"You ready?" Ken asked, draping his arm over his brother's shoulder.
"Heh, I've been doing this for over 3 years. What do you think?" Daichi replied, giving him a grin.
"You're right. Just go play how you usually do then." Ken said with a laugh.
Daichi adjusted his chest protector, ensuring it was tight enough. "I was hoping my first game would be catching your pitches, but it looks like I'll have to wait."
"Don't worry, I'll probably be closing out the game. Make sure we're ahead by the end of the 7th inning." Ken said, sending him a wink.
With that, Daichi and the others made their way onto the field for the first game of the post season against the Durham Bulls. It was a best of 3 series to decide the winner of the International League. As long as they won, they'd face the winner of the Pacific League and be crowned the National champions of the Triple-A.
While it didn't have anywhere near as much prestige as the World Series, it would still be an achievement to be proud of.
Upon being announced over the speaker, Daichi's name sparked some confusion. By now, the crowd was used to hearing Ken's name called out, so to hear someone with the same family name was odd.
However, with no context or explanation, they could only make their own conjectures.
Ken watched on as his brother took control of the match. Despite lacking English skills, he spoke to the pitcher through his actions, leading him intuitively.
Seeing such a thing made Ken think of Daichi's nickname… The Maestro. He was like a conductor behind the plate, directing both the pitcher and the batter and taking hold of the game.
'This is true talent and experience…' Ken thought.
Having been a part of a professional team for 3 years, Daichi was able to use his experience as an anchor. Not only did it give him insight into the game, but it also allowed him to play at his full ability.
There were no nerves. Even when he gave up a hit, Daichi was unflappable.
In the 3rd inning, he finally got a chance to head up to the plate with the bat in his hands. The guy had always been the better batter between him and Ken, at least when they were younger.
Ken's eyes narrowed as he watched his brother go to work.
The pitch came on an outside and low course. It was at a tricky angle and would probably still be called a strike.
Yet with fluid movements, Daichi loaded up. He planted his foot and sent the bat hurtling through the air.
WHOOOOOOSH
THWACK!
The ball was slogged into the air towards right field, its stitches trembling from the impact. If the crowd were unsure about the Mud Hens newest player before, they certainly were not now.
The crowd cheered in triumph and called out Daichi's name as he jogged around the bases.
Ken noticed that the atmosphere in the dugout had shifted too at that moment. Quite a few of the players who had been upset about Thomas being benched for the finals began to accept the organization's decision.
It was clear that Daichi was more suited to be on the field, even though the timing sucked.
As Ken watched Daichi round the bases, he couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. The guy entered the dugout and the rest of the team gave him a warm welcome and celebrated his first home run as a Mud Hen.
"Nice homer." Ken said, holding out his fist.
Daichi shrugged, "I've hit bigger." He replied with a wink, bumping the outstretched fist.
"Keep that up and we'll be sent to the Majors in no time."
The game continued with the Mud Hens securing momentum. Ken and Jeremy both managed to hit big and the score soon got out of control.
At the top of the 8th, the score was 10-1 in favor of the Mud Hens. Only now did Coach Dean bring Ken into the game. However, he didn't mind. As long as he got to pitch to Daichi, Ken didn't care how far ahead they were.
Standing upon the mound, he took a moment to experience the sensation. How many times had he envisioned this moment?
They might not be in the Major league right now, but it was as close as ever. It felt like all of his dreams were coming true.
As he rolled the rosin bag around in his hand, Ken heard some murmuring. He turned, but the closest person was on 2nd base, and they weren't even looking at him.
Ken frowned briefly before returning his attention back to Daichi and waited for the lead. When he called for a fastball on the inside, Ken couldn't help but grin.
He nodded before lifting his leg and kicking off his back foot. His long leg strode forward and planted onto the ground before his arm whipped past his face.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
Behind the plate, Daichi felt pins and needles from the impact of the pitch and couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation.
'Even after all this time, his pitches hurt more than ever…' He mused inwardly. However, he couldn't remove the big smile planted on his face.
'Let's see what else you've got.' Daichi said in his heart, throwing the ball back to Ken on the mound.
As he crouched down, he asked for a slider and placed his glove toward the outside.
Sure enough, the slider came in the next moment. It's speed and break was out of this world, to the point where even Daichi knew that he would struggle to predict its course.
However, he didn't even have to move his glove.
PAH
The ball spun inside his glove for a while before he brought it under control, making Daichi feel incredulous. His heart surged.
Ken had improved a lot since they last played together, there was no doubt.