Daichi had already noticed Ken's flaw. The guy didn't like to waste pitches. While this might be fine against college players, such a thing was just asking to be hit in the Majors.
If a batter knew that you were going to throw a strike every pitch, they would be able to swing every time without fear. Unless Ken had a pitch that was unhittable, this would always be the case.
While Ken's fastball was deadly, it wasn't at such a level yet. Ken knew this, and so did Dacihi. Which was why his leads had begun to change starting this inning.
With a full count, Daichi called for a changeup at the bottom of the strike zone. He had only thrown 2 of these tonight, so Ken had high hopes.
He nodded and got into position and gripped the ball tightly within his glove. After briefly looking at 3rd base, he lifted his leg and kicked off the mound, striding forward.
As the arm whipped past and the pitch was thrown, Ken's eyes fell upon the batter, watching his every move. A moment later, he saw the guy enter his swing and a smile couldn't help but appear on his face.
'Too early…'
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout!"
The crowd roared out, their cheers echoing through the ballpark.
Ken pumped his fist, showing some emotion after a tough fought strikeout. Usually he wasn't one to do such things, but this was the Majors. If he always kept all of his emotions inside, wouldn't he essentially just be a robot?
He flashed Daichi a grin. Having his brother here was like a dream come true, not to mention the guy was one of the best catchers he'd played with.
Thinking this, he could already imagine Steve's face if he were to hear Ken right now.
That guy was still in Double-A and would likely move up during the mid season. Hopefully he would get a chance to play against him this season.
Ken caught the ball from Daichi and shook his head, clearing any unnecessary thoughts. The final batter of the inning was Javier Abreu. He was the only player who had hit his pitch this game, though it was a lucky one.
Still, Ken felt like he needed to redeem himself.
WHOOOSH
PAH
The first pitch was a slider, its spin causing the ball to break outside the strike zone. Javier chased it, missing it by what seemed like a hairs breadth.
Ken returned to his position and took a deep breath, calming his mind. He collected the throw from Daichi and got ready once more before entering his wind up.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
This time it was a curveball that dropped as it reached the plate. It was the second time that he'd had Javier swinging at nothing but air.
There was no benefit in getting cocky though.
'Just one more pitch…'
He got the lead once more, this time a fastball on top of the strike zone.
Ken nodded.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
PAH
"Strikeout!"
"YOSHAAAA!"1
In a rare sign of emotion, Ken screamed out with triumph, clenching both his fists. The crowd seemed to feed off his energy and they erupted with a roar, turning the atmosphere electric.
Anyone would think it was the end of the game with how Ken reacted.
Daichi jogged to the mound and grinned at him, "Nice pitching big bro." He said, holding out his fist.
"I got a little carried away there." Ken admitted, bumping the outstretched fist.
As they walked to the dugout, Ken was pushed and nudged by his teammates on their way past, giving him some love.
"How are you feeling Kenny?" Mark asked, his expression serious.
"I'm fine, why? Is something wrong?"
Mark smiled, "Fine enough to finish out the game?"
Ken's eyes widened, not expecting such a question. He had been under the impression he would be taken off after this innings. After all, this was the Major League. Even the best players in the world might not be allowed to pitch the whole game.
"Of course coach. I'm ready as long as you need me." He said with a grin.
Mark nodded and pat him on the back, "Go sit on the bench and conserve your energy. I'm taking you out of the batting line up so you can rest further."
Ken's eye twitched, but he did not argue. He had already hit a home run and a single this game from 3 at-bats, he couldn't be greedy.
"Yes sir." Ken replied, heading back to the dugout.
In a certain bar in Japan, a bald headed muscular man was currently sleeping at the table, surrounded by a few others.
Shiro who was sitting opposite the large man clicked his tongue in annoyance before tossing a coaster at the sleeping fellow.
"Damn it Makoto, your shiny head is distracting me. Go home if you're gonna sleep." He hissed with anger.
However, instead of reacting, the guy began to snore.
"I wouldn't bother trying to wake him." Yuta said. He grabbed one of the napkins and placed it on top of Makoto's head, removing the glare.
"Ah much better." Shiro said, giving a thumbs up.
"Huh? Wasn't Ken meant to be batting next?" Yusuke spoke up, wearing a confused expression as he looked at the TV.
"They've probably taken Ken out of the game already. The closing pitcher will probably come out next right?" Shiro stated.
Yuta frowned, "Why would they take him off the mound? The guy is about to throw a shutout in his debut."
"Maybe they're just taking him out of the batting line up to conserve energy?" Yusuke added hopefully.
"Let's hope you're right, otherwise I'll be sending a very stern email to the Ligers." Yuta said threateningly.
"I'm sure they're quivering in their boots." Shiro laughed.
"Hey, where's Jun? I haven't seen him in a while."
Tatsuya rolled his eyes, "Jun's over there picking up that girl." He said, pointing to the far side of the bar.
The group turned and saw exactly that. However, the woman in question looked familiar.
"Miss Aoba!?" Shiro almost fell off his chair seeing the person Tatsuya was chatting up. It was their old homeroom teacher from Yokohama high.
The devil woman who had given them so much trouble during their freshman year was being hit on by an ex-student.
However, their shock only increased after they saw Miss Aoba grab Jun's hand and walk past, leading him towards the door.
Jun flashed a wink at them and followed the cougar, his face wearing a wide grin.
Basically means: LET'S GO!