"A-As if! He was over the plate, it's a strike!" Yuta argued, standing up in shock.
He couldn't believe that such a blatant miscall was made in this situation.
However, the umpire didn't seem to be having any of it. He held his hand up as if to signify that he wouldn't be taking any more complaints.
Ken stared in disbelief at the scene. He had seen the play in real time, watching as the ball glanced off Kazuhiro's wrist which was definitely in the strike zone.
As long as the ball was within the strike zone, even if a player was hit by the ball it would be a strike. This was why both pitchers and catchers were comfortable enough to call for an inside pitch when batters crowded the plate.
However, Kazuhiro acted as if he was hit further up his arm in an effort to convince the umpire that the ball was outside the zone.
While the play might be considered underhanded, Ken couldn't help but have a little respect for the guy who would willingly get hit by his pitch. He gazed at Kazuhiro gingerly getting up from the ground and making his way to first base.
He wasn't sure, but he thought that he saw a small grin form on the corner of his mouth.
Yuta also saw this and was about to mouth off to the umpire once more, however after seeing his expression, he decided against it. The last thing he needed was to be ejected, especially with only 1 out remaining in the game.
Carlos felt a small shock run through his body as the umpires words called out the deadball verdict. He slowly removed the towel from his head and looked out onto the field, seeing Kazuhiro sitting on first base staring back at him intently.
His eyes relayed his resolve.
It was currently the 2nd batter's turn at the plate, meaning if he wanted a chance to bat then the next two players would need to get onto base somehow without getting out.
Even though it seemed almost impossible, Carlos couldn't help but feel his heart beat in anticipation. Yet as he looked at the next two batters, his expectations plummeted.
He already had no faith in his teammates, why would he entertain such an improbable notion at this point? It would only lead to being let down and even more heartache.
'I need to get on base…'
The Shuei player who was in the batters box at this moment grit his teeth, anxiety filling his body. He glanced between Kazuhiro on base and Carlos on the bench before taking a deep breath, his face showing resolve.
'If we can get him up to bat we'll have a chance.'
"It's not over yet!" He shouted, facing Ken on the mound.
Yuta felt a little stifled because of the previous call from the umpire, but he did his best to calm down.
'One more out.'
He called the lead and placed his glove above the plate, his face taking on a serious expression.
Ken nodded, winding up and whipping his arm out like usual. However, the ball seemed to lose traction from the sweat which had filled his palms, not allowing him to get as much control or spin as usual.
The moment it left his hands he knew he'd messed up.
DONG
The ball was struck, running along the ground towards third base. Seeing this, the batter ran with all of his might towards first base, as if his life depended on it.
Ken almost audibly let a sigh of relief as he saw the ball roll towards Makoto on third base. As long as he scooped it up properly, he'd be able to send it to 2nd base and secure the game for them.
"FIRST!"
In the middle of collecting the ball, Yusuke yelled out from 2nd base, startling everyone on the field. It turned out that Kazuhiro had taken a massive lead prior and was already sliding towards the second base by the time Makoto was about to throw the ball.
"ORYAHHHH"
With his powerful muscles, Makoto sent the ball flying towards Hiroki on first base who already had his glove up and foot on the base, expecting the ball.
As the ball rocketed towards first, Ken turned his attention to the runner. It was going to be close, but it looked like the out would be secured.
"Argh!"
Unfortunately for them, the throw from Makoto was too high, something that they realized too late.
"Damn it."
Ken quickly ran towards first base in order to cover for the overthrow, however something happened that he didn't expect.
Hiroki bent his knees and used his toned muscles to launch himself into the air, stretching his limbs as far as he could.
After what seemed like an eternity, he finally landed on the ground with the ball secure in his glove.
However…
"Safe."
In the time that he was airborne, the runner managed to get onto base safely.
"Ah… Sorry." Makoto let out an apology to the team.
In his haste he had thrown the ball too hard, leading to the current situation. If Hiroki hadn't been quick enough to react and jump for the ball, it could have been much worse.
BA BUMP
Carlos felt his heart beat loudly in his chest, sending another shock through his body. He couldn't believe his eyes.
Coach Goto quashed the excitement that was building inside and made his way over to Carlos, wearing his typical smiling expression.
"Go and get ready to save us this game." He said, placing his hand on the teen's shoulder.
Carlos was too stunned for words. He suddenly remembered what the coach had told him earlier, that they would get him an opportunity to turn the game around.
He was too conceited, even scoffing at those words.
Yet here they were in the 9th inning, and this opportunity was so close.
Without saying a word, Carlos placed his helmet on and marched onto the field with his bat in hand and knelt on the ground. He focused on Shinji who was now in the batters box, about to face Ken.
'Please… just get on base.' He prayed inwardly.