"It looks like Coach Mattingly has decided to keep Ryan Smith in the game. Despite pitching over 80 balls so far, Ryan looks to be in good form as he takes on the opening batters for the 4th time."
"I mean, apart from the grand slam he gave up earlier in the game, he's been solid throughout Bill. It's truly difficult to believe this kid is only 22 years old."
"Exactly. I'd say even if Miami were to lose today's game, they'd still be happy with the emergence of Ryan this season. It feels like he'll only continue to get better from now on."
"Hey now, let's not count the Blue Marlin's out yet, there's still 2 more innings left to play after all Bill."
"You're right, apologies Miami fans. Bottom of the 8th with one out, Ryan faces Adrian Baddoo who has been instrumental for the Ligers this season. Will Miami continue the same strategy they have been using for the entire game?"
"Are you asking if they'll start walking the cleanup batters again?"
"Precisely Bob. If no one gets a hit this inning, I imagine they'll try the same thing."
WHOOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
"Count is 0-2."
Adrian swung hard, missing the ball by a large margin. No matter where he decided to swing, the ball would seemingly dodge it in mid air, giving rise to some frustration in the batters box.
Unfortunately, Ryan's pitches were far too unorthodox and mysterious to be understood after a few at-bats. Even with the film study they'd all prepared, this was only the Ligers second time facing Ryan this series.
Since they didn't play each other during the regular season, each team was unfamiliar with the other's play style. At least that was the case at the start of the series.
By now, both teams knew that scoring hits against each of their Ace pitchers was difficult. The problem was, Ken was no longer able to pitch in this game thanks to being substituted earlier.
"He's just going to walk us next inning…" Rohan stated with a sigh, his expression bitter.
"Next inning? Who said we'll even have to bat in the bottom of the 9th?" Ken replied with a small grin. They were currently ahead by a single run, if Jake didn't give up anything next inning, the game would be over.
While it might sound like Ken was counting his eggs before they hatched, he was actually trying to instill some confidence into the figure beside him.
Jake who had been in a few run-ins with Ken when he first joined the team was seated on the bench with his head lowered. Even though he had some experience in the big leagues, it was clear that there was a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
As Ken replied to Rohan, he placed a hand on Jake's shoulder and sent him a wink. "You've got this Jake, close out the game for us."
When the guy raised his head, his face looked a little pale and a pained smile was etched onto his face. It looked like he was about to be sick.
"You all good man?" Ken raised an eyebrow and asked with concern.
"We all deal with pressure in our own way…" Jake replied meekly.
"Well your way seems to be terrible," Daichi remarked, letting out a dry chuckle.
Being caught off guard, Jake couldn't stop the nervous laugh from escaping his throat. "I won't lie, my confidence got shaken a little when I gave up that home run. I don't want to be the reason we lose this game."
Ken shook his head smilingly, "Then be the reason we keep our lead and win." He said simply.
The two shared a gaze for a moment before Jake let out a sigh, "You make it sound so easy."
PAH
"Strikeout!"
The group in the dugout inadvertently turned their attention to the field where Adrian was struck out by Ryan once again this game. The swarthy guy looked frustrated as he slammed his bat to the ground on the way back to the dugout.
"Batting 3rd, our shortstop… Jose Baez!" The announcer called, eliciting a cheer from the crowd.
The game was close enough that there was an underlying atmosphere of urgency within the ballpark. Just a single run from the Ligers would give the crowd some piece of mind, but with Ryan on the mound, it felt like a pipe dream.
On the other hand, the Miami Blue Marlin's appeared fierce. Just a single glance at these players was enough to know they were desperate.
With the final inning approaching, it was now or never.
Jose stepped into the batters box and faced Ryan. He tapped home plate with his bat before raising it and getting into position.
It didn't take long for the first pitch to come flying at him.
WHOOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
The first ball broke late towards the plate and away from him, causing his bat to sail past the ball by a few inches. A frown appeared on the man's face as he stepped outside the batters box and readjusted himself.
Ryan was one of the trickiest pitchers to hit thanks to his unpredictability. Even if a player could guess the pitch, it was the course that really threw them for a loop.
Imagine expecting a curveball, but instead of dropping, the ball acts like a slider towards the very end of the pitch.
It certainly wasn't something that was easy to face, nor was it easy to replicate and train against. Perhaps it could be achieved by modifying the ball, but it would be far too difficult to get the same, or similar results to Ryan.
Regardless of the difficulty, Jose had no choice but to face it head on.
He gripped his bat tightly and faced the young pitcher again.
WHOOOOOSH
WHACK!
Jose almost surprised himself after striking the ball fair. His expression lit up and he threw his bat aside before running to first base.
But unfortunately…
PAH
"Out."