With a runner now on 3rd base, the Miami Blue Marlins were in position to score in only the 2nd inning. Giving up a run here would put them on the back foot early, potentially leading to a loss.
But rather than be disheartened, Ken threw it to the back of his mind. If he had a runner on third, he would just need to pitch perfectly from this point onwards.
"Batting 5th for the Marlins, JJ Bleday."
As the announcers voice lazily spoke over the speaker, Ken adjusted his body on the mound. Mistakes like this happened in every level of competition, though it happened less frequently in the Majors thanks to the average skill level of players.
This wasn't the first time Ken had been put in a pickle thanks to an error.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Like nothing had ever happened, Ken's first pitch soared into Daichi's glove, easily beating the swing of JJ. It seemed that no matter where he swung, he wouldn't have hit the ball.
JJ stepped out of the batters box and adjusted himself, his eyes inconspicuously landing on Coach Mattingly just outside the dugout. He gave an brief nod before heading back to position.
Daichi squatted down, calling for a fastball on the outside.
Ken nodded, gripping the baseball securely in his right hand before raising his left leg. He strode forward, sending a blitzing fastball right towards the outstretched glove of Daichi.
But in the next moment, Ken's expression turned into a frown.
JJ's bat was now horizontal over the plate, his intentions clear.
"Bunt!"
BONK
The bat struck the ball squarely, heading towards first base.
By the time he realized, Ken was already running towards the ball, using the momentum from his follow-through to get a head start. He didn't even need to turn to understand that the runner on 3rd was rushing back home.
Ken was now left with a choice. Should he throw to first and secure the out, but concede a run? Or should he take the risk and throw to Daichi to try and save the run?
Less than a second was how long it took Ken to make his decision.
Ken flung the glove off his left hand as he approached the ball that was beginning to slow down along the ground. In a single fluid movement, Ken bent down and collected the ball with his left hand.
He propelled himself forward, adjusting his body in mid-air to send a rocket-like throw back to the home with his left arm.
While the speed wasn't as exaggerated as his right arm, Ken's throws with his left were still Major League class, after all he was a switch pitcher.
As if expecting him to send the ball his way, Daichi was already standing in front of the plate, his glove primed to take the catch. His body seemed huge as he stood sentinel by home plate, like a bodyguard.
Thankfully, Ken's throw was pinpoint accurate despite his acrobatic movements.
Daichi adjusted his body, walking into the path of the ball. As it came into him, Daichi moved his glove fast as lightning, sending it directly into the helmet of the now sliding Bran.
Unfortunately for Bran, the speed in which Ken threw the ball meant it would not be a light tag. The force of the blow tossed his helmet aside, rattling his brain.
Daichi turned to the umpire, showing the ball in his glove, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"Out!"
The plate umpire called, punching the air.
However, Bran surged to his feet in the next moment wearing a dark expression. The Dominican walked down Daichi whose back was turned, pushing him from behind, clearly unimpressed with how he was tagged.
Ken's entire body flinched before anger surged inside of him. Before he knew it, he was already rushing towards the altercation after his brother was given a cheap shot.
However, before he arrived, the umpire was already in front of Bran.
"What the hell are you doing!?"
"Nah man, that is some bullsh—"
By that time, Ken had arrived at the scene, his 6'6 figure looming over Bran threateningly. Those who saw Ken's expression would see his fierce protective nature towards his brother.
The umpire intervened, slipping himself between the two tall men.
"That's enough. If this escalates I'll eject the both of you." He warned in a surprisingly cold voice.
As much as Ken had riding on this game, it all seemed inconsequential in this moment. Of course if he wasn't so full of adrenaline after seeing his brother get pushed, he might have been able to realize this was not worth it.
That was when he felt a pair of strong arms grab him, lifting him off the ground and moving him towards the mound. Ken struggled for a moment before realizing who was carrying him.
It was quite difficult to remain angry when being picked up like a child.
"It's not worth it, big bro. Don't worry, he pushes like a weak child." Daichi said in Japanese, forcing a snort from Ken's nose.
He tried to collect himself, stifling the laugh that was threatening to break out.
"Was that tag on purpose?" Ken asked eventually.
Daichi raised an eyebrow, "You throw me a 90+ mph heater from 40 feet away and ask if I tagged him hard on purpose? Do you hear yourself right now?"
Hearing his brothers words, Ken realized that he had asked a stupid question. Anyone who knew the basic principles of inertia would understand that it was actually his fault, not his brothers.
"I just didn't want him to score…" Ken admitted, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"It was a good throw, I'm sure he'll be okay after a few therapy sessions." Daichi joked, nudging him with his elbow.
Ken laughed, suddenly feeling a lot better.
Next, the umpire spoke up, pointing to each of the dugouts.
"This is your warning, both teams. Any further unsportsmanlike conduct or physical altercations will result in ejections. Play the game with respect and keep it clean. Let's keep this under control."