Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 325

#324. It’s His Turn to Pitch

Every year, the Major League Baseball draft sees intense competition among amateur players from over 10,000 high school and college baseball teams in the United States, as well as players from neighboring countries like Canada, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.

Out of that immense pool, only about 600 players are drafted by Major League teams each year.

If that isn’t daunting enough, what are the odds that a drafted player will make it through all the minor league levels, wear a big league uniform, and win the competition against other players to become a starter?

In that sense, the players currently starting in Major League Baseball are more than qualified to be called exceptional.

However,

people have come to realize that there are levels even among exceptional players.

It’s impossible to group a player like Han Su-hyeok, who is setting all-time Major League records this season in both hitting and pitching, together with other ordinary big leaguers.

And here,

there was another exceptional player who, though not quite on Han Su-hyeok’s level, overwhelmed other big league players with his talent, imitating Han Su-hyeok’s play, albeit clumsily, after seeing it just once.

“Jerry, that was a great swing. Damn, it’s so refreshing.”

“I just got lucky.”

“No, I think you’re just as much of a natural as that monster.”

Although they didn’t score any more runs because subsequent hits didn’t materialize, the Boston dugout was buzzing with excitement after Jerry Wagner’s fantastic double brought them within one point.

In particular, the Boston players, who had been disheartened by Han Su-hyeok’s ridiculous swing, were greatly encouraged by their captain’s response.

“Alright, let’s focus on playing solid defense for now.”

“Let’s go, Red Sox!”

Jerry Wagner, patting his teammates on the shoulders as he headed to the field, wore a wry smile.

Jerry Wagner thought,

‘He’s even crazier than I thought.’

Getting a good result by imitating Han Su-hyeok’s swing just now was purely a stroke of luck.

Hitting a ball that bounces once is more ridiculous than he had imagined. It wasn’t so much that he hit the ball, but rather that the ball happened to fly in and hit his bat.

It was just luck. Maybe one success out of ten attempts.

But Han Su-hyeok made home runs on both of his two attempts at that swing.

Realizing his renewed respect for Han Su-hyeok, Jerry Wagner took his position and assumed his catching stance.

[7th Batter, Catcher Bruce Matthews]

The Seattle’s at-bat began in the top of the 2nd inning.

Bruce, stepping into the batter’s box, spoke to Jerry first.

“Damn, you’re quite the character too. How did you manage to hit that?”

Jerry, about to deny Bruce’s words, paused for a moment, then gave a completely different answer.

“Of course. It’s nothing special.”

“Great, I’ll have to tell the manager to just request an intentional walk [a walk given intentionally to a batter] when I face you from now on.”

“Hmm, not a bad choice.”

There are times when you need to pretend to be weak, but there are also times when you need to puff yourself up and make yourself look bigger.

Today’s game, a showdown between the two teams’ aces, clearly fell into the latter category.

“No, on second thought, I was being shortsighted. How about we make a peace treaty? No intentional walks.”

“Sounds good. Let’s do that, friend.”

As promises that neither side intended to keep were exchanged, Alex’s first pitch came flying in close to Bruce’s body.

Paang!

“Strike!”

“Damn, it’s always terrifying. Such power at that age.”

“Your team’s Ty is no joke either.”

“Yeah, there are too many talented players in this damn league. How are ordinary players like me supposed to survive?”

“I agree.”

“Hey, Jerry.”

“What?”

“You’re included in the talented category I just mentioned. Are you pretending not to know, or do you really not know?”

“Really? I didn’t know. Anyway, thanks. In that case, I’ll give you one right down the middle to hit.”

“Great, I’ll look forward to it.”

Bruce stopped talking and took his batting stance, while Jerry Wagner, his expression hardening as if he had never joked around, sent a sign to the pitcher.

‘High inside fastball, as close as possible.’

Nod.

Whoosh

Paang!

“Ball.”

“…Damn, I didn’t trust you in the first place, but did you really have to go this far?”

