Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 105

Pitcher Done, Batter Up – Episode 104

[Taiwan Match Revisited! Will the Nightmare Continue?]

[Taiwanese Manager Zhang Yijun: ‘We have definitely inflicted numerous defeats on Korea before. Even with a major leaguer, this time will be no different!’]

[Taiwan’s Only Goal is Japan? Korea Doesn’t Even Register…]

[Pitcher Xiao Zixian: ‘I want to beat Korea, take first place, and then defeat China.’]

As the match against Taiwan approached, people grew tense. They couldn’t help but be nervous.

Taiwan had significantly contributed to their elimination in past tournaments.

In the past, the gap was so significant that victory was almost guaranteed, and even now, Korea overwhelmingly led in head-to-head records.

But the shock had been so great.

It remained like a kind of trauma.

[If we lose to Taiwan again this time, seriously…]

[Even if we lose, we’ll still make it to the semi-finals, but I really don’t want to imagine it.]

[Wouldn’t it be hilarious if we lost to Taiwan, went to the semi-finals in second place, and then got knocked out by Japan?]

[If that happens, I’m definitely switching from baseball player to swimmer.]

Baseball fans shuddered at the worst-case scenario they didn’t even want to imagine.

Perhaps aware of this Korean sentiment, Taiwan actively used media tactics to.

Shake up Korea as much as possible.

[Taiwanese Netizens: ‘Korea is no longer our opponent.’ ‘Lee Jungwoo? Well, we have Xiao Zixian too.’]

[Xiao Zixian (Athletics) vs. Lee Jungwoo (Braves)! A Clash of Two Major Leaguers at the Asian Games!]

[Xiao Zixian: ‘Lee is a great player, but ultimately a rookie. I know how to handle such batters.’]

[Taiwanese Manager Zhang Yijun: ‘Pitcher? Definitely Xiao Zixian. He will easily handle Lee Jungwoo.’]

[Taiwanese Baseball Player: ‘Lee Jungwoo? He’s just a circus clown. You can tell just by his ridiculous defense.’]

It was clear to anyone that their most fervent focus in the media war was targeting their ace, Lee Jungwoo.

The coach and ace pitcher of the Taiwanese national baseball team, Xiao Zixian, consistently gave interviews about Lee Jungwoo, trying to rattle him.

People naturally didn’t react well to their blatant targeting of Lee Jungwoo. Korean baseball fans, in particular, could only scoff.

Perhaps even people from other countries who had watched Major League Baseball at least a little.

[Is Xiao Zixian even a major leaguer? I’ve never seen him play.]

[He’s the first one to be released when the roster expands.]

[Frankly speaking, Lee Jungwoo and Xiao Zixian are on different levels.]

[Reporter, do some research. A showdown is nonsense… Lee Jungwoo has a higher career even if he retires right now than Xiao Zixian.]

Simply put, they were on different levels.

Lee Jungwoo had just debuted and was.

As the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

He had virtually already established himself as a franchise star for the Atlanta Braves.

On the other hand, Xiao Zixian was also a major leaguer, but.

In reality, he was likely to be released soon. To put it bluntly, if he returned to Oakland after the Asian Games.

It wouldn’t be strange if he immediately took a plane back to Taiwan.

Therefore, people dismissed the sniper remarks as mere ridiculous nonsense.

[Frankly, there isn’t a single Asian baseball player right now who can compete with Lee Jungwoo.]

[That’s right, Iwakuma is the best, but Lee Jungwoo beat him too.]

[Thanks, you guys have convinced me. I’m going for patriotic betting.]

[Gambler, just buy chicken with that money…]

Like this, the atmosphere gradually heated up even before the game, and the same was true for Lee Jungwoo.

“Jungwoo, as I said before, for the game against Taiwan, you’ll be playing shortstop, not designated hitter, so prepare yourself. Are you in good condition?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Okay, I’m glad to hear that. Don’t overdo it. Our goal isn’t just the semi-finals.”

“I’ll just do what I always do.”

The head coach smiled at Lee Jungwoo’s words and nodded.

He headed to the other players.

