Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 121

#120. The Second Korea-Japan Match

“Tell the players, absolutely no picking fights with those Korean bastards.”

“Yes, sir!”

Japan advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic come-from-behind victory against the Netherlands.

On their day off, the day before the game, Coach Hoshino gave instructions to the coaches with a tense expression.

“And Han Su-hyeok… well, that guy… Okay, it pains me, but let’s admit it. Other teams must have felt this way when we had Otani on our team. Anyway, avoid him. Don’t give him good pitches. Absolutely.”

On the same day that the Korean team shattered the Cuban pitcher’s jaw and advanced to the semi-finals, Japan also secured their spot with a miraculous comeback win against the Netherlands.

Korea and Japan, and the United States and Venezuela. These were the teams in the 2027 WBC semi-finals.

At the start of the tournament, Japan had looked down on Korea.

However, after suffering a painful defeat in the preliminary round and witnessing the strong team Cuba being completely crushed by Korea in the quarter-finals, the atmosphere completely reversed.

Looking at the individual skills of each player, Japan was clearly superior.

To be blunt, the only Korean players who could be starters on the Japanese national team were Ryu Han-gyeol, Im Jun-yeong, Lee Chan-ho, and Lee Su-yeong. The remaining players were either lacking in skill or too old.

But one person, just one person, changed the entire landscape.

A character who hits unbelievable balls when at bat, catches every ball that would be a hit on defense, and even strikes out eight consecutive batters with a 168 km/h fastball when on the mound, like someone out of a comic book.

Han Su-hyeok.

Coach Hoshino, who led the Japanese team, believed that the reason for their defeat in the first round was facing Han Su-hyeok head-on.

So, his conclusion was to treat Han Su-hyeok as if he didn’t exist.

If Han Su-hyeok came to bat with the bases loaded? Hoshino was prepared to order an intentional walk without hesitation.

He was more than just a monster; he was like a natural disaster.

‘This time, we absolutely must…….’

The expectations of the Japanese people, which had been raised by winning the previous tournament, would not be satisfied with just reaching the semi-finals.

If they lost to Korea in the semi-finals and returned home, he would have to commit ritual suicide [seppuku].

Win. They had to win no matter what. They would win by any means necessary.

Coach Hoshino’s eyes began to burn fiercely.

* * *

“Are you okay, senior?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. My fist is a little bruised, but it’ll heal quickly with some ointment.”

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, was the venue for the 2027 WBC semi-final match between Korea and Japan.

Korean spectators with the Korean flag were gathering around the stadium.

“If we lose today, we’re really screwed.”

“Han-gyeol, it’s a bit weird to hear the starting pitcher say that.”

“Anyway, I’m going to pitch with the mindset of not giving up a single run, so the rest is up to you guys.”

Ryu Han-gyeol shrugged his shoulders, pointing to the first base stands where a giant Korean flag was being set up.

That’s right. Today, the day of the semi-final match against Japan, was August 15th, Independence Day [Gwangbokjeol, commemorating Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule].

Losing to Japan on such an important day?

Veterans with extensive international experience shook their heads as if they didn’t even want to think about it.

Fortunately, the team’s coach and coaching staff were seasoned veterans.

Jeong Yun-seok, who had already led numerous Korea-Japan matches as the head of the WBC and Olympic teams, seemed determined to shoulder all the pressure that would be placed on the players.

At the press day held early in the morning before the game, Jeong Yun-seok, along with captain Kim Seong-su, was bombarded with questions.

“I heard that today is Korea’s Independence Day. The players must have a special determination.”

“Of course. But our players have already proven their talent and skills in this tournament. If today’s game doesn’t go well, it will be entirely my fault as the coach. Of course, that won’t happen.”

He answered the question from the sexy blonde American reporter like that.

“Coach, there have been criticisms that the excessive bench clearing in the last game against Cuba damaged the nation’s prestige. What do you think?”

“That’s nonsense. Are you saying we should have just sat there like cowards and cried?”

He shut the mouth of a tabloid reporter who was trying to create gossip.

“Is there any plan for Han Su-hyeok to pitch in today’s game?”

“Nothing has been decided. But we have a duty to protect our young and talented players.”

