PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN:
CARTER
I thought I always went six innings maximum.
LEWIS
You’re going seven today.
CARTER
Okay then. Hopefully I don’t screw up.
CARTER pitches a seventh inning, giving up one hit and no runs.
LEWIS
Good job today. You’re really proving yourself to be ace material.
_______________________
OPEN: CARTER is on the mound. The Charleston Capitols are playing in the final game of their first playoff series. It’s the fifth inning. He has given up two hits and no runs. RAY walks up to the mound to have a meeting.
RAYGood pitching so far.
CARTER
Thanks. I’m getting a little tired though.
RAY
That’s normal.
CARTER
I know.
RAY
So anyways, I want you to try out a new pitch now.
CARTER
Really?
RAY
It’s the playoffs! What do we have to lose?
CARTER
A lot.
RAY
We’re up by seven runs. You’re allowed to change things up a little bit.
CARTER
If you say so. What pitch are you thinking?
RAY
None in particular. Surprise me!
RAY jogs back to the plate as CARTER stands on the mound confused. He throws a sinker. RAY misjudges the ball and it goes to the backstop. CARTER immediately goes back to his traditional pitches to finish the inning. He walks back to the dugout. LEWIS greets him.
LEWIS
Ray put you up to it?
CARTER
How’d you know?
LEWIS
You two were talking on the mound and when he went back to the plate, you threw a terrible pitch.
CARTER
Wow. That’s blunt.
LEWIS
Just calling things like I see them. Give me one more solid inning and I’ll promise you something you’ve wanted for a while.
CARTER
What is it?
LEWIS
You’ll see. If you pitch a good inning, at least.
CARTER then goes to sit on the bench alone, wondering what LEWIS means. When it is time, he walks back to the mound to pitch the sixth inning. He strikes out three batters in a row and walks back to the dugout.
LEWIS
Good pitching, Carter.
CARTER
Thanks, now about that thing you promised.
LEWIS
I wouldn’t call it a promise so much as a declaration.
CARTER
Okay...
LEWIS
If we win today’s game, I want you to take the ace spot.
CARTER
But doesn’t...
LEWIS
Yes, the person you do not like to speak of does have that position. But I’m giving it to you.
CARTER
Really?
LEWIS
It’s the playoffs! What do we have to lose?
CARTER
You and Ray both said that today.
LEWIS
Did he? Coincidental.
CARTER
So you’re sure you want me to be ace?
LEWIS
I do, and so does Jamie.
CARTER
Really?!
LEWIS
That’s right. She sees you as the future of this team.
CARTER
I don’t know what to say!
LEWIS
Nothing. Just go back to the clubhouse and prepare yourself.
CARTER leaves the dugout, excited that he is officially the team’s ace pitcher again. He watches the Charleston Capitols win the series from the clubhouse.