Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 339

#338. Heading Towards the Postseason

“We talked about this at the beginning of the season, Steve. We said Han Su-hyeok might be the one to finally resolve the Seattle fans’ 53-year-long sorrow.”

“That’s right, I remember. We introduced him as a player who could potentially lead us to our first-ever World Series appearance.”

“Looking back now, we underestimated him too much. Damn, he was more than that. Han Su-hyeok is the kind of player who can single-handedly dominate the league.”

“Exactly. He’s having the best season ever, both as a hitter and a pitcher, unmatched by any player in history.”

“It’s not just Han Su-hyeok, but Seattle is also amazing. When Tai Johnson and Han Su-hyeok were both out due to the accident in the Oakland game, I thought it might be a bit risky. Those two players were a huge part of Seattle’s run for first place this season.”

“But it wasn’t.”

“Right, Seattle continued their winning streak even without both players, and yesterday, they achieved their second 100-win season since the team’s founding, even with half of their starters out of the lineup. And a 12-game winning streak on top of that. Congratulations, Seattle.”

“Speaking of which, the rookies and backup players were really outstanding in yesterday’s game. Especially Henry Hernandez, who played center field, showed a perfect performance that made us not miss Derrick Fleming at all. Two on-base appearances at the plate, and a crucial diving catch in the top of the 9th. It looks like another promising player has been added to Seattle, which already has many young players.”

“Haha, after the game, Henry said this: It’s all thanks to Han Su-hyeok. He said he just did what Han told him to do, and the ball ended up in his glove. Wow, for a player who’s only in his first year in the big leagues to receive that kind of support from his teammates, it’s really amazing.”

“Now, let’s talk about the records. Han Su-hyeok has taken another step towards a major record, right?”

“Season’s 72nd home run.”

“Whew, I was half-doubting it, but he really made it this far. Ah, one thing viewers should know is that this player has already hit 73 home runs in a season in Korea. While conservative Major League experts were arguing about whether to recognize that record or not, Han Su-hyeok has given them an answer. Shut up and watch this. I’ll show it to you again in the Major League, just like you wanted.”

“That’s a great way to put it. Anyway, with 13 games left, he’s only one away from tying the Major League single-season home run record, and just two away from setting a new record. Steve, how many home runs do you think Han Su-hyeok will hit by the end of the season?”

“Well… even for Han Su-hyeok, it’s almost impossible to predict that. Home runs can come in bunches, and then suddenly stop for some reason. But at least…….”

“At least?”

“He’ll definitely surpass Barry Bonds’ record. Damn, that’s what I see. I can’t imagine that guy not hitting a single home run in the remaining 13 games.”

“I agree. Oh, it’s already this late. Let’s move on to the next news. There was infighting among the players within the Yankees, the strongest team in the Eastern Division…….”

* * *

One thing you naturally learn as you live longer is that not everyone can have the same thoughts on any given matter.

Even when looking at the same thing, everyone has a different perspective, and that’s why everyone’s position is bound to conflict. That’s the way of the world.

But,

Thwack!

“Base on balls. Batter to first base.”

“Hmm, so that’s how you’re going to play it?”

“…Damn it, don’t look at me like that. Everyone has their own position.”

“Alright, you idiots, I’ll make sure to remember today’s events.”

I expected something like this might happen, since I was only one home run away from tying the single-season home run record, and Tai, who had been protecting me in the lineup, was gone.

I had a bad feeling when an old man who was afraid of tarnishing his career came to the mound instead of yesterday’s rookie pitcher who kept challenging me even while getting hit.

But I never imagined they would intentionally walk me four times in a row.

Especially in the bottom of the 8th with two outs and the bases loaded, when they were leading 4 to 2.

“You freaking bastards! Is that baseball?”

“The Houston jerks are a disgrace to our Western Division. They should be sent to the National League.”

“They should deduct 10% of their salary every time they throw an intentional walk. That guy might have to take out a loan.”

The Houston veteran pitcher blushed and hung his head at the쏟아지는 jeers and taunts.

I understand how he feels.

With not much career left, he doesn’t want to leave his name next to a dishonorable record.

But putting aside my record, is this choice really the right one?

With the intentional walk with two outs and bases loaded, the score went from 4 to 2 to 4 to 3, narrowing the gap to one point.

“They’re really freaking bastards. Don’t you think, Han?”

“They’re a bunch who don’t know the meaning of shame.”

Even though the base coach and I were openly cursing, the Houston first baseman pretended not to hear anything and looked away.

That’s enough. It’s not like these guys have been acting like this for just a day or two.

It looks like setting a record today is out of the question unless we go into extra innings, so it’s time to forget everything else and focus on winning.

[#3 Center Fielder Derrick Fleming]

Manager Benjamin unveiled a bold lineup, using Henry Hernandez, who showed a good performance as the leadoff hitter yesterday, as the leadoff left fielder again today.

