Ignoring the eyes focused on him, Ken began his warm up throws. His arm felt light yet full of power, a good sign that he was in great form.
After around 12 throws, he gave the signal to the umpire who turned to the first batter and gestured for him to get into position.
"Batting 1st, Left Outfield, Isamu"
A dark haired teen with long legs stepped up to the plate, the pinstripe uniform making them look even longer than they perhaps were.
He wore a confident smile, almost as if he could already see victory upon the horizon.
Yet to Ken, it looked like a challenge.
'I'll wipe that smirk off your face real soon buddy.'
After getting the lead from Yuta, Ken's shoulders relaxed. Yet in the next moment his body leapt into action like a well oiled machine, sending the ball whipping out from the side.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
'Strike!"
The umpire put a large emphasis on the word, stoking the crowd into a frenzy.