The series with the New York Yanks was a tough one for the Ligers. Their batting output dropped significantly with Leo Cameron behind the plate. It was as if he knew exactly where to lead to make the batters most uncomfortable.
After losing the first 3 games against them at Comerica Park, the Ligers were given a small window of opportunity to turn things around.
In the bottom of the 9th, the score was 3-2 in favor of the Yanks with Daichi up to bat. He was wearing a serious expression, his eyes locked onto the closing pitcher Arnold Chapman.
‘Chapman is pitching poorly recently, we have a chance.’ Daichi said to himself, gripping his bat tightly.
Both Samson and Jose before him had not managed to make decent contact with the bat. As a result, they were both thrown out before even making it to first base.
The first ball came from the southpaw, a sinker that dropped quickly as it approached the plate.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
“Strike.”
Daichi frowned, his eyes moving to the big screen at the back of the stadium. He saw the speed of the pitch and realized that he’d underestimated it, not expecting a 101mph sinker this late in the game.
He stepped off the plate and rolled his shoulders, prepping for the next ball. Daichi turned to Leo and evaluated the man who had given them so much trouble these last 4 nights.
Even now, the guy’s expression was unreadable. If Daichi didn’t know any better, he might think that Leo was incapable of showing emotions.
Stepping back into the batters box, Daichi shook his head. There was no way of reading anything from the man’s facial expressions, he needed to rely on his instincts to hit the next ball.
And so he got into position and gripped the bat tightly.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
The ball flew right, into the foul zone with great speed.
“Foul.”
‘Another sinker? What is this guy trying to do?’ Daichi thought, feeling some frustration.
With only two pitches, the count was 0-2. Just a single strike would end the game, resulting in a full sweep. Not only would the fans not be happy, but the front office would likely put the blame on the coaches.
Their Detroit team was young, not even including the trio of Daichi, Ken and Rohan. While many thought of the team as a developing one, Daichi had faith that they had what it took to go deep into the post season.
This wasn’t just wishful thinking, or at least that’s what he told himself.
Daichi’s gaze moved to Ken on deck. The guy’s eyes were focused, his whole body brimming with fighting spirit, as if he wanted to step onto the field no matter what.
Seeing this, Daichi couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
‘There’s no way I can get out when he’s so fired up.’ He thought.
Daichi let out a deep breath and stepped into the batters box for the 3rd time. Whatever pressure was on his shoulders disappeared and he suddenly felt light.
‘If I get onto base, Ken will finish it. I have no doubts.’
The left handed pitcher looked at first base briefly before entering his wind up and taking a stride forward. The ball was released from his fingertips after his arm whipped past his face.
Daichi’s eyes locked onto the target and he loaded up before planting his lead leg.
WHOOOOOOSH
WHACK!
The ball catapulted from the center of the bat, into the right outfield. Daichi threw the bat aside and pinned his ears back, sprinting for the base.
The right fielder jumped into the air, diving for the ball in an attempt to catch it before it touched the ground. The whole arena seemed to hold its breath as it played out.
A roar erupted from the crowd as the ball flew past the outstretched glove of the fielder, allowing Daichi to make it all the way to 3rd base before it was thrown back to the infield.
He stepped onto 3rd and tried to catch his breath, turning to Ken who was ready to step up at the final horn.
The two brothers locked gazes. Nothing needed to be said, they both knew what the other one was thinking.
‘Finish the game.’
Ken felt his blood boiling after seeing his brother’s daring run. To hit it so well even behind in the count, he wouldn’t expect any less from Daichi.
“I guess it all comes down to me.” Ken mumbled, a smile creeping onto his face.
“Batting next, number 13… The rookie sensation, the unicorn! KEN TAKAGI!”
The crowd cheered loudly, a chant quickly forming.
“UNI-CORN”
“UNI-CORN”
Ken’s eyebrows twitched and his face reddened in embarrassment. It seemed he needed to speak with the announcer once the game ended.
As he stepped into the batters box, he glanced briefly at Leo. Over the past 4 games, Ken had only gotten 3 hits, 2 of which were in this game. It seemed that he was getting used to the guy’s leads, at least for now.
Seeing as how Leo ignored him, Ken turned his attention back to 3rd base where Daichi was waiting.
He made a few not so obvious signs to Daichi, trying to convey something. However, Ken’s gaze was secretly watching the pitcher.
Once he saw the man react, a smile crept onto his face.
With Daichi at 3rd, they could secure the tying run now and force things into extra innings. While it might not be the best move, it would certainly catch the battery off guard.
Ken went through his ritual and got into position. Just as the pitcher glanced at first base, Ken held out his bat across the plate ready to bunt.
The pitcher planted his foot and threw the ball. It sailed below the strike zone and bounced off the dirt.
Leo moved quickly, scooping the ball off the ground and swinging towards 3rd base, ready to make the throw. But Daichi had already returned to his base.