GRAND JUNCTION — “Strike two!” the umpire shouted.
The batter grimaced in frustration. It was the top of the seventh inning, the game was nearing its conclusion, and the visiting team’s batter, No. 5, planned to disappoint the home-team fans. He dug his cleats into the dirt, determined not to strike out.
The pitcher began his windup. The crowd went silent in breathless anticipation. The pitch came. The batter swung. A loud thump echoed through the stadium as the ball, untouched by the bat, lodged in the catcher’s glove. Like the mighty Casey, No. 5 struck out.