The Tryouts Begin

The first week of February had arrived.

This was it.

Tryouts.

After months of training, grinding through exhaustion, battling through doubt, and proving he could compete, Logan Carter stood on the field with everything on the line.

This wasn't just about making the team.

This was about proving to Coach Talbot that he belonged on varsity.

And standing in his way?

Ethan Reyes.

The returning senior second baseman wasn't backing down.

And neither was Logan.

The Pressure is On

Coach Talbot stood at home plate, clipboard in hand, scanning the group of players.

"This is it, boys," he said. "You've all put in the work. Now it's time to see who's ready to compete this season."

He looked toward second base. "Reyes. Carter. You both know what's at stake."

Ethan smirked. "Yeah, we do."

Logan met his gaze. "Let's go then."

Talbot nodded. "Good. Let's start with defense."

Defensive Drills: Head-to-Head

The first drill was simple—ground balls to second, routine throws to first.

Ethan went first.

Coach Talbot hit a sharp grounder his way.

Fielded cleanly. Thrown perfectly.

"Nice hands, Reyes," Big Mac called from first base.

Logan stepped up next.

The ball was hit just as hard.

Logan stayed low, moved smoothly, and fired to first.

Big Mac caught it and nodded. "Not bad, Clutch."

The next drill?

Double plays.

Ethan took the first rep. Jimmy flipped him the ball, and Ethan's pivot was crisp. His throw to first was textbook.

Logan knew he had to match that energy.

He stepped in.

Jimmy's feed came in fast.

Logan caught it clean, pivoted quickly, and fired to first.

Boom—double play.

"Carter's moving quick today," Drew muttered from the dugout.

The battle was dead even.

Then, Coach Talbot raised the stakes.

"Alright," he said. "Now we test range."

The Real Challenge: Who Can Cover More Ground?

Talbot hit balls all over the infield, forcing them to show off their instincts.

Ethan went first.

A hard-hit grounder to his right? He got there.

A slow chopper in the middle? Made the play.

Then, Logan's turn.

Coach smacked a line drive deep into the hole.

Logan took off—diving, stretching—AND HE GOT IT.

The team roared.

Big Mac whistled. "Damn, Clutch! That was dirty."

Even Ethan looked surprised.

Talbot watched closely. "Good reaction, Carter."

Then he turned to Ethan. "Reyes. You're up again."

The battle continued.

Neither backed down.

Neither let up.

Coach Talbot had a decision to make.

Hitting: The Final Test

After a brutal defensive workout, it was time for batting practice.

Marcus Lee stood on the mound.

Ethan hit first.

First pitch—fastball. He ripped it into left field.

Second pitch—curveball. He stayed back and lined it to center.

Logan stepped in.

His heart was pounding, but he locked in.

First pitch—fastball inside.

Logan turned on it—SMOKED IT DOWN THE LINE.

The dugout exploded.

Drew shouted, "Oh, he's locked in now!"

Next pitch—slider.

Logan waited… waited… then CRUSHED IT over the shortstop's head.

Even Coach Talbot cracked a small smile.

"Not bad, Carter."

Ethan gritted his teeth.

The competition had never been closer.

The Final Moment

After practice, Coach Talbot gathered the team.

"Listen up," he said. "I've seen a lot today. Some of you proved you belong. Others still have work to do."

Then, he looked at Logan and Ethan.

"I'll make my decision this week," he said. "You both want varsity? Prove it in the scrimmage on Friday."

The air felt thick.

Ethan smirked. "Guess we're not done yet, Carter."

Logan grinned. "Guess not."

One more game.

One final chance.

And Logan was ready.

To Be Continued…

(Next Chapter: The final scrimmage—Logan vs. Ethan. Who will win the varsity spot?)