episode_0283

“Hey! Watch as many pitches as you can, those Taiwanese guys are nothing without Chen Jianhao anyway.”

“I’ll handle it.”

“Huh? Hey! Ji Maeng-ho! …Ah, that guy…”

Ignoring the hitting coach’s call, he walked towards the batter’s box. Watch as many pitches as possible? That wasn’t feasible. Standing in the batter’s box to increase the pitch count was akin to declaring defeat.

“Do I really have to listen to the coach?”

“It’s the final game anyway. And when did Ross B start caring about that?”

“Heh, true.”

“Then let’s give it a proper shot this time.”

The first at-bat’s failure stemmed from giving up strikes too quickly. Surrendering two strikes early meant being dragged into a tough situation.

Not knowing where the home plate umpire set the strike zone was also a reason for conceding two strikes early. The home plate umpire had a generous style on the outside corner for right-handed batters. Being mindful of this fact would prevent getting into a tough count too soon like before.

“After observing him for a round, his command seems quite effective today. He’s focused for the finals. So, we’ll wait for the right moment.”

While devising a strategy to tackle Chen Jianhao, Ju Seung-cheol watched seven pitches and eventually went out.

“Tsk, he keeps targeting the outside with right-handed batters.”

Recalling the trajectory of the guy from the first at-bat, he stepped into the batter’s box again. Perhaps due to securing two outs, the guy appeared more relaxed.

“The first pitch will be a slider.”

“Okay.”

Left-handed pitchers usually didn’t throw sliders to right-handed batters. Left-handers’ sliders curved towards the batter’s body, making it easy for the hitter to get hit if not careful.

However, Chen Jianhao was a pitcher who threw such sliders backdoor. A backdoor slider that flew outside but grazed the outer strike zone. It was easy to lay off but challenging to turn into a hit, precisely his backdoor slider.

“He might throw it like that again this time?”

Without enough confidence, it wouldn’t be easy to throw such a pitch, but the guy was a major leaguer. He likely aimed for the far side of the strike zone.

“It’s outside, so push it slightly… here it comes.”

Finally, the pitcher wound up. And the pitch was released. As expected, it started coming from the outside.

Thunk!

Feeling the connection at the bat’s end, the ball curved out to the right. A hit towards the first-base stands.

“Tsk, mistimed it.”

After fouling, looking at the pitcher’s expression, it still exuded a self-assured demeanor.

“Look at that expression. He wants to crush me.”

“Don’t get distracted, focus on the game.”

“Got it.”

“It’s another slider this time.”

“Again?”

“Yes.”

Honestly, if sliders kept coming like this, even I felt pressured. Because the home plate umpire was lenient on the outside.

If the umpire hadn’t been lenient on the outside, I would’ve just let the ball go, creating a walk. But given the umpire’s style, I had no choice but to touch the ball. Also, there was hesitation since I didn’t think a good hit would come even if I swung.

“So, this is what being a major leaguer is like?”

Honestly, until before the game, I had disregarded him as an ordinary major leaguer, but seeing him grasp the umpire’s tendencies and methodically strategize made me acknowledge him as a major leaguer.

“Last time it curved slightly late to the right, so this time, a bit faster…!”

When I tried to swing the bat again, I felt like it was slightly further away than before. The moment I sensed that trajectory, I held onto the bat I was about to swing with the strength of my wrist.

“Ball!”

And the call for a ball was declared.

“So, who said to throw the same pitch twice in a row?”

“……! ……!”

Although the catcher and I spoke in different languages, as fellow baseball players, I felt like I could understand what he was saying.

“[Yeah, yeah. You’re scared it might hit you, so you pulled back a bit from before, right? Got it, buddy.]”

“What are you saying?”

“It’s a fastball.”

“Okay.”

Two sliders, and a fastball. Knowing that his pitching repertoire was expanding, perhaps he wanted to quickly determine the outcome? If I aimed right, now was the time!

After focusing on each of his movements, I swung the bat the moment his pitch entered the strike zone.

