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In 5.2 innnings, I had given up 5 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks and struck out 3.
For the season, I was 1-7. 54.1 IP, 5.30 ERA, 22 BB, 23 K.
"You fell apart after the walk, James. You got down on yourself. You want too much to go out and become a super star right away. That's not how to do it. You have to take your time. Enjoy the fact that you play baseball for a living."
It was the night of the second game of the series. I looked out on the field as Coach Broadway talked.
"Your intelligence is very impressive, James. You have a solid grasp on baseball. But you lack adaptability. That's why you struggle in certain situations. We're going to work on that."
Frierson came to bat in the bottom of the first with bases loaded and two out. And grounded to third to end the inning.
Your 1986 Reno Padres on full display.
"Other teams know what is coming. Like last night. As soon as that walk happened, the A's knew exactly what pitches you would throw and they ate them up."
Modesto got a run in the second innning and we were behind 1-0.
"The top scouts have noticed this. They actually wanted to move you to the bullpen. I had to fight not just to keep you in Reno but also keep you as a starting pitcher."
I listened silently as the game went on. Broadway would talk to Coach Stephen and then check on the relievers and come back and continue talking. Meanwhile, Frierson got an RBI ground out in the bottom of the third and the game was tied 1-1.
"In the end, James, it all came down to the signing bonus. You are still a starting pitcher because of the money they paid you already."
The A's got a run in the top of the fourth and went back up 2-1. Then in the fifth, Frierson made a bad throw on a stolen base attempt and Modesto cashed that in as well to go up 3-1.
"It's all about the money, huh."
"Now James I didn't mean it that way."
"Oh, no, we're good. I am glad I got it straight from you."
"James, I really don't like the look in your eyes right now."
I grinned.
"I really don't like that either."
I nodded. But I knew what I had to do.
In the bottom of the seventh, Frierson got an RBI single to cut it to 3-2.
Modesto then scored 5 runs in the top of the eighth and the Reno Padres were behind 8-2.
Like we always were.
I walked out of the bullpen, grabbed my bags and headed on home. A few fans recognized me and yelled and waved but I ignored them.
Just like I ignored the team as they lost another game.
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