He didn’t really have anything more to advise or instruct this player.

Because he does everything on his own.

So the head coach thought he just needed to have faith.

And Lee Jungwoo was confident that he could meet that trust.

‘Xiao Zixian, a major leaguer? Never heard of him. Well, I guess it’s a different league.’

Lee Jungwoo recalled the interview.

The pitcher who spouted all sorts of absurd things.

And declared that he would come out from the start of the game and have a showdown together.

Lee Jungwoo, who recalled the pitcher whose face now looked familiar because of the photos in the articles due to the many interviews, licked his lips.

He wasn’t particularly concerned because he wasn’t worth dealing with.

But on the other hand, he was grateful.

‘A showdown… I’d be grateful if you would. You’ve talked so much. You can’t just avoid me from the start. Good, try to crush me.’

Because he had talked so much.

Even if he was conscious of public opinion.

He wouldn’t be able to intentionally walk him from the start. That alone was enough for Lee Jungwoo.

If he really gave him a showdown, he felt like he could finally get a proper feel for it.

‘Let’s go all out after resting. And also, let’s definitely get my game sense up.’

With that resolution, Lee Jungwoo warmed up to the best of his ability.

####

[Yes, the final Group B preliminary match between Korea and Taiwan is finally about to begin. The rankings for Group A have already been decided, so depending on the victory in this game.
The semi-final lineup will be determined.]

[As expected, Japan took first place in Group A, and China followed in second place. Therefore, it is necessary to win this game in order to have an easier semi-final.]

[Yes, either way, it’s best to meet Japan last.]

The final Group B match, which had been the subject of much discussion, began.

Whether they were people who had liked baseball before, or people who had no interest in it.

Many people gathered in front of the TV to watch the game, and some went to pubs with large TVs.

They waited for the game while refreshing themselves with cool beer and chicken.

In particular, those who gathered in groups of three or five with friends who liked baseball were eagerly heating up from before the start.

“Is Lee Jungwoo playing shortstop today?”

“Probably? He’s been conserving his stamina until now.”

“Wow~ If he defends in the national team game like he did in the majors. I’ll be a fan forever.”

“Hey, the stadium facilities are different. Hey, if you fly around like that in a place like that, you’ll get injured.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“I think Kim Taejoon is better. He looked like he was in good condition yesterday. And he’s old, so he’s stable, right?”

“Yeah, Lee Jungwoo seems too dangerous, so I’m a little… I’d rather keep using him as a designated hitter and send out Jung Myungyun.”

“You guys are talking nonsense, you baseball illiterate bastards. What? No stability? You’re talking bullshit.”

“Ah, shut up. The starting lineup is coming out.”

[The starting lineup is no different from what was expected. As expected, Oh Jaedeok is starting as the pitcher. And Lee Jungwoo, who has been playing as a designated hitter during the games so far. As expected, he is in the shortstop position in today’s game.]

[It’s virtually the best member. We have to win this game to meet China in the semi-finals. They came out with the most elite members.]

“Aja aja! [Fighting!/Let’s go!] We have to make it to the finals at least! Let’s win!”

“If we win this, we’re definitely in the finals! Do well! Don’t screw up again!”

Even though it was impossible for them to hear.

People cheered loudly for the national team, and in everyone’s expectations. The game started with Taiwan’s attack.

[Number 1 hitter Wang Qingen steps up to the plate. He plays for the Tongyi Lions. He is the CPBL’s [Chinese Professional Baseball League] number 1 in on-base percentage and number 3 in stolen bases this season.]

[He’s a player who is good at drawing walks. Song Youngjun should always keep in mind that he has good eyes for the ball and send signals. If you let him out by any chance, it can be annoying.]

“Hey, is the Taiwanese league high level? He’s number 1 in on-base percentage there?”

“It’s nothing. It’s nothing special.”

The man, relieved by his friend’s cool answer, watched the game with a relaxed mind again.

But he soon glared at his friend.

“Hey, you said it was nothing?”