He quelled all speculation about Han Su-hyeok’s appearance.

Jeong Yun-seok, who had drawn all the attention away from the players and onto himself, said to the players.

“You’ve worked really hard to get here. I’d like to say, ‘Take it easy and play without pressure,’ but today is a special day, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Coach.”

“Good, what you have to do today is very simple. Do your best in what you can do. That’s enough. Regardless of the game’s outcome, if you do everything you can, I’ll take responsibility for the rest.”

“Yes! Understood!”

“Good, here’s the lineup for today.”

1. Shortstop Han Su-hyeok (Seoul Warriors)

2. Center Fielder Lee Chan-ho (Seoul Fighters)

3. First Baseman Lee Su-yeong (Daegu Buffaloes)

4. Designated Hitter Go Cheol-hwan (Seoul Magicians)

5. Left Fielder Kim Seong-su (Seoul Magicians)

6. Right Fielder Kang Woo-chan (Incheon Rangers)

7. Second Baseman Lee Tae-woong (Daegu Buffaloes)

8. Catcher Jeong Dae-han (Suwon Commanders)

9. Third Baseman Kim Se-jun (Daejeon Falcons)

Starting Pitcher Ryu Han-gyeol (Daejeon Falcons)

* * *

– It might sound a bit old-fashioned, but I can’t help but feel overwhelmed today. To the people back home, the warriors of the baseball team who have stepped up for the honor of the country will soon be battling Japan for a ticket to the finals!

– Korea-Japan match on Independence Day. Thank you so much, everyone. I never imagined that I would be able to broadcast such a game in my life. I will be commentating with the determination to be buried here, not just the players.

– Commissioner Go Dong-sik, it’s the semi-finals. Before the tournament started, the goal was to get through the first round, but we’ve somehow made it this far. It’s been a truly eventful tournament, hasn’t it?

– That’s right. In the first round, they recorded 4 wins and 0 losses, and in the game against Japan, Han Su-hyeok made a shocking appearance as a pitcher… Well, Jang Deok-su played a great role in the game against Cuba, and it was such a dramatic progression that it would sound far-fetched even if it were made into a movie.

– A unique aspect of today’s starting lineup is that Han Su-hyeok is playing as a shortstop and batting first.

– Yes, wow, I was really impressed as soon as I saw it.

– What’s the reason?

– Right now, not only Japan but all the teams that have reached the semi-finals are wary of Han Su-hyeok. He has hit 8 home runs in the 5 games so far. Excluding games against weak teams like China, I’m sorry, that’s a really amazing record. Of course, Japan is also prioritizing guarding Han Su-hyeok.

– I see. So, the reason why Coach Jeong Yun-seok put Han Su-hyeok at number 1 is…….

– Today, the Japanese pitchers will probably avoid Han Su-hyeok thoroughly. Jeong Yun-seok has come up with this answer to that. Okay, try to avoid him. You will always be playing with a runner on first base.

– Ah, I see. Then, how Han Su-hyeok moves from first base will be very important.

– That’s right. Japan’s strategy to avoid Han Su-hyeok, and the Han Su-hyeok card batting first to counter this, will be the watershed moment of today’s game.

– Let’s look at the pitching side. As planned, Ryu Han-gyeol is starting.

– Yes, today, all the Korean team players except for the pitchers who pitched in the last game against Cuba will be on standby in the bullpen. Either way, if they lose once, they’re immediately eliminated. There’s no need to save anything for later.

– I understand. Ah, look over there. A large Korean flag performance prepared by singer Min Ye-rin is unfolding in the first base stands. It’s really spectacular!

– In this tournament, the cheering squad that flew in from Korea, including Min Ye-rin, has played a really big role. The players said that because Min Ye-rin was riding the safety net, it didn’t feel like they were in a foreign country.

– I see. Well, let’s take a short commercial break. This is Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where the semi-final match between Korea and Japan is being prepared.

* * *

Boom.

‘What the hell is with this guy…….’

Japan failed to score in the top of the first inning despite getting a hit and a walk off Ryu Han-gyeol due to the failure of subsequent hits.

In the bottom of the first inning, as Han Su-hyeok stepped into the batter’s box, the Japanese catcher cursed inwardly without realizing it.

