As for Daichi… It was best if he didn't think about that guy. When it came to natural talent and reflexes, Daichi was just leagues above anyone that he'd met in the same age bracket.
"Batting 1st, Short Stop, Nico." The announcers pleasant voice called out over the speakers.
"Oh? They're announcing us in this game?" Ken muttered in surprise.
"Makes sense I guess. Since there aren't any other games going on right now." Steve replied matter-of-factly.
The two watched the field as the right-handed pitcher warmed up. He was a little shorter than Ken, but his frame was filled out more.
"Someone check that guy's birth certificate…" Steve remarked.
"Yeah, are we sure he's still in High School?" Ken added. The guy's build reminded him of Makoto, but he was at least a head taller than the guy.
"Heh, maybe he got held back a couple of years?"
Ken shook his head, "Impossible. This is an 18 and under tournament."
"Tch, you ruined my fun."
"Shh. The game is starting."
"Play ball!"
After the umpires announcement, the large fellow on the mound started his wind up. He took a large stride forward, his powerful frame sending the ball towards the catchers glove with authority.
WHOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Ken let out a whistle of appreciation. The pitcher's form was brilliant, making effective use of his large and powerful frame. "That guy is good." He remarked.
"His pitches might be close to yours." Steve said, sending Ken a smug look.
"Impossible. I'm still much faster." Ken stated, not having any of Steve's antics.
Steve shrugged, "I dunno man, they look around the same speed to me."
WHOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Ignoring his friend, Ken brought his hand up to his chin and thought deeply. It was true that the guy's pitches looked fast, but there wasn't as much movement as he might have expected.
Of course it was a bit hard to tell from his vantage point on the bench, but that was his first impression. As long as this was the case, once Ken could grab the timing, getting a hit shouldn't be too difficult.
PAH
"Strikeout!"
Before Steve could say anything, Ken got up and moved to grab his helmet and bat. With Nico getting out, he would be next after Latrell's at-bat.
"Good luck out there~" Steve said with a playful tone.
"Batting 2nd, Center outfield, Latrell."
Ken walked onto the field and felt the weight of the bat, taking a few casual practice swings. He hadn't properly gotten used to the wooden bat just yet. Just because he'd managed to hit a couple of home runs, didn't mean that he was comfortable with the change.
Apart from the added weight and the feedback from hitting a ball, the biggest difficulty was striking the center of the bat. Since the sweet spot felt a lot smaller, it required even more precision than he was used to.
His Balance and Coordination which affected his batting ability was still stuck at the SS+ grade. While this might be enough to go through High School competition unimpeded, once he played against College level players, his efficiency would go on a downward trend.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
While Ken was deep in thought, Latrell already swung and missed at one of the pitches. The crisp sound of the ball entering the catchers glove was an indication of just how fast the ball was traveling.
Discarding his train of thought, Ken focused on the next ball. The more opportunity he got to see the pitches up close, the more chance he would have to hit the ball when it was his turn.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Ken's eyes lit up after seeing the wicked slider snake through the air and into the catchers glove. The speed wasn't the issue, it was the movement on the ball.
He wasn't surprised that Latrell had swung at the pitch, hell, he would have too. By the time it reached the glove, it was already almost a foot outside of the strike zone.
Ken made an internal note to watch out for the slider since it broke so much more than usual.
The next ball came, this time a two-seam fastball. Latrell's body lurched as he swung the bat with intent. But as the ball approached, it crept inside, making the adjustments difficult for Latrell to put into place.
WHOOSH
CLICK
"Crap."
Latrell threw the bat down and ran towards first base with all of his might. The ball which he'd made contact with had been hit high into the air within the infield.
"Alright mine!" The pitcher shouted, his eyes glued to the ball high in the air.
It floated for a while before descending into his glove.
Pah.
"Out."
Upon hearing this, Ken let out a small sigh. The mix of pitches had made it tough for Latrell to see the two-seam fastball coming, causing him to be jammed.
"Next time man." Ken said, consoling the guy as he walked back towards the bench.
"Mmm, hit a big one for us."
"Heh. I'll try."
As Ken stepped into the batters box, he went through his batting ritual. Tapping the plate with his bat, before moving to each of his cleats. For some reason it helped him maintain a calm demeanor before hitting.
"Batting 3rd, Pitcher, Ken."
The announcer called his name, giving him flashbacks of the U18 World Cup. He could still remember how the announcers had butchered the pronunciation of his Japanese teammates.
Upon thinking about this, an amused smile touched the corner of his lips.
"Heh. You won't be smiling for long buddy."
Ken's ears perked up as he heard the catcher chirping at him from behind. He turned around and looked at the guy, only to scoff in response.
"We'll see about that."
Ken turned his attention back to the pitcher and waited, his eyes locked onto the guy.
'I'll swing at the fastballs and avoid the slider.' He thought, tightening the grip on his bat with anticipation.