Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 98

Pitcher done, batter up – Episode 97

Currently, the Braves can be said to be the team with the best momentum in the National League.

Bob Fosse’s pitching, which managed to hold them to just one run through the 6th inning, brought shock and awe to people.

[What’s up with Bob Fosse?]

[It looks like he’s throwing junk balls, why are the batters struggling so much?]

[ㄴJunk balls my ass… He’s averaging 90 mph, which isn’t as good as his prime, but he’s still a fastball pitcher if he came to Korea]

[ㄴHis ball distribution today is insane, seriously riding the wave]

[Bob Fosse is still doing well]

[There’s a bit of luck today, but his skills are still good. With Ian Field on the D-backs, he might not be an ace, but he could be a solid 2nd or 3rd starter]

[ㄴGuys who rely on overpowering with force tend to fail when their velocity drops. Bob Fosse succeeded in changing his style to a finesse pitcher]

[ㄴTime is merciless… The Bob Fosse that my peers remember was an aggressive fastball pitcher…]

[ㄴOld man, what era are you talking about…]

Bob Fosse’s superb pitching was enough to deeply impress people.

Even if it wasn’t easy to come by.

The sight of him suppressing runs by blocking the opposing batters with all his might captivated even those who weren’t particularly interested in him.

Even the baseball fans in Korea across the Pacific, who were reluctantly watching the game to cheer for or criticize Lee Jung-woo, were amazed.

A Major League Baseball bulletin board on one baseball community clearly had posts related to Lee Jung-woo accounting for 90% of the content in the early innings of the game.

But after the 6th inning, stories about Bob Fosse also accounted for about 30% of the content.

People were cheering for his superb pitching.

[Bob Fosse is amazing]

[This is why they say veteran, veteran. His crisis management is no joke.]

[ㄴThis makes it even more frustrating for the attacking side. How many times have runners been in scoring position, and only 1 run?]

[ㄴBob Fosse was really my favorite pitcher at one time. Watching today’s game really touches my heart.]

[ㄴHonestly, I thought he lost a lot of velocity and would get hit for a home run by Lee Jung-woo; I feel a little embarrassed.]

Because of the situation.

The atmosphere of the bulletin board, which had been absolutely favorable to Lee Jung-woo, also changed little by little.

To be precise, those who liked him were still cheering for him.

And were enthusiastic about his performance.

But those who didn’t like him started to barge in.

[Lee Jung-woo is overrated]

[He talks so much, but he’s nothing special, can’t even get an RBI [Runs Batted In]]

[ㄴAre you criticizing Lee Jung-woo here?]

[ㄴExcuse me, are you crazy?]

[ㄴThe only point is that Lee Jung-woo scored, are you out of your mind?]

[ㄴIsn’t it true that he has no RBI?]

[ㄴLee Jung-woo is overrated LOL, honestly, he’d be in the minors even in the KBO [Korean Baseball Organization]]

Even though he was putting up amazing numbers, people were dumbfounded by the sight of them forcibly criticizing him, using the excuse that the team was losing and he couldn’t get an RBI.

Saying he was a bubble and causing trouble.

If they had seen his current performance, at least the word bubble would never have come out.

Because it was an absurd claim, most people just ignored it and tried not to be drawn to such low-level attention-seeking, but as a large community, there were so many different people.

There were also those who couldn’t stand the anger. They confidently countered with facts.

[Look at this, you guys who say Lee Jung-woo is nothing special.]

[Lee Jung-woo’s record today is 3 hits in 3 at-bats, 1 run scored. What do you think? Is he still nothing special?]

It was truly an overwhelming performance.

Usually, after seeing such a record, even anti-fans would normally back down a little, but the problem was that such facts meant nothing to the trolls who were just trying to criticize Lee Jung-woo.

[Isn’t it true that your Jung-woo didn’t get an RBI today?]

[Don’t you know “pitching wins, batting loses”? Don’t show off that garbage performance without an RBI. It’s pathetic.]

[ㄴHonestly, if Lee Jung-woo was a really good hitter, he would have gotten an RBI and at least tied the game, right?]

[ㄴTotally agree, Lee Jung-woo is nothing special! You have to hit for the team! He’s just a selfish bastard who only cares about his own stats]

[ㄴYou X-ing idiots. Pitching wins, batting loses? What era are you talking about?]

[ㄴAre you grandpas? Pitching wins, batting loses? What the X are you talking about from the 2000s]

[ㄴNo, in the first place, isn’t it Lee Jung-woo’s fault that he doesn’t have an RBI when he hit two extra-base hits? It’s more like he’s being wronged.]

[ㄴYeah~ Your Jung-woo sucks~]

[ㄴLee Jung-woo is good, right? The best ever, right? Then he should get RBIs too~ What’s the point of being good if the team is losing?]

