"3 outs, changeover!"
The plate umpire called an end to the bottom of the 6th inning with Ken once again putting the US batters in place. If even the clean-up batters had no chance against him, then the tail end of the batting order surely would not either.
The US team took the field for the start of the 7th inning. Since there had been no hits or bases taken, they were up against the beginning of the Japanese batting order once more.
Riku took the field, his usual happy-go-lucky attitude nowhere to be found. He wore a serious expression as he made his way towards the batters box, not happy with his performance so far.
'I'll hit it this time…' He said inwardly.
"Batting 1st, Left outfield, Riku."
Ryan's expression contained a veiled scowl when he looked at Japan's lead-off batter. Yet this only served to pump Riku up even more.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike"
It was another fastball, the same thing he'd been taken out by in the last two at-bats. If there was something that hurt a batters pride, it was continually getting struck out by the same ball.
While Riku was facing Ryan on the field, Ken gathered Hiroki and Daichi together. If the game were to remain at the current status quo, they risked sending it into overtime. No one wanted to play extra innings, especially after playing 10 games in 10 days.
"This is our opportunity to get some runs on the board." Ken said, his intelligent brown eyes seemingly sparkling in the afternoon sun.
It was around 6pm, but since it was the tail end of summer, the sun wasn't due to set for another hour or so.
"Tell us what to do."
Both Hiroki and Daichi nodded. Whenever Ken had a plan, it usually worked out for them.
"We've had no luck with the meatballs this game since they're usually thrown far outside the strike zone. That catcher is too good at covering this weakness and not allowing us to capitalize effectively." Ken stated.
The two kept quiet, waiting for him to continue. After all, they were already aware of this information.
"We need to aim at the slider or the two-seam fastball, preferably the former."
"Why do you say that?" Hiroki asked. It was one thing to settle on aiming for a certain pitch, but he wanted to know the reason.
Ken didn't feel offended at his question, deciding to explain his reasoning.
"I'm not sure if its because he can't use a grip variation for the slider, but it's the only pitch that has a proper course. The only problem is trying to bait him into throwing it."
Both Daichi and Hiroki were silent in thought for a while.
"But what about the two-seam? Did you notice something about that pitch?" Daichi asked in the next moment.
Ken was a bit reluctant, but he spoke his mind anyway.
"His two-seam breaks a lot later than usual, meaning we may be able to get away with a hit by pitch…"
Daichi's face went pale. He had caught many 90-100mph fastballs as a catcher, there was no way he would want to intentionally put himself in the firing line.
"I'll do it." Hiroki said simply, his muscles flexing underneath his tight uniform.
"Wait, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves." Ken interjected, though he liked the guys enthusiasm.
"You'll need to sell it well enough, like you were doing your best to get out of the way. If the umpire calls that you intentionally took the hit and it is within the strike zone, it will get called a strike."
Ken was thorough with his explanation, not wanting to lose an opportunity because of some form of miscommunication.
"Strikeout!"
Meanwhile on the field, Riku was struck out promptly, interrupting the trio's conversation.
"Alright, wish me luck." Hiroki said, before leaving to get his bat. He would be directly after Masayuki.
"Good luck, remember what we said."
"Mmm."
After Hiroki left, Ken and Daichi discussed a few more things regarding the slider.
"Should we stand as far back from the zone as possible before the pitch is thrown?" Daichi asked.
Ken nodded, "You can try that, just make sure you adjust your form while he's in pitching motion. It might not work, but do your best."
"Wait, why are you saying it like that? Won't you be going for the slider as well?" Daichi was a little confused with Ken's wording.
Ken shook his head in response, a smile forming on his face.
"Don't worry about me. If either you or Hiroki can't get onto base, my plan will come to nothing." He said with amusement.
As if mirroring his words, the umpire called out loudly.
"Strikeout!"
This time it was the Captains turn to retreat from the field, his ego bruised in a similar fashion to Riku's. He grumbled and groaned as he descended the stairs into the dugout.
"Alright, I'm going."
"I'll see you on the field." Ken said with a wink.
"Batting 3rd, 1st base, Hiroki."
Hiroki stepped into the batters box with a determined expression. Those who saw his face might think he was about to step into battle against a fated enemy.
Perhaps it might not be too far from the truth.
Standing on the mound, Ryan was reveling in his performance so far. He had not let anyone get a hit, nor reach first base at all this game. Since almost no one could hit his pitches, he'd only accumulated around 70 pitches so far.
'I could easily throw another 70.' He remarked inwardly.
Unaware of his internal thoughts, Hiroki gripped his bat tightly and got into position, tilting his body forward slightly. He wanted to be subtle about it, but it didn't escape the eagle eyes of the catcher behind him.
Leo's eyes shined for a moment before he called the next pitch.
Ryan grinned from ear to ear before letting the ball rip from his fingertips.
'Here it comes…'