It's the bottom of the ninth, two outs, Sophie's on second, our boy Jonas on third, the Oak Park bolts are down by one.

Carter Wu stands in the on-deck circle.

Wow, you're really getting into this, huh, Mayor?

Just trying to paint the picture for you.

As long as you're stuck in California dealing with the house, I need to keep you updated on your son's exploits on the field. I'm not complaining. Go ball. All right, Carter, remember. Let's go, Carter. Drive me home. He brings the game. You got this. Carter steps up to the plate, takes a practice swing, kicks some dirt off his cleats. He's focused. Here comes the pitch. Hard ground ball and...

Oh no.

What is it? What happened?

The ball.

Hit the mound and bounced right up into the pitcher's glove.

What?

Bizarre. He's out. Game over.

The cyclones beat the bolts in the first game of the season.

Oh, tell Jono, I'm really sorry.

Was there a rock on the mound or something? I mean, what did I hit?

It's like a worm kicked it into the air.

Or... The curse!

Come on.

You win some, you lose some, right?

Tell that to my dad.

Listen, maybe the phantom bounce is a sign.

Carter.

Maybe it's a sign that we should postpone our mission at the aquarium tonight.

...