Gary stepped up with two home runs already under his belt. He took a second strike on an 0-2 count but didn’t look concerned. His body language said it all—relaxed and confident. He seemed to sense the pitcher’s struggles, almost daring him to try and land a perfect pitch. The catcher set up outside. The ball came in high and inside. Gary didn’t miss. He crushed it for his third home run of the game, sixth of the season.
After the swing, he flashed a small smirk as he rounded the bases. No over-the-top reaction, just a quiet acknowledgment that he owns the moment. The commentary piled on the praise with a mix of disbelief and sarcasm. The pitcher looked lost, and Gary made him pay. This wasn’t luck. It was control, discipline, and power from a hitter who knew he was a level above.