“Sorry, Alex’s grip isn’t what it used to be, the ball must have slipped.”

Startled by the powerful pitch that nearly hit him, Bruce took a half-step back and assumed his batting stance.

Alex’s fastball flew towards that slight gap.

Paang!

“Strike!”

Bruce didn’t even react to the fastball that was perfectly controlled on the outside low corner,

Whoosh

Woong

“Swing! Out!”

He swung and missed at the changeup that came in on the same course, striking out.

Realizing that he had been completely outmatched in this at-bat, Bruce chuckled and muttered.

“Damn, this place is full of bastards.”

* * *

[Boston Red Sox Win Against Both Teams’ Aces, Evening the Season Series to 2-2… 9th Inning Walk-Off Hit by Jerry Wagner: “It Was a Really Tough Game, But I Think Not Giving Up Until the End Was Key. We Will Definitely Advance to the World Series.”]

[Seattle Starter Ryan Thibodeau 8 Innings, 3 Runs Allowed, Boston Starter Alex Davis 8 Innings, 3 Runs Allowed, A Masterpiece Pitching Duel Between Cy Young Winners]

[Seattle’s New Closer Adam Murphy Records His First Loss Since Transfer: “I Gave Up a Hit, But I Have No Regrets. I Threw the Best Pitch I Could. The Opponent’s Focus Was Just Better.”]

[Seattle Manager Benjamin, Who Became the Loser: “Our Team’s Players, From the Starters and Closers to the Hitters, All Did Their Part. However, the Boston Players’ Concentration Was Amazing. I Admit Defeat. But Tomorrow’s Game Will Be Different.” Confidence]

[Han Su-hyeok Records His 62nd Home Run of the Season, Joining Aaron Judge (2022 New York Yankees) in 7th Place for Most Home Runs in a Single Season: “In a Situation Where the Team Lost, Home Run Records Don’t Mean Much. I Will Definitely Avenge It Tomorrow.”]

└ Damn, Even Though We Lost the Game, It Was Still Rewarding. I Got to See Han Su-hyeok’s 62nd Home Run With My Own Eyes.

└ I Think So Too. Honestly, Among the Players on Other Teams, Jerry Wagner Is the Scariest. Regardless of His Visible Stats, He Always Does Something Important in Key Moments.

└ Anyway, It Doesn’t Matter. Because Today Is the Day He Pitches.

└ Great, It’s a Chance to Completely Crush the Spirits of the Boston Guys Who Are Probably Elated With Their Victory.

└ I’m Not Asking for Much. A Perfect Game and Two Home Runs Would Be Perfect.

└ Damn, It Feels Like a Dream When I Think About Last Season. We Can Afford to Be This Relaxed Even on Days When Our Team Loses.

* * *

Han Su-hyeok is achieving tremendous feats in both hitting and pitching this season.

While he is recording all-time stats in both, the general baseball fans’ interest is more focused on Han Su-hyeok the hitter.

It couldn’t be helped. For general baseball fans who don’t delve deeply into baseball, the excitement of a home run is greater than anything else.

However,

players, coaching staff, and experts from other teams are focusing a little more on Han Su-hyeok’s pitching ability.

Han Su-hyeok, who has started a total of 22 games and pitched 169 innings, is recording unbelievable stats with 17 wins and an ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] of 0.59.

The 0.59 ERA is an overwhelming figure that is only half of the single-season lowest ERA of 1.12 held by Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.

To put it simply,

You only need to score one or two points to win in a game where Han Su-hyeok is pitching.

The reason why the Seattle locker room atmosphere wasn’t down at all after losing yesterday’s game between the aces was all because of that.

“Alright, everyone. Forget about yesterday’s loss. We are still the Western Division champions, and those Boston guys are only second in the Eastern Division. Let’s win today and tomorrow’s two games no matter what and head over to Baltimore with a good feeling. Are you ready?”

“Of course, Boss!”

“That’s the answer I wanted to hear. Alright, here’s today’s lineup.”

