Team USA versus Team Puerto Rico. And the two players the world is watching most closely go home to the same bed.
Ethan Cole has represented his country before, but never like this-never across the diamond from Nate Reyes, wearing a different flag, playing for a different crowd. The International Baseball Championship has turned them back into rivals on the biggest stage either has ever known. Media from thirty countries are dissecting their every at-bat, every pitch, every glance.
For Nate, wearing Puerto Rico across his chest means something bone-deep. His father's pride. His abuela's prayers. His heritage made visible for the world. But every time he digs into the box against Ethan's fastball, he's not just facing Team USA's ace-he's facing the man who held him through the worst night of his life and still doesn't flinch when Nate crowds the plate.
The international spotlight is relentless, the hotel arrangements are suspicious, and one wrong move in front of a global audience could unravel seven years of secrecy. They've survived brawls, breakups, and a career-ending injury. But they've never had to choose between the people they love and the countries they represent.
Some rivalries are bigger than baseball. This one always was.
