CARTER is on the mound at his first exhibition game for the season. He takes a deep breath and gets ready to throw the first pitch to the catcher, RAY. When he throws the pitch, he hits the batter. RAY runs up to the mound.
RAY
I thought you got this out of your system?
CARTER
I just ate it, why would it be out of my system already?
RAY stares at CARTER confused.
CARTER
Sorry. Bad attempt at a joke.
RAY
Throw a strike next time.
RAY runs back to the plate. CARTER hits the next batter and walks off the mound.
LEWIS
What are you doing?!
CARTER
I can’t do this.
LEWIS
You have to!
CARTER
I don’t have my best stuff today. So embarrassing.
LEWIS
You’ve thrown two pitches.
CARTER
Two terrible pitches.
LEWIS
Fine, the first two pitches sucked, but you have to get back on the mound!
CARTER
If I stink, it’s partially your fault for all the general management knows.
LEWIS
That’s not the right way to think. Just throw it to Ray.
CARTER reluctantly walks back on the mound and strikes out three batters in a row. He walks back to the dugout feeling more confident.
LEWIS
You took my advice!
CARTER
Your advice was to throw the ball.
LEWIS
And that’s what you did!
CARTER
Yeah, I guess you’re right. But what else was I supposed to do, just stand there with the ball?
LEWIS
I wouldn’t rule it out based on how you started.
CARTER
I’m just proud at myself for getting a few good batters out.
LEWIS
Good batters? Those guys sucked!
CARTER
Hey, do you want me to be in a good mindset for the second inning or not?
LEWIS
Second inning? What second inning?
CARTER
Um...the one that comes after the first.
LEWIS
I know what the second inning is. You’re not pitching it, though. It’s exhibition! Gotta get as many guys in as I can.
CARTER
Oh. I understand. No point in me really sticking around then, right?
LEWIS
You got it. I’ll see you whenever you’re supposed to pitch next.
CARTER
Which is?
LEWIS
I’ll text you.
CARTER gathers his belongings and leaves. LEWIS walks up to MILES, another pitcher.
LEWIS
Miles! Is my potential new ace pitcher ready?
MILES
You bet I am!
RAY
Remember, just throw the ball to me and you’ll be fine. If I have one piece of advice for you, it’s to not be like Carter.
MILES
What’s wrong with Carter? He struck out three batters in one inning and gave up no hits and no runs.
RAY
Nothing’s wrong with him. He’s just too hard on himself and it’s affecting his pitching sometimes. Relax, get out there and have fun.
MILES walks to the mound and immediately gives up a home run.