On the field, Ayden stepped up to the batters box to face the Wright State pitcher with a level of cool confidence that he usually held. Having been a national representative all through high school, he'd dealt with his fair share of pressure and this was no different.
Disregarding the fact that the arena only held 3000 fans, this was the post season where not only fans around the nation would be watching, but also Major league scouts.
Having declared his intentions for the draft and in the process of looking for an agent, a good performance in the post season would go a long way towards his draft stock. Of course he couldn't sign with an agent just yet or he would lose his eligibility to play as an amateur.
His eyes moved to the lanky pitcher on the mound and narrowed as he waited for the first pitch.
WHOOOSH
PAH
It was a cutter, and a nasty one. Had he not pulled back at the last moment, his fingers could have been hit during the swing.
'They probably did their research.' Ayden thought with a chuckle. He had a habit of swinging for the first ball, and would more often than not hit any fastballs thrown.
After playing 4 years of college baseball, it would be difficult to surprise other teams with the amount of film and study they had to reference. The only way to counteract it was to evolve and get even better.
Ayden's eyes flashed briefly towards the dugout, his gaze falling onto a single player. Ever since facing him in the U18 World Cup, Ayden knew that the guy was special. Not only did he play at full tilt every game, but he trained like a demon.
Once being named Captain of the squad, he pulled everyone along with him in training. Ayden felt like he had improved more this season than he had ever done before. Not only was he in the best shape of his life, but it felt like as long as that guy was around, he would only continue to get better.
He shook his head with a smile, 'Why am I thinking about such things right now?' he thought, gripping his bat even tighter.
If there was one thing that he wanted to do while still in college, it was to bring back a trophy. There was no better way to give his gratitude than winning the College World Series.
The pitcher wound up and sent the next ball slicing towards the outside. It was a fast slider, though it lacked the same break that he was used to.
'I can hit it.'
These were the only thoughts in his mind as he dug his heel in and swung fiercely at the ball.
WHOOOOSH
DOOOOONG
The sound of the metal bat ringing out echoed over the field and the ball was sent deep into right field. Ayden kicked it into high gear as he flew towards first base like a cheetah, he didn't even look at the ball before rounding the base and heading towards 2nd.
The right fielder dived for the ball but it just escaped his grasp, rolling past him and hitting the back wall.
By now, Ayden had glanced up at the 3rd base who was giving him the signal to keep running. Without stopping, he pinned his ears back and went for it, gunning it towards 3rd.
"GO GO!"
The dugout was whooping and cheering at the amazing run from their leadoff batter. The guy had never seemed to fail when it was time to perform, this time was no different.
The throw came from right field and was thrown to the fielder at 2nd base. He twisted his body and fired a throw towards 3rd base, but Ayden slid onto the base before the ball with ease.
The 3rd basemen reached for the ball which was thrown a little wide. He lost his footing briefly, causing the ball to fly directly past his open glove.
"RUN!"
Without missing a beat, Ayden surged to his feet and bolted towards home plate fervently. He was a little tired after sprinting 3 bases already, but he had already made up his mind to finish strong, otherwise it would have all been for nothing.
He saw the panic on the catchers face as he impatiently waited for the ball to be thrown back in time. With his back turned to the fielder and the ball, Ayden could only go on the reactions from the catcher.
'He won't get it in time.' He concluded, but he did not slow down.
Without letting up, Ayden rushed forward and planted his foot down on the base with no hindrance. The crowd roared and the dugout were cheering loudly for the spectacular solo play.
"That's what I'm talkin' about!" Coach Brown said, slapping Ayden on the back and sending him back to the dugout.
"Inside the park home run, very nice!" Brian said with a grin, "But it's a lot easier if you just hit it over the fence."
Ayden laughed, though he was still trying to catch his breath from the exertion. As he walked down the stairs he was greeted by his rowdy teammates who celebrated his amazing play with him.
He saw Ken putting on his helmet and guards before walking over and holding out his fist.
"Nice run." He said simply, but that was enough. The guy didn't need to say much to get his point across.
"Thanks." He replied, fist bumping him. "Keep the momentum going, if we're lucky we can finish this one early and you'll be able to pitch tomorrow as well."
Ken's eyes widened before a fierce grin crept onto his face.
"Bet."
Ayden laughed. He had been half joking, but it really seemed like the guy would be aiming for this. However, it wasn't like they hadn't done something like this before, just never in the post season.
"The next person who gets out will have to join my extra special training session tonight after dinner." Ken announced at the top of the stairs, causing the atmosphere to shift in the dugout.
"Crap…"