“No, why is Oh Jaedeok like this today? A walk from the first batter-”

“Oh no, it’s ruined, it’s ruined. We’re going to get eliminated again~”

The starting pitcher Oh Jaedeok sent the batter out with a walk. An ominous feeling swept through the pub.

They had cheered to win no matter what.

But they were worried that they might not be able to do so.

And that soon became even worse as Oh Jaedeok gave up consecutive hits to the next batter.

[Ah, Korea is facing a crisis with runners on first and second base from the beginning of the first inning, this shouldn’t happen.]

[Oh Jaedeok’s control is shaky right now… he needs to fix it?]

When the commentators, who had expected improvement, watched the game in a more somber tone than before.

Another hitting sound rang out.

The Taiwanese third batter hit the first pitch without waiting.

“Ugh- ugh-”

“What, what is it!”

This time it was different from the previous hits.

A powerful hit came out with a sense that the timing was right.

The Korean baseball fans watching the game with a fast line drive had their hearts pounding.

Just as anger was about to surge from the back of their heads.

Someone appeared on the screen like a comet or a hero.

[Ah! It’s flying between third and shortstop – Aaaack, Lee Jungwoooooooo!]

Lee Jungwoo, who suddenly appeared, immediately dove and caught the line drive.

That alone was an amazing sight.

But his play didn’t end there.

Before landing, Lee Jungwoo, who slightly twisted his body, threw the ball to second base.

[Lee Jungwoo catches it! Immediately throws, the second baseman catches it and then to first base – Out! It’s out!]

[Lee Jungwooooooooo!]

[Triple play! A triple play is made with Lee Jungwoo’s super catch and amazing throw!]

[It was a very fast hit – wow, he just catches it with a dive. I definitely thought it was a little far. But at some point, he ran up and caught it.]

[The dive is a dive, but the throw was really amazing. He didn’t land and throw it. He just slightly twisted his body – no, ha. I can’t even say it.]

[It’s really a heart-pounding moment right now. He’s a fast runner, so if he missed it, he would have been able to get to second base? Then he could have scored with a sacrifice hit.]

[Yes, Lee Jungwoo has blocked that crisis in advance. Lee Jungwoo’s super play explodes from the first inning. Saving Korea from the crisis. Recording a triple play, the top of the first inning ends!]

The commentators, who had been gloomy, spewed words like someone whose tongue had exploded.

On the other hand, the people watching the game were just gaping, as if they were speechless.

“No, wow.”

“Wow, I thought I was going to die.”

“This is major league class. Jung Myungyun what? Kim Taejoon what? Forget it. Lee Jungwoo is the best.”

Even with a friend’s harsh words, some of those who had praised Kim Taejoon’s stability earlier had no choice but to shut their mouths.

The same was true for the Taiwanese players on the screen.

They couldn’t believe that their chance had flown away at once.

Or maybe they just didn’t want to believe it.

They couldn’t even think about changing sides and just opened their mouths.

At the end of their blank gaze was Lee Jungwoo, who was being held by the pitcher who ran up and was diligently shaking off the dirt.

Unlike the opposing battery [pitcher and catcher], who were full of excitement and shouting something, Lee Jungwoo, who was alone with a indifferent eyes, was trudging to the dugout.

Then he suddenly turned his eyes to the Taiwanese dugout. It was as if he was saying this.

‘Okay, do everything you want to do.’

The game was just beginning, but the atmosphere had already tilted towards Korea, or rather, Lee Jungwoo.

####

“Jungwoo, you did really well. Wow, I thought something big was going to happen.”

“It’s nothing. But, Senior Oh Jaedeok is perhaps….”

When Lee Jungwoo glanced at Oh Jaedeok, who was diligently listening to something from the pitching coach.
The defense coach waved his hand as if it was nothing.

“He said he got dust in his eyes. He endured it and threw it, and that’s how it happened. I took it all out with saline solution. Don’t worry too much.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Anyway, the defense was really good. Just do this today, no, during this tournament. Haha, then the remaining games will be scoreless.”

Lee Jungwoo, who chuckled at the defense coach’s joke, soon cut off his attention from the pitcher.

He prepared to go to the plate.

