The Semifinal Showdown

The Titans had stunned the tournament favorites, the Stonebrook Raptors, in a dramatic walk-off win. But there was no time to dwell on the victory. The semifinals were just a few hours away.

Logan sat in the dugout, guzzling water while Drew and Big Mac pounded fist bumps with anyone within reach.

"Dude, you literally walked them off," Drew said, shaking his head in disbelief. "That was insane."

Big Mac clapped Logan on the back—hard enough to nearly knock him off the bench. "Clutch Carter, I told you, man. You were made for this."

Logan smiled, but his mind was already shifting. The tournament wasn't over yet. If they lost in the semifinals, everything they had fought for would mean nothing.

Coach Talbot strolled into the dugout with his usual no-nonsense expression. "Alright, boys. Celebrate later. We've got another game to win."

The chatter died down as Coach held up the tournament bracket. "We're up against the Ridgeway Eagles next. They're fast, aggressive, and they put pressure on defenses. We'll need to be sharp, especially on the bases."

Jimmy, their shortstop and Logan's double-play partner, cracked his knuckles. "They like to bunt and steal, huh?"

Coach nodded. "That's right. Logan, you and Jimmy will have to be locked in on defense. Cutoff throws, covering bases, double plays—we can't give them extra outs."

Logan took a deep breath and nodded. He had faced pressure before, but this was different. The whole team was counting on him.

Big Mac leaned in. "And Logan… no wrong-way base running today, alright?"

Logan rolled his eyes as the team burst into laughter. "Yeah, yeah. Let it go, man."

Coach Talbot clapped his hands. "Alright, let's get loose. Semifinals start in an hour."

Pregame Warm-Ups: Feeling the Pressure

The Ridgeway Eagles were already on the field when the Titans took their positions for warm-ups. Logan jogged to second base and started fielding grounders, making crisp throws to first.

He could tell immediately that the Eagles played with a different kind of energy. They were quick, bouncing around the field, their dugout loud and rowdy.

Drew jogged over after shagging fly balls. "They're chirpy. Lot of confidence."

Logan nodded. "Let's shut them up early."

As the warm-ups ended, Coach Talbot called the team together. "First pitch in ten minutes. We play smart, we play aggressive, and we play our game. Let's go."

The team huddled together.

"TITANS ON THREE!"

"ONE, TWO, THREE—TITANS!"

Game time.

First Inning: The Eagles Strike First

Ridgeway wasted no time.

Their leadoff hitter bunted on the first pitch, sprinting down the line before Logan or Jimmy could react.

Logan charged the ball, scooped it, and fired to first—

Safe.

The Eagles dugout erupted. "That's how we do it, baby!" someone shouted.

Logan clenched his jaw.

The next batter slapped a chopper up the middle. Jimmy ranged over, fielded it, and flipped to Logan at second. Logan stepped on the bag and fired to first—

Safe again.

The runner was just too fast.

The Eagles stole second base on the next pitch. Then a looping single into left field brought the first run across the plate.

1-0, Eagles.

Coach Talbot called time and walked to the mound.

"They're going to keep testing us," he said, looking at Logan and Jimmy. "Stay composed. Play clean."

Logan nodded, his heart pounding.

The next batter hit a sharply hit ground ball to Logan's right. He dived, snagging it just before it could get through the infield. Without thinking, he spun and threw to first.

Out.

The inning ended, but the Eagles had made their statement.

Titans Respond

The Titans weren't about to roll over.

In the bottom of the second, Big Mac led off with a crushing double off the left-field fence.

Drew