A veteran catcher who has been responsible for the Japanese national team’s home plate for over 10 years with the Hanshin Tigers.

How many Korea-Japan matches had he experienced?

Korea is a truly mysterious country.

The difference in baseball level between Korea and Japan was clear, both when he first joined the national team and now.

Despite such a difference in level, what made the Korea-Japan matches so tight was the fighting spirit of the Korean players.

When he was a rookie, when he first joined the national team, he can’t forget the sight of the Korean players glaring at him with fire in their eyes.

However, as time passed, that unique color of the Korean team faded.

Instead of desperation and fighting spirit, a sense of ease and boredom began to take root in the eyes of the Korean players.

The players who used to rush at Japan like crazy had already become veterans, and the rookies who had grown up receiving excessive treatment and protection that didn’t match their skills were just fools who didn’t know the fear of the world.

Since then, Japan has never lost to Korea.

Not even once.

But today, in this tournament where he would wear the national team catcher’s mask for the last time, on this Korea-Japan match on Independence Day, he was once again faced with those old scenes.

The Korean players, burning with flames as if sparks would fly from their entire bodies, and the Korean team’s cheering squad, staging a cheering battle with a giant Korean flag.

And Han Su-hyeok.

A ridiculous monster who has hit a whopping 8 home runs in this tournament, and who struck out 8 consecutive Japanese batters as a pitcher.

Boom.

That monster is at the lead batter position, swinging his bat around as if threatening the pitcher.

He’s breathless. Is this what presence is?

“Batter, to first base!”

As soon as Han Su-hyeok stepped into the batter’s box, the Japanese bench requested an intentional walk.

Han Su-hyeok, who had been swinging his bat around, smacked his lips and trudged towards first base.

Only when that guy left the batter’s box and disappeared far away did the stuffiness finally clear.

‘Damn it……!’

How on earth did they get pushed to this point?

It’s definitely not that this national team’s strength is weaker than in the past.

The starting shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, the number 2 starter for the Chicago Cubs, the key player [看板 (kanban)] for the Yomiuri Giants, and many other players playing in the Big Leagues and the Japanese League have joined the national team.

So, is the Korean national team’s strength stronger than before?

That’s not it either.

Ryu Han-gyeol and Im Jun-yeong, the two pitchers, were already good pitchers from before, Yang Ji-ho and Gu Cheol-jung, and Lee Ha-yeong are old, and Park Do-yul and Choi Gyeong-jae’s performance has dropped significantly this season.

The same goes for the batters. In some ways, it’s a player composition that can be said to have failed in generational change.

Just one person, Han Su-hyeok, who is now standing on first base with a nonchalant expression, just that one monster has been added.

But it’s so hard, can the presence of a single player be this big?

“Play!”

Lee Chan-ho, the number 2 batter, stepped into the batter’s box. Tanaka Yamato, who started against Korea once again following the first-round game, sent a sign with a firm expression.

He’s asking to pitch out?

He knows that Han Su-hyeok has considerable talent in stealing bases. He gave up a stolen base in the first-round game as well.

Yeah, that’s not a bad decision.

Catcher Takahashi nodded, and the pitcher threw a ball far outside.

“Ball.”

Was it an excessive worry? First base runner Han Su-hyeok returned to first base with a dumbfounded expression.

It’s an even narrower lead than usual. A lead that’s far from enough to attempt a steal.

Well, considering the Korean team’s batting power, the chance of having a runner on first base with no outs is not an opportunity that can be easily seized.

The relieved pitcher began to prepare to throw the ball again, and Lee Chan-ho, who was in the batter’s box, took a cautious sacrifice bunt stance.

Yeah, that’s actually the standard. Takahashi looked at the bench. A sign was given to just bunt and increase the out count.

He sent the pitcher a two-seam sign on the outside low course. It’s a ball that can’t be helped even if the bunt is successful, and if he’s lucky, he can create a fly ball.

The pitcher, nodding with a firm expression, slowly began to prepare to pitch.

At that moment, when the picture of a sacrifice bunt was drawn in the minds of the players, coaching staff, and spectators.

Tat tat.

“Ah!”

Han Su-hyeok immediately started running towards second base.