Trouble!
One Out, runner at third base.
One Strikes, zero Ball.
Considering the style of the Hakuryu, right now, it seemed that losing a point was inevitable.
With the current score, in terms of momentum, Seidou has an absolute advantage. But once Hakuryu High School scores another point, the Seidou match will probably be difficult to play.
Miyano, the Ace of the Hakuryu High School, faced Seidou's luxurious line-ups, and his physical strength was extremely severe.
Sawamura had a tough time as well. He stopped the bases stealing several times, and with the pressure brought by the lineup of Hakuryu, Sawamura's physical exertion was also a lot. According to his own estimation, if his ball power can last until the ninth inning is not bad.
Of course, this does not mean that after the nine innings, Sawamura can no longer Pitch.
Of course, you can still throw the ball, but it will be difficult to maintain the speed and power of the ball at its peak.
Once the game enters the playoffs, it is really difficult to say whether it will be won or lost.
To ensure victory, right now, Mima must not be allowed to return to home plate.
But that's easier said than done.
In this situation, if Hakuryu High School is determined to win a point, there are too many tactics that can be used, and Seidou may not be able to stop them.
In the rest area of Seidou, in the face of the dangerous situation, Kataoka decisively sent instructions.
'Move forward!'
'In any case, the Hakuryu cannot get another Run.'
'Right now, the defense must be strong!'
Upon Kataoka's order, Tetsuya on the first base and Masuko on the third base moved several meters forward without hesitation.
On the mound.
Sawamura looked indifferent.
After going forward and defending, it is bound to be possible for Kitaooji to hit the ball behind the first and third bases. Because of their advance, different degrees of gaps appeared behind them.
The pressure is huge!
Facing this heavy pressure, Sawamura's expression did not change.
In this way, the best way to deal with Kitaooji is to use Strikeouts to fight to the end.
With the plan in mind, Sawamura was ready to pitch.
On the other side, the Hakuryu players were also taken aback by Seidou's resolve.
In the face of the dangerous situation where there was a runner on the third base, Seidou did not flinch and put on a defensive formation.
The meaning of this is very clear, and the Hakuryu will never be allowed to win this point.
The dugout of the Hakuryu High School.
Superintendent Sasaki's face was extremely pale.
Next, he didn't know what to do.
But, with forced scoring, with the current position of the first and third basemen of Seidou, when they see Kitaooji with a bunt, they will definitely jump forward without hesitation, and they will only be a few meters away from home plate. The bunt is equivalent to sending it to them.
Even if Mima is super-fast, it is still difficult to get back to home plate.
Opportunities cannot be said to be non-existent, but they are definitely not large.
With the lineup rotation, Kitaooji and Sawamura have already fought twice, this is the third time. With Kitaooji's strength, he should have gotten used to Sawamura's pitching by now.
He also should have a chance to hit, but Sasaki intuitively thinks that the chance is not very big.
If there is no hope for one of the two sides, Sasaki can firmly choose the other. Now that there are so many opportunities on both sides, he has no choice.
Is it a bunt with a steal, or a normal hit?
After thinking for a bit, Sasaki chose the latter.
A normal hit doesn't have to be a hit, even if it's a slow high fly or a weak infield grounder, Mima can run just as well.
Compared with forced scoring, doing so will result in a higher probability of scoring.
'Then do it!'
With a determined heart, Sasaki gave a sign to Kitaooji and Mima.
In the position of the catcher, Miyuki had already guessed the countermeasures of Hakuryu's High School.
In fact, it's not difficult to guess. If you compare your plans, if you are in their place, you will choose the same thing.
As long as Sasaki's brain is not broken, he will never choose bunts with low odds of winning and forced scoring.
Mima was lucky and avoided a Touch-Out.
Miyuki is used to these troubles, if Mima wants to do it again, He will teach Mima a good lesson.
If Kitaooji swings normally, how should he lead Sawamura?
Ideally, of course, Strike him out. But now it was him, facing off against Sawamura for the third time. After getting used to Sawamura's pitching form and ball speed, it is not easy to Strike Him Out.
In contrast, relying on the defense to win the duel is safer.
It's just that once the ball is hit, it's very possible to run back to home plate with the speed of Mima…
In this way, the best way is to use fishing balls to tempt Kitaooji to hit a slow fly high!
'Come on, the Moving-Up ball.'
Miyuki gave Sawamura a sign.
The rest area of the Hakuryu High School.
Sasaki nervously grabbed the stopwatch in his hand.
'In this case, their most likely call is the Cutter. Aim at two balls above the Straight ball and swing!'
'Even if you lose the bet, it doesn't matter, the big deal is getting a hit.'
'Come on, Kitaooji!'
On the pitcher's mound, Sawamura nodded calmly.
It is indeed the best countermeasure at this stage to tempt the batter to hit a Slow fly high.
As long as Kitaooji hits a Slow fly high, even if Mima wants to steal a base, he has to return to the third base and start running again.
'Then you are welcome to try!'
Whoosh!
A small white ball flew out.
Although Kitaooji is quiet normally, he is very decisive at critical moments. He aimed two balls above the Straight ball and swung!
Ping!
The white ball was hit!
In the position of the catcher, Miyuki had a smile on the corner of his mouth and knew that they would aim at the Cutter and swing the bat.
'However, this is not a Cutter ball, but a Moving ball that breaks slightly up.'
'Whether it's a normal swing, or aiming at the two balls above.'
'You are already dead!' (Nani!)
The small white ball was hit and bounced in front of the pitcher.
Sawamura caught the ball in his glove effortlessly.
SNAP!
After catching the ball, he did not pass the ball to the first base immediately to block Kitaooji but glanced in the direction of the third base.
At third base, Mima looked a little unwilling, but he didn't make any moves.
Sawamura felt relieved, straightened his waist, and passed the ball to first base.
Just as Sawamura turned around, a sharp look flashed in Mima's eyes.
He left third base and ran to home plate in a desperate run.
After Sawamura blocks Kitaooji, the situation will be two Outs and runner on third base.
By then, they will have no chance at all!
At this time, no matter how slim the chance is, Mima will definitely run.
SNAP!
Tatsuya catches the ball and Touch-Out Kitaooji.
"OUT!"
Kitaooji was Out, and Seidou scored two Outs.
Tetsuya then passed the ball to the Catcher.
SNAP!
When Miyuki caught the ball, Mima was close to home plate.
Miyuki didn't even have time to straighten up, so he grabbed the Mitt and went to touch Mima Out and he moved slightly to the side.
Mima moved sideways to dodge Miyuki's Mitt.
Miyuki pounced directly, his arm outstretched.
Mima had to retract to the side to dodge and avoid Miyuki's Mitt.
The two fell at the same time, and Mima bowed, like a shrimp, arched a bit, and continued to try to touch the base with his hands.
But Miyuki like a hunter waiting slapped Mima's arm with his Mitt.
"OUT!"
…
T/N: This Chapter was a pain. Anyway, The Second Chapter!