The game took a decisive turn in the top of the fifth inning. Pitcher Kitaoka, who had kept the Tokyo Chariots scoreless until now, suddenly lost his command, walking both Dueler and Ishikawa to start the inning. Hirama then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving the runners to second and third with one out.
Next up, Taketomi smashed a double over center field, driving in two runs. Despite this setback, Kitaoka showed resilience, striking out the next two batters to end the inning with only two runs surrendered, doing his job as a starter.
So far, our Shizuoka Oceans had yet to get a hit off Takita. But in the bottom of the fifth, our leadoff hitter Gooden changed that with a blistering line drive on the first pitch that sailed over the right-field fence for a solo home run. Finally, we had a run on the board.
Shimizu followed up with a double to center field, and Maehara laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing Shimizu to third. One out, runner on third—our best chance to tie the game so far.
Takahashi Koji, sharing my last name and a strong competitor, stepped into the box. Takita, perhaps overly cautious, walked him on four straight pitches. Up next was the speedy Nishitani. With a full count, he swung and missed at a wide slider for the second out.
*If Tajima can get on base, it'll be my turn with the bases loaded.*
I headed to the on-deck circle, mentally preparing. Tajima battled fiercely, fouling off pitch after pitch until he finally drew a walk. Bases loaded, two outs.
The Tokyo Chariots' infielders gathered on the mound for a conference. I glanced at the bench, half-expecting to be replaced by a pinch hitter. But neither Coach Kimitsu nor Head Coach Ichikawa made a move.
Just as I was about to step into the batter's box, batting coach Onda called me over.
"Okay, third pitch"
"Yes?"
"Go for the third pitch."
"Yes."
"Well, good luck then."
*Concise instructions, but what exactly do they mean?*
I stepped into the box, trying to figure out the strategy. Was I supposed to swing at the third pitch no matter what?
First pitch. A slider on the outside corner. I let it go. Ball one. It could easily have been called a strike. I was just following the confusing instructions to wait for the third ball.
Second pitch. A changeup low and over the plate. It seemed borderline, but the umpire called it a strike. One ball, one strike.
*I haven't even swung yet. Do they think I'm trying to walk in a run? Or maybe the opposing battery is uncertain about my strategy.*
Third pitch. A slider low and outside. I started to swing but held up. Ball two.
*I couldn't hit that pitch even if I tried.*
I glanced at Coach Onda, who nodded in approval.
Fourth pitch. A fastball high and down the middle. I swung hard and missed. Strike two. The ball seemed to stretch closer to the plate than I expected.
*He's a first-team pitcher for a reason.*
Two balls, two strikes. I was cornered. The count had been in my favor, but now the pressure was on. I stepped out of the box to compose myself, stealing a glance at the bench. The sign was clear: *hit*.
*What will he throw next?*
Takita's repertoire included sliders, changeups, cut fastballs, and forks. In this situation, a forkball could be dangerous. Even if I struck out swinging, a wild pitch could still allow a run. I focused on his slider.
Fifth pitch. A fastball down the middle? No, it was a forkball. I swung and barely made contact, fouling it off.
*An unexpected pitch, but fortunately, it was near the middle.*
Sixth pitch. A slider on the outside corner. I swung and connected, sending the ball high into right field.
*Is it going to be "what happens twice happens three times," or will the third time be the charm?*
Okatani charged in from right field. The ball hung in the air, seemingly defying gravity.
*Please, let it fall.*
I sprinted towards first base, eyes glued to Okatani. He reached out with his glove, diving for the ball.
*Is it out? Is it safe?*