episode_0373

– Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho!

“Wow! A home run, where did that come from?”

“Wasn’t it almost a line drive that went over? You hit it right, didn’t you?”

As I returned after hitting a home run, my teammates greeted me. After the intense celebration ended, Choi Jin-cheol, who had talked to me yesterday, handed me some words before heading to the on-deck circle.

“Maeng-ho, didn’t you say just until yesterday that you wouldn’t push too hard?”

“Well, you have to win one round first. Hehe.”

Until yesterday, I hadn’t wanted to push this hard. In fact, until I went out for practice today, I had planned to adjust my timing by watching the pitchers’ balls, but today, I couldn’t bear it.

“Kid, nice home run.”

“Yes, senior, hit a home run too!”

Honestly, hitting a home run was somewhat lucky. I didn’t think I would hit it, but rather just pass it, but the ball came outside at the right time, and it seemed like good timing.

‘It seems like my condition is good today.’

‘Even if it’s not good, you have to pass it.’

‘Huh?’

‘I’m meeting an idol. First impressions matter, right?’

Moreover, today, Ju-hee’s ideal type is someone sexy when doing their main job. I was sure of this since I checked before the game started. Showing a great performance inside the baseball stadium would definitely earn extra points.

‘Since she’s an idol, it won’t be easy, right? Let’s score here first.’

Lea was a bit awkward since we were friends from the start, not just acquaintances like with Gia. I couldn’t miss this opportunity. Looking back now, they made quite a good pair, so I was relieved that I didn’t interfere, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to be with an idol either.

“Maeng-ho’s eyes look strange today?”

“He always looks like that.”

“What’s strange about it? Just trust me in today’s game.”

While confidently assuring my teammates, Jun-hoo, today’s starting pitcher, approached.

“Hyung… Is it because it’s my game today?”

“What nonsense. Focus on getting ready to pitch.”

Ignoring Jun-hoo’s random remarks, I focused on Seung-yoon’s pitching form as he threw the ball.

‘Indeed, it’s the perfect ball for my current state.’

…But it seemed different to others. The first inning ended with Gisang-ju and Choi Jin-cheol getting consecutive outs.

‘Alright. The flow is good.’

Normally, I might have been a bit annoyed by such a sight, but not today. I could confidently show my impressive side to Ju-hee.

“I turned twenty this year, right? When she dances, she’s cute and sexy, but what about on the bed?”

Just thinking about her on the bed made me feel aroused already.

‘Hold on. There’s still plenty of game left.’

With these thoughts, there was no room for distractions. I had to focus perfectly on today’s game.

‘I seem more focused than during the Korean Series.’

‘Of course. Winning can happen anytime. Missing the chance with the idol could be the end.’

“Hehe, that’s right. Missed opportunities don’t come back.”

It felt like Rossby and I were connecting after a long time. I was more focused than ever to not miss this opportunity.

Thwack!

So, even when Ju-seung-chul’s hit went over the wall, I wasn’t bothered. Although we were immediately behind 2:1, this was an opportunity for me to shine.

And then came the second at-bat.

– Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho!

With the eighth batter Baek Jung-jin reaching base, a chance with two outs and a runner on first emerged. As I stepped into the batter’s box, the loud cheers of the fans faded away. Of course, the fans were probably still chanting my cheer song and shouting, but all I felt was myself, the pitcher, and Ms. Rossby.

“The pitch?”

“It’s a fastball.”

“Strike!”

From the first pitch, Na Seung-yoon’s fastball pierces through. The radar on the scoreboard shows a speed of 153 km/h.

“Phew, let’s consider it just another ball.”

“The next one will be a slider.”

“Got it.”

Hoping to place it in the strike zone, I maintain focus, waiting for his pitch. In a two-out situation, Na Seung-yoon winds up without worrying about the runner, and then his arm swings wide.

“Huh?”

The slider seems to break sharply. Since I was already anticipating an off-speed pitch, it was the perfect timing for me. With a swing I’ve practiced countless times beautifully connecting,

Thud – Crack!

A sensation akin to the bat resonating with the ball is felt in my hands after a long time. As I follow through with my swing and watch the hit, Ju Seung-cheol, who was chasing after my hit, suddenly stops and starts looking towards the scoreboard.

Thunk!

Could it be my imagination that I hear the sound of the ball hitting the scoreboard from here? And as soon as that sound reaches my ears, the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd pierce through.

-Wow!!!!

-Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho!

I raise my fist towards the fans cheering my name fervently and head towards first base. Then, on my way back home, I see Lea sitting at the table seats and Ju-hee, who did the ceremonial first pitch today. Even though he’s wearing Han Cheol’s uniform, he looks beautiful in that attire.

“Ju-hee, you’re watching, right?”

Na Seung-yoon, the rising star of Han Cheol, throwing such a pitch—it really felt good today.

“Alright, let’s give Mr. First Impression a hit!”

I have at least two more at-bats left, possibly three. Today, I had a feeling that I could show something more.

*

[Ji Maeng-ho’s massive home run hitting the scoreboard! We’re back in the lead!]

“Oh, so after Ju Seung-cheol hits a home run, Ji Maeng-ho follows suit immediately? This game has a lot to offer.”

“Wow, did he hit such a home run? It’s almost like he lined it up with the scoreboard? According to the latest data, the exit velocity reached a whopping 194.3 km/h. It’s the highest record this season.”

“Did a home run clearing the center field wall achieve that speed? Usually, that kind of speed comes when pulling the ball, so clearing the center field wall at this speed speaks volumes about Ji Maeng-ho’s hitting prowess.”

