(1) alex picked up the bat and tapped his foot with it. (2) he pulled the bat through the air several times, practicing his swing. (3) he adjusted his helmet and tugged on his glove. (4) he was hitting below .500 for the first time in his career, and he knew that the managers were talking about sending him down to the minors. (5) alex had doubled his practice time this week and felt good about the changes he had made. (6) he stepped up to the plate, swung the bat over his shoulder, and looked the pitcher squarely in the eye. (7) “give me your best shot,” alex mumbled under his breath. (8) the fans in the bleachers scrambled for the ball. one of the conflicts in this story is between the pitcher and himself alex and himself the pitcher and the minors alex and the fans