Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 183

Tough Growing Pains (4)

With about 30 games played in the season, the rankings this season unfolded in a way that was both familiar and different compared to the last.

The Wolves, Dragons, and Buffaloes held the top three spots, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively, and were locked in a tight race, their positions shifting after each game.

The Pelicans, despite So Young-joon’s stellar performance on both offense and defense from the season’s start, were gradually losing ground in the mid-tier battle due to the team’s overall lack of depth.

The Jaguars, boosted by Michael Scott’s improvement and Donald Watson’s increasing sharpness, held steady in 4th and 5th place, daring to dream of postseason baseball for the first time in a long while.

Up to this point, things hadn’t deviated significantly from the previous season.

However, a significant shift was occurring with the Doubles.

The Doubles, having lost Go Ji-hoon, were paying the price for the departure of their star pitcher.

The absence of a reliable starter was proving more impactful than anticipated.

As the team slumped into a losing streak, the lack of a pitcher capable of consistently reversing the momentum only exacerbated the problem, leading to more frequent and prolonged slumps.

Consequently, they found themselves in 6th place, a mere game ahead of 7th.

It was a precarious situation, where a single loss could send them tumbling down the standings.

Moreover, today’s game was against the top-ranked Dragons.

-The struggling Doubles are facing a formidable opponent.

-The Doubles were contending for 3rd place with the Buffaloes just last season. Few foresaw Go Ji-hoon’s absence being felt this acutely.

-What are your thoughts on Choi Jung-hwan’s transition from starting pitcher to closer last season?

-I believe that’s the primary reason the Doubles haven’t plummeted to the bottom. While he’s not entirely consistent as a closer, he has successfully provided the bullpen with some much-needed flexibility.

-Furthermore, they face a disadvantage in today’s starting pitching matchup. The hitters need to elevate their performance if the team hopes to climb back up.

“Play ball!”

The game commenced with the umpire’s cry.

Clang!

Clang!

Most experts and fans anticipated an easy victory for the Dragons, but…

Unexpectedly, the Doubles’ hitters found success against the Dragons’ starting pitcher.

Clang!

“Waaaaah!”

“Doubles! Doubles! Doubles!”

The Doubles’ hitters displayed remarkable focus, capitalizing on opportunities and stringing together consecutive singles.

“Gasp!”

Adding to the Dragons’ woes, their fielders grew impatient and committed errors, further fueling the Doubles’ offensive surge.

The Dragons’ starting pitcher’s pitch count soared, nearing 100 even before the end of the 4th inning.

Ultimately, the Dragons’ starter was forced to leave the game without completing five innings.

By the end of the 5th inning, the Doubles held a commanding 5-1 lead.

-Contrary to expectations, the Doubles are performing exceptionally well.

-Who would have predicted that today’s game would evolve into a slugfest?

-If the Doubles secure a win today, it will undoubtedly revitalize the team’s morale.

Even as the game progressed into the 6th inning, the Dragons’ pitchers continued to struggle.

However, as the later innings approached, both the Dragons’ and the Doubles’ pitchers began to falter.

Clang!

Clang!

The Dragons’ key hitters, spearheaded by Na Jun-ho, initiated a comeback, launching several long hits.

The score, which had ballooned to 8-1 by the end of the 6th inning, narrowed to 8-5 as the Dragons mounted a fierce attack in the 7th and 8th innings.

-It appeared the Doubles were headed for an easy win, but the Dragons are a resilient team. They’ve closed the gap significantly.

-The current score is 8-5. A 3-point difference is not insurmountable in baseball.

And now, the bottom of the 9th inning, the Doubles’ final chance on defense.

Finally, closer Choi Jung-hwan took the mound.

-Choi Jung-hwan is serving as the closer for the first time this season. He has steadily accumulated saves, currently with 8, but his underlying metrics are less than ideal.

