Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 125

The go-ahead run had been scored.

And then it was tied, the moment the score became even.

The game truly began.

“Mike! Move! I said move!”

“Throw it straight home!”

[A close play at home! It’s a bit ambiguous, but it looks like he’s out, at least to me?]

[Yes, the umpire’s call is… Out! He’s out! Gary Winters with the assist!]

[That was an incredibly quick and accurate throw.]

[Yes, Gary Winters, who was responsible for the earlier run allowed due to an error, has redeemed himself with that play.]

“That’s right! Why was a good player like you acting like that!”

“Nice, Gary! Nice!”

“Let’s go for the comeback!”

They had become desperate.

The precious run they had earned awakened the players.

And it led to a spectacle of super plays that were rarely seen.

Starting with Gary Winters’ redemption play after his earlier catching error.

Both teams’ players frequently made selfless plays, not caring about their bodies.

‘It’s better than being slumped over and trembling.’

The atmosphere, which had been tense and sluggish, burst into flames.

Lee Jung-woo liked that atmosphere.

It was better to move more energetically, even if only a little, than to hold back actions due to the chilling tension, as it was more likely to produce good results.

‘Everything’s good, but there’s no big hit. We’re getting consistent hits, but it’s still a tie.’

Clearly, there were more hits than in the early innings.

Both teams experienced precarious moments.

But thanks to the players who had come to their senses and defended without regard for their bodies.

There was no decisive blow.

As a result, the 1-1 tie continued stubbornly.

Then, in the top of the 7th inning.

The Giants got an opportunity first.

[One out, runner on first, Hugh Shields, the number 5 hitter, is at the plate.]

[Ah, he hit it! He pulled it well! A ball that’s shooting out! Will it be foul? Fair! It’s fair!]

The pulled ball flew to right field.

It was a clean line drive along the foul line.

The ball, which landed right in front of right fielder Joey, rolled and rolled.

Meanwhile, the runner on first base ran without looking back.

“Run! Run! Run, you sons of bitches!”

A small number of Giants fans on the road whipped them on, even resorting to harsh insults to the runner.

Whether it worked well or not, the runner rushed headlong to home as if he had been told to do so.

Then, Joey Fredman, who had snatched the rolling ball, threw it.

[Joey Fredman’s throw! Out? Safe? They came in almost at the same time?]

[The catcher definitely tagged the runner. But the timing is a bit ambiguous.]

“He hit him properly! Look here! Look at the crumpled uniform! If you look closely, you’ll see bruises!”

“He touched the base before that. Don’t pay attention to such nonsense.”

“You wanna go!”

A situation where they came in almost simultaneously.

The home plate was filled with shouting.

Catcher Michael Lipton shouted that his tag was accurate.

But the runner insisted that he had touched the base even earlier.

A truly fierce confrontation.

Naturally, the spectators also raised their voices according to the team they were supporting.

“Safe! It’s safe, safe!”

“Don’t talk shit! The tag was faster!”

“Boo! Accept the result! Don’t be petty! It’s definitely out!”

It was the Braves’ home.

Naturally, the voices shouting for an out were louder.

But the umpire was not swayed by such public opinion.

“Safe!”

“I’m telling you, he tagged him first!”

“No, the base touch was faster. If you really can’t believe it, request a challenge.”

“Did you get money from the Giants!”

“Damn, pluck those eyes out and give them to the dogs!”

“Booooooo!”

[It was a good throw again, but – the result is different! Safe! Ah, the atmosphere is getting heated. And Manager Mancini has also rushed out.]

[It was ambiguous. The result is bound to look different depending on the angle.]

[Yes, the slow-motion video is playing now… it looks like the base touch was slightly faster?]

[Yes, it was faster.]

Harsh words were exchanged.

The manager even ran out, creating a market-like atmosphere, and protested fiercely.

But in the end, there was no challenge request.

Manager Mancini bought time and, as a result of his own confirmation, came to the conclusion that it was not worth it.

[Manager Mancini showed a fierce protest. But he did not request a challenge.]

[The internal decision must have been that it was safe.]

[Yes, now the score is 2-1. The Giants are taking the lead again.]

When Manager Mancini went down, the somewhat fierce atmosphere subsided.

The inning also ended quickly. Mason, who threw with his teeth clenched, feeling like it was his last, struck out all the remaining batters.

‘We lost the lead again. But the atmosphere is okay. At least it’s not like before.’

Although they were one point behind.

Lee Jung-woo was not as worried as before. The atmosphere was a little different from when they had given up the first run.

