On the field, the tension was palpable. The outcome of the game and the World Series literally hung in the balance at this moment.
Ken felt like it had been hours since the review was called, yet the umpires were still huddled together in front of a screen. Without a TV and the commentators speaking, the wait seemed to drag out.
By now, the Ligers on the field had huddled together, their gazes glued to the jumbo screen as the replay continued to play over and over.
No one would have thought that the end of the series would come down to a play like this. It was like the feeling of placing all of one's chips on black at the roulette while the ball was still rolling around.
Either they would win, or lose everything and go back to square one.
Those in the Miami dugout wore grave expressions after being subjected to the replay. Particularly Gary who just 10 minutes ago, believed that he had scored the tying run for his team.
"How could he catch that? Shouldn't he have just been knocked out?" Gary complained to no one in particular.
"I don't think there's conclusive evidence that he was able to hold onto the ball," Michael Rojas stated, though he didn't sound certain.
"Don't they usually give the benefit of the doubt to the fielder in that situation though?" John retorted, scratching his head with some frustration. "He also started celebrating after the play, that should influence the umpire's decision as well."
"B—But he was hit in the head… He could have just dreamed that he caught it." By now, Gary seemed to be clinging onto anything he could.
On the bench, Ryan had not moved from his position throughout the entire play. Ever since finishing the previous inning, he felt a heavy fatigue settle over him.
The muscles in his arm and shoulder were twitching, threatening to cramp up at any time. He had been sitting and gathering his strength, trusting his teammates to at least tie before it was his turn again.
Even with the current predicament, Ryan didn't lose hope. In fact, this 10 minute rest was exactly what he needed before he needed to pitch again.
'I won't let them score again… No matter how much more I need to pitch, we will win this game…' He thought, his eyes burning fiercely.
Soon, the umpires began to move from their huddle. They took off the headsets and discussed amongst each other for a few moments before beginning the walk back to home plate.
Suddenly, the arena turned dead silent as everyone realized a decision had been made.
The two coach's gravitated towards the plate umpire who was in the lead. While Coach Mattingly looked to be a nervous wreck, Mark's expression was unreadable.
The umpire briefly glanced at each man before relaying the news.
"After reviewing the play, the call on the field is overturned. The catch by the pitcher is confirmed. Since there was a force play at 3rd base, the runner is out. That's three outs, and the game is over."
"That's the ball game!" he shouted, making the gesture with his arms.
*DING*
[Mission completed]
[System functions will remain until the rewards for the mission are accepted]
[Warning]
[Please accept the rewards within 48 hours]
[47:59:56 remaining]
Ken felt his body suddenly turn extremely heavy. For a moment, he thought it was the result of the system, but he quickly understood the reason why.
"W—WE DID IT!"
Rohan launched himself at Ken, wrapping his arms and legs tightly around him, like he was some sort of kid.
But he wasn't alone.
Ken soon felt other pairs of hands ruffling his hair and slapping his back, or even shaking him wildly. This wasn't all though.
The booming voice of the announcer sprung to life, giving an explanation.
"The call on the field is overturned and the catch is considered good. Both the batter and runner are out… DETROIT LIGERS WIN!"
A deafening roar erupted from the once silent crowd, shaking the entire ballpark. The lights suddenly dimmed and fireworks sprung up in the outfield, echoing loudly within the arena.
An immense amount of confetti appeared from seemingly nowhere, falling to the ground slowly, painting a pretty picture.
"Quick! Get onto the field!" Mark shouted at everyone dogpiling Ken in the dugout.
Thankfully, his words were enough to give Ken enough space to escape. He flew up the stairs and launched himself towards his grandfather, easily picking him up into a bear hug.
Not expecting the sudden action, Mark almost shrieked in surprise. However, loud laughter quickly followed from his mouth as he shared the joy with his grandson.
"KEN! GRANDPA!"
Daichi sprinted over from the field, almost stumbling over home plate in his desperate attempt to join his family. The corner of his lips seemed to be glued to his ears as he wore the most genuine smile he'd ever given.
Ken felt his heart ache momentarily as he saw this. Compared to the smiles he'd seen Daichi wear in his previous life, this one was radiant and without equal.
He felt a true happiness and satisfaction rise within him.
'I did it… I finally helped you smile properly, my friend.'
When Daichi inserted himself into the hug, Ken's eyes began to sting.
"We did it aniki!" Daichi said excitedly.
"Mmm…" This was all Ken could say in response, too choked up with emotion.
A heartfelt moment was had between Mark and his grandchildren. He flinched for a moment, before suddenly realizing something.
"Ken! It's about A—"
A shadow appeared above the trio for a brief moment before they were suddenly doused in freezing cold water, courtesy of Rohan and Jake.
The initial shock filled Ken with anger, but seeing the cheering faces of all his teammates surrounding him, he quickly cooled down and rejoined the celebrations.
"Ken!" Mark shouted, but Ken didn't hear him.
Mark was forced to evade the celebrations in front of him and track down his grandson. Finally catching up to him, he placed his hand upon the guy's shoulder.
"Ken, Ai's water has broken. You need to go to the hospital immediately." He said seriously.
Ken's face suddenly turned panicked as he grabbed his grandfather's shoulders, "How long!? How long ago did it happen?"