CHAPTER 8
What’s Best for the Team
“What is she doing?” Taylor asked. She pointed at Annie, who was warming up her pitching arm. “You promised to talk to Coach Garcia.”
Kaitlyn and Julia joined them at that moment. Julia nodded at the other team. “Taylor is right,” she agreed. “We’re playing the Jets. We need to play our best. You have to do the right thing for the whole team.”
Raisa’s heart raced at the thought of arguing with her friends. But she knew what she had to say.
“That’s what I’m doing,” she said. “I’m helping Annie become a better player.” She took a breath. “None of us were great when we started. Where would we be if Coach Garcia hadn’t let us play because she was worried we wouldn’t win a trophy?”
Kaitlyn blushed. Julia stared at her feet.
“I want to win another championship too,” Raisa said. “But what’s the point of winning anything if we’re always mad at each other? Being together and playing as a team is what’s best for the team.”
Kaitlyn shuffled. “We haven’t been fair to Annie.”
Taylor shook her head. “Whatever.” She walked away.
Julia put her hand on Raisa’s shoulder. “She’ll be OK.”
“Come on team, hustle in!” Coach Garcia said, calling the players to the dugout.
Raisa shook off her tension and ran in. She had a game to play.
* * *
The Jets’ pitcher let a fastball fly across the plate. Julia swung hard and connected with the ball. She dropped the bat and raced toward first base.
Raisa, who was already on first, launched herself toward second base. She made it just in time.
Next up to bat was Taylor. She hit the ball far into the outfield and sprinted to first.
Raisa raced past third, then sped for home. Her foot touched the plate.
A few seconds later, Julia crossed home. They gave each other a high five as Taylor came to a stop at third base.
The game continued. Annie’s turn at bat brought Taylor home, but the Jets caught Annie as she rounded second base and tagged her out.
At the third inning, the Jets were ahead by two runs.
We can catch up. We can win, Raisa thought. As long as we keep playing as a team, we’ll be fine.
When Raisa took the mound, she struck out the Jets’ first batter. The next batter hit the ball, and Taylor went for the second out, but couldn’t get the ball to first base in time.
Coach Garcia signaled Raisa to switch with Annie.
“Remember what we talked about,” Raisa told Annie as she came to the mound.
Annie tensed, but Raisa smiled. “Do your best and have fun,” she said.
Annie grinned. She managed to strike out one player, but the Jets were the better team. Their next player hit a home run, and so did the two players after that.
At the end of the game, the Tigers had lost 6–4.
Raisa ran up to Annie.
“I’m sorry,” Annie said, swiping at her eyes. “I tried really hard.”
“Everyone can see that,” Raisa told her. She hugged her friend.
Annie looked over at where Taylor and Kaitlyn stood with Julia on the sidelines.
“I’m not sure everyone agrees,” Annie said quietly. She stared at Taylor, who had her arms folded across her chest.
“Be proud of yourself,” Raisa told her. “Taylor will get over it, I promise.”
Just then, Kaitlyn and Julia ran over to them. Taylor trailed behind.
“That was an excellent game, Annie,” Julia said.
“That’s nice of you,” Annie said, “But I don’t think that’s true.”
“It is,” Taylor said. “The Jets are one of the best teams in the league. You played awesome. When I started out, I wasn’t a great player. It took a lot of work and help from my coach and teammates to get better.”
“Really?” Annie asked.
Taylor nodded. “I’m sorry I haven’t been a better teammate to you,” she said. “I promise I’ll try to be better.” She looked at Raisa. “It’s what’s best for the team.”
“Thanks,” Annie said with a grin.
“Let’s go shake hands, then we’ll go for ice cream and celebrate,” Taylor said. She smiled at everyone. “My treat, for my teammates and my friends!”