PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN
CARTER
I can get used to this fame. Just wish there was, you know, a little bit of balance.
LEWIS
I screwed up, kid. But at least you get to meet some fans.
CARTER leaves the dugout. When he approaches the line of people waiting for his autograph, they cheer. He smiles, knowing that he has a real purpose with the fans.
CARTER
Thank you everybody!
The crowd chants his name, and he signs their merchandise, enjoying his newfound popularity.
___________________________
CARTER walks into the dugout. He is greeted by NIC, the Charleston Capitols’ 3rd baseman.
NIC
Hey Carter, what’s going on?
CARTER
Just getting mentally ready for my next start today. Think I’ll make it past the second inning this time?
NIC (chuckling)
Why wouldn’t you? You’re a star and since we’re playing our biggest rival, I don’t expect too many people to be asking for your autograph.
CARTER
True.
NIC
And don’t worry about it. You’re due for a loss.
CARTER
That doesn’t sound promising.
LEWIS
Kid, don’t pay attention to what Nic’s saying at all. As your coach, I order you to do well today.
NIC
Coach, do you really think that’s going to change anything?
LEWIS
No, but at least if he fails he gets the sense he should’ve done better.
NIC
Everyone’s goal is to be perfect, why can’t he have an off day?
CARTER
Alright, you’re talking like I already blew the game so I’m going to go on the mound now and try to not do that.
NIC
OK, and if I make any errors it’s because I can’t find my lucky glove.
CARTER
You have a lucky glove?
RAY (getting into his catchers’ gear)
Don’t ask.
CARTER walks out of the dugout and steps onto the mound. The crowd boos him. CARTER reminds himself the boos mean they think he’s good and throws the first pitch. The batter swings, hitting a hard-hit ball foul. CARTER collects himself, throws the next pitch, and the batter swings and hits a home run. The crowd cheers. CARTER gets through the rest of the next five innings without giving up any runs.
JIM
Carter, you really know how to give us a scare out there.
BEN
He hit one ball to you, Jim.
LEWIS
How many times are you going to stink at first, only to calm down and get them all out? This isn’t even the first time!
CARTER
Guess I don’t warm up enough.
RAY
I’ve noticed something in your windup. You seem nervous out there at first.
CARTER
Actually, I was a little bit. How did you figure that?
RAY
I’ve caught for a lot of pitchers over the years. I’ve noticed for the first couple batters, your release is less stable than later on in the game. It’s not a matter of warming up, you just have to get more comfortable at the start of the game than you are. I can’t blame you today with all the boos, but it’s something to work on.
CARTER
Got it. Luckily I seem to calm down quickly.
LEWIS
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, we’re only up by one run now.
ERIC
Oh and by the way, would you stand to get someone to hit it my way?
CARTER
I don’t think I can control that.
ERIC
Sure you can. Throw the ball inside to a right-hander and they’ll hit one to me.
CARTER
If you say so.
BEN
Guys! Snap out of it!
ERIC
What?
BEN
It’s our turn to get on the field.
CARTER walks back up to the pitchers’ mound. As it is a right hand hitter batting, CARTER throws an inside pitch. The ball hits the batter on the side of his stomach. The crowd boos. RAY walks up to the mound.
RAY
You were trying to throw that inside, weren’t you?
CARTER
Yeah.
RAY
And I assume it was because of Eric?
CARTER
He made a point. He’s gotta be bored out there.
RAY
Who cares, we have a game to win! I’ll give you one more try.
CARTER
Okay.
RAY walks away. CARTER throws another inside pitch. The ball is hit to the right field fence. JAMES leaps up and catches it. CARTER then strikes out the next two batters and returns to the dugout at the end of the inning.
RAY
Thanks for almost getting the game tied, Eric.
ERIC
What did I do? No ball came close to me!
RAY
You convinced Carter to throw inside pitches and it almost cost us the lead.
CARTER
It’s fine Ray. This is my fault. Today I learned I need to work on my inside pitches. In a sense, I should thank you, Eric.
LEWIS
Good job kid. Admitted your mistake and ended your outing with our team in the lead. It takes a good pitcher to do that.