Those who were refuting were frustrated by the fact that they wouldn’t listen, and they were about to get sick.

But the victory came sooner than expected.

Enough to make those anti-fans run away in a hurry from the channel broadcasting the game.

Because a huge level of bait came out.

[Lee Jung-woo starting lineup]

[Today’s game: 3 at-bats, 3 hits (triple-double-single), 1 run scored]

[Lee Jung-woo, challenging for a cycle!]

Cycle hit [hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game].

Bob Fosse showed an unexpected superb pitching and a close pitching duel.

Even though I knew Lee Jung-woo was doing well because I watched it directly.

People who had temporarily forgotten exactly what kind of performance he had.

I realized the letters engraved at the top of the screen.

That Lee Jung-woo is challenging for it.

[Breaking) Lee Jung-woo is challenging for a cycle hit]

[He’ll achieve the record if he hits a home run]

[ㄴ???? Seriously]

[ㄴOh? That’s right, he hit a triple in the 2nd inning. He hit a double in the 4th inning. He hit an infield hit in the 6th inning.]

[ㄴAh, am I an idiot. Why did I think that 6th inning wasn’t a hit? It’s a hit because it’s not a defensive error]

The atmosphere, which seemed to be leaning slightly towards Bob Fosse, changed in an instant.

Usually, it’s ridiculous to even mention a cycle hit with a home run left, not even a single or double.

But it was Lee Jung-woo, who debuted in June and has hit 18 home runs so far in August.

[Lee Jung-woo has only one home run left until hit for the cycle. What do you think?]

[The odds aren’t high, but I think it’s possible.]

[Why?]

[Because it’s Lee Jung-woo.]

Like the commentator’s words coming out of the speaker, people thought it was definitely possible.

Not anyone else.

Because it was Lee Jung-woo.

####

Bottom of the 6th inning.

With an additional run allowed.

Now it was a 2-point difference.

But the atmosphere of the Braves team was not bad.

In a situation where they had already expected to give up a lot of runs, giving up 1 run was rather cheap.

So the players were determined to catch up somehow.

It was too unfair to give up the game like this.

“Rollins, let’s talk for a second.”

Colson, the hitting coach, and the head coach were running around giving instructions to the batters.

He took off his glove and approached Lee Jung-woo, who was quenching his thirst, and said something.

I couldn’t hear it well.

‘2 point difference. If we score somehow, it’s enough to catch up. All we have to do is score somehow.’

Right now, all Lee Jung-woo has in his head is to knock down the pitcher and come back.

In his usual indifferent face, only his eyes were burning fiercely.

He stared intently at the pitcher slowly going up the mound.

The coach didn’t say anything more when he saw that.

Because the player’s will is strong, there was nothing more to say.

Anyway, what I was going to say was the same old thing: don’t be nervous and stay calm.

“Lee is something else. Looking at him not being nervous in front of a record.”

Peterson clicked his tongue as if he was amazed by Lee Jung-woo, but Derek smiled awkwardly.

As they worked together.

I started to read that unchanging face little by little. In his opinion, Lee Jung-woo wasn’t not nervous.

“I don’t think he even knows he’s achieving a record?”

“Huh? Is that possible?”

“That means he’s focusing on the game that much.”

“If that’s true, he’s a strange guy in many ways.”

“It’s better that way. Rather than being conscious of the record and swinging bigger, it’s better to just focus on the game itself because it will produce a more natural swing.”

Derek nodded and shook his head, saying it was nothing to Lee Jung-woo, who was wiping the flowing water and looking at him, as if he knew he was talking about his story.

I thought the atmosphere wasn’t too bad so far.

“Okay, let’s beat up that old man this time and chase him to the bench.”

“He’s a little out of it. Isn’t he an old man? I don’t think there’s much difference in age between us?”

Peterson objected, but Derek pretended not to hear and encouraged the players.

####

Top of the 7th inning. The Braves’ attack, which started with leadoff hitter Rollins, was stickier than ever.

[He let the outside fastball go – the referee doesn’t give it to him. Leadoff hitter Rollins walks.]

[It’s a walk, but it forced the pitcher to throw a lot of pitches.]

Because it was a 9-pitch battle.

The joy and sorrow of the pitcher and batter were more intensely divided.

The pitcher shook his head as if he didn’t like the referee’s declaration, while the batter walked out happily with a face that looked like he was about to hum.

[Bob Fosse seems a little tired. Won’t they make a substitution?]

[I think they’re going to watch him a little more.]

‘The bench is bustling. The bullpen must already be ready. All that’s left is internal coordination.’

Lee Jung-woo, who was eager and leaning on the dugout railing, turned his gaze away from the pitcher wiping the sweat from his forehead.

I looked at the opposing team’s bustling bench.

It looked like the pitching coach would run out and pull the pitcher down right away.

There was no direct action.

