Daichi and Rohan continued as the battery for the next three innings. At first, Ken thought that they would get through unscathed, but it seemed that he underestimated the Major League.
Even with Daichi's stellar leads and Rohan's crisp pitching, they were put in a pinch in the 7th inning. After giving up a walk, things seemed to take a turn for the worse.
Before they knew it, it was already bases loaded and no outs. This was the best position that Pittsburgh had been in all day and it seemed like a matter of time before they would score.
Daichi called for a time out and walked up to the mound with a calm demeanor.
"Are you nervous?" He asked Rohan, his tone casual, as if they weren't in the middle of an important game.
Rohan let out a small laugh in response, "I would be lying if I said no."
Daichi nodded, "We can get out of this pinch, I just need you to trust me. Be ready to field the ball and send it right back to me." He said.
After this, Daichi turned on his heel and headed back to the plate, leaving Rohan with a questioning look. However, he shook his head in the next moment, his eyes moving to Ken in the dugout.
'If Ken trusts him, then I've got no reason not to.' He thought, collecting the rosin bag from the ground and rolling it around a few times in his hand.
He waited for Daichi to get into position and call the lead.
The guy called for a four-seam fastball inside and a little high, causing Rohan to frown. Such a pitch was dangerous, especially in a bases loaded situation. Just a single pop fly into the outfield would result in a run.
However, Rohan did as he was told. He had no reason not to trust Daichi, especially since it was Ken's brother.
Letting out a short sigh, Rohan nodded and got into position, relaxing his body.
'Here goes nothing.'
He lifted his left leg and strode forward, sending the ball flying from his fingertips in the next moment. His eyes followed the ball and flinched when he saw the bat flying towards the ball.
WHOOOOSH
WHACK!
The ball was struck, but not well. It flew above Daichi and the umpires heads for a foul ball.
"Foul."
Rohan breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment he thought that it would be sent over the fence for a grand slam.
He turned to Daichi behind the plate and could barely see a grin behind the face mask from this distance.
'Why does he look happy? We almost got screwed just then.' Rohan thought with a frown.
However, Daichi crouched down and called for the next ball confidently.
'Hmm? A two-seam inside? Is he trying to force a ground ball back to me?' Rohan thought, his eyes sparkling.
However, even if this was the case, it would depend on the batter swinging a certain way. He'd also need to swing a bit late, otherwise the ball would head right into the foul zone before 3rd base.
Rohan eventually nodded, getting into position for the pitch.
He stepped forward and threw it exactly how Daichi wanted.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
Rohan's eyes widened as he saw the ball come straight for him along the ground. It was unexpected, but perhaps he had known subconsciously thanks to his conversation with Daichi earlier.
"HOME!"
He was already scooping down to pick up the ball as Daichi shouted. In the same motion, he sent a blitzing throw home.
Daichi collected the ball in motion, placing his foot onto home plate before firing a rocket towards 1st base. It was so quick that even the plate umpire lagged behind with the call.
"SECOND!"
Even before the 1st baseman had caught the ball, Daichi called out the next orders.
Thanks to the accurate throw from Daichi, the guy at 1st base was able to easily collect the ball and throw to 2nd quickly.
The entire field seemed to hold their breath as the runner tried to outrun the throw to 2nd. He leapt forwards, intending on sliding and making it to the base on time.
BONK
The ball which was in flight towards second base struck the helmet of the runner, bouncing off towards the outfield. The runner who had just slid onto base suddenly surged to his feet and ran towards 3rd, intending on stealing a base.
However…
"Out!"
"3 outs, changeover."
"What!?"
The runner suddenly slowed down and turned towards the umpire, raising his hands in the air.
"I touched the base first! This is ridiculous."
As he pleaded his case, the Ligers dugout cheered. Mark who was watching with narrowed eyes suddenly smiled brilliantly.
As Daichi came back towards the dugout, he received some recognition from the others. Even a few of the coaches pat him on the back on his way past.
Ken turned to Jake who was nearby and flashed him a grin. He had not forgotten about the expensive bet that was on the table between them. Seeing the past 3 innings and the triple play earlier was enough to prove how good Daichi was.
Jake scoffed and ignored Ken, turning to the field instead. However, a small grin pulled at the corner of his lips in the next moment.
"Nice play." Ken said, placing out his fist towards his brother.
"Heh, it was too easy." Daichi said, bumping his fist.
"Ken, get ready. You're coming in at DH."
His grandfather called from the top of the stairs, getting Ken's attention.
"Yes sir!"
Ken's heart soared. It was finally his chance to put his stamp on the game, against the team who passed him up in the draft as well.
Of course he held no grudges about this, especially since he was able to get drafted by the Ligers because of it. Still, it was a good opportunity to prove to the coaches and his team that he deserved to be in the team.