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Description
Fresh from a thrilling basketball season, Matt's next challenges are baseball, his fear of being hit by a pitch, and a test of his friendship with Jake, who falls in with the wrong crowd and jeopardizes the season. Book #2
Quick Summary
Matt's back for another season, this time trading basketball for baseball, and his biggest opponent isn't the other team but his own fear of getting hit by a pitch. The story is packed with fast-paced game scenes, locker-room jokes, and a realistic look at how peer pressure can twist a friendship, especially when Jake starts hanging out with the wrong crowd and threatens to derail the whole season. Kids who love a good sports drama especially baseball will find the play-by-play exciting, while the underlying tension about loyalty and standing up to friends gives it a warm, relatable core. Parents can rest assured it's a clean, wholesome read with plenty of humor and moments that prompt conversations about courage and teamwork. It's a great pick for reluctant readers who want a quick, funny story with real stakes, and it reads a lot like the energetic, plot-driven novels of Mike Lupica. If you enjoyed "The Crossover" or "Heat," "High and Inside" hits the same sweet spot of sports action and heartfelt drama.