umpire) He’s safe. The next pitch I hit a bases clearing double and drive two runs in. our bench and bleachers are pumped up. Now the Rocky Hill pitcher is losing his location and throws a wild pitch. I steal third with one out. Now the next batter hits a sacrifice fly in deep center field. I score easily from third and now we lead seven to two. With all the momentum we have we feel unstoppable. Two outs and the number 7 batter is up to bat. He takes the first pitch and hits a fly ball out in deep centerfield but the outfielder jumps to get it. Now we move to the top of the seventh. Our starting picther walks the first two batters and hits the third. Our coach makes a call to the bullpen and brings in the reliever. So now the bases are loaded and our picture gives up a grand slam. The score is eight to six. I call a meeting at the mound and tell them not to give up it’s not over. Two outs and Rocky Hill has the tying run on third. I tell the picture to throw a changeup. It breaks away from me. The runner is coming home and I rush to get it. When we both reach home I hold on to the ball and secure it in my glove. I rejoiced when the umpire called him out. And that is how we won the game.In the team meeting after the game our coach told us that this is what happens when we work hard in practice and and not give up in the game.