"Out! 3 outs, changeover."
"YOSHAAA!" Ken pumped his fist, letting out a shout filled with adrenaline.
The crowd burst into cheers, celebrating the defensive effort. By now, the game was already over since it was 10-0, but no one was focused on that right now.
As Ken walked into the dugout, he received some serious expressions from his teammates. He could tell that they wanted to give him encouragement, but they were afraid to say anything that might jinx him.
At this, Ken let out a chuckle.
He took a seat on the bench, wanting to take every moment he could to rest. After pitching 8 straight innings, he was starting to feel quite fatigued.
The biggest strain on his body was actually his Showdown skill. After using it 3 times this match, it was to be expected.
'Good thing Grandpa took me out of the batting lineup.' Ken mused inwardly.
Technically he had the stamina to play out the whole game, but Ken was literally putting everything into every single one of his pitches. If he didn't, there was no way he wouldn't have given up a hit to this point.
'One more inning…'
After tonight, Ken wouldn't be able to pitch for at least another 4 days depending on his final pitch count at the end of the game. Since this series was a best of 5, he might not even get to pitch until the next series.
At worst, Ken only had 1 more game he could pitch in prior to the World Series. If he didn't go all out now, he might not have a chance to finish the final mission.
Of course even if he got a perfect game here, he still needed to win the World Series.
Ken shook his head, 'The system really didn't make it easy… How am I expected to do this in my very first season in the league?' he thought incredulously.
But now that he thought about it, when was anything ever easy with the system?
The Elixirs gave great benefits, but only after experiencing a ridiculous amount of pain. This wasn't all, each mission was challenging, no matter what level of baseball he was playing.
For a few moments, Ken reminisced. He remembered the countless amount of blood, sweat and tears that he'd put into his game alongside the system.
Could he have done it without the system?
Ken wished that this was the case, but it was likely not. Perhaps if he were to go back in time now with his knowledge in tact he might be able to, but if he were to start all over again, he doubted it.
"Still 3 more outs to go, how are you feeling?" Daichi sat down next to Ken and sat back, getting comfortable.
"Honestly? I'm a bit tired." Ken replied with a smile, "Want to swap places?"
Daichi scoffed, "I'd love to see you catch one day, maybe then you'll realize how much of a diva pitchers are."
Ken made sure to look offended, "How rude. I don't know about these other pitchers you deal with, but I think I'm quite reasonable."
"Yes, yes. Good job big bro." Daichi added, patting him on the head.
The two didn't speak for a while, busy watching the game from the bench as they sat in companionable silence.
"Do you think we'll be able to win the World Series this year?" Ken asked out of the blue, taking Daichi by surprise.
"That's unlike you to speak about future games. Usually you're the one saying that we need to focus on the team we're facing, after all, if we lose now we won't even get a chance to compete in the World Series." Daichi replied.
"You're right, don't mind me." Ken said with a smile, "I was getting a little too far ahead of myself."
Daichi nodded, "Just stay loose, we'll take it one batter at a time."
Meanwhile, in the crowd, Ken's family were anxiously waiting the end of the game. Chris was probably the most stressed, while Steve was already a few beers in, getting rowdy.
"Aren't you an athlete, why are you drinking?" Tara hissed.
"Eh? It's the off season for me, why can't I drink? Plus, Kenny boy is about to throw a perfect game, I'm just starting the celebration a little early." He said, letting out a belch.
"Gross."
Chris and Yuki were holding hands nervously, staring at their sons in the dugout. The last game he'd watched live was all the way back when Ken was in High School in Texas.
Even before that, it was the U18 World Cup. This was the first time he'd seen his boys play in the Majors, yet he had a mix of emotions running through him right now.
"There he is…" Chris muttered, watching Ken take the field once more in the top of the 9th. This would be the end of the game, unless he somehow gave up 10 or more runs.
He silently said a prayer, wishing for Ken to succeed.
Even though he hadn't been present that much because of work, he was always keeping an eye on his son from afar. He had heard all of the good and bad things in the media, but the worst of it was because of Ken's outrageous claims online.
If he were to throw a perfect game today, then he was two-thirds of the way to the goal he'd set at the beginning of the season.
'Please make it…' he pleaded inwardly, gripping Yuki's hand tightly.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
The first two balls were fastballs, giving the batter no choice but to swing wildly. Each time, the ball looked like it was alive as it traveled down the lane towards the plate.
PAH
"Strike two."
"Count is 0-2"
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout!"
Three fastballs in a row sent the 7th batter back to the dugout. Now that he was out, Ken only needed two more outs to get his perfect game.
Would he be able to pull through? Or would heartbreak strike?