-That’s correct. He has an ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] of 3.89 and a WHIP [Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched, another measure of pitching performance] of 1.45 in 15 appearances. His strikeout rate per 9 innings has also declined compared to his time as a starting pitcher. Considering the team transitioned him to closer hoping he would dominate the 9th inning, his performance has been underwhelming.

-These are likely the growing pains inherent in a rookie closer’s development. I anticipate he will mature into a quality pitcher as he gains experience. He’s currently inconsistent, but he hasn’t blown a save yet.

-Moreover, today’s game features a 3-point lead, alleviating some of the pressure as it represents the most comfortable situation within the save parameters. Let’s observe together.

Choi Jung-hwan commenced his practice pitches with a serious demeanor.

In his previous outings, he had issued numerous walks due to his attempts to precisely locate pitches on the corners of the strike zone to avoid being hit.

This approach had frequently led to precarious situations.

‘Hoo… Let’s concentrate on throwing strikes accurately.’

Thump!

150km/h [approximately 93 mph].

Thump!

151km/h [approximately 94 mph].

Thump!

149km/h [approximately 92 mph].

Fortunately, the fastballs were landing within the strike zone.

However, the issue lay in the velocity.

While not slow compared to other pitchers, it was approximately 5-6km/h [approximately 3-4 mph] slower than Choi Jung-hwan’s average.

‘But it’s acceptable since the strikes are being thrown effectively, right?’

After completing his practice pitches, Choi Jung-hwan stepped onto the pitcher’s plate.

The batter currently at the plate was the number 9 hitter.

Allowing the number 9 hitter to reach base now could potentially bring up the 1st and 2nd hitters, followed by the dangerous 3rd and 4th hitters.

Notably, the number 4 hitter, Na Jun-ho, had already recorded 2 hits, including a home run, in today’s game, demonstrating his excellent form.

A confrontation with Na Jun-ho was to be avoided at all costs.

Now, the battle with the batter commenced.

Thump!

“Ball!”

Thump!

“Ball!”

In contrast to his practice pitches, the ball was not traveling to the intended location.

The sound of his heart pounding seemed to resonate in his ears.

Thump!

“Strike!”

The ball, thrown with reduced velocity, barely clipped the edge of the strike zone.

However, 145km/h [approximately 90 mph] was a velocity that Choi Jung-hwan found unsatisfactory.

He attempted to generate more power and throw again,

Thump!

“Ball!”

Thump!

“Ball!”

-Ah, Choi Jung-hwan walks the first batter.

-This is the worst possible start. Despite holding a 3-point lead, creating a potential rally situation is detrimental.

Thump!

“Ball!”

Thump!

“Ball!”

The battle with the subsequent batter also deviated from the plan.

As the count reached 2 balls and 0 strikes, the Doubles’ catcher, Yang Hee-chan, retrieved the ball and approached the mound.

He placed the ball in Choi Jung-hwan’s glove, put his arm around his shoulder, and began to speak.

“Jung-hwan, you’re exerting excessive force with your body right now. Throw with ease. We still have a comfortable lead. It’s alright.”

“Yes.”

“The opposing batters seem to be anticipating outside fastballs, so let’s show them one inside.”

“Inside…?”

Choi Jung-hwan’s expression quickly turned somber.

“I’m not suggesting you throw it perfectly inside. We simply need to demonstrate that you’re not exclusively throwing outside.”

“Yes… I’ll try.”

“You’re capable. Don’t overthink it, just follow my lead.”

Yang Hee-chan patted Choi Jung-hwan’s shoulder and returned to the plate.

Meanwhile, Choi Jung-hwan prepared by applying rosin to his hand.

“Play ball!”

The umpire announced the resumption of the game with a resounding call and gesture.

Thump!

“Strike!”

After securing the first strike with a fastball,

The catcher, Yang Hee-chan, finally signaled for an inside fastball.

He had practiced throwing strikes to the inside course during solo training sessions, but he had never attempted it in a live game.