“He blocked it well even after sending out a runner. They’re going to trust him this time too. It’s a grateful choice for us.”

“Yes, that’s right. Because he’s already tired.”

The hitting coach smiled happily.

I didn’t seem to think that the D-backs bench’s choice was a good one.

No, in fact, not only that.

Even the D-backs fans were restless.

And that worry eventually came true.

[Derek Hunt hits! He hit it properly, the runner goes to 3rd base, and the batter goes to 2nd base.]

[He’s doing a great job as the captain. Now, one more double and it’s a tie.]

Derek hit it and went out.

He stepped on second base and roared loudly towards the Braves dugout.

The players responded with generous applause.

“It’s a substitution now.”

“Yes, it’s a little disappointing.”

“That’s right, it’s beneficial for us to have a tired pitcher stay. Well, it’s a natural choice.”

‘That’s not what I meant….’

Lee Jung-woo didn’t say that for such practical reasons.

Just like he decided himself.

Because he wanted to completely break down that pitcher himself.

That’s why he felt a bit disappointed about the upcoming pitching change. Soon, an unexpected scene unfolded on the field.

The D-backs’ pitching coach came out of the dugout, but Bob Potts shook his head, stopping him.

His eyes said he could still pitch more, and the hesitant pitching coach quietly returned.

[Ah, they stopped the pitching change. We’ll have to see if this becomes pride or arrogance.]

[In my opinion, he seems a bit tired… but the pitcher knows best. We’ll have to watch.]

“Huh? He’s pitching more? Thank you!”

The hitting coach, Colson, chuckled like someone who had struck gold, while the commentators expressed negative opinions.

Because Bob Potts looked exhausted to anyone watching.

You could tell just by looking at his uniform, soaked with sweat and sticking to his body.

Anyone watching the game,

whether in person or on TV,

had the same thought.

That he would soon get hit hard. Especially with the batter coming up now.

It was Joey Fredman, the number 3 hitter.

‘I won’t even get a runner on base.’

Lee Jung-woo clicked his tongue, seeing Joey looking like he was on fire.

He looked like he was about to hit a home run, and those predictions were usually right nine times out of ten.

But this time, it was the rare one or two that hit.

‘Did he have energy left?’

Lee Jung-woo’s eyes widened.

The fastball speed, which was only around 87-89 mph when Derek hit him, was now hitting its peak of 95 mph.

And it was sharp enough to see even from a distance.

Joey was also surprised.

His eyebrows twitched,

and he just watched the curveball drop for the second strike. And then, finally.

The high-speed fastball that was thrown inside for the first time in this game.

“Strike out!”

[Swinging strike! Joey Fredman strikes out!]

[There’s nothing to say. All I can think of is that he’s amazing.]

“What’s up? Why is he suddenly like that? Did he have some energy left?”

Gerry Winters asked Joey, who had returned to the bench after talking to Peterson, who was heading to the batter’s box.

Joey tilted his head slightly and said.

“No, he just squeezed it out. But… it was sharp.”

After saying that,

Joey slumped down on the bench with a very hurt pride.

He seemed upset about striking out against a tired pitcher, and the players deliberately looked away from him to be considerate.

“If he squeezed it out, he must be really tired now. Peterson! Hit one out of the park, you pig!”

“Hit a grand slam! Then I’ll buy dinner tonight!”

It was a bit unexpected,

but the players cheered for Peterson, hoping he would hit one out of the park, as the chance was still there.

As Peterson went up,

Lee Jung-woo, filling the empty batter’s box, watched the game with a serious look.

‘He’s messing with the timing again. Peterson is getting played. I need to stay sharp.’

The teammates are expecting it,

but Lee Jung-woo shook his head.

In his opinion, Peterson had already lost his timing.

The end result for a batter who has lost his timing is.

[Ah, Peterson just watches it go by. Looking strikeout! Bob Potts! What a great pitch!]

[I can’t believe it. To be honest, when he refused the substitution, I thought Bob Potts was pushing himself too hard… but he’s pitching perfectly, making those thoughts meaningless.]

A chill ran down their spines.

“No way, again?”

A cold shiver ran down the Braves’ necks.

It was the same pattern as throughout the game.

Hitting singles to create chances, but failing to capitalize and letting them go to waste.

It felt like the same repertoire that created the current score of 3-1 was unfolding again.

A chilling feeling crept over them, and the fear that they might miss another opportunity grew, but.

The worry soon subsided.

“He has a record on the line. Lee will definitely hit one out.”

“At least it’ll be a tie. Thank goodness.”

“Haa, I almost had a heart attack.”

Lee Jung-woo. The moment they saw him going up to the batter’s box, those worries disappeared cleanly.

Only trust remained.

It was unbelievably thick for a rookie who had only debuted two months ago.

But no one disagreed.

Because Lee Jung-woo had become Atlanta’s unwavering faith.