‘My condition is good. It was like that when I was warming up. But it became clear when I defended.’

Not the best.

But it was moderately okay.

He was worried that his game sense might have deteriorated. But thankfully, it didn’t seem to be the case.

Now there was nothing to hold back.

The last remaining puzzle had been put together. Other than giving the opponent the showdown they so desired.

The opportunity came quickly.

####

[Pitcher Xiao Zixian strikes out Baek Dongwoo and then Jung Gyuhwan. Showing off his skills.]

“Uwaaaaaaaa!”

The pitcher, who struck out the second batter, roared loudly like a beast.

The Taiwanese players and the spectators, who seemed to be Taiwanese, applauded and cheered greatly at the extremely strong showmanship.

But of course, the reaction from the Korean side was not very good.

The players frowned and glared at him. The Korean commentators also tried to be as neutral as possible.

But they couldn’t hide their displeasure.

[He’s a player with excessive action.]

[There were many words before the game. He shows this kind of behavior even during the game.]

[It’s not a good thing? Because it’s stimulating the opponent.]

The caster and commentator criticized the pitcher while patting each other on the back.

But on the other hand, they were also a little impressed. Despite the evaluation that he was confirmed to be released.

At least he was a pitcher who definitely showed his skills against the previous batters.

[The action is a bit excessive. But he’s not a major leaguer for nothing. Each ball is quite fast. In particular, the angle at which the curve breaks is unusual.]

[Yes, ah, two outs went up in an instant. Don’t be shaken by that kind of action. You have to swing as calmly as possible.]

[Now, in the bottom of the first inning, with two outs, number 3 hitter Lee Jungwoo steps up to the plate.]

“Jungwoo, just kill him.”

“Just kick that bastard out by completely 털어서 [thoroughly beating him] so he can’t throw the ball again.”

Lee Jungwoo, who entered the batter’s box with the support (?) of his teammates, looked at the pitcher on the mound.

When their eyes met, the pitcher suddenly made a gesture of slitting his throat.

It seemed like he was scratching his neck, but the intention was conveyed thanks to his assertive thumb.

[Haha, what a… funny pitcher.]

[Yes, Xiao Zixian is provoking Lee Jungwoo, just like in the pre-game interview.]

When the commentators held back their rising anger and tried to express it with the word funny.

Lee Jungwoo, who was directly hit by such a ridiculous act, was dumbfounded.

When did he ever see himself and do that?

‘I thought he was going to talk a lot 신명나게 [enthusiastically]. Was he just crazy? Or is he just too confident?’

For a moment, he lost his energy.

But Lee Jungwoo regained his concentration. The pitcher, who was staring at him confidently without paying attention to such reactions, nodded greatly.

He soon took a stance.

‘Whatever it is, just keep your word. Let’s go head-to-head like in the interview.‘

Lee Jungwoo was ready.

When he took a batting stance and glared at the pitcher, the pitcher, who looked at him with more intense eyes, soon threw the ball with a cool overhand form.

The long right arm was about to hit the ground.

The ball that flew from the end of his hand was a little more intense than the one he threw to the previous batters.

‘152.7km [~95 mph]. The fastball he threw in front was in the late 140s [~87-93 mph]. He’s hitting his top speed right away.’

It’s about 95 miles, so the ball itself is fast enough to be classified as a fastball even by major league standards.

There was a faint exclamation from the national team bench at the considerable speed.

But Lee Jungwoo tilted his head slightly as if something was ambiguous.

The pitcher, who was still looking at Lee Jungwoo with confident eyes, didn’t give him time to think.

He took action without delay and threw the second ball.

This time, a slow changeup fell low, trying to deceive Lee Jungwoo.

But this time too, Lee Jungwoo didn’t swing.

He was still just looking at the pitcher with questionable eyes.

‘Hmm….’

Perhaps worried about that look.

The pitcher exchanged signals with the catcher, and then took a stance again.

And the ball he threw again.

The ball that was strongly 박힌 [placed/aimed] towards the body was so good that it would have been a powerful crossfire if Lee Jungwoo had been a right-handed hitter.

The result was good too.

“Strike.”