If their appearance at that time was like defeated soldiers who had already lost, now the players were only expressing their eagerness to catch up somehow.

The spectators were the same.

“Let’s turn it around in the next inning!”

“I know! How long have I been watching? I know! Once you guys start going off, it’s not just one point, but 10 points, 20 points can come out! I know it well! Take it slow, take it easy!”

“Mason! Good job! Please do well in the division too!”

“I’ll never let you be the losing pitcher! Relax and watch!”

The players slowly went down.

Among them, Mason received enthusiastic applause.

They predicted that this was the end of his outing.

The spectators did not spare their praise for the starting pitcher, who had shown a good performance with 2 runs allowed in 7 innings.

Mason, who himself had expected to be replaced, bowed his head to the audience, accepting it purely.

“Thanks to you, Mason, we held on well. I’ll make you the winning pitcher. Wait.”

“Yeah, you know there’s still the bottom of the 7th, right? Let’s hit a cool home run! Joey or Lee.”

“I don’t even want to be the winning pitcher, just don’t let me be the losing pitcher. At least I don’t want to end the season today.”

The players nodded at the earnest request of the pitcher who had endured well until the 7th inning.

Lee Jung-woo also thumped his chest as if to tell them to trust him.

Perhaps because he had shown results, Mason also nodded as if to say he would trust him.

‘The opponent is also very tired. Now it’s our turn again.’

####

Bottom of the 7th.

The Braves’ offense sputtered a bit at first. Rollins, the number 8 hitter, was out on a ground ball.

[Anthony Schultz, a pinch hitter, comes up for the number 9 hitter. He’s generally unremarkable. But his on-base percentage is good, right?]

[Yes, since the next batting order is strong. It seems they chose to load the bases first.]

Schultz, the pinch hitter who was immediately sent out to replace Mason, the number 9 hitter, was struck out on three pitches, contrary to expectations.

The plan to get a runner on base somehow failed. But this was just the beginning.

Even though there were two outs, the powerful top of the batting order of Derek – Lee Jung-woo – Joey was waiting.

‘It’s okay yet. Derek seems to have caught the feel; he got a hit earlier. Joey is a little quiet this game, but once he connects, it’s over. And I can definitely hit too.’

Lee Jung-woo ignored the two red lights on the scoreboard [indicating two outs]. And his belief was right.

Derek, who had a hit in the previous at-bat, hit a cool one this time too.

[The 쭉쭉뻗는(onomatopoeia for a stretching, powerful hit) ball split the left-center field – the left fielder is trying to catch up! Safe at second base! Captain Derek’s double creates a chance!]

[It was a simple level swing. A good ball came out.]

“Captain! Captain! Captain!”

“Now it’s tied again!”

“What are you talking about! It’s a comeback!”

A situation where they had to hope for a hit to tie the score.

Rather, the fans shouted for something more.

If it was the player coming up now, he would definitely hit more than just a hit.

“You guys are done!”

“Lee! Hit consecutive home runs!”

“Hey Russian guy! Just throw a cool curveball! Then you’ll be comfortable too!”

The noisy voices became a single howling again.

The spectators shook their intimidating axes [foam tomahawks, a common fan item] without mercy.

The stadium was shaking.

In it, Lee Jung-woo went to his fourth at-bat.

“Hoo.”

[Number 2 hitter Jung-woo Lee enters his fourth at-bat. His record in this game is 3 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 home run, and 1 RBI.]

[Maybe the Giants fans are praying desperately.]

[He’s a player who needs that much effort to stop.]

Taking a deep breath, Lee Jung-woo went to the plate. The catcher looked at him.

I thought he would say something, but he quickly turned his gaze again. Lee Jung-woo twitched his eyebrows at the unexpectedly calm appearance.

‘I thought he would be very wary. Does he have some hidden card prepared?’

Lee Jung-woo was lost in thought.

The catcher’s face, which seemed to have a strange sense of relief visible through the mask, planted such suspicion in him.

Lee Jung-woo, who tapped the floor with the end of his bat as usual, took a stance and then,

Stared at the pitcher.

What kind of trick does that coward have that makes him so calm?

With that question, the first pitch came. A distant outside fastball.

“Ball.”

’92 miles. Is his power dropping? It was 95 miles for Derek… Pace control?’

“Strike!”

’93 miles. It’s a little faster, but it’s still normal. What is it? What is he hiding?’

As he wondered.

Every single pitch was suspicious. Lee Jung-woo loosened his grip on the bat, watching for the tell.

Then came the series of pitches.

The pitcher, showing off his pink fingernails, casually threw a fastball.

