Time for a Change (2)

Seeing this, he balled his hands into fists, resisting the urge to punch the short guy in the face. If it wasn't for the fact that Aki had made a hit in the previous game against the US, he wouldn't have to bite his tongue.

"Don't mind Atsushi." Ken appeared from the dugout and placed his hand on the guys shoulder. 

For Ken, as long as he didn't let the US put any runs on the board, it didn't matter how long he needed to pitch for. He used to pitch 200 balls a day, 12 innings was nothing.

All they needed was one opportunity to send a runner home, he would handle the rest.

Atsushi felt the heavy hand upon his shoulder and felt comforted. There was a brightness that came from Ken's figure which seemed blinding, yet it filled him with reassurance.

As the Japanese team walked back onto the field, Leo was already swinging his bat by the side. His glare was intense as he stared at Ken with determination in his green eyes.