Close Play

Panel 1. Bottom of the ninth at a night game. The scoreboard shows a 2–2 tie, two outs, and 12:51 AM. A runner charges toward home plate as the catcher prepares to tag and Sam watches. No dialogue.

Panel 2. The runner slides through the dust as the catcher tags him. Sam watches the close play, holding his mask in his right hand. No dialogue.

Panel 3. Close on Sam's attentive eyes. A small inset shows the tag reaching the runner just before his foot reaches home plate. No dialogue.

Panel 4. Sam pulls his mask down as the disappointed crowd reacts. Sam: “OUT!” Catcher: “Thought you were in a hurry.” Sam: “I am.” The tied game will go to extra innings.