Outclassed (1)

Despite radiating a fierce determination, Leo was feeling rather anxious on the inside. This only increased, when he felt the familiar burst of power from the mound as he stepped into the batters box.

They had been far too careless in the lead up to the game. Yet this current scenario was as much a result of their carelessness as it was Japan's coach's brilliance.

By using Ken as a closing pitcher and limiting his pitching arsenal, they were able to hide his true abilities from everybody in the competition.

Already, Ken had thrown 2 pitches that they'd never seen him throw before. The addition of those 2 pitches might not seem like that much, but it ripped a hole in their already shaky game plan.

Now that Leo had to worry about the changeup and slider, his window of opportunity had shrunk even more.

Leo gripped his bat tightly and stared down the freshman standing on the mound. This game had been eye opening for him in more than one way.