Thwack – Crack!

The satisfying feel. I tossed the bat aside just as the hit was flying towards the left field wall, unable to contain my excitement as I yelled out.

“Hey!”

So, as I headed towards first base with my fist raised,

“Hey! Run!”

The third base coach’s shout reached me. Reflexively looking towards the outfield, I saw the ball hitting the wall and bouncing into the left fielder’s glove.

“Damn it!”

I continued to pick up speed, stepping on first base and running towards second base.

“Ross B! Where’s the ball?!”

“I threw it. Shortstop! Slide at second base!”

“Okay.”

Preparing to slide, I slipped towards second base, feeling the ball brush past my thigh as I slid in.

“Safe!”

And the umpire’s safe call at second base.

“Phew, that was close.”

Suddenly, my heart started racing faster as I picked myself up and caught my breath. As I lay there, the coach approached and helped me up.

“That was risky. You know that, right?”

“Yeah. I thought I was going to make it. Coach. Wasn’t I supposed to make it?”

“That’s right. Can’t you even slide properly?”

“Sigh….”

While the hit felt solid, I thought I would make it with this timing…

“I hit slightly lower.”

“Is that so?”

Hmm, yesterday they said he had a strong fastball for an Asian, and indeed, his control seemed good.

“If it were KBA, it would have gone over even at Jamsil.”

I should have hit more accurately, feeling a tinge of regret.

“Here, your glove.”

“I’ll put it on right away. It’s two outs anyway.”

“Do as you please. You have the green light anyway.”

After getting the coach’s permission, I brushed off the dirt on my uniform and waited for the next batter, Lee Yong-gi, to step up to the plate. While it wasn’t a home run, reaching second base put us in a scoring position, and advancing to third could put pressure on the pitcher. I prepared to run to increase the pressure on the pitcher.

“Are you going to run?”

Lee Yong-gi, standing at the plate, communicated with his eyes.

“Yes.”

I nodded slightly in response and awaited the pitcher’s changeup.

“It’s a changeup.”

A changeup he hadn’t shown me before. I immediately prepared to run. As the ball headed towards home plate,

“Safe!”

I could steal third base with ample timing.

“Indeed, the catcher seems lower in skill compared to KBA.”

However, whether it was due to the stolen base not rattling Chen Jianhao or not, Lee Yong-gi struck out in just five pitches, squandering our first scoring chance.

“Phew, I’ve got the timing down now. Look forward to the next one.”

With that, I had to console myself with a sense of disappointment as I made my way back to the dugout.

“Chen, how are you feeling?”

“I can throw a bit more.”

“Alright. I’m counting on you a bit longer.”

Director’s words made Chen Jianhao nod his head. The Asian Games, drawn in preparation for the 2024 LA Olympics, which could be the last Olympics to host baseball. Chen Jianhao participated with a light heart, but his expression darkened as he faced tougher games than expected.

“So far, 71 pitches. If I throw about 40 more, I can hold out for about 2 innings.”

As Chen Jianhao planned the remaining innings, Taiwan’s batters were quickly being dismissed.

“These trash bastards, they’re just making time to rest.”

Watching Taiwan’s batters helplessly getting out against the 100 mph pitches of the Korean pitcher, Chen Jianhao cursed inwardly.

“Sigh… Those guys are coming out trying to increase their pitch count as much as possible. It’s risky from the next inning onwards, but we have to play fast.”

Though Chen Jianhao intended to play quickly, one batter caught his attention—Korea’s 4th batter, Ji Maeng-ho.

Back when he was in the Major Leagues, news had spread of a .400 hitter emerging in Korea, but Chen Jianhao scoffed internally at the news.

“I thought he was just some low-level KBA player…”

However, Ji Maeng-ho, whom he faced directly, was a skilled batter, touted in the media. Not easily hitting a forkball that even first-time encounters struggle with, Ji Maeng-ho sent a well-placed fastball towards the fence for a double in his second at-bat, a pitch praised even in the Major Leagues.

