章 44: Playoffs (3)

Nils, the fourth batter, stepped up to the plate with a determined look. Two outs already on the board and Samuel standing on first base meant that this was a crucial moment. Linus could sense the tension rising within their dugout, as players hoped for a breakthrough against Malmö's pitcher.

Nils, one of their strongest hitters, squared up with a confident stance, and with Adam batting right after him, there was a real chance for them to gain early momentum if he could connect with a solid hit.

The pitcher wound up and delivered a fastball. Nils swung hard, making solid contact. Linus and his teammates watched, eyes wide, as the ball launched into the air toward left field. It was a clean, powerful hit, but it wasn't quite enough to clear the fence.