On the field, it was currently the top of the 8th inning in what looked like would be a blowout game against their rival Penn University. Ken had been taken off the mound and it was now Blake, the once arrogant 2nd team pitcher who had stepped up.
Ken had been moved to right outfield, something that was now common for him. He had no regrets learning this position, since it allowed him to play during the long breaks between games he was pitching in.
He couldn't understand how pitchers could cope with missing out for sometimes more than a week. As someone who loved baseball, being told to sit on the bench while his team played was little more than torture.
His eyes moved to Blake who sent a slider to the outside.
WHOOOSH
WHACK
"Mine!" Ken called out, his eyes focused completely on the ball. After taking a few steps he held out his glove and easily caught it, showing the umpire the ball.
"3 outs, changeover!"
Ken smiled, turning his gaze to the scoreboard. It was currently 8-0 in favor of Columbia and they were only a single inning away from securing payback against the team who upset them last season.
On his way to the dugout he knocked shoulders with Steve who had his usual grin painted on his face. The guy had improved dramatically with the new Legendary skill, giving him the ability to practically hit anything thrown at him.
This paired with the slugger skill, had propelled him into another level of popularity both online and in the baseball circle.
Apart from using it as bragging rights against Brian, Steve managed to keep a level head even with his success. Which allowed Ken to give a sigh of relief. He wouldn't mind disabling the skill if the guy was overly annoying about it.
"Looks like the coach will owe us dinner at this point." Steve said in amusement.
Ken laughed, gesturing to the coach who was wearing the biggest smile he'd ever seen. "I don't think he cares how much we spend as long as we win."
The two made it into the dugout and were joined by Brian shortly after. He had his phone out and was checking something furiously.
"Don't let the coach see you with your phone out." Ken advised, "He's in a good mood now, but if he thinks you're slacking, you'll be spending the rest of the game on the bench.
"HAH! Jake Reynolds just hit another homer, you guys are tied for the lead." Brian said, shoving the phone in Steve's face.
Steve's face grew solemn and snatched the phone, refreshing the list.
"Looks like you're not the Home run King you claim to be." Brian said with a smug grin, "Maybe I'll call you the Home run Queen from now on," He said laughingly.
"The game isn't over yet…" Steve replied, handing back the phone. This was probably the most serious Ken had seen him throughout the whole season, making him feel incredulous.
As someone who had never properly chased individual stats, he didn't understand why people paid so much attention to things. As long as they won, he couldn't care less. Of course this would change if it was tied to a system mission.
"Oh, isn't it?" Brian replied, "we've only got one more inning left to bat. Who says you'll even get a chance to step up to the plate?"
"No way…" Steve looked on the field and began to count. He was 5th in the batting order and Yu was currently batting at number 9. If 3 of them were to get out before his turn, then Brian would be right.
"K—Ken, Brian… You guys have to get on base no matter what. Please just don't get out." He cried, grabbing Ken's uniform.
Brian burst out into laughter and Ken felt a flash of irritation. "When would I ever try and get out?" He turned to Brian and gave him a stern look, "Don't you get out on purpose either, otherwise I'll tell the coach and you'll be relegated to the bench for the post season."
"Tch, you're no fun." Brian replied, clicking his tongue in annoyance.
"Strikeout!"
"Well, I better get ready." He said, grabbing his helmet and bat. "Even if I don't get out, I can't say the same for Ayden and DJ."
Ken shook his head in exasperation.
Ayden continued the Bobcats momentum and hit a ball into the outfield for an easy single. Brian also didn't falter, getting another hit for the team.
Ken was up next and approached the batters box with determination. He was planning to knock this one out of the park and keep it going over to Steve since the guy had worked so hard.
He went through his ritual and stood ready for the pitch.
The wind up came and the ball rocketed out, right towards him. Ken tried to move out of the way, but the ball missed his arm and fired directly into the left side of his rib cage.
The ball bounced off and Ken went down onto one knee instantly, feeling the fresh pain surge through him.
"Sorry, the ball slipped!" The pitcher called out, but Ken didn't believe him.
"You! Outta here!" The umpire called, ejecting the guy in an instant. He would have to have been born yesterday to believe such a blatant lie.
Ken saw a funnel of players leaving the dugout, ready to rush onto the field. He stood up and held out his hand, cringing at the pain briefly, "Stay back!" he called. The last thing they needed was a brawl on the field to mar such a substantial win.
The opposing coach got into a war of words with the umpire while Ken threw his bat aside and jogged to first base. He took off his elbow guard and handed it to the first base coach, feeling the spot where he was hit.
Thankfully it felt like it would just be a bruise at the worst.
Only after the Penn university coach was ejected as well did the game finally resume. The crowd cheered with glee and hurled insults at the disgraced coach and pitcher, getting their money's worth.
DJ managed to get a hit into right field, allowing both Ayden and Brian to cross home plate, bringing the score to 10-0. If this was played in Pennsylvania, the spectators would have long left by now.
Ken took his position on 3rd base, watching as Steve came out to the batters box. His face was determined, as if he didn't care about the score. While this was good, but Ken didn't exactly like his motivation for it.
'Just don't hurt yourself idiot…' Ken thought, letting out a small chuckle.
Steve's stance was a little unorthodox, but even Dave Johnson the batting coach could not say anything about it, since it completely worked. All he could do was advise anyone against copying the guy.
The first two pitches were balls, of which Steve completely ignored with great confidence. The next pitch was a curveball which was 100% out of the zone, but Penn got lucky with it being called a strike.
Steve didn't fret, remaining calm and collected. He waited for the next pitch which was an inside ball and let loose.
WHOOOOOSH
THWACK!
The ball flew into left outfield along the foul line, heading right for the foul post. Steve had already started jogging towards first before anyone knew definitively if it was fair or not.
DOOOONG