The Japanese umpire declared firmly as if there was no room for doubt. Even though it seemed like he had 걸친 [grazed] it a little.

Lee Jungwoo didn’t bother to question it because he thought the same.

Two strikes, one ball.

A count that favors the pitcher.

The pitcher’s face was confident because it was virtually the same situation as 몰아넣은 [cornering] the batter.

He judged that his ball was working.

“Lee Jungwoo player! Fighting! Blow it away 시원하게 [refreshingly/powerfully]!”

“Lee Jungwoo! Lee Jungwoo!”

As if feeling a sense of crisis.

When the Koreans who came to the stadium cheered and shouted hard.

The fourth ball flew.

‘I was worried because he was so confident.’

The ball looks slow.

Lee Jungwoo was dumbfounded.

He’s supposed to be a major leaguer.

Even if they’re not in the same league, he must have heard a lot.

Why the hell did he make that choice? Lee Jungwoo couldn’t understand.

‘The 구위 [ball’s power/quality] is also 작대기 [like a stick – weak]. There’s not much deception. He’s even…’

He didn’t miss the opportunity.

A swing that flows like water.

The swing that was taken simply may have felt light at first glance.

But the power contained within was surprisingly, even ridiculously, strong.

‘He’s throwing a curve?’

As the commentator admired.

The curve was quite sharp.

The angle at which it broke was quite large, and the way it was 말려들어가는 [curling in] at the end seemed perfect for 홀리기 [enticing] the batters’ bats.

So there was only one problem.

That such a good ball happened to be 종 무브먼트 [vertical movement], and that it was thrown to a guy who 퍼 올려서 넘기는 [lifts and hits over] even the ones that wouldn’t be 이상하지 않은 [strange] even if they bounced.

빠악- [Crack! (onomatopoeia for a bat hitting a ball hard)]

Without even taking a breath.

When the swing that was just 휘두른 [swung] hit the ball, a destructive noise filled the small stadium.

There was no one to 눈치 볼 [be mindful of], so.

Lee Jungwoo showed off the most artistic 빠던 [bat flip] of all the things he had done so far.

He lightly ran out of the home plate as if he was warming up.

The ball that went over disappeared.

The face of the pitcher, who had been confident, also disappeared.

Watching a scene like a movie.
The Korean residents who came to cheer muttered without realizing it.

“We’re really just going to win the gold medal?”

It wasn’t really a word to anyone.

But everyone who heard the loud voice agreed with that statement.

####

The game against Taiwan was a little 싱겁게 [bland/anticlimactic], unlike what was said a lot before the start.

The starting pitcher, who had been talking 열심히 [enthusiastically], came down without even filling 3 innings.

Lee Jungwoo, who was said to be able to stop it, only got four walks due to intentional walks after the first at-bat in the first inning.

The game ended with a somewhat 허무하게 [futile/empty] score of 9 to 1.

It was Korea who went to the semi-finals somewhat 허무하게 [anticlimactically], but the same was true in the semi-finals.

[Baseball team advances to the finals with a 14-0 victory against China!]

[Lee Jungwoo 5 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 home run, 4 walks, 4 RBIs. Is Lee Jungwoo virtually Asia’s public enemy?]

[Lee Jungwoo passing unfolded in the game against China following the game against Taiwan! What about Japan?]

[Only Japan is left! The national team is advancing towards the gold medal like an unstoppable 폭주기관처 [runaway train]! Coach Do Myungwoon, ‘We will take back the best position in Asia. All preparations are complete’]

[The result is as expected! Asian Games final, Korea-Japan match confirmed!]

[Enemy clash? 3rd and 4th place match China vs Taiwan. Final match Korea vs Japan!]

The league level is not high.

But even in a situation where Taiwan, which has at least a professional baseball league, was 탈탈 털린 [completely defeated/dominated].

There wasn’t much that China, which is almost at the amateur level, could do.

Just like they did to teams like Thailand and Pakistan in the preliminary round.

All that was left in front of Korea, who 처참하고 철저하게 박살낸 [miserably and thoroughly crushed] China,

Was only Japan.