The home run derby was kicked into overdrive with Leo and Daichi making it to the final round. The two had put on a show, driving each other to perform past their limits while in front of thousands of fans.
But even the fans could feel the tension between the two participants. This was particularly the case between Ken and Ryan, the two pitchers for the derby participants.
Very few people would remember the history that these two pitchers had, dating back to the U18 World Cup at this very arena. Even if they did, that was over 6 years ago.
So while many people enjoyed the derby lightheartedly, the two groups were secretly going all out in order to beat the other.
When the final round started, Leo got off to a blitzing start. With only 2 minutes on the clock, he went hard from the beginning, hitting home run after home run in a short period of time.
By the time the initial 2 minutes was over, he already had 14 home runs. Then there was the 60-second bonus time allocated after a 30 second break.
Ken and Daichi watched on from the sidelines, their eyes never leaving the duo.
"He's hitting it well. The guy doesn't even look tired." Daichi said, his expression serious.
Ken nodded. He'd already seen Leo's stamina grade, so he had no doubt the guy could probably hit for another 5 minutes without breaking a sweat.
By the time Leo was finished, he had hit a total of 24 home runs, a monster score for the final round. If this was any other derby, the crowd might have thought that this score would mean an instant win.
But there was something in the air within the stadium that made a comeback seem possible.
"You ready little bro?" Ken asked, patting his brother on the shoulder.
"Yeah, we just need 25 home runs right?"
"Yep, let's do this."
The two bumped fists before heading to their respective positions. Ken's eyes moved to the official and waited for his signal. The only thing he needed to worry about was putting the ball in the right position every time.
Daichi would have to handle the rest.
"Begin!"
Ken threw the first ball, perfectly weighted towards the spot.
THWACKK
He didn't need to look to know that the first hit was a monster, nor did he have time. For the next two minutes, Ken poured all of his focus into sending the ball right where his brother wanted it.
"Okay stop."
The two minute mark was reached and Daichi was feeling the fatigue already. He placed his bat down and took a drink of water, shaking his arms and stretching his back.
"17 in the first two minutes, not bad. That's 3 more than Leo's score." Ken said with a grin.
Daichi didn't respond, he was too busy trying to recover in the 30-second break.
"Alright guys, you've got 30 seconds to hit as many as possible in the next round." The official said, speaking to Daichi.
"Wait, shouldn't it be 60 seconds?" Ken asked with confusion.
However, the man shook his head. "He only hit 1 over 440 feet, therefore you only get 30 seconds of bonus time."
At this, Ken frowned. They were at a big disadvantage with only half the bonus time that Leo had received in the final round. Getting 8 home runs in only 30 seconds might prove to be difficult.
"Okay, head back to your position, the time is about to start." The official said.
"You need to go all out, reckon you can do it?" Ken asked.
Instead of responding, Daichi gave him a thumbs up, preserving his breath.
Ken smiled. If there was anyone who could come in clutch, it was his brother. With confidence, Ken returned to the mound and waited for the word to begin.
"Your 30 seconds starts… Now!"
WHACK
THWACKK
THWACKK
Ken kicked up his pitching frequency, doing his best to make sure that Daichi got as many balls as he could during the final 30 seconds. Before he knew it, the buzzer went off and it had all come to an end.
The crowd were roaring, filling Ken with hope. He turned to the jumbo screen and looked at the number.
"YOSHAAAAA!"
Ken pumped his fist and ran over to his brother, launching himself onto the guy. It was funny, he seemed far more pleased than Daichi himself for actually winning the home run derby.
"You did it bro!" Ken said, grinning from ear to ear.
Daichi laughed, "We did it." He said, swinging Ken around in his arms.
The Japanese duo had managed to get 25 home runs, beating Leo and Ryan by 1 at the final horn. To still win after having 30 seconds less time than their opponent was something to be proud of.
While they were celebrating, Leo and Ryan appeared close by to come congratulate them. Despite their rivalry, they were all professional athletes at the end of the day.
"Congratulations." Leo said, holding out his hand.
"Thanks, it was a good match." Daichi replied smilingly.
Ken and Ryan on the other hand just stared at each other from the side for a while. It seemed that neither one wanted to make the first move to greet the other.
After a brief standoff, the organizer came over and told Daichi what was going to happen next. He was eventually brought in front of a camera and given the trophy, the iconic two silver bats.
There was an interview and then the festivities afterwards. Some of the players were going out for an after party, but Ken and Daichi decided to stay at the hotel instead.
With the All-star game the following night, neither wanted to be hungover the next day.
"Japan wins again." Ken said in the cab ride home, wearing a smug expression.
Daichi laughed, "You know we were just representing ourselves out there right?"
Ken shrugged, "We're Japanese, we're always representing Japan." He replied simply.