1st Center Fielder Derek Fleming

2nd Pitcher Han Su-hyeok

3rd 1st Baseman Ty Johnson

4th Right Fielder Chuck Clark

5th Left Fielder Jim Brown

6th Catcher Bruce Matthews

7th Shortstop Josh Oliver

8th 3rd Baseman Liam Landman

9th 2nd Baseman Jonathan Owens

Derek, checking the lineup card, chugged the drink he was holding in one go and said.

“Alright, it’s time for this on-base king to shine today.”

“Didn’t you say you weren’t interested in on-base percentage at all?”

“Who? Me? Who the hell said that nonsense? The best team needs the best leadoff hitter, and the best leadoff hitter should naturally have a high on-base percentage, right?”

Derek Fleming, who had wanted to increase his long hits and become a 30-30 hitter [a player who hits 30 home runs and steals 30 bases in a single season], was now aware that his role was to get on base in front of Han Su-hyeok no matter what, so that they couldn’t walk him.

Perhaps thanks to that change of heart, Derek’s performance was at a career high, and Seattle had a true leadoff hitter they could trust at any time.

“Everyone gather around. As the manager said, we have to win today’s game no matter what. Let’s make a difference early on. While that guy is on the mound.”

“Of course. Hey, Han. Don’t worry. I’ll make you the winning pitcher.”

Leaving his teammates who were talking nonsense behind, Han Su-hyeok took his first step towards the field.

Another game towards the lowest ERA and highest home run record in a single Major League season had begun.

* * *

“It’s a beautiful evening. Don’t you think?”

“I agree, Derek.”

“In that sense, I’d like to ask for a good pitch.”

“You’re a guest from afar, so I have to grant you that much. Alright, look forward to a fastball right down the middle.”

Derek Fleming, who returned to the 1st spot today from the 3rd spot yesterday, and Jerry Wagner exchanged light jokes.

Jerry, having finished the conversation, looked at Derek with a thoughtful expression.

A player who is a typical 5-tool player [a player who excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, running, fielding, and throwing], with decent plate discipline and delicate hitting ability, moderate batting power, and also fast and has excellent defensive sense.

But until last season, he wasn’t too difficult to deal with.

It was obvious at a glance that he was trying to hit it big, so if you gently ran away with breaking balls [pitches that curve or change direction], he would swing and miss on his own.

But Derek Fleming, who became Seattle’s leadoff hitter this season, has become a completely different player than he was last season.

It is an era where OPS-type leadoff hitters [On-Base Plus Slugging, a sabermetric baseball statistic] with on-base percentage and long hit power are more preferred than typical leadoff hitters who somehow get on base and immediately attempt to steal a base.

However, the story was a little different in Seattle’s case.

With the best hitters representing the current era and the past era appearing in the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively, the first item required of the 1st hitter was to get on base by any means.

Derek, who had a hard time adapting to that role at the beginning of the season, has now become a player who can do it better than anyone else.

Ttaak

“Foul!”

Three balls and two strikes.

Derek lightly cut off Rafael Silva’s outside fastball, who started for Boston today. Derek, who used to try to pull the ball at all costs, was lightly, lightly continuing to brush off the ball according to the grain of the pitch.

The pitcher’s face on the mound turned slightly red.

A hitter who provokes the pitcher’s mood as soon as the game starts.

Rafael, who is called the next-generation ace of the Red Sox army with excellent control and tough guts, was not mature enough to overcome the war of nerves with such a hitter.

“Ball, batter to first base.”

“Waaaaaa!”

“Good! Derek!”

“That bastard, he finally did it!”

Even though it was just the leadoff hitter getting a walk, a huge shout erupted from the Seattle dugout and the away cheering squad as if they had won the game.

That was because of this man.

[2nd Batter, Pitcher Han Su-hyeok]

With the introduction of the stadium announcer, Han Su-hyeok tilted his head left and right and walked towards the plate.

“Haa…….”

A deep sigh poured out of Jerry Wagner’s mouth without him realizing it.