The second game of the day ended in Virginia Tech's victory. However, after the ridiculous score disparity of the first game, the Columbia Bobcat's went into the next match as favorites to come out on top.
It was a little ironic since they had been looked down upon coming into the post season and were now facing the home team, but most in the team didn't care what the media said.
Much to Ken's disappointment, he was not named as the starting pitcher despite only pitching just above 50 balls the previous day. However, he did not complain and took up his usual spot in the outfield.
The game started out even over the first few innings, with both sides trading runs. The leadoff batters Ayden and Brian drew first blood with two doubles before Ken was walked. DJ performed a rare bad hit which resulted in a double play at first and second.
The final out was Steve who hit a fly ball into left field for an easy catch. He had grumbled something about the wooden bat he was using being faulty, but no one believed him.
After some back and forth, the final inning approached with a score of 5-6. Virginia Tech were ahead by a single run and Brian was up to bat in the bottom of the 9th.
The guy looked calm and collected even under the pressure on his shoulders. He acted as if this was just a regular game, not in the regionals of the College World Series.
WHOOOSH
DOOOONG
He chased after an outside ball and smacked it out into right field with relative ease. The fielder was onto it right away, only allowing Brian to make it to first base before having to stop.
Ken approached the batter box with confidence. Now that Brian had secured himself on base, all they needed was a home run and the game would be over.
'It's time to pull out all the stops…' Ken thought, a small grin forming on his face. He tapped the plate and the tip of his cleats and got into position, ready for the first pitch.
However, he heard a commotion in the dugout in the next moment, causing him to look around in question. It was then that he saw the catcher stand up and call for an intentional walk.
Ken frowned. This would be the 3rd time he'd been walked this game, which was really starting to piss him off. But, there was no use in complaining right now, after all, it was well within the rules.
"Ball four, take your base."
Letting out a small huff, Ken threw the bat to the side and jogged over to first. Brian moved along to second base and DJ was up at the plate next. He had not been playing that well this game, something rare for a player of his caliber.
It seemed that the VT coach had seen this and called for this exact situation to try and get a double play.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, things happened exactly as the opposing team wanted.
WHOOOSH
DING
It was a grounder, straight back at the pitcher. He bent down to collect the ball, but fumbled briefly, losing a few milliseconds of time before throwing it to 2nd base. Ken pumped his arms and legs before diving forward.
However, the 2nd baseman had received the ball and thrown it over to first before he could touch the bag.
"Out!"
"Out!"
'Damn it!' Ken picked himself up off the ground and dusted himself off, trying to hide his annoyance. He saw DJ walking back to the dugout with a downcast expression and jogged to catch up to him.
"Don't worry man. Steve will finish the game for us." Ken said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Y—Yeah…"
Of course Ken didn't mention the fact that they could also walk Steve and try and pick a battle with another batter. In fact, this seemed like the best option for Virginia Tech.
Steve also believed that this would be the case. His emotions were painted on his face for all to see.
As Steve stepped up to the batters box, he stood there, not even getting into position to wait for the ball. The umpire gave him a warning, to which he was forced to comply with. He lifted his bat half-heartedly and faced the pitcher, waiting for the inevitable intentional walk.
However, the pitch came a second later, a fastball on the inside of the strike zone.
PAH
"Strike."
"Eh? They're not walking him?" Ken said with surprise. It made no sense for Virginia Tech to not walk Steve, especially since the next two batters were not as good as him.
While he had not gotten a hit today, it still stood that Steve had the most home runs in Div 1 this season. Were they perhaps underestimating him?
Steve's whole demeanor changed in the batters box. Ken could almost feel his anger bubbling to the surface from his position in the dugout.
"Oh… They messed up." Ken mumbled.
He knew how much pride Steve had. For VT to decide to take him head on, it meant that they believed he wouldn't be a cause for concern. A single out would secure them the game, and they decided it would end with Steve.
In the batters box, Steve was livid. At first he had been pissed because he believed he'd get walked and not get a chance to redeem himself, but now he was pissed because he felt like he was being underestimated.
Perhaps it didn't make sense, but to him it felt like the other team were laughing at him.
'I'll belt this one into the stands. We'll see who is laughing then.' He thought, gripping the bat tightly.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
"Foul."
The next pitch was on the outside this time, just outside the strike zone. In his anger, Steve went after it and nicked it with his bat. He was now behind in the count.