The Art of Fielding

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of antigay bias, disordered eating, mental illness, addiction, substance use, and sexual content.

Pella swims, goes to work, and receives cooking lessons. Henry is still at her apartment, an uncertain arrangement. He’s deeply depressed and barely eats. Today is Saturday, the day of the final. Guert calls Pella to tell her that he’ll be there. Henry and Pella have sex to comfort each other.

Guert heads to the field. He hasn’t yet seen Owen play and is eager to do so. Owen complains about his new facemask. He’s a calm batter, and Guert admires his stance. He hits a double, breaking the pitcher’s no-hitter. The other team’s fans are rude to Guert, thinking that the Westish students are wealthy and preppy compared to the state school kids. Guert chats with the opposing side’s parents. When Schwartz steps up to the plate, he hits a grand slam, and the Harpooners take the lead.

The Westish players and parents are ecstatic. The athletic director, Duane, finds Guert to celebrate going to nationals. Duane points out that Schwartz won them the victory, and Guert wants to discuss Schwartz further.