The second book in McLaughlin's Boys of Summer series (Third Base, 2017) focuses on rookie Cooper Bailey. He is trying to earn his spot against a popular center fielder and does not want the distraction of a girlfriend during spring training. But Cooper can't help himself when he meets zoo employee Ainsley on a media outing, and their few dates show him that they could be a lasting couple. Ainsley is devoted to caring for her dying mother, but she can't stop thinking about Cooper, who comes under pressure after a poor start to the spring season, which provokes his demanding father. When Ainsley's mother enters hospice, the couple fights as their stress reaches a boiling point.