Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 365

“Worried about the pressure? Of course, I am. But it feels a bit different than usual. I feel the weight on my shoulders, but at the same time, I can’t wait to get on the mound and show everything I’ve got. Well, maybe that’s because I’m a longtime fan before I’m a player on this team.”

The center of attention at Media Day ahead of Game 2 of the World Series was none other than Ryan Thibeau, the original ace who had single-handedly carried Seattle for so long.

Although he conceded the role of the team’s top starter to Han Su-hyeok in the postseason, Ryan Thibeau never missed a single start in the regular season, recording 233 innings, 19 wins, 5 losses, an ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of runs allowed per nine innings pitched] of 2.07, a WHIP [Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched, a measure of how many runners a pitcher allows per inning] of 1.09, and a WAR [Wins Above Replacement, a comprehensive statistic that estimates a player’s overall contribution to their team] of 7.8.

Although he failed to reach 20 wins, he achieved a career-high and was set to face off against another 20-game winner, Jordan East of the Cardinals.

“I sometimes think about past seasons, like the ones where we finished 4th for two years in a row. Back then, I didn’t know. I didn’t know what the problem was or what we were missing. So, I thought a lot about it. I put my head together with my teammates and worried every day. And then I realized what this team was really lacking. It was a leader.”

“Ryan Thibeau, aren’t you the leader who represents Seattle? That statement sounds too modest. You’ve been with this team since your debut, holding your position for nine years, so you deserve all the respect.”

“I appreciate your words, reporter. Yes, I thought so too. But it wasn’t the case. When I think about how Tai Johnson, who joined our team this season, leads the young hitters, and how pitchers like Mike Warren and Adam Murphy have influenced our inexperienced pitching staff, yes, in the end, the one who was lacking was me.”

“Um, but it seems like you’re leaving out one important story?”

“Ah, you mean Han Su-hyeok. I left him out on purpose. It’s like he’s not someone I can just lump together with others. To be honest, that’s how it is. What if you added that guy, Han Su-hyeok, to a team that finished 2nd or 3rd in the division this season? In my opinion, that team could immediately become a championship contender. That’s right. He’s a truly perfect player. The Seattle players, including me, have learned a lot from him and been inspired by him. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to play with him, but as a baseball player and as a human being, I sincerely respect him.”

* * *

Ryan Thibeau, who recorded 19 wins, 5 losses, an ERA of 2.07, a WHIP of 1.09, and a WAR of 7.8 in 233 innings in the 2030 season, and Jordan East, the Cardinals’ second starter, who pitched 201 innings with an ERA of 3.01 and a record of 20 wins and 9 losses.

The showdown between the two pitchers, who exude a presence beyond that of an ace despite not being the ace, was just around the corner.

“Ryan, congratulations. I’m happy that your dream has come true.”

“Mia, thank you. Riley, come here. You need to give Daddy a kiss.”

“Daddy! You have to win! I sent a message to Su-hyeok Uncle. To help you.”

“Haha, okay, Riley. Thank you.”

“Please get going. I’ll take Riley to the stadium a little later.”

Ryan Thibeau, who said goodbye to his family, got into his self-driving car.

As his car slowly pulled out of the driveway, his neighbors waved enthusiastically.

It was a scene that had been repeated whenever Ryan started at home, but today he felt strangely excited.

How long had he been waiting for this moment, cheering for this team since he was a child, and growing up as a pitcher after being drafted by Seattle?

The view of T-Mobile Park in the distance outside the car window made Ryan’s heart flutter.

Screech

As Ryan’s car arrived at the stadium, security guards waiting at the gate rushed to guide him to the players’ entrance.

It was to prevent any possible incidents, but there was no need to do so.

The fans who had gathered around the stadium since early morning did not rush at Ryan, but rather silently watched him without even making a loud noise to show their consideration.

Citizens watching Ryan with their arms crossed and without saying a word, people applauding softly and encouraging him, and young fans looking at their idol with expectant eyes.

Ryan, who was about to enter the stadium entrance, suddenly turned around and shouted to them.

“I will definitely win!”

* * *

‘Number 1? Or number 2 as usual. No, maybe…’

As in the regular season, one of Coach Benjamin’s biggest concerns in the postseason was deciding where to place Han Su-hyeok in the lineup.

Han Su-hyeok, who played as the number 2 hitter in most games, was also placed at number 1 when leadoff hitter Derek Fleming’s condition declined or when the opposing pitchers’ control was focused on him.

In the regular season, there was another condition of managing Han Su-hyeok’s stamina in addition to maximizing offensive power, but in the World Series, where everything is decided in at most seven games, that wasn’t a primary concern.

What Coach Benjamin is worried about now is that the St. Louis bench chose to face Han Su-hyeok head-on, who started as the number 1 hitter yesterday.

Although he doesn’t know the exact inside story, the St. Louis manager seems to have decided to compete instead of avoiding Han Su-hyeok.

Then there is no need to use him as number 1. In yesterday’s game, Han Su-hyeok also had some difficulties in scoring opportunities when he was placed at number 1. So, placing the team’s best hitter a little further back so that RBI [Runs Batted In] opportunities are concentrated on him would be a much better choice in terms of scoring production.

