Page 226 of Force Play
I know Harlow and Knox haven’t started trying yet, and Cole and Rory only just started a couple of months ago.
What no one knows, though, is that Lucia and I have been trying for five months now. We’re being patient, and it’ll happen when it happens, but I can’t lie and say I don’t wish she were pregnant now.
Skip joins us in the hallway. “Okay, gentleman and Lucia,” he says with a smile. “Time for us to get to the field.”
I look at him curiously. “Why are you so happy, Skip?”
He shrugs. “I have a lot to be happy about. My team is in the World Series for the third time in four seasons.”
“Yeah, but you’re smiling,” Knox says in disbelief. “You don’t really smile.”
Skips huffs now. “I can stop smiling if you prefer. Either way, get to the field.”
The rest of the guys say goodbye to their partners while Lucia and I walk to the field on our own. Perks of having a girlfriend who’s a trainer.
“I think you’re going to win today,” she smiles, and I wrap my arm around her and pull her closer to me.
“Yeah? What makes you so sure, Spitfire?”
“I just have this feeling that it’s going to be a great day.”
“I hope you’re right, baby.” I give her a kiss before we walk into the dugout. “Get your ass out there and train some players.”
“You get your ass out there and win a World Series.”
We walk through the door, and I head for the field to warm up while Lucia heads over to Amanda, the trainer they hired to take Logan’s place.
What I wouldn’t give to hear his thoughts on a woman taking his spot.
Next season, we could possibly have three female trainers. With Lucia moving up to Head Trainer because of Dave’s retirement, there’s a new vacancy on the training staff.
Warmups begin and end, and soon the game starts.
Knox is our starting pitcher today. If we win, we shut down the potential of the Vegas Raptors pushing us to a game seven; we’ll just take the series in six.
And just like always, Knox is a force to be reckoned with on the mound. He pitches seven innings and gives up only two runs.
As for us, Cole and I both hit two-run home runs, so as we head into the top of the ninth, the Stars are in the lead 4-2.
Our closer, Chris Rockman, heads to the mound now, looking to get the save and clinch us the World Series title.
His first pitch lands just outside the strike zone, giving the Raptors’ catcher one ball to start. He whiffs on his next three pitches, though, so we end up with a strikeout.
One out.
Next, their designated hitter comes up to bat. Rockman rears back and tosses a fastball right down the middle. It’s smacked into the outfield, but not far enough to land over the wall. It’s just far enough to land right in Lane’s glove in center field.
Two outs.
The crowd is reaching a fever pitch now. We were all bummed to learn the Raptors had home-field advantage over us for the series, but right now, with us one out away from the win, it means we have the ability to take the World Series win at home in front of all of our fans in just six games.
I can’t imagine anything better.
Rockman sends a slider that the Raptors’ shortstop sends foul.
Strike one.
The next pitch is a curveball that also lands in foul territory.