‘Hoo… Can I execute it effectively?’

He threw the ball with all his might,

Tick!

The ball, barely contacted by the bat, bounced awkwardly and floated into the air.

The batter gritted his teeth and sprinted toward the next base.

Simultaneously, the third baseman charged forward, caught the ball, and fired it toward first base,

-Uh? This is a play the batter might win.

-Safe! The batter’s foot arrived first!

-That was incredibly close.

-It was a weakly hit ball. Luck favored the Dragons.

0 outs, runners on 1st and 2nd base.

Whoosh-

“Strike out!”

Fortunately, the battle with the subsequent 2nd batter concluded swiftly due to the opponent’s impetuous swing.

The battle with the 3rd batter also proceeded cautiously.

Clang!

The ball struck by the batter’s bat landed in front of the center fielder.

The runner on 2nd base advanced to 3rd base and immediately charged toward home.

The runner on 1st base easily reached 2nd base.

-The Dragons score a run and apply pressure to the Doubles.

-Now the deficit has narrowed to two points. A single big hit here could tie the game or even give them the lead.

The score is 8-6.

1 out, runners on 1st and 2nd base.

A situation where a home run could tie the game.

Moreover, they had to face the 4th batter, Na Jun-ho.

-It’s the at-bat for the Dragons’ 4th batter, Na Jun-ho. This is likely the climax of today’s game.

-He already has a home run in today’s game. There are still two points to spare, but this is not a situation to be complacent about.

Choi Jung-hwan took a breath and composed himself.

Na Jun-ho’s only vulnerability was an inside breaking ball.

It was a clear weakness, resulting in almost no hits.

If he could reach a two-strike count and then deliver the ball to that location, he could undoubtedly strike him out.

However, the challenge lay in throwing such a precise pitch.

It was even more difficult for Choi Jung-hwan, who lacked consistent command of his breaking ball.

“Hoo- I don’t know. Let’s just follow the catcher’s lead.”

Choi Jung-hwan inhaled deeply and awaited the catcher’s sign.

‘Outside low course.’

Upon confirming the sign, he threw the ball with maximum effort.

Thump!

“Strike!”

He successfully secured the first strike.

And the following pitch.

Choi Jung-hwan wound up powerfully and released the ball at his release point,

Even before the ball arrived, Choi Jung-hwan recognized his error.

But the ball had already left his hand, rendering him helpless.

‘Ah… Please don’t swing.’

However, the batter at the plate was a player with exceptional hitting prowess.

Na Jun-ho’s bat was indeed in motion.

Clang!

“Waaaaah-”

As soon as the ball connected with the bat, cheers erupted from the stands.

Choi Jung-hwan, unable to bear witnessing the ball’s trajectory, rested his hands on his knees and lowered his head.

-Wow! It’s soaring.

-Is it truly going over?

He could discern whether the ball had cleared the fence without needing to see it.

“Waaaaah-”

“Home run!”

Na Jun-ho, rounding first base and heading toward second, confirmed that it was a home run and raised his right hand.

-Hooooome run! A dramatic come-from-behind walk-off home run here!

-Is this even plausible? If a writer scripted this, they would be criticized for being unrealistic!

-The Dragons, trailing until the 8th inning, snatch victory with a walk-off home run!

As Na Jun-ho passed third base and sprinted home, the cheers of the Dragons fans intensified.

“Na Jun-ho! Na Jun-ho! Na Jun-ho!”

Simultaneously, all the players from the Dragons’ dugout surged onto the field, armed with water bottles.

They proceeded to shower Na Jun-ho with water in a celebratory display.

Choi Jung-hwan evaded the jubilant Dragons players and retreated to the dugout.

His teammates, including catcher Yang Hee-chan, patted Choi Jung-hwan’s shoulder and offered words of comfort.

However, the guilt of failing to protect the lead that his teammates had diligently built throughout the game lingered.