“Welcome once again to Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Ligers. Today they’ll be facing the Houston Arrow’s in the American League Championship Series. I’m your host, Bob Carney and as always I’m joined by my Bill Cartwright. Bill, what do you think of this match up?”
“Well Bob, I think it’s going to be ferocious. Both these teams have a stellar defense, each topping their division’s runs allowed category. I think today’s game will especially be a treat.”
“Yes, I believe so too. From the Ligers, Ken Takagi will be starting on the mound. The rookie has been absolutely sensational in both the regular season and post season. He’s led the league in ERA, K/9 and broken 2 records already.”
“Let’s not forget the perfect game that he threw in the Division Series, I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.”
“You’re right Bill, as will I. Many are calling for Ken to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. I daresay he has a good case for it.”
“I’d say he’s a lock for the Cy Young award, though Ryan Smith has been pitching lights out since the All-Star break. I wouldn’t be surprised if either were to receive it.”
“Speaking of Ryan, the Miami Blue Marlin’s and Philadelphia will be duking it out in the National League Championship Series. We could very well possibly see Ken vs Ryan in the World Series Bill.”
“Oh man, wouldn’t that be a sight to see? Well, it looks like the formalities are done, the umpire has called the start of the game.”
“You’re right. Ken Takagi takes the mound to face off against Jeremy Altuve. Will we see Ken’s domination continue?”
Unaware of the words of the commentators, Ken stood upon the mound to face the first batter of the night. This past week had been good, allowing him to get some proper rest.
He felt refreshed and ready to go. His eyes moved to Daichi behind the plate and nodded.
Ken had thrown his all into studying alongside Daichi for this very moment. He had to win this series no matter what, otherwise the system would disappear, leaving him stranded without a paddle.
Ken lifted his front leg and kicked off the plate, striding forward before whipping his arm and letting the ball rip from his fingertips.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
“Strike.”
3 digits showed up on the jumbo screen, followed by a loud cheer from the crowd.
104mph.
Such a speed was blinding, especially with how close the mound and home plate were. Just a single blink was enough to ruin anyone’s timing against Ken’s fastball.
With Daichi’s leads, Ken kicked off the game with ferocity. In only 10 pitches, the first 3 batters were sent back to the dugout, half in disbelief.
It was one thing seeing the pitches from far away, but actually facing them was another matter entirely.
When it was time for Detroit to head up to bat, Frank Valdez was waiting for them on the mound. Just as the Coach had said, this guy was the starting pitcher for Houston.
“You gonna go for a home run from the start?” Ken asked his brother, leaning back on the bench.
“That depends on if there are any runners on base.” Daichi replied nonchalantly.
“Eh? Shouldn’t you just try to hit a home run every time?”
Daichi shook his head, deciding to ignore Ken. He turned to the field and watched the first pitch.
PAH
“Strike.”
The sound of the ball striking the leather catchers glove was resounding, showing just how much power was in the pitch. But that wasn’t the worrying part.
“That curveball is ridiculous…” Daichi muttered, his tone appreciative.
Ken frowned, “I think mine is better.”
“It is now, but not by much.”
Ken grumbled in response, but he chose not to argue the small details. Of course if he were to compare his speed with Frank Valdez’s he would blow him out of the water.
‘I guess we all have our strengths and weaknesses.’ He mused inwardly.
Valdez threw a mixture of curveballs, sinkers and fastballs, each with different movements, making life extremely difficult for the Ligers.
In under 10 pitches, the first inning came to an end. Ryan and Adrian hit grounders for an easy run out, whereas Jose Baez sent a fly ball into the outfield for a catch.
It was a little underwhelming for the Ligers who would usually score from the start, but the crowd didn’t seem too worried. Chants of MVP resounded throughout the ballpark as Ken walked to his spot on the mound at the start of the 2nd inning.
Ken couldn’t help but smile. Though he was really just happy that the Unicorn chant was no longer happening.
“Batting 4th for the Arrow’s, 3rd base, Allan Bregman.” The tepid voice of the announcer spoke over the ballpark speakers, introducing the next batter.
Ken’s eyes narrowed. This guy was the clean up hitter for Houston, someone who Ken had been studying alongside Daichi for the past week or so.
This was probably the first time that Ken got an insight into what Daichi did when studying opponents. It turned out he was a percentage guy, making leads based on the available data and nuances of each batter.
Such a tactic was even more viable now that he was in the Major League, since the data was more readily available to anyone who was studious enough to look.
Even from his position on the mound, Ken’s keen eyes could see the confident expression on his brother’s face. It was as if he was telling Ken not to even bother worrying.
Ken smiled, feeling warm. He nodded and got into position, ready to find the open glove once more.
‘Oh crap, I should probably use Showdown.’ He mused.
[Confirmed. Activating Showdown on Allan Bregman.]
In the next moment, Ken felt his muscles fill with power. A sense of strength and euphoria assaulted him.