1029 Game 4 (1)
Game 4 in the loanDepot arena was packed to the brim with eager Miami fans, hoping that their team would be able to tie up the series and relieve some pressure. After their stellar performance the night before, the arena was electric.
Despite having played 80+ away games this season, Ken truly felt the difference of the World Series. Stepping foot onto the field caused him to feel a significant pressure that threatened to take his breath away.
'It wasn't this bad yesterday.' Ken thought, his eyes scanning the packed stadium.
Ken turned and saw Rohan warming up beside him in the bullpen. The guy was quiet, seemingly laser focused on the game that would be starting soon.
However, Ken could almost feel his nerves from 10 feet away. Not only was he stiff, Rohan also had shaky hands, a sign that he was barely holding his composure.
"You all good man?" Ken asked, nudging the guy on his way past.
"Oh… Yeah I'm good, just a little anxious to get out there." Rohan replied, giving him a small smile.
"That's completely normal," Ken reassured him, "Just go out there and pitch like you always do, remember I'll be coming in after you, so don't stress."
Despite Rohan being a few years older than Ken, when it came to experience in big moments, Ken was definitely the senior in that regard. Therefore Rohan had no qualms listening to him.
"Thanks Ken, that makes me feel better." He replied, letting out a hollow laugh. Though he seemed to still be a little stiff, his shaking had at least subsided for now.
The two conversed a little more while warming up. The plan was for Rohan to pitch the first 3 to 5 innings before Ken would step in and relieve him. As long as the game was close enough by the time it was his turn to pitch, Ken was confident they could win.
Daichi walked aimlessly around the bullpen, his mood obvious at a glance. Wearing a perpetual pout, he looked like a kid who had been told he wasn't allowed to play by his parents.
The sight caused both Rohan and Ken to share a look before they burst into laughter.
"What are you guys laughing at?" Daichi grumbled, seemingly annoyed that others were having fun.
Once the warm-ups had ended, the players reconvened in the dugout, their attention on Coach Williams as he got ready to speak to the team.
"I won't keep you too long, there's not much more to say. You will face a lot of pressure tonight, I expect Miami will come out swinging from the start, but we have to weather the storm." Mark explained, his tone somber.
"Jose, control the infield, I want to hear your voice from the dugout. Rohan, the first half of the game will be tough, but I need you to persevere. Have faith in your teammates, don't be afraid to pitch to contact. As long as we work together, this game is in the palm of our hands."
"Victory on 3."
"1, 2, 3…"
"VICTORY"
With the pep talk done, the team were filled with enthusiasm, their morale surging. This was one of Mark's skills, the ability to give a proper pep talk.
"Play ball!"
With the call from the plate umpire, the game got underway.
Since they were playing away, the Ligers were up to bat first. As Ken expected, Ryan was not starting. It looked like he would probably be a relief pitcher or closer for tonights game, just like Ken.
But Trent Rogers was by no means a pushover, a fact that they quickly learned.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout!"
A nasty curve caught Ryan, the lead off hitter swinging at nothing but air, sending him back to the dugout almost as quick as he came out. Unfortunately, Adrian Baddoo followed suit. The usage of Rogers' pitches were masterful thanks to Miami's catchers leads. It was as if he knew exactly what to call for with each batter.
Jose Baez was up next, his expression somber. Batting 3rd with no runners on base was not ideal, but in the end it didn't even matter.
WHOOOOOSH
WHACK!
Jose managed to pitch the curveball, getting under it. But it soared straight up into the air, hanging precariously before falling into the waiting glove of Trent Rogers on the mound.
PAH
The guy barely had to move.
"Out! Changeover."
Detroit's offense was promptly stopped before it could even begin. After not even 5 minutes, they were forced to changeover, much to the excitement of the crowd.
Not many words were exchanged as Detroit walked onto the field to begin the bottom of the first. Ken watched as Rohan walked past him, mumbling something to himself.
For a moment he thought about saying something, but he reigned it in. The guy seemed locked in, talking to him at that moment might have messed with his rhythm.
Rohan stood upon the mound, his whole demeanor changing. No onlooker would even guess that he had been a nervous wreck in the bullpen just 30 minutes ago.
"Batting 1st, Second base, our very own… John Berti!"
The announcers voice echoed over the speakers, causing a cheer to erupt from the home fans. The whole arena was buzzing as John made his way into the batters box.
Then the first pitch came.
WHOOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
CLICK
"Foul."
PAH
"Strikeout!"
"Nice Rohan!" Ken cheered out from the dugout. Each pitch was crisp and on target, successfully getting the result they needed.
Rohan continued to pitch and the first inning ended after another 7 pitches. Not a single runner made it onto base, leading to a surge in confidence in Rohan who pumped his fist after getting the final out call.
He jogged off the field, his lips lifted in a crooked smile. It seemed that he was happy with his performance in the first inning.
"That's it, keep up the good work guys." Mark said, patting the kid on the back on the way past.