But they were all a bit…off.

‘Both the velocity and power have decreased. Is it just a drop in stamina, or is he trying to win with control?’

Lee Jung-woo focused intently, tracking the ball as closely as possible as it landed near the edge of the strike zone.

Cutting it close.

He continued to contemplate what hidden card the pitcher might have up his sleeve.

And finally, when the count was full [three balls and two strikes], Lee Jung-woo realized the reason for the opposing catcher’s strange sense of relief.

‘He has no intention of properly competing with me. That’s why he’s so relaxed.’

If he gets a strike, great. If not, oh well.

A walk is fine too.

It seemed like a rough calculation.

Since the option to avoid a direct confrontation was on the table, he understood the catcher’s strange sense of relief from his perspective. Rather than letting a batter in good hitting condition get another hit this game…

Ignoring him and aiming for the next batter was also a viable strategy.

“Even so, are you in your right mind?”

“Shut up.”

“Do you know who’s behind me?”

“Just focus on the game quietly. There won’t be a next batter. You’re striking out.”

The catcher reacted like a ferocious little dog.

Lee Jung-woo shut his mouth tightly.

But he still didn’t understand.

The next batter had been silent throughout this game.

Even pushed back by the pitcher, striking out in all previous at-bats.

So it seemed like he would be more manageable than himself, who was in good form.

‘It’s a misjudgment. It’s Joey Friedman, no less. And…’

Lee Jung-woo glanced at the opposing team’s bench and sneered inwardly.

Whether it was due to extreme concentration…

The pitcher’s control was better than usual, exceeding the data.

To the point where, if he was careless, he could be struck out.

‘Then he should have kept it hidden.’

Lee Jung-woo gripped the bat tightly.

The only thing he was worried about was the opponent’s hidden scheme.

But it turned out to be nothing, and the suspicion vanished.

There was no reason to hold back anymore.

‘I already know your game.’

The pitcher wound up, his motion exaggerated.

The sweat-soaked yellow hair fluttered stickily.

The deep pink of his fingernails faintly flashed before his eyes like car lights late at night.

The ball flew in a slightly low, precarious trajectory.

It was a perfectly executed pitch that seemed to have been scraped right off the plate.

“Hmph-”

It lacked power.

Even if it had gone right down the middle, if he had thrown with all his might, it would have been more difficult than now.

Lee Jung-woo didn’t hesitate to swing. Leaning back, he swung the bat.

*Paak!*

A fastball lacking power.

He could easily scoop up a ball that he was already familiar with.

‘If you were going to walk me, you should have committed to it.’

Lee Jung-woo, who tossed the bat aside coolly, slowly circled the bases as if taking a leisurely stroll.

It was his home stadium, and the opposing team wouldn’t be back this year. And it was the postseason.

There was nothing to hold back.

[Jung! Woo! Lee! Two-run home run! The game is tilting towards the Braves!]

[Beautiful. It’s beautiful. It was quite a low ball, but he just scoops it up. A perfect drive shot.]

[As a joke, there’s talk that Lee could challenge to be a golfer after he retires. Yes, I think so too.]

[Lee is Lee, but the Giants’ bench was too comfortable. It seems like they were trying to play a dangerous game, thinking they could just issue a walk… They should have decided for sure, whether to walk him or compete.]

[With Lee’s two-run home run, the score is now 3 to 2! Ilya Danilov endured well, but in the end, he was defeated by Lee again.]

“Kkyaaaaaaak!”

“He hit it! He hit it! Lee really hit it! Lee really got it over the fence!”

With the various screams of tens of thousands of spectators as background music, Lee Jung-woo circled the bases leisurely.

The pitcher looked up at the sky with his hands behind his back. The catcher slammed his fist into the perfectly fine ground for no reason.

“Yeeeeeeeeee!”

“Catch him! Catch him!”

“Just hit his fat! He’s precious! He can’t get hurt!”

“There’s no fat! It’s all muscle!”

“His butt—let’s see his butt!”

When Lee Jung-woo reached home plate, a loud roar erupted again, starting with Derek, who was waiting first.

The players who rushed out of the dugout mercilessly pummeled Lee Jung-woo’s whole body.

Even Joey, who had been waiting quietly in the on-deck circle, joined in, hitting him with his large hands.

Finally, when the situation calmed down, Derek whispered to Lee Jung-woo, who had been turned into a mess.

“Lee, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“After this season is over, extend your contract with the club. A contract period of about 20 years would be manly.”

“After collectively assaulting someone like this?”

“It’s filled with love.”

