'Bunt!?'
Ken was shocked, not expecting the catcher to go for a bunt with 2 strikes. All it would take was a foul for the guy to be out, but it seemed like the guy had already decided to take the risk.
With surprising dexterity, Brady tracked the ball and performed a push bunt towards first base. Ken faltered for a moment before dashing towards the ball, his eyes locked onto the ball's path.
When it hit the ground, it seemed to teeter along the foul line. For a few tense moments, it was unclear if the ball would go foul, or stay fair.
Ken glanced to his right, only to see Jackson flying towards home plate like a freight train. He quickly made up his mind, reaching down, not waiting for the ball to go into the foul zone.
Using his bare hand, he collected the ball, sending a quick throw to first base where the catcher Brady was running to.
"Out."
However, since Ken had thrown it to first base, Jackson was free to step onto home plate, garnering the very first run for the Dodgers.
"YEAH!"
"Nice bunt Brady!"
The Dodgers bench erupted into celebration having finally got a run on the scoreboard. For those who weren't aware of the score, they might think that it was the winning run with the way the opposing team celebrated.
A few cheers came out from the crowd in admiration of the Dodger's tenacity. To be so fired up even while losing was rather admirable, especially for some High School kids.
Tony nodded in appreciation, but for a different reason. "He made the right choice." He muttered, scribbling something down on his notepad.
Lorenzo seemed unconvinced, "Well that depends on who you ask I guess." He replied, shrugging his shoulders.
"From what I understand of Ken, he only cares about winning. Personal stats like not allowing any runs means nothing if he can't win in the end." Tony explained, feeling a sense of pride for some reason.
"Haaah, so he's the ultimate team player is what you're saying?" Lorenzo sighed, feeling like it was a waste.
Tony raised his eyebrow and stared at his cousin, "When did I say that?"
Taken aback a little, the big guy tried to defend himself, "Didn't you imply that by saying he was selfless?"
"No no, I'm saying he's the ultimate competitor. He'll do anything to win, even keeping his pitching arsenal hidden from his own team to do so." Tony stated with a grin.
Back on the field, Ken wiped the sweat from his brow after completing the play. He was unaware of the giant misconception that the Red Socks scout had fabricated about him, but even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
Of course he loved winning and didn't care about personal stats, but he wouldn't go to such lengths as hiding his pitches in order to win a simple tournament like the WWBA.
Ken was the type who would put everything on the line in every game, regardless of what game it was. Even in a friendly, Ken would not hold back. This was his brand of baseball.
As for throwing the ball to first instead of trying to prevent the runner from scoring, Ken evaluated that the former had more chance of success. Adding to the fact they were up by 8 runs, it made no sense to take such a risk.
With the score now 9-1 in favor of the Gladiators, Ken needed to secure two more outs in order to end the game. If the Dodgers wanted any chance of playing till the end, they still needed an additional run on the board.
But it would not be easy.
"Batting 6th, Left outfield, Timothy."
After suddenly getting a run on the board, the Dodgers team were fired up. As the lanky 6th batter appeared in the batters box, his face wore a determined expression.
'They say that a beast backed into a corner will bite… I guess that also applies in baseball.' Ken mused, a small grin pulling at the corner of his lips.
But Ken had no intention of letting them bite back. Not after they'd gotten into such a commanding position.
After seeing the lead from Steve, Ken's grin went wider. It seemed that his friend was also keen to put an end to this match.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
A two-seam ball broke inside, easily passing the wild swing of the 6th batter.
WHOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
"Strikeout!"
3 successive fastballs put an end to Timothy, inching the Dodgers closer to the jaws of defeat. With another out, the Gladiators would clinch the WWBA Tournament and be crowned the winners.
The frenzy of the Dodgers seemed to have hit a wall with the last out, at least until they began to cheer loudly from the bench.
"YOU CAN DO IT LANDON!"
"HIT IT BIG!"
A hint of desperation was evident in their cheers, creating a tense atmosphere.
"Batting 7th, 2nd base, Landon."
'One more out and it's over.' Ken thought in his heart, gripping the ball tightly in his hand. He turned to Steve who had called for another fastball, the fourth in a row.
Ken nodded, getting into position. Though the Dodgers had been aiming for his fastballs, after revealing his two additional pitches, they were basically swinging at anything and everything.
Essentially, they were like fish in a barrel.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
Steve threw the ball back to Ken, feeling his stomach churn slightly.
'Crap… Is it happening already?' He thought, a look of desperation creeping onto his features. 'We need to end this now!'
The next pitch came barreling down the lane, another fastball. It was slightly above the strike zone and would likely be a 50/50 call depending on how Steve was able to frame it.
Landon's eyes narrowed as he put his all into the swing.
WHOOOOSH
WHACK!
The entire field went silent as they watched the ball fly into the outfield with force.
"LET'S GO!"