Part 6/8:

A pivotal moment arrived when the manager and the pitching coach made a mound visit during a stressful situation with runners on base. Here, his mental state came into focus: an opportunity to strike out a former teammate had him determined yet invigorated. The conversation with his coach reflected mutual confidence as they exchanged insights and encouragement. Emphasizing his love for high-pressure situations, the pitcher internally affirmed the importance of staying locked in.

The battle against the lineup led to several close calls, some that would be strike calls in one league but balls in another, further complicating the mental game. Despite the pitches being nearly perfect, a malfunction in execution frequently led to missed opportunities.