Derrick, who was out of the game yesterday, was named in the lineup as the 3rd batter and center fielder.

Perhaps the manager is thinking of Derrick as the next player to protect me when Tai Johnson is not available.

Of course, that clueless guy doesn’t seem to realize the manager’s intentions at all.

“Play!”

Anyway, the batting order doesn’t matter right now.

Today, Houston intentionally walked me four times in a row to stop our 13-game winning streak and my home run record.

Derrick’s expression was darker than when the game started, perhaps because he thought he was partly responsible for the consecutive intentional walks today.

In fact, I don’t really care about being intentionally walked in a row today. I don’t mind if achieving the record is delayed a little.

Rather,

Hmm,

I just want to see Derrick overcome this crisis on his own.

I just hope that the guy who struck out, grounded into a double play, and flew out in the previous at-bats with me on first base will show them what he’s made of this time.

Thwack!

“Strike!”

He’s shameless enough to only throw intentional walks, but the Houston pitcher on the mound right now is not someone to be ignored.

The fact that the Houston dugout isn’t moving in this crisis situation is proof of that.

Anyway,

The veteran pitcher, who has been worn down in the big leagues, threw his second pitch to Derrick.

A powerful two-seamer [a type of fastball] that tails away from a left-handed hitter, a place that is not easily reached even if you swing the bat.

Derrick, who would have swung wildly for a long hit in the past, calmly pushed the ball.

Crack!

“Nice! Go!”

“That’s it! Run! Run!”

The ball, hit lightly without force, rolled along the right field line.
The right fielder, who was leaning to the left in anticipation of a pull [a batted ball pulled to the same side of the plate as the batter], ran in horror, and in the meantime, the runner on 3rd base and the runner on 2nd base both scored, and Seattle quickly reversed the score to 5 to 4.

And,

– Ah! Han Su-hyeok doesn’t stop! He keeps running! Turning 2nd base, 3rd base again, turning to home, to home, at home, safe! Safe! Oh my, he’s alive, Commissioner Go Dong-sik, we’re seeing this!

– It was a really great slide! Han Su-hyeok avoided the tag and rolled around, and succeeded in scoring by 찍으며 [touching] the home plate with his opposite hand! Meanwhile, the fast-footed Derrick is up to 3rd base! With this, the score is 6 to 4! A sweeping triple that turns the game around in an instant!

The moment Derrick Fleming, who hit a great triple that brought the game back to Seattle, raised both hands on the base,

We had a feeling.

That today’s game would also end in our victory.

* * *

[No one can stop them! Seattle Mariners win 6-4 thanks to Derrick Fleming’s 3-RBI triple in the bottom of the 8th and Adam Murphy’s perfect finish in the 9th, sweeping the Houston Astros with a 13-game winning streak]

[Perfect harmony of starters and backups, rookies and veterans, Seattle fans say, “When I look at the players, I don’t think we’ll ever lose. They are our heroes.”]

[Han Su-hyeok, only two away from the single-season home run record, received four intentional walks. A shameful self-portrait of Major League Baseball.]

[Houston manager, “I didn’t avoid it because of the record. I just wanted to win the game.” He got angry when asked if a team that wants to win is tanking [intentionally losing to secure a better draft pick].]

[Seattle Mariners franchise star Edgar Martinez, “When I was playing, Houston was at least a team that knew what shame was. But it seems like there’s no one left like that now.” Fierce criticism]

[Global pop star Min Ye-rin of Korean nationality, “I even stopped my singing career for a year to watch baseball. But every time I watch Houston’s game, I feel like I’m losing something. That’s because what they’re doing isn’t baseball.” Her fans bombard Houston players’ SNS [Social Networking Service] accounts]

[Major League Baseball Secretariat, “We feel the need to revise the rules on intentional walks. First, we will revise the automatic intentional walk from next season.”]

[Another Korean Major Leaguer, Ryu Han-gyeol of the LA Angels, “If I were in that position, I would have competed against him fairly. A home run is just a home run. I don’t feel particularly ashamed of giving up a home run that would be a new record.”]

“Hyung [older brother or close male friend], I’m really grateful, but are you really going to face me head-on if we meet?”

– Am I crazy? I’m warning you in advance. There’s no strike in my dictionary.

“I knew it. Anyway, I’m sorry that reporters seem to be visiting you often because of me. Let’s have a meal together at the last game.”

– Sorry for what. It’s not a bad thing, it’s a good thing. Hey, more reporters come to me on the day you hit a home run than when I pitched a shutout.”

“Hmm.”

We, who have had a relatively tight schedule compared to other teams, have been given a day off today as compensation.

All that’s left for us is a total of 12 games, including the three-game series against Detroit that will start tomorrow.

And with a high probability, this third game against Detroit will be my last start this season.

Now I, no, we, must prepare for the next stage.

The postseason, which is given to only 12 of the 30 teams after all 162 games of the season are over.

A fierce competition to determine the best team in the world awaits us.