Some time later, the Raiders arrived at Publix field ready for the game. Since it was their home ground, the Ligers took to the field first with Terry on the mound for the first inning.
Ken's eyes drifted to his grandfather whose eyes were locked onto the field. He had barely spoken to him this entire week. At first he had been a little surprised, but he received a message on the second day.
Apparently Mark wanted to keep his distance, so that no one could accuse him of nepotism. He wanted to judge everyone fairly and avoid any unnecessary issues that could arise due to their relationship.
Of course even if he did this, there would always be those who would talk behind their backs if Ken and Daichi made it into the team. But there was nothing that could be done about such people.
"Why do you think they used Terry?" Daichi who was sitting next to Ken asked.
Ken thought for a little while, "I'd say he'll probably become the second starting pitcher this season."
"You're probably right. He does have a lot of speed."
The game started and right on queue, Terry sent a blitzing fastball down the outside and into the glove of the catcher.
PAH
The sound was crisp.
Ken nodded. Even though the guy couldn't throw as fast as him, his fastball had some good movement.
'This is probably where experience comes into play.' Ken thought.
The next pitch was called and a slider soon came snaking towards the plate.
WHACK!
'Eh?'
The ball was struck into right field for an easy two base hit. Ken raised his eyebrow in confusion. The slider was one of Terry's best pitches, yet it was picked off so easily.
"That was the catchers fault." Daichi said, as if sensing his confusion.
"Hmm? How do you know?"
"There's no way his slider should be picked off that easily. The catcher didn't even let Terry's arm warm up properly before calling the pitch. As a catcher, its your job to understand the pitcher's form." Daichi explained matter-of-factly.
"I see…" Ken was not game enough to challenge Daichi on his knowledge. The guy was one of the most hardworking and studious people he ever met, chances are, he was correct.
Ken looked to his grandfather who was currently wearing a frown.
'He probably knows it as well.' Ken thought.
However, the game continued and through sheer force, Terry was able to keep the Raiders at bay. Two strikeouts and a fly ball into the outfield was enough to get through the inning.
Unfortunately for the Ligers, without their usual players, they also got only a single hit in the 1st inning before being forced back onto the field.
The game was back and forth with no real scoring opportunities until the top of the 4th inning where a home run was struck from the middle of the bat and straight into the stands.
With a solo home run, the Ligers were now down 0-1.
Coach Williams, Ken's grandfather seemed to have had enough by then. He poked his head into the dugout and made a call. "Daichi, Rohan, you guys are up."
Without waiting for an answer, he walked onto the field and spoke to the plate umpire.
"Good luck guys, give em' hell." Ken said with a smile.
He could see the excitement on Rohan's face, while Daichi was expressionless.
"You're not nervous are you?" Ken asked in Japanese as his brother was getting his gear on.
"Nervous? It's only a practice match. I've played in way bigger games than this." Daichi replied off-handedly. However, Ken could see that the guy's hands were shaking slightly as he tried to fasten his chest protector.
Ken smiled wryly, but he did not call the guy out. As Daichi said, this game was merely a practice, but his performance would likely dictate if he made the 26-man roster at the end of the day.
Ken pat him on the shoulder a couple of times before leaving him be.
They soon made their way onto the field, replacing the current battery.
Ken couldn't help but feel nervous in his brother's stead. To him, playing alongside Daichi for a Major League team was the goal he'd been chasing all this time.
While it was still one of his goals, it was no longer the most important. However, having Daichi on the team would no doubt increase the teams chances of making it to the World Series and therefore helping his ultimate goal.
To become as famous as possible and anchor the universe.
This statement on its own sounded ridiculous, even now. But Ken had no choice but to believe it as the truth. If he failed, there would be no time for regret.
Everyone in this reality would disappear, including all of those he loved and cherished.
Once he completed his goal, then Ken could worry about actually living his life the way he wanted to.
PAH
The first ball struck and Ken's thoughts were brought back to the present. His eyes moved to Rohan on the mound who looked to be filled with determination.
Rohan would be another person who would increase their chances at victory this season.
Having been on the Columbia Bobcats for 3 years prior, Ken knew what it was like to be without any proper star power. Apart from Brian, Steve and Ayden, the other players were a little lacking compared to the competition.
While they could win in their own conference, the issues began in the post season when they faced much better teams.
But from what he'd seen already, the Ligers had a deep pitching rotation, especially if he included himself and Rohan into the mix. Not only that, their batting lineup was fierce, especially if himself and Daichi were added into the mix.
'We just need to make the team and we'll have the ability to make it far this season…' Ken thought, his hand clutching into a fist.
PAH
"Strikeout!"