Emma was very excited. Today was the championship baseball game! The winners would all get trophies and be the number one players in the town. Emma was determined to bring home a trophy to put on her shelf. She had never won a trophy before.
She put on her red uniform and pulled her hair through the back of her baseball cap. She picked up her glove and looked in the mirror. "I hope I get a hit today," she told her reflection.
On the way to field, Emma felt nervous. She tapped her foot on the floor of the car.
"Are you feeling okay, Emma?" her mother asked.
"I really don't want to strike out," Emma said.
"Just keep your eye on the ball and don't feel afraid. You can do it," Emma's mother said.
Emma was a great hitter in practice, but she had never hit a ball during a game. She almost always struck out. Sometimes she got on base when the pitcher walked her.
When the game started, Emma cheered loudly for her friends. She caught a fly ball in the outfield to make an out, and everyone cheered for her. Emma struck out when it was her turn to bat, but her team was doing well.
The game was tied, and it was her team's last chance to score. Frankie was up first, and he hit the ball hard to get on base. Next up was Henry, but he struck out. Kara hit the ball, but she was tagged out at first base. Frankie was able to run to third. That meant he could score and win the game if the next batter got a good hit.
Emma stepped up to the plate. She closed her eyes and swung hard at the first pitch, but missed.
"Keep your eye on the ball, Emma!" her mother called from the stands.
Emma nodded and stepped back into the batter's box. This time she kept her eyes wide open as she swung the bat.
Crack!
Emma had hit the ball! She ran as fast as she could. She was safe, and Frankie ran home. They won!
"Great game, everyone!" said Emma's coach later. "Here are your trophies."
Emma held her shiny trophy high in the air. She felt very proud of her whole team. Best of all, she couldn't wait to put the new trophy on her shelf at home.
