In the top of the seventh inning, Inajitsu High School is on the offensive.
Aside from the first inning, Sawamura has not allowed a single batter from Inajitsu to reach base so far.
His performance on the mound has certainly lived up to his title as the Maou.
However, this does not change one undeniable fact.
As of now, Seidou is still trailing in score.
If Sawamura Eijun's performance is worthy of his Maou title, then Narumiya Mei's performance has far exceeded expectations.
In this game, Narumiya not only showcased pitching skills on par with Sawamura but also secured the most crucial point.
The point Carlos eventually stole was a result of Narumiya Mei's hit. If Narumiya Mei had not placed the ball into the defensive gap, Carlos's attempt to score would have been extremely difficult.
By the seventh inning, Seidou High School is at a complete disadvantage. Though a one-point behind does not spell despair, the prolonged inability to break through their opponents has left the Seidou players feeling restless.
"The previous innings were too quiet!" Coach Kataoka, who had remained silent throughout the game, finally spoke up.
The players looked at Kataoka, puzzled by his sudden outburst.
"There's no doubt that the next inning is the key to this match!"
Coach Kataoka glanced at the scoreboard.
Even he had to commend both Sawamura and Narumiya.
Aside from the initial mishap, neither side has managed to get a batter on base so far, resulting in a complete stalemate.
This situation cannot persist forever. Seidou will not accept trailing by just one point, and similarly, Inajitsu will not ease up.
The characteristics of both teams are quite similar, with the truly powerful batters concentrated at the top of the lineup. Coincidentally, in the seventh inning, both teams have their strongest hitters up to bat.
In other words, if they fail to score in this inning, it will be difficult to find such a favorable opportunity again.
For Seidou, this is a do-or-die inning. It is equally crucial for Inajitsu High School.
"If Coach Kunitomo has any strategies, he will definitely use them in this inning! So be cautious in your defense, play steadily, and focus on securing Outs. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Coach!"
"Sawamura!"
"Yes!"
"Your new breaking ball has been effective so far. However, the previous innings have left a strong impression on their batters. Control your pitches carefully this inning. Even without the new Cutter, they might struggle to hit your ball. Approach this with that awareness."
"Yes!"
Sawamura's expression was calm.
He has faced even greater crises, and this current situation does not shake him.
At this moment, his mind is focused on how to attack.
The one-point gap feels like a chasm separating them from victory.
At this point, Eijun genuinely realizes how strong the effect on Seidou is after the departure of the third-year seniors.
When they were on the same team, Sawamura did not have such a clear sense of the difference. Now, that they are retired, Sawamura can truly feel how vast the gap is between the current team and those Senpai.
'The difference is almost unbelievable.'
Had the third-year senpais still been around, Sawamura would have been confident that they would recover the lost points.
'They were that reliable.'
But now, if he and Miyuki do not step up, or if they encounter trouble, the game might be beyond saving.
'Seidou might really lose…'
The weight of responsibility on his shoulders has grown significantly, almost matching the pressure Sawamura felt at Akagi Middle School.
Back then, the outcome of the game also rested on Sawamura alone.
However, the Akagi Middle School baseball team players didn't have a lot of self-expectation. Aside from Eijun, who was fiercely dedicated to winning the National Championship, the other players never considered such goals.
When they eventually won the National Championship, they were all stunned. After being praised by the media, they pointed at themselves and asked,
"Was that me on TV?"
It was as if they could not believe they were so impressive.
But Seidou High School is different. The players around him have clear goals dreams and ambitions.
'They want to dominate the nation!'
The collective will of the team also places immense pressure on Sawamura, the Ace.
Leading the team now is a far heavier burden compared to his time at Akagi Middle School.
When the third-year seniors were around, they could share a lot of the pressure with Sawamura.
Now, aside from Miyuki, Sawamura feels there is no one else who can share the burden.
'But we are still not ready for this.'
It's not that he underestimates his teammates, but their strength is can't support the expectations they and everyone around placed on them.
'Is there really no way?'
At this point in the game, there seems to be no hope of overcoming Narumiya Mei.
'No…there is a way…'
In the previous game against Ugumori High School and Umemiya. Sawamura had entered a miraculous state that made him hit the ball perfectly.
Sawamura has a premonition that if he can enter that state again, he should be able to hit Narumiya Mei's pitching.
'There is a chance!'
Just as Sawamura was thinking about winning, Inajitsu launched a fierce attack.
In preparation for the match against Seidou High School, Coach Kunitomo was well-prepared.
After a fierce pitching duel, the game is currently a near-equal contest.
Although Seidou is trailing by one point, the situation is still challenging.
Nonetheless, many spectators remain confident in Seidou. Having witnessed their magical performances the previous summer, they believe that Seidou will create another miracle.
So far, the players have performed admirably. With Sawamura and Miyuki leading strongly, a turnaround seems inevitable.
The fans of Seidou are confident. Even though they are currently behind, they believe that a chance for a comeback will come soon.
Just as the audience eagerly waits for Seidou's counterattack, Inajitsu unexpectedly takes the initiative.
With a slim lead of just one point, it's crucial for Inajitsu High School to capitalize on every opportunity. They decide to launch an offensive while they have the chance.
The first to act is Shirakawa Katsuyuki, Inajitsu's second batter.
He begins with a bunt.
'He intends to steal bases!'
The moment Miyuki sees the opponent's move, he senses the strategy. Although it wasn't his main focus, Shirakawa's bunting skills and speed are impressive.
'His base-stealing success rate is high.'
Faced with Sawamura's pitching, Shirakawa's tactic could signal a shift in strategy from Inajitsu, focusing on base advancement rather than direct hits.
'Of course, the possibility of deception cannot be ruled out entirely. Apart from bunting and speed, Shirakawa's batting skills are also exceptional, reminiscent of Ryo-san's.'
'Facing such a level of opponent requires utmost caution.'
'Pitching must be decisive, and defense must be well-coordinated.'
This requires flawless execution.
During Seidou's previous Koshien run, with Chris as the main catcher, Miyuki spent some time on the bench.
During that period, Miyuki learned a lot from Chris. Although his style remained unchanged, he became more thorough and less reckless in his approach.
'Let's go!'
Having clarified everything, Miyuki signals to Sawamura on the mound.
On the mound, Sawamura nods slightly at the signal from Miyuki.
This pitch call may not be exactly what he wanted, but it's acceptable.
He made his stride and threw the pitch.
Whoosh!
The small white ball flies over like a laser.
Shirakawa at the plate appears to be waiting for a specific type of pitch.
Against Sawamura's sudden Forkball, Shirakawa shows no will to hit. And take the bat back.
SNAP!
"STRIKE!!"
From Shirakawa's action, Miyuki draws two conclusions:
'First, Shirakawa is waiting for a certain pitch.'
'Second, it's not the Forkball, nor should it be any other sharp breaking ball.'
'Excellent!'
With this valuable information, Miyuki's lips curl into a crafty smile. Armed with sufficient intel, solving Shirakawa is less challenging.
Shirakawa seems to be targeting fastballs. Thus, Miyuki decides that the next pitch should be a Moving Ball Kai.
'Such a pitch is inherently difficult to hit. More importantly, if Shirakawa is focusing on fastballs, this Moving Ball Kai can serve as a fishing pