Breakthrough (1)

"3 outs, changeover!"

The plate umpire called an end to the bottom of the 6th inning with Ken once again putting the US batters in place. If even the clean-up batters had no chance against him, then the tail end of the batting order surely would not either.

The US team took the field for the start of the 7th inning. Since there had been no hits or bases taken, they were up against the beginning of the Japanese batting order once more.

Riku took the field, his usual happy-go-lucky attitude nowhere to be found. He wore a serious expression as he made his way towards the batters box, not happy with his performance so far.

'I'll hit it this time…' He said inwardly.

"Batting 1st, Left outfield, Riku."

Ryan's expression contained a veiled scowl when he looked at Japan's lead-off batter. Yet this only served to pump Riku up even more.

WHOOOOSH

PAH

"Strike"