So with no other choice, Kaden sucked it up.
'I just have to take it…'
Now back in position, he turned to Ken and gripped his bat tightly. If the guy was going to hit him, then he just needed to be quick enough to get out of the way.
In the next moment, Ken's arm swung past, sending a blitzing fastball to the inside once again. Perhaps it was because he was so conscious of being hit, Kaden instinctively backed away from the plate, allowing the ball through to the catcher's glove.
PAH
"Strike."
'Damn it!' Kaden cursed inwardly. The ball wasn't close enough for him to panic, but subconsciously, Steve's mischievous smile was still imprinted in his mind.
Shaking his head, he got back into position and glared at Ken.
'I won't let you make a fool of me.'
PAH
"Strike."
Kaden flinched. The next ball had been slider to the outside, but he did not react in time.