"Batting 9th, DH, Cooper."
While the first batter was walking onto the field, Coach Williams had gathered his players together in the dugout. At such an important time in the match, it would be an oversight not to take the opportunity to say some words.
"We've done well to get where we are now and keep the margin to only 1 run. All of you have faced Ken 3 times so far which means you should have some understanding of his pitches by now."
Mark was animated as he talked to his players, excitement evident in his tone.
"I need you to focus on getting onto base. Santiago, Ayden, at least one of you need to step up and make the play so we can get Sammy and Leo back into the game. Do whatever you can."
"Yes Coach!"
He looked at his players and smiled warmly, causing some of the team to be shocked. Ever since he'd taken over the team, this was the first time seeing such an expression on his face.
In truth, while he was sick, Mark took on the persona of the strict and taciturn coach. He believed that this was the best way to instill values into the team and teach them correctly.
Yet only after recovering did his outlook change.
These were still kids, not professionals. What they needed was a nurturing figure who would let them learn from their own mistakes, not rule with an iron fist.
"Let me say this, I'm proud of how far we've come this World Cup. Now go out there and show them our baseball."
"YEAH!"
This change of attitude seemed to work wonders on the players as they felt their spirits soar. Even Ryan who wasn't part of the batting line up felt his mood increase despite not being entirely satisfied with his performance.
WHOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout!"
Unaware of the touching speech from his Grandfather, Ken promptly struckout the DH with 3 pitches. Despite pitching all game, he seemed laser focused, not outwardly showing any signs of fatigue.
Santiago approached the field and walked past his teammate, receiving some words of good luck in passing. This would be the fourth time he'd faced Ken, yet he looked completely different than last time.
On the other occasions he'd either nodded in greeting or sent his nephews a smile. This time however, it was clear that this was purely business.
Daichi could feel the shift in the atmosphere, causing the hairs on his neck to stand up. This was the first time that he truly felt threatened by his new family member.
Yet now was not the time to give in to such pressure, not when they were only 2 outs away from securing the victory.
He squatted down and sent a sign to Ken. Since he'd thrown 95% fastballs this match, Daichi decided it was time to make full use of his pitching arsenal.
Ken nodded and sent his pitch out in the next moment. There was so much spin on the ball that the seems weren't visible even to the most trained eye.
Santiago's eyes widened and he loaded up with power.
WHOOOOSH
DOOONG
His patience had paid off, allowing him to connect against the curveball on the very first swing despite not facing it before in this match.
"Left!"
The ball sailed over Aki's head as he called for Riku to collect the ball. It was perfectly hit, dropping just before Riku was able to reach the ball and allowing Santiago to make it onto the base successfully.
Ken could only smile wryly as he looked at his Uncle on 1st base. He was shocked that the guy could hit his curveball without practice, yet there was nothing that he could do about it.
With Santiago getting onto base, that meant he would have to face Sam even if he got the next guy out.
He let out a small sigh.
'Why didn't I learn any pick-off skills?'
Yet his depression didn't last long. Perhaps it was because of his Dauntless trait, or maybe he had matured a lot lately through many high stakes games.
Either way, he was now focused on the task ahead of him.
"Batting 2nd, Short stop, Ayden."
Gulp~
Being stared at intently by Ken on the mound caused Ayden to feel intimidated. It was like he was a wild animal staring down his prey, right before going in for the kill.
PAH
"Strike!"
'So damn fast!' Ayden thought meekly.
'This guy is a monster… Hasn't it already been 9 innings? How can he still throw 100mph fastballs?'
WHOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Ayden grit his teeth and gripped his bat tightly. He couldn't go down like this…
As soon as Ken began his wind up, Santiago lowered his head and took off towards 2nd base like a rocket.
"2nd!"
WHOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout."
Daichi collected the ball and threw with all of his might towards Ichiro on 2nd base. Ken had to duck out of the way to avoid getting cleaned up, yet Santiago was too fast for the right arm of Daichi.
"Safe."
"Don't mind! 2 outs!"
Aki clapped his hands and called out, perking up everybody's spirits. Japan were still in a decent position, even with Santiago advancing to 2nd base.
As long as Ken could get the giant Sam out, it would be the end of the game.
Daichi clicked his tongue in annoyance. If he had been a fraction of a second faster, they might have been able to bring an end to it right at that moment.
"Batting 3rd, 3rd base, Sam."
The large figure of Sam walked into the batters box once more with a determined expression. His full size beard and broad chest still made him look like a Gorilla, though no one would say so to his face.
He tapped the bat onto home plate a couple of times before loosening his hips and taking his stance. Then after gripping his bat tightly, he let out a grin.
"Come to papa."