Unfortunately, after Ken's home run, the Bobcats were not able to score again this inning. DJ was struck out and Steve managed to get a single, but Zeke was jammed on an inside ball for an easy catch.
However, getting an early lead was not something they would complain about, especially against the Crocs who had beaten them so soundly the previous game.
Ken and the Bobcats returned to the field for the top of the 2nd. Atop the mound, Ken rolled the rosin bag in his hand, his eyes focused on the Crocs dugout. The biggest test of the match would be against the next batter.
His body shivered in anticipation as he saw the perfect figure of Leo emerge from the stairs, donning his helmet. It had been almost 5 years since he last pitched against this man, and Ken felt like they had unfinished business.
"Batting 4th for our Crocs, the captain~ Leo Cameron!"
The announcers voice blared over the speakers, rilling the crowd up. They cheered for their captain and star player Leo, who did not even acknowledge their cries. In another time or place Ken might find it amusing, but right now he was laser focused.
He could feel his heart beating in his chest, thumping against his rib cage rhythmically. This was the moment he'd been waiting for for so long. A moment that might not have even happened.
If there were baseball god's, he would be thanking them profusely for such an opportunity. The odds of these two teams meeting in the post season was rather low, yet it felt like fate that he was given this chance.
'Mika, use showdown on Leo Cameron.'
[Affirmative.]
As Mika's monotonous voice entered his mind, Ken felt the familiar euphoria as power filled his muscles. No matter how many times he experienced it, Ken would never tire of it.
'There it is…' Leo's eyes never left Ken after entering the batters box. But even if he had his eyes closed he would never forget this feeling. Ken's aura was like that of a colossal and ancient tree, towering into the sky above as it stared down at his insignificant form.
Back then at the U18 World Cup it had taken him by surprise. Since then he had never felt another feeling like this. It was to the point where Leo was doubting himself. Was it just a trick of the mind? Did he remember it wrong?
But now as he stood against the best pitcher he had ever faced, he once again felt the crushing pressure from the Japanese kid. Perhaps kid might not be the best description of him anymore, since he had grown to almost 6'6 in that time.
Taking a deep breath, Leo squared up to the plate and pointed his bat towards Ken with his left arm, placing his right hand upon his shoulder. This was one of Leo's trademark rituals. Many said that it was a direct challenge to the pitcher, but this was incorrect.
Though today's ritual felt far more personal than others. Instead of getting into position, he held it for a bit longer, his eyes trained on Ken throughout the entire time.
'I will show you how much I've improved since that loss.' Leo said in his heart, lowering his bat and getting into striking position.
On the mound, Ken's body was shaking. He looked at his hand holding the ball and he gripped it tightly. He was not afraid, no, this was pure excitement and adrenaline.
He stared at Leo and licked his dry lips, not realizing that he was wearing a smile. But as Steve called for a fastball, Ken felt his intuition flicker for a brief moment, warning him of the danger.
Now wearing a slight frown, Ken shook his head, prompting Steve to call for another ball.
Once again his intuition pricked him. This situation repeated as Steve went through every one of his pitches, filling Ken with a realization.
'Every pitch I throw has the potential to be hit into the stands…' The revelation shocked him, but also tugged at his competitiveness.
'I'll just throw it so hard and fast that you won't be able to hit it.' He thought, his grin now taking over his expression.
He let out a breath and lifted his left leg slowly before pushing off the pitchers plate and striding forward with force. His muscles groaned from the sheer power flowing through his body.
The cocked arm whipped past his face, the wind displacement causing his hat to fly off in the process, but it did not impede him.
Ken's fingers raked down on the ball, putting ridiculous spin on the ball, causing it to soar through the air almost recklessly. If it wasn't for his zone mastery and amazing control, the ball could have ended up anywhere.
Instead, it soared through the air like a dragon riding upon the clouds, its destination the open catchers glove behind the plate.
Leo sprang into action, his eyes locked onto the seemingly impossible course of the fastball. It almost felt like he was striking at a wiffle ball with the amount of movement, yet he did not falter.
Planting his foot, Leo's body surged with power, sending the wooden bat past Steve and directly into the path of the ball. It was as if the bat and ball were magnetic as they drew closer together.
Time seemed to slow down as they approached for the shocking collision about to come. Ken's eyes widened. He knew that there was no stopping their meeting.
WHOOOOOOOSH
CRUNCHHHH
The wooden bat crumpled, sending shards of maple everywhere. The end of the bat splintered off, heading straight towards the mound where Ken was standing.
The stadium held their breath as the piece of the bat hurtled towards him. Just when it seemed like he had no chance of dodging, Ken lifted his left foot, kicking it out with the bottom of his cleats.
The bat's momentum was stopped, but a small grimace formed on Ken's face as he winced from the impact.
'Where is the ball!?'
He turned, only to see Steve holding out his glove as the ball descended slowly into it.
"O-Out!"