The ability to produce extra-base hits against a pitcher faced for the first time in two at-bats. If he gets used to his pitches by the third at-bat…

“Chen! Get up! It’s the bottom of the 5th.”

“Already?”

As Chen Jianhao contemplated Ji Maeng-ho’s approach, Taiwan’s offensive ended in the top of the 5th, and it was his turn. With a sigh, Chen Jianhao ascended the mound swiftly.

“Out!”

“Strike! Out!”

Executing his plan during the break, Chen Jianhao swiftly dealt with Korea’s batters.

“He’s out!”

Although he allowed a hit to the 8th batter,

“Out!”

he stopped South Korea’s 5th inning attack by catching the 9th batter.

“Maybe I can relax a bit now…”

Contrary to Chen Jianhao’s hopes, knowing the 6th inning was his last, Jang Woo-joo unleashed all his remaining strength, ending Taiwan’s 6th inning attack weakly.

“Darn it. This inning’s lineup is… Kim, Kim, Joo. And if anyone gets on base, that guy. This inning will be crucial.”

A third encounter with a daunting batter.

“Out!”

“Out!”

Like a true Major Leaguer, Chen Jianhao overcame the pressure and struck out the first two batters. Then came Ju Seung-cheol’s turn.

“If I can get this guy out, I won’t have to face Ji Maeng-ho this inning.”

Perhaps due to the thought of catching Ju Seung-cheol and ending the inning, Chen Jianhao’s pitching, known for its razor-sharp precision against South Korea, faltered, and Ju Seung-cheol took advantage.

Thwack!

A hit escaping between the second baseman and first baseman.

“Darn it!”

Though Chen Jianhao cursed inwardly, he couldn’t show weakness, so he hid his true feelings behind a confident facade, as always.

“Well, at least I can handle a tough batter this inning, so it’s good.”

After quickly regaining control of his mind, Chen Jianhao faced Ji Maeng-ho with fiery determination.

“This guy, who does he think he can intimidate with that look?”

And Ji Maeng-ho’s fiery gaze ignited Chen Jianhao’s competitive spirit. As a baseball player who made it to the Major Leagues, Chen Jianhao naturally harbored tremendous competitive drive.

“Sure, you want to give it a try too?”

In reality, the Asian Games were quite a low-level competition for Chen Jianhao, the Major Leaguer. Japan, whom he faced in the preliminaries, was no different, and powerful contender Korea didn’t catch his eye either. However, if there was one batter that caught his attention, it was Korea’s cleanup hitter, Ji Maeng-ho.

Certainly, Ji Maeng-ho must be feeling the same emotions as himself. The feeling that only batters and pitchers who directly compete in the game can feel! In the midst of the showdown that led him into the world of baseball, Chen Jianhao’s heart raced.

The eyes of the two met between the batter’s box and the mound, and they both exchanged small smiles simultaneously.

“Ball.”

“Strike!”

“Ball.”

“Foul!”

“Foul!”

“Ball.”

“Foul!”

“Foul!”

Throughout this tournament, the battle between the two players displaying the highest level of concentration led to a full count. And Chen Jianhao instinctively felt unease.

“This guy is getting the timing right. This won’t do. If this continues…”

And Chen Jianhao made a firm decision. He would throw a changeup. For a left-handed pitcher not to throw a changeup to a right-handed batter was a huge penalty, but knowing that the guy could hit the changeup like a ghost, Chen Jianhao had sealed it until now.

But now, if he threw a changeup to the guy who was timing the fastball on a full count…

“Yes, there’s no way a batter timing the fastball at this moment can hit a changeup. I haven’t seen such a batter so far. If I throw a changeup now, this is the timing.”

In a full count situation where he had to get the ball out, a batter timing the fastball hitting a changeup? Such a batter had never been seen even in the Major Leagues. Chen Jianhao signaled for a changeup to the catcher.

Then, with all his might, the ball left Chen Jianhao’s hand,

Thud – Crack!

A cheerful sound echoed through the baseball field.