The game continued with Stetson unable to get back into it. Ethan gave up a home run against Jose Chavez in the 5th inning, but it was too little too late for them.
The game ended with the Bobcats 8 - Cappers 2.
Although not hitting another home run, Ken had a great showing in his debut match. In addition to his broken bat home run, he secured 2 doubles and a sacrifice bunt which resulted in Ayden scoring a run.
All in all, his performance was quite noteworthy, which was why at the conclusion of the game, he was requested for a post-match interview.
Ken had only done a couple of interviews before, one after Koshien and in the U18 World Cup. That still didn't stop him from being a little nervous when he was directed to a woman holding a microphone in front of an expensive camera.
"I'm here with the player of the match Ken Takagi who was part of the dominant Bobcats performance we just witnessed. Tell me Ken, how does it feel to secure a win in your debut college match?"
Ken was a little taken aback that the interview started so quickly. Usually the reporter would introduce themselves first and partake in some small talk before the broadcast started.
Thankfully, he quickly changed gears.
"It feels great. We've been training really hard during the off season and the coach trusted me enough to put me in the starting lineup. Hopefully I've lived up to his expectations."
Ken sounded like a true professional as he answered, surprising even the reporter. What they didn't know was that Ken had already received some form of media training from his father who was considered an expert.
"Well I'm sure you've exceeded his expectations Ken. Tell us about the home run in the first inning? It's quite a rare feat to be able to hit a home run with a broken bat."
Ken nodded, "The hit felt good before the bat broke so I know that I hit it flush. I think that the shorter outfield played a part in turning it into a home run, but I'm just glad that that no one got hurt."
The reporter smiled, happy with the response. She was happy to talk to someone who wasn't all bravado and kept a level head during an interview.
"Now you're listed as a pitcher, will we see you on the mound in the near future? I'm sure our viewers are looking forward to it."
"I'm always ready to pitch." Ken admitted, "As for when that will happen, you'll have to ask Coach Brown. I'm fully invested in Columbia baseball, as long as I'm needed, I'll play whatever position the coach needs me to play."
Of course this was a lie. If Ken was taken out of the pitching rotation for no reason, everyone would hear about it. But he still said these words, showing his commitment to his college team.
Not only would this give him a good public opinion, it would also bode well for his relationship with the Bobcats and the coaching staff. This was a good trick in order to gain brownie points for the future.
"Well let's hope we get to see some of your wicked fast balls very soon. Thank you for joining us Ken, good luck in the games this weekend. This was Angelina Baker at Melching field, have a great night."
As she signed off, the light from the camera dimmed and her posture relaxed. She turned to Ken with a warm smile.
"Thanks for the interview, you are really well trained." She said, holding out her hand.
Ken wore a wry smile, but grasped the outstretched hand. While he might not have used the word trained, he accepted the compliment in stride.
By now it was already around 9pm and time to leave the field. Their next game was at 1:30 in the afternoon tomorrow. They would play 3 games in 3 days against Stetson, of which he was hoping to pitch tomorrow.
By the time they returned to the hotel, everyone was starving.
One thing about staying at a hotel was they generally had buffets. Ken was usually able to find something with rice, which made him happy.
Ken was joined by a few more people than usual at his table while eating. It seemed that after his performance, his popularity had grown within the team.
"Bro, did you get the broken bat from the game?" Kaden asked, his eyes sparkling.
Ken shook his head, however he saw Steve's body flinch, eliciting a raised eyebrow from him. But seeing as the guy didn't respond, he left it for now.
'I'll ask him later…'
"What a shame. You probably could have sold it, or kept it as a memento."
"It's just a broken bat." Ken shrugged, "I'm just glad I don't have to pay to replace it."
"Hahahah."
The table laughed. The notion of having to pay for broken equipment was outlandish to them, especially since most were on a scholarship.
"Oh right, is Clinton okay?" Ayden turned to the Captain and asked.
"Hmm?"
Tristan finished his mouthful of food and wore a pensive look, "I'm not sure. He should be receiving medical attention from the staff now."
"What happened?" Ken asked with concern. He hadn't seen anything that should have been a cause for concern.
"I think he strained his groin in the final inning while trying to steal a base."
"I don't even know why he was trying to steal a base, we were up 6 runs…" Kaden added, shaking his head.
Tristan spoke up, "Even if we were up by 20 runs you guys should still be fighting for more. Don't start relaxing just because you think we'll win the game."
Kaden rolled his eyes, but he fired back, "I saw you nodding off in the dugout by the end of the game. Don't lecture me about relaxing!"
"T—That's different. I get sleepy while on the road." He stammered, eliciting a few chuckles from the others.