With this mindset, Brian Dozier stepped into the batter's box again, ready to engage in a fierce battle with Lin Guanglai.
However—
"Strike, batter out!" Moments later, the once high-spirited Brian Dozier walked back to the dugout with his head down, looking dispirited.
Amid the thunderous cheers of Yankee fans threatening to break the sky, Dozier glanced back at Lin Guanglai on the pitcher's mound, only to see him without a trace of unnecessary emotion, as if striking him out was just a routine matter.
The Twins' second batter was a bona fide superstar: Joe Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP, five-time Silver Slugger, and three-time Gold Glove winner. He was regarded as "the strongest catcher in history" for his top-notch offense and defense; since 2014, Mauer had transitioned to first base due to age and injuries, fully leveraging his exceptional batting skills.
