CHAPTER 4
Annie Strikes Out
A few days later it was time for the Tigers’ first game of the season against the Meteors. I hope all the practicing Annie and I have been doing pays off, Raisa thought as she and Nona parked.
After they’d walked to the field, Nona gave Raisa a hug. “Good luck! Have fun!” she said.
Raisa smiled and relaxed a little. Softball was always fun—there was no question about that.
After Coach Garcia went through the batting order and lineup with the team, Raisa took her place on the mound. The Meteors’ player got into position, and Raisa let the ball fly.
* * *
A few innings later, the score was 3–1, Tigers. Raisa wanted to make sure it stayed that way. There was already one out on the board.
Raisa ground the ball into her glove and threw a fastball. The ball sailed past the Meteors’ player and into Julia’s catcher’s mitt.
“Strike three!” the umpire called.
The next player stepped up to the plate. Raisa pitched and snapped her wrist as she released the ball.
The player swung, and the tip of her bat caught the edge of the ball. It sailed high and short. Raisa raced under it and grinned as the solid weight of the ball landed in her glove.
“Out!” the umpire called. “Batters up!”
That was the signal to switch. Raisa followed her teammates to the bench for their turn at bat.
Annie was up first. Thinking about what was on the line for the team, Raisa grabbed her new friend’s arm.
“Remember to bend at the knees,” Raisa said. “When you hit the ball, follow through with your hips. We’re counting on you.”
Annie’s face whitened, but she nodded. She gripped the bat and got into position. The pitcher tossed the ball, and Annie swung.
“Strike one!” the umpire yelled.
“The next one’s yours!” Raisa shouted.
But the next pitch was a swing and a miss. “Strike two!” the umpire called.
“Come on,” muttered Taylor. “She’s going to cost us the game.”
“She’s trying,” Raisa snapped.
But it wasn’t enough. A moment later, the umpire declared, “Strike three!”
Annie shuffled back to the dugout.
“It’s OK,” Raisa said, sensing that Annie needed encouragement. “We all have bad moments.”
Annie didn’t say anything.
* * *
When it was time to switch, the Tigers were still ahead. It was Annie’s turn on the mound.
“Do I have to pitch?” Annie asked. “I’m not good enough yet.”
“Raisa can’t pitch more than four innings—league rules,” Coach Garcia reminded her.
Raisa smiled. “You’ll do great. Just do it like me.”
Annie nodded and ran to the mound.
“I hope she doesn’t mess up,” Julia said quietly as she put on her catcher’s mask.
“She’ll be fine,” Raisa said tightly.
But three batters later, she was having trouble believing her own words. Even though Annie was pitching just like Raisa did, it wasn’t going well. All three batters had made it on base.
Annie threw the ball again, but instead of heading straight to the plate, it veered left.
“Ball!” the umpire called.
Annie glowered, took a breath, and threw the ball again. This time it crossed the edge of the plate. The Meteors’ batter smashed it far into right field.
“We’re doomed,” Taylor muttered from her spot on the bench.
“Give her a chance,” Raisa said.
But by the time the game was done, Annie had had more than enough chances. The Tigers had not only lost their lead, they’d lost the game, 5–3.