The Accidental Double Play
Me? Top of the 7th, one out, runners on first and third. The Turkeys' dugout had grown heavy, and my body felt just as weighed down. Please... just end this somehow, quick...
Now it was the 5th hitter, Shin Geon, stepping up. Kim Do-yoon couldn't put him away easily.
Tik!
"Foul ball."
The battle between Kim Do-yoon and Shin Geon dragged all the way to a full count.
Ah... so this is what it feels like. Thanks to that damn tension, with my already depleted stamina, I had to keep shifting around while the count filled up. It was pure agony.
In the end, the 7th pitch missed for a ball, and Shin Geon walked to first.
One out, bases loaded. I felt cold sweat break out.
Next up was the 6th hitter, catcher Ha Seon-gyu. I shifted my position a bit forward. We needed a double play more than anything.
In my head, I'd already mapped it out: Catch the ball, step on the bag, throw. Or catch and throw to second baseman Kim Han-seong, who'd step and fire to first. The fastest way to end it right now.
Tak!
"Batter hit it!"
And there it was—a grounder. Straight to my left. Not far. I can snag this easy.
Judgment made. But right then, my feet tangled. I lost my balance and went down hard.
Damn it!
My vision tilted wildly, my mind blanked. Even as I fell, I flailed my arms, desperate to get up. No time for that, though.
At the same instant, the ball took an irregular hop and shot up suddenly.
Thud thud? What the—? On the ground, I'd lost sight of it for a split second, couldn't track it properly. But then—something brushed the tip of my glove.
Huh? I didn't catch it...
"Shortstop! He deflected the irregular bouncer with his glove!"
And unbelievably, the ball smacked right into my flailing glove.
Thok—and it sailed straight toward second.
"Without even catching it, he slapped it with the glove for a toss! Kim Han-seong doesn't miss it."
The weirdly flying ball didn't faze him. Kim Han-seong calmly snagged it and tagged second.
"Second baseman fields it clean and fires to first! Right on the money—batter's out!"
An unbelievable double play.
"Out!"
And with that 6-4-3 double play, the Gocheok Turkeys ended the inning!
"Nice!"
"What the hell was that?"
The field buzzed. Covered in dirt, I dragged myself up, gasping. My legs shook, but I caught the aftermath. This counted as a double play? Whew... glad I "caught" it, at least...
"What a phenomenal play. Straight out of a Major League highlight reel."
The caster's voice brimmed with genuine awe.
"Exactly. How does he make defense feel so instinctive? Based on today's performance, Kim Hu-seong... he's basically national team caliber."
"Where do you see him fitting on the national team?"
"Defense is no issue. He can play anywhere, so it boils down to his spot in the order."
"Ah, like 1-hole or 2-hole?"
"1, 2, or even 9. 1 or 2 might be a stretch, but 9? Easy with his current skill."
* * *
I rushed to the locker room. My energy was shot—my inner thighs trembled faintly. No hesitation: I tore open the paper box and popped the last macaron in my mouth.
Ah... sweet. The sugary bliss spread across my tongue, melting up to my brain like it was dissolving. For a moment, strength trickled back. My blurry vision sharpened a bit.
But that was it. Not the full-body recharge from before. Just a half-assed recovery.
Damn...
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?"
Hwang Do-yoon's voice hit me. I looked up—he stood there, staring like I was nuts.
"What're you eating to make that face?"
I froze, gulped down the macaron, and turned away slightly.
"Uh... just a macaron."
Damn, of all things, a macaron. Busted on this. Felt embarrassing. Eating dessert in the locker room probably looked weird.
Hwang Do-yoon eyed me, then sighed heavily.
"Ugh... ah..."
Crap, it is weird, huh?
"Haa. Seeing a rookie buy his own snacks 'cause the team's broke... makes me feel like shit. Other teams at least lay out bread or whatever."
Wait, what? It wasn't about eating it? And other places provide stuff?
I chuckled awkwardly and shrugged. He glanced at the box.
"Kinda unique, though. Why macarons of all things?"
I hesitated, then brushed it off.
"Just... got 'em from someone."
He nodded right away.
"From who? Oh, the ones from this morning, right?"
I didn't deny it. It was from Seo Ha-yoon, but no need to spell it out. He let it slide.
"Even if it's from a fan, don't just chow down. You never know. World's full of weirdos—be careful."
He sighed again.
"You carry snacks too, hyung?"
I asked casually. He shook his head.
"Nah, too much hassle."
Then, nonchalantly: "Besides, first base ain't that taxing. No need..."
...Jealous.
* * *
Luckily, Jo Seon-jae took the mound from the 8th. He shut down the last two innings clean, and we pulled off the win.
As the final out clicked, tension drained, and my legs buckled. I slumped onto the bench, utterly spent. Peeled off my glove, dropped it, hung my head, and caught my breath.
As sweat cooled, fatigue sharpened. Gu Min-seok sat nearby, and Hwang Do-yoon's chat popped into my head. On impulse:
"Hyung, when you feel low on energy before a game... got any go-to snacks?"
He glanced over, tilting his head.
"What, rough day?"
I gave a wry smile. He continued smoothly.
"Hmm... bananas, dark chocolate, or energy bars work best. They spike your blood sugar quick—great for an instant boost."
Instant recovery? Sounded just like the macaron.
Then: "But don't rely on 'em too much. Sugar highs are fine short-term, but real recovery's rest and proper meals. Junk food bites back later. That's why they push protein-heavy healthy eats."
Light words, solid advice.
"Makes sense."
He frowned slightly, eyeing me.
"Yeah... anyway, good work. Let's go."
"Sure."
Back home, I fired up my phone. Thought about asking Seo Ha-yoon about the macarons but ordered bananas and dark chocolate instead. Texted her thanks: the macarons were a huge help with the post-game fatigue. Sincere stuff.
Flipped on the TV for game recaps. Highlights rolled, and soon Lee Seo-jin's voice filled the room. Famous for nailing runner situations, his commentary popped up repeatedly.
"Today's key was Kim Hu-seong, no doubt."
Huh? Me? Pitchers did more... I fumbled the remote in shock.
"Watching one player grow is fun, but Kim Hu-seong's recent explosion is shocking. Especially on the bases—aggressive before, now seasoned."
...?Seasoned? Me? I just run on instinct...
"That baserunning play? Art. Faking out the catcher with a sac bunt..."
...?Faking the catcher? When? What?
I never planned that.
"Deceptive tactic nailed. Loping slow to draw the throw to second—saved himself and the hitter..."
No such thing... Legs were just heavy...
"Young kid, but elite defense too... that falling grab. Even that..."
Supposed to be an error, but... how'd it hit exactly toward second?
"Top-tier nationally..."
Too much meaning piled on a fluke.
Praise felt good, sure.
"National team ready."
...?National team...? Me...? Already...?
"With today's play, he's the best 9-hole option—practically a lock. Can't wait for World Premier."
But the overanalysis of my unintentional stuff? Straight burden.
Ah... whatever...