[Number 5 hitter Jung-woo Lee comes to the plate. This inning is the D-backs’ last hurdle, and perhaps the biggest mountain of today’s game.]

Tension filled the air.

As they said, it was perhaps the biggest mountain, but as with most things.

You could just avoid the mountain.

There were other ways.

The opposing bench was bustling again, and the pitching coach had almost walked out.

‘Substitution?’

But Lee Jung-woo shook his head, unlike Joey’s at-bat earlier.

‘No way.’

As expected, the pitching coach returned to the bench again.

Bob Potts glared at Lee Jung-woo with the most emotion he had shown today.

And threw the first pitch.

Bob Potts’s choice was pride.

“Let’s go! Get him!”

“That’s Bob Potts! That’s how Bob Potts is!”

“He’s nothing! You’re the best!”

Strike.

Unlike the ambiguous matches he had with Lee Jung-woo so far, it was a full-force pitch of 93 mph that properly caught him off guard.

The crowd went wild.

It was praise for the pitcher who chose the direct approach in a crisis situation, like the protagonist in a baseball manga [Japanese comic book or graphic novel].

When Lee Jung-woo was driven to two strikes after letting the second fastball go by,

the atmosphere was as heated as it could be.

Perhaps the current state of Chase Field was telling the story.

No matter how well the second starter, Ian Field, did, it was telling why the first starter was Bob Potts.

He wasn’t in the post-season.

He was creating this atmosphere in the top of the 7th inning of the regular league.

He was the most beloved player in the D-backs, and that player’s desperate pitching created a story in itself.

[Is Lee going to strike out too? Bob Potts, who has shown great pitching today, is showing a perfect performance until the end!]

[No, right now…]

Even if it’s just a facade now.

Whether it was because of pride in the past, when he was a proud ace,

or just because he didn’t want to be pushed back by a new rookie.

The pitcher, clenching his teeth as if he would break them, dragging his limp arm and throwing.

It was like a movie scene.

‘I read the timing a while ago. I’m used to it. So with this – it’s a reversal.’

Reality wasn’t a movie.

Even if it was a movie.

There was a different protagonist.

[He hit it! The ball is flying! How far will it go! It’s very big! How far will it go!]

[He read the timing properly. This was what I was worried about… and finally, a home run explodes.]

The right fielder ran like a madman, never taking his eyes off the ball.

When he was bitterly regretting his feet, which seemed slower than usual today.

The ball that had long passed him fell into the field.

Fortunately, it didn’t go over the fence, but the ball itself was already big enough.

‘Yes! It’s a tie!’

“Run! Run! Run!”

Leaving behind the shocked spectators, Lee Jung-woo, who realized from the moment he hit it that it wouldn’t go over, ran without stopping.

He passed first base in the blink of an eye, and also passed second base like a direct train.

He ran straight to third base.

That was originally the last goal, and he was going to be satisfied with that because all the runners had scored.

“Go more! Tell you to go more!”

“More?”

“I’ll take responsibility even if you die, just run! Close your eyes and go! There’s no chance like this again! Go now!”

The third base coach didn’t allow him to rest his feet.

Lee Jung-woo was very confused by his whip-like appearance.

Why is he doing this so much?

Lee Jung-woo couldn’t understand the third base coach’s intense reaction because he still didn’t know what he was recording.

But for now, he ran without stopping according to his instructions.

[The ball didn’t go over the fence! But this is possible! It’s possible! No one knows! The ball was big, wasn’t it?]

[Lee’s running ability is already known in the league. It’s possible! It’s worth a try! It’s not anything else, he has a hit for the cycle right in front of him! He has to run no matter what!]

People stood up, and so did the commentators.

In fact, the last highlight of this game was unfolding before their eyes.

Lee Jung-woo stretched out his toes.

The third base coach said it was okay to die, that he would take responsibility.

But now that it’s come to this.

He wanted to succeed if possible.

He came in like a speed skater, forcibly suppressing the feeling of wanting to throw up.

He looked at the referee with desperate eyes.

The ball was in the catcher’s mitt, but you never knew.

Not only that, but everyone’s attention was focused on one person, and even if it was quite burdensome for a person.

The referee shouted without hesitation.

“Safe!”

Inside the park home run.

It was a rare record in itself, but Lee Jung-woo ran out of the bench and realized it only then at the sight of his colleagues acting more violently than expected.

That he was challenging a record without even knowing it.

‘Cycling hit [hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game]. I finally did it in the major league too.’

Maybe it’s because he was dumbfounded.

Lee Jung-woo nodded stupidly because he didn’t really feel it.

The pitcher on the mound, Bob Potts, clapped briefly with a slightly relieved look.

Lee Jung-woo also gave him a thumbs up for the pure congratulations.

But he was soon covered as he was attacked by other players.