Saturday was a sunny day with clear skies, a perfect day for a game.
By the time the players had finished eating three bowls of rice and gathered at the field, the third-year Senpais had already warmed up and were eagerly awaiting the game.
"You guys are too lax, start running!"
Isashiki shouted angrily at the Kohai, gripping his bat.
"Don't think just because you're juniors, we'll take it easy on you."
Kominato Ryosuke grinned as he looked at his Kohais, especially his younger brother.
Since leaving the team, Kominato Haruichi has become the second baseman at Seidou High School.
"You're still too green!"
Even to his own younger brother, Kominato Ryosuke was strict. One might say it was because Haruichi was his brother and he knew how talented he was, that he held him to a higher standard.
"Ugaah!"
Masuko's presence was scary as he kept a keen eye on Sawamura and Kuramochi his former dorm mates specifically.
Not just those, even substitutes like Kusunoki, Endou, and Kadota had eyes filled with aggression.
"It doesn't look like a mere practice match." Miyuki sighed.
"If you think that's true, we might end up in a sorry state," Sawamura added.
The veteran team had improved both in skill and roster.
The catcher was his mentor, Chris.
"This game won't be easy at all. If we're not careful, it could end badly for us." Sawamura spoke before the match.
Players from both sides gathered on the field, separating into their teams.
At that moment, Coach Kataoka, now dressed as the umpire, arrived late.
"Are you all ready?" Coach Kataoka asked.
"Reaaaaady!!"
At this moment, both the third-year Senpais and the new team displayed unwavering determination.
Joining Seidou meant entering a prestigious team and testing their own abilities.
They had never regretted their decision.
The third-year seniors had already achieved what they wanted most and had no regrets. As for the new members who joined the First String, they were even more resolute. And their ambitious plans are not any less.
"In the third year, Chris is the coach. For the New team, Sawamura and Miyuki will take charge. For this game, I'll just watch. The rest is up to you."
Coach Kataoka posed indifferently.
'What?'
The players looked at their Coach in disbelief, wondering what he was thinking.
"Coach Sawamura, what's your plan?" Miyuki teased.
Sawamura had no time for banter now; the third-year seniors were undoubtedly ready to teach them a lesson. As the soul of the new team, he couldn't back down.
"Then I'll take the lead, Coach Miyuki. First, the positions are set. Maezono-senpai at first base, Haruichi at second base, Higasa-senpai at third base, Kuramochi-senpai as shortstop, and of course, Miyuki-senpai as catcher.
I'll stay in left field, Toujou in center field, and Shiratsu-senpai in right field.
As for pitchers, Furuya will pitch the first two innings, using speed to create opportunities. In the third inning, Nori-senpai will take over for two innings.
Leave the last five innings to me. After my replacement, Asou-senpai will take my place. On the first base coaching side, will be Ono-senpai. On the third base coaching side, Kanemaru, you will do it! The Senpais aren't familiar with your tactics; if needed, they'll deploy you. Any questions?"
After Sawamura finished, silence fell among his teammates.
Everything Sawamura proposed had already been tried before; everyone accepted this.
Only Miyuki regarded Sawamura strangely; he hadn't expected Sawamura's leadership to be so commanding and his decisions so well received.
A two-time national champion in middle school and one in high school might indeed be better suited than himself to lead this team.
Seeing no objections from the others, Sawamura nodded. "About the batting lineup, this is what I think..."
"Wait, wouldn't it be better for us to aim for victory by having you pitch the whole game?" Kanemaru interjected.
Before he could finish, he realized his mistake. He can already see Furuya and Nori already shooting him cold glares.
"Firstly, we need to understand the purpose of this practice match. Before the autumn competitions, we won't find better opponents to practice against, so the more issues we uncover in this game, the better.
Although Furuya and Nori-senpai won't pitch many innings, two should suffice to expose many issues against opponents they're very familiar with. And I'm the Ace!"
Sawamura's words were straightforward, and everyone understood.
The number of innings Sawamura mentioned practically guaranteed an equal share for all three pitchers. Sawamura couldn't carry the entire tournament alone, so sharing the pitching duties was necessary. Furuya and Kawakami would each handle about two innings.
Sawamura took more than half.
"You've really thought of everything."
Even Kuramochi, impressed by Sawamura's ready plan had to acknowledge it.
"If there are no issues, let's get ready to play. Our opponents are itching to slaughter us."
On the opposite side of the field, the third-year Senpais appeared fierce.
They were eager to start and teach these ignorant Kohais a lesson.
"Is the tactical meeting over?" Chris asked indifferently before the game officially began.
"It's done!" Sawamura replied with a broad smile, eager to face his seniors.
"Be careful. Your pitching was so effective before because opponents weren't familiar with it. But we've trained together, so we're very familiar with your pitching and game-calling habits," Chris warned. His tone was flat, but his words carried an intense tension.
"The feeling is mutual," Sawamura countered with a grin. "We know your strategies just as well."
Chris raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Let's see how it plays out."
"Starting pitcher is Furuya!" announced one of the third-year players, momentarily surprising the Senpais.
"You little rascal, how dare you underestimate us!" Isashiki said angrily.
Chris shook his head. "That's not the case. He really understands what a practice game is about."
"No matter what the opponent thinks, our job is just to show them what we've learned, and what do they need to fix," the Captain stated firmly.
The game began!
In the top of the first inning, the third-year seniors took their turn to attack.
"First Batter, shortstop, Kusunoki!"
Kusunoki faced the imposing Furuya on the mound with determination. It was his first time facing such a "monster rookie," and he was eager to gauge his strength.
Roaar!
The pitch roared through the air with explosive force. Kusunoki was frozen, stunned by the sheer intensity of Furuya's throw.
'Wow, that's terrifying!' Kusunoki thought, utterly shocked by the pitch's ferocity.
"That's the monster rookie, Furuya!" Miyuki commented with a smile. "Nice pitch!"
Even though the freshman team was anxious about their batting, their pitching squad was rock-solid. With Sawamura's support and Kawakami's emerging fighting spirit, they had nothing to worry about on the mound.
"Show your strength and give it your all!" Miyuki encouraged.
Miyuki began guiding Furuya to enhance his performance.
"Great, keep going!"
"STRIKE!"
"STRIKE!"
"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!!"
Kusunoki put up a good fight, but facing Furuya for the first time, he clearly struggled. Furuya and Miyuki had set the pace well.
One Out, no runners on base.
"Second Batter, second baseman, Kominato Ryosuke."
…