“He hits a push home run in the first inning, and a center field-clearing home run in the third. Home run king Ji Maeng-ho. Truly remarkable, isn’t he? He can hit it anywhere.”

“What a terrifying batter. Personally, I feel like Korea might be too small for this player.”

“I can’t wait to see this player perform against major leaguers on the Olympic stage. The Olympics are just around the corner.”

“That’s right. Barring any injuries, his spot on the national team is confirmed. Ji Maeng-ho, the player.”

Despite Ji Maeng-ho’s two-run homer in the third inning tilting the atmosphere towards the AT Thunderz, Han Cheol’s recent momentum was at a considerable level.

“Kim Dong-jin and Kim Jung-hyun with consecutive hits! With runners on first and third with no outs, Han Cheol steps up to the plate. And here comes this man. Ju Seung-cheol enters.”

“Ju Seung-cheol, despite heading towards mid-June, has appeared in 63 games this season with a batting average of .392, including 20 home runs, a .489 on-base percentage, a .750 slugging percentage, and 53 RBIs, leading in all offensive categories except steals and runs scored this season.”

“Wow, those are truly impressive stats.”

[Last year, Ji Maeng-ho raised the expectations of baseball fans, so it’s not surprising that Joo Seung-cheol’s record is quite impressive. Of course, we don’t know what will happen if out-of-the-park hitter Ji Maeng-ho fills the regulation batter’s box, but Joo Seung-cheol remains an outstanding player.]

[Now, Joo Seung-cheol, who is preparing to surpass his father’s record, steps up to bat! He swings! Joo Seung-cheol’s first pitch hit! It hits the wall and drops down! Runner scores from home plate! Joo Seung-cheol reaches second base! He stops at second base! Once again, Han Cheol Grizzlies turn the game around by adding two more runs! Today’s game at Jamsil is a hitting battle!]

[Ah, Joo Seung-cheol and Ji Maeng-ho. These two players have been known for their intense matchups since last year, and today is no exception.]

[Joo Seung-cheol, who scored 4 RBIs in just 3 innings! Will Im Jun-hu not last long? Kim Chan-young is warming up in the bullpen.]

Thus, Im Jun-hu took to the mound today to protect AT’s starting lineup, sending Joo Seung-cheol home and finishing the game with 3 innings and 5 earned runs.

“Ah, damn it, Im Jun-hu, that brat, I knew since he started dating girls.”

“He seemed to be pitching well, but turns out he’s got issues.”

“Jun-hu! Are you scared of Maeng-ho?! How many runs do you need to pitch well?!”

Even as fans gathered at Jamsil to cheer on AT, criticizing the starting pitcher, in stark contrast, there was a player in the AT dugout smiling.

“A 2-run difference? Well, that’s how it goes. This is getting interesting.”

It was Ji Maeng-ho, excited at the thought of becoming the hero.

[Is the camera capturing Ji Maeng-ho’s expression? Despite the team losing, Ji Maeng-ho is smiling. What could this smile mean?]

[Probably signifies trust in his teammates, right?]

[Now, in the top of the 4th inning, Choi Jin-cheol’s second at-bat. He recorded a flyout to left field in his first at-bat.]

“Although it was a flyout to left field, the contact was solid, wasn’t it?”

“Na Seung-yoon facing Choi Jin-cheol’s first pitch. It’s a ball. … Choi Jin-cheol! He hits it! Splits the gap in left-center field! Choi Jin-cheol heads to second base! Leadoff hitter Choi Jin-cheol with a double! AT is starting to regain momentum.”

[5:3. Despite the 2-run difference, considering AT’s batting lineup, it’s not a comfortable lead. Na Seung-yoon needs to focus.]

“…Kim Soo-ho! He doesn’t even flinch at this pitch! The result is a ball! Kim Soo-ho walks with a full count, reaching base on balls!”

“Kim Soo-ho sets up nicely with that walk.”

“Now stepping up to the plate is Yoon Sung-tae. He holds a .284 batting average this season with 5 home runs. …Yoon Sung-tae’s hit! Drops behind the right fielder! Kim Jung-hyun couldn’t catch this hit! Runner Choi Jin-cheol heads home, and runner Kim Soo-ho also dashes home! 5:5! The AT Thunderz tie the game despite Yoon Sung-tae being tagged out at third!”

“Yoon Sung-tae tried to save the runner coming home by going to third base, but Kim Jung-hyun’s strong arm caught him. Still, Yoon Sung-tae seems satisfied, right?”

“The dugout erupts in cheers for AT. Oh, Ji Maeng-ho looks somewhat serious, doesn’t he?”

“Now, as his turn at bat approaches, he’s focusing, right? Even though it’s tied now, he feels it’s not enough. This passion for baseball has made Ji Maeng-ho one of the best players in the country, right? Haha.”

After seeing Ji Maeng-ho’s different demeanor following the tie, the broadcasters praised him, but the hero of the tying run, Yoon Sung-tae, approached Maeng-ho.

“Hey! You’re grinning like a fool even after I hit the tying run, what’s up with that?”

“Oh, come on. Don’t talk to me. Anyway, it’s not helping.”

“What’s wrong? I hit the tying run, why the attitude?”

“Let it go.”

“Ah, I got it. Well, sorry. I should have stayed on third base. Anyway, they say they’re strict about plays.”

That was Yoon Seongtae apologizing for his mistake, but he couldn’t realize that wasn’t the reason for Ji Maengho’s anger.