1030 Game 4 (2)
In the 4th inning, Ken and Daichi watched on somberly from their spot in the dugout. While the game had started out well for them, they were currently in a pinch.
Though the game was tied at 0-0, Rohan had been looking fatigued coming into the 4th. A big reason for this was because of the 2nd inning.
Between Bran De La Cruz and JJ Bleday the fourth and fifth batters, he'd been forced to pitch almost 30 balls between them. So instead of having a pitch count below 50, Rohan had already thrown the ball more than 80 times.
After a walk and a single, Rohan was facing the 3rd batter for the Blue Marlins, Gary Cooper. With a full count, Rohan appeared to be extremely solemn atop the mound.
He rolled the rosin bag in his hand for a little while, trying to recover his stamina.
Mark was watching him closely, ready to make a snap decision if needed. This inning was crucial, giving up any runs here would damage their chances of securing the game.
'Do I put Ken in yet?' Mark thought, feeling some anxiety.
While he didn't care what the media said about his coaching, he knew that no matter what happened in this moment, he would have to solely take the blame. If he brought in Ken now, it might affect Rohan's confidence in the future.
Of course Mark didn't want to do this, especially when he considered the fact that Rohan was still young and could use the experience. But if they lost because of this, he could already imagine the razor-like gazes from the reporters.
But on the other end, if he put Ken in and they still lost runs, he would still receive backlash.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Ball four, take your base."
Rohan's pitch landed outside the strike zone, giving up the walk. Gary threw his bat aside and jogged over to first base, pushing the other two runners to advance and load the bases.
It was at this point that Mark recognized he could no longer remain on the fence.
He turned to Ken nearby and locked gazes with him. Mark smiled a moment later, swallowing the question he was about to ask.
'I don't need to ask him if he's ready… I can see it clearly.' He thought, letting out a chuckle.
He turned on his heel and walked onto the field, calling for the plate umpires attention.
Soon enough, the call was made and Ken's substitution was announced. The sound of the announcers bored voice called out over the speakers, leading to a jeer from the crowd.
Some people cheered, but it was drowned out by the majority of the Blue Marlins fans within the arena.
As Ken walked onto the field, he could feel a gaze burning into him. He didn't even need to look to know who it was. He turned his head and saw Ryan's eyes locked onto him, his expression unreadable.
'Looks like you're getting anxious…' Ken thought, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He quickly reigned it in, they were in a precarious position after all, it wouldn't look good if he was grinning before stepping onto the mound.
"Haaahh… Sorry man, I let you come on at such a horrible time." Rohan said when Ken arrived, sweat pouring down his face.
Ken held out his glove and gave the guy a reassuring nod, "Don't worry, I'll get us out of this pinch." He said confidently.
Rohan nodded, placing the ball in his glove. "I didn't give up any runs, but I'll still pay for dinner tonight to make up for it." He added, giving Ken a weak smile.
"Thanks again." After giving his thanks, Rohan walked off the field. He received a small applause from the dugout who welcomed him back with open arms before heading over to the bench and sitting down.
He placed a towel over his head, feeling some shame. Despite talking a big game, he had not been able to last even 4 innings before having to give up the mound in such an important game.
Such a thing felt as if he'd failed the team.
When he compared himself to Ken who had managed to keep the entirety of Miami scoreless in the very first match in 9 innings, he felt ashamed.
With his head covered, Rohan felt a presence sit beside him.
"Why have you lowered your head?" A curious voice asked him, one that he recognized as Daichi. He had gotten to know the guy after the past year of living together, and they'd gotten closer.
He lifted the towel and looked at the younger man, "I created the mess… But I wasn't able to clean it up. If I can't do that, I'll never become a great pitcher." He admitted.
Daichi let out a chuckle, seemingly amused by the words. This only caused Rohan to become confused, he certainly didn't think the situation was funny.
"Rohan my friend, do you realize where you are?" Daichi asked.
Rohan raised his eyebrow, "This is loanDepot park…"
"Precisely."
"…"
"I'm not following." Rohan stated.
This only seemed to make Daichi even more amused. "Yes, we're at loanDepot park, playing game 4 of the World Series. This is literally the biggest series of the season and we're against the best team in the National League this year."
"If you weren't a great pitcher, do you think that we would have made it this far? Scratch that, do you think Coach would have let you play if he didn't have confidence in you?" Daichi continued.
Hearing this, Rohan's expression changed briefly. Daichi was right, he was playing in the penultimate World Series, a place that many others had never reached in their whole career.
So why was he so dissatisfied? Had he been imposing ridiculous standards on himself this entire time?
"Do yourself a favor… Don't compare yourself to Ken, that guy is a freak. Throwing 3 shutout innings is a huge feat, especially in the World Series." Daichi said, patting Rohan on the back.
After some silence, Rohan nodded, accepting the wise words.
"Its still hard to imagine you're younger than me." He said, letting out a chuckle. To think that he'd receive a lecture from a man 3 years younger than himself at the tender age of 21.
"What can I say? I'm a wise ma—"
WHOOOOOOOSH
THWACKK!
The sound of the ball being belted echoed across the arena, followed by the screams and cheers of the crowd. The lights in the arena flashed while a horn blared over the speakers, cutting Daichi off.
"Oh no…"