The Big Field

In his room, Hutch listens to the Marlins and Dodgers on the radio. His dad tries comforting him, telling him he’ll get a “second chance,” but Hutch doesn’t want his dad’s empathy. In the morning, Connie takes Hutch and Cody to Roger Dean Stadium early, and Hutch forces Cody to hit ground balls so Hutch can practice fielding.

Paul Garner is on the mound for the Cardinals, and the Astros score four runs against him. To keep the score 4–0, Hutch makes a great play, throwing out a runner at home. Hutch then smacks a ball over the third baseman’s head and into the leftfield corner, scoring two runs. Darryl lines a ball up the middle, bringing the Cardinals within a run, 4–3.

In the bottom of the fourth, Cody doubles in Tommy and Trip, giving the Cardinals a 5–4 advantage. With a clutch hit, Rod Brown ties the game in the sixth. Darryl tells Hutch that one of them will have to come through, and Hutch doubles in Brett (who reached on an error), and then Darryl singles in Hutch, giving the Cardinals a 7–5 lead.

Pedro has a rocky ninth, and the Astros get within a run. Hutch gives Pedro a tough talk.