The Big Game 1
Armando followed his coach through the tunnel, around the corners, and among hundreds of people. At last they stepped into the fresh air of the stadium, which really wasn’t that fresh. It smelled like burnt popcorn and hot dogs. While the smell caught his attention, it was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment. Armando was gazing down on a pristine carpet of green grass decorated with straight white lines and scattered with patches of soft brown dirt.
2
“Come on! Quit staring at the field and clear the path! You’ve been here before.” The rest of his team hustled and bustled from behind so that they could make it to their seats. He laughed as they all rushed down the stairs after the coach. They were sitting halfway down near the third base line, which was also the home team’s side. Their coach had made arrangements for these tickets three months in advance. Many sports fans had speculated that this game would become an instant classic. The Eagles’ and the Ravens’ records had been almost identical during the whole baseball season.
3
Armando was poring over the Eagles’ roster when his teammates decided it was time for a snack. “Bring me a cold drink, please. Ramirez is next at the batting cage, and I don’t want to miss anything he does,” Armando said excitedly. George Ramirez was a baseball superhero as far as Armando was concerned.
4
“Is he healthy enough to play today? Or is his shoulder still injured?” Armando asked as his friends returned and handed him a cold drink.
5
“The announcers haven’t said anything about it today, and the lineup for today’s players isn’t out. I hope he plays! I’ve waited all year to see my man from Puerto Rico play! Hey, did you know that my parents lived down the street from his abuela in San Juan?”
6
“Yes we know, but only because you mention it every time we talk about him or baseball or your parents or your grandma!”
7
Armando didn’t respond to his friends’ teasing. He was too captivated by what was happening on the field, George Ramirez had started batting practice. He missed two pitches before his first solid hit. That hit was followed by six more. Armando was ecstatic to see that his favorite player would be in the game when, suddenly, Ramirez had dropped his bat and bent over, holding his shoulder. Armando slumped in his seat, disappointed, but determined to enjoy the game. As much as he admired Ramirez and wanted to see him play, he understood the importance of Ramirez’s health. He also realized that Ramirez was a member of a great team, and it would still be a good game.
8
It was the bottom of the seventh inning when Armando had reason to hope again. The Eagles were behind the Ravens by two runs. They had two men on base with only one out, and Ramirez was warming up in the batter’s cage. The next batter struck out. Armando was on the edge of his seat, barely able to contain himself when Ramirez stepped into the batter’s box. One pitch and the entire stadium was on their feet and screaming! Armando knew he would never forget that game-winning home run.
What happens that discourages Armando?
Group of answer choices

A. His friends tease him.

B. His coach has different seats.

C. His favorite player seems to be hurt.

D. His team appears to be losing the game.