This is even more so considering that leadoff hitter Derek Fleming is maintaining an on-base percentage of over .400 in the postseason, and that Antonio Garcia, who will be the designated hitter in today’s game, is at the peak of his hitting ability after hitting a homerun as a pinch hitter after being excluded from yesterday’s game and recording a batting average of nearly .500 in the championship series.

The situation may be different in a few days, but there were two players who could be placed at number 1 and 2 instead of Han Su-hyeok. Then you need to be a little more daring.

After thinking about it for a long time, Coach Benjamin finally picked up his pen and began to write down the lineup.

1st Center Fielder Derek Fleming

2nd Designated Hitter Antonio Garcia

3rd Third Baseman Han Su-hyeok

4th First Baseman Tai Johnson

5th Right Fielder Chuck Clark

6th Left Fielder Jim Brown

7th Catcher Bruce Matthews

8th Second Baseman Liam Landman

9th Shortstop Josh Oliver

Pitcher Ryan Thibeau

Coach Benjamin’s plan was this.

Derek Fleming and Antonio Garcia, who are in top condition in recent games, somehow get on base, and Han Su-hyeok and Tai Johnson bring them home.

In some ways, it may be a slightly classic approach, but considering the current player composition and the opposing team manager’s tendencies, he thought this was the best option.

Anyway, there is no such thing as a 100% certain tactic in baseball.

Making the best choice at the time and taking responsibility for the results was the role of a manager leading a big league team.

Thump, thump

“Okay, everyone. Here’s today’s starting lineup. There are some differences from usual, but I believe you understand what I mean without me having to explain it. As you all felt in yesterday’s game, the Cardinals are the strongest enemy we have faced this season. In every aspect, their strength and ours are evenly matched. Although we won the first game, we must never be complacent. We will approach each game with the determination that every day is the last. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Of course, Boss!”

“Good. Then let’s meet on the field in a little while.”

* * *

– Ah, Han Su-hyeok has been placed at number 3 today. I think it’s the first time since he transferred to the major leagues. What do you think is the intention, Commissioner Go Dong-sik?

– Yes, um. In my opinion, Seattle won yesterday, but the situation of scoring was not so smooth, right? Except for Tai Johnson’s sacrifice fly in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Derek Fleming’s postseason on-base percentage is 0.425, and Antonio Garcia, who was excluded from yesterday’s game but hit a hit as a pinch hitter, recorded a batting average of nearly 50% in the championship series. I think that’s what moved Coach Benjamin’s heart.

– In other words, Han Su-hyeok was given the role of a problem solver. Is that how we should understand it?

– That’s right. It’s actually not easy for the manager to make a decision. Depending on where you place the joker card called Han Su-hyeok, the character of the lineup changes drastically. Of course, there is no right answer. It shouldn’t happen, but if the two players who are at number 1 and 2 today are blocked, the number 3 Han Su-hyeok strategy will be a complete failure.

– It’s no wonder that being a baseball manager is said to be one of the most difficult jobs in the world. The fierce battle of wits between the managers of both teams, which started even before the game, is about to begin. This is T-Mobile Park, where the second game of the World Series between the Seattle Mariners and the St. Louis Cardinals is being prepared.

* * *

“This season, most of the teams that tried unreasonable tactics to face Han Su-hyeok collapsed on their own. That’s why I’m not giving you any special instructions. All I want is for you to show all your skills on the field. Forget about yesterday’s defeat. After all, we only lost one game out of seven. Believe in this team that I, no, we have created, and hit it with all our might. Got it?”

“Yes! Boss!”

“Good, let’s go.”

Grant Dickson, the Cardinals’ leadoff hitter, who entered the plate with the encouragement of the manager, glared at the opposing pitcher with a calm expression.

Although they allowed the second perfect game in World Series history, the atmosphere inside the St. Louis team was unexpectedly not bad.

After all, they were somewhat prepared for Han Su-hyeok’s appearance.

As the ERA in the 0-point range shows, he was an extraordinary being who had surpassed the limits of human beings and had truly perfect game dominance.

Whether it’s a perfect game or whatever, in the end, one loss is just one loss.

There’s no need to panic.

The DNA of the absolute powerhouse in the major leagues, which has maintained its position as the strongest for a long time, firmly held their mentality.

“Play!”

Grant Dickson, who was in charge of the vanguard of the Cardinals again today, decided to think comfortably and as comfortably as possible.

There is no need to win every game. No matter how monstrous Han Su-hyeok is, he cannot start in every game of the World Series.

The Cardinals team was evaluated as the best in the major leagues in terms of mentality as well as skill.

Ryan Thibeau, who had been on the World Series starting mound for a long time, chose the strongest and most destructive ball he could throw as his first pitch.

And,

Whoosh

It met at one point with Grant Dickson’s swing, who shook off yesterday’s defeat and pledged to take another leap forward.

Thwaack!

A leadoff home run that flew straight and hit the middle of the right outfield stands.

It was just a signal flare announcing the start of today’s game.