Derek’s eyes, filled with emotion, joy, elation, and happiness, were out of his mind.

Lee Jung-woo chuckled and held back his words.

‘Anyway, I’ll be going down now [from the high of the moment].’

Lee Jung-woo, who entered the dugout under the extreme escort of his teammates, looked at the mound.

Ilya Danilov was exchanging fierce words with the pitching coach.

Since he had been a pushover until now, it seemed like he was insisting on finishing this inning himself.

In the end, he went down the mound with the coach, and a new pitcher came up.

‘The previous pitcher and the bench made the mistake, but an innocent pitcher is paying the price.’

Lee Jung-woo shook his head, looking at the relief pitcher lightly practicing his pitches.

Clearly, Joey’s face, who had been hitting him, was full of joy, but there was also a very slight displeasure.

‘Even if the change in emotions is small, if you touch the pride of a top player, it’s natural for it to explode.’

Wrath towards the opposing team that dared to consider the option of walking the batter in front of him.

Whether it was not just Lee Jung-woo who felt it, the surrounding players also whispered, looking at Joey, who went to the plate.

“Joey’s angry, right?”

“I’ve seen him for years. I know just by looking. He’s really pissed off.”

“Well, it would be strange if he didn’t know. He was openly disrespected.”

A batter who had been silent throughout the game.

The price for briefly ignoring a player who had given up three strikeouts was huge.

The pitcher finished his practice pitches.

Not long after…

The same sound of a bat connecting that had rang out earlier rang out again.

Back-to-back home runs.

Lee Jung-woo thought, watching the ball sail far over the left fence.

‘It’s over.’

Their victory.

####

[Strike! Three-pitch strikeout! The Giants’ last chance in the top of the 9th inning ends. Finally, the National League Wild Card Game comes to an end. The game score is 9 to 2. The Braves show tremendous power in the late game. They advance to the Division Series!]

[It was a 1-1 tie until the 6th inning… As expected, once the Braves start to explode, they can’t be stopped.]

When the Wild Card Game ended, and firecrackers poured out like crazy from all over the stadium…

The joy and sorrow of the winners and losers were mixed.

The Giants players, who finished the season much earlier than expected, returned to the locker room with lonely steps.

The Braves, who had advanced to the postseason, overturning everyone’s expectations, continued to play baseball a little longer.

In the scene of celebration, the relay camera focused on one player on the screen in particular.

[Haha, it’s Lee Jung-woo being showered with drinks?]

[Even in the midst of great firepower, our Lee Jung-woo was the most outstanding player.]

[Yes, that’s right. From the tying run in the bottom of the 4th inning to the go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the 7th inning, he virtually decided the direction of the game.]

The Korean commentators poured out compliments full of personal feelings, smiling brightly. Usually, viewers would curse it as *national뽕* [nationalistic fervor], but…

At least for today’s game, everyone felt the same.

As Atlanta, or the southeastern United States and Korea across the Pacific, swayed with joy, there were also places that showed a slightly, or rather, very serious reaction.

[NYM) Phillies, you’re screwed.]

[WAS) The World Series championship you were talking about, you won’t be able to do it this season, right?]

[LAD) Goodbye, Phillies. Think positively. Even if you came to the championship, you would have lost to us.]

[PHI) Shut up, all of you. We’re going to win. You loser bastards.]

[PHI) You guys must be misunderstanding something, we’re the top dogs! Got it? You morons?]

It was Philadelphia.

The reason was simple.

The Phillies were the #1 team in the NL [National League] regular season win rate. According to the rules, they were the Division Series opponent of the Wild Card team, the Braves.

[CHC) Does anyone know Lee’s batting average against the Phillies?]

[COL) It’s not the batting average that’s the problem, how many home runs did they get hit? It feels like they got hit about ten times.]

[CIN) In terms of RBIs [Runs Batted In], it’s about ten home runs.]

[PHI) When are those damn tenacious bastards going to stop grabbing our ankles?]

[PHI) I’m going to protest in front of the White House.]

[PHI) What kind of protest?]

[PHI) A protest to send the Braves to the AL [American League] and bring in the Canadian losers instead.]

[PHI) I’ll join in too.]

[NYY) You guys have no conscience.]

[BOS) You’re a Yankees fan, but I agree this time. The Phillies have no conscience.]

They had carefully watched the Wild Card game, becoming pushovers so that they could diligently raise their win rate, although they narrowly missed out on first place.

The Phillies, who had contributed greatly to the crazy performance Lee Jung-woo had this season, became increasingly uneasy.