Chapter 23

“Don’t you get it?” he asked. “Every player you hit is awarded first base. Three in a row, and you’ve set the field up just the way the other team wants. Three in a row, and you’ve just about given them four fucking runs when Vic comes up to bat. See what I’m saying?”

Grudgingly, she nodded. “So I should like, aim for the plate or something?”

“You think?” Matt snapped.

Now she raised her gaze to his, and he saw a quiver of fear beneath her usually unflappable exterior. “What about Vic?” she asked in a small voice. “Sooner or later he’s going to be up. Should I maybe try for a walk instead of letting him hit a homer?”

“Do youwant to be the one to hit him with the ball?” Matt asked. She shook her head quickly. “Then let me worry about him. Just pitch straight—no pegging the players, no balls or walks, and as many strikes as you can get. I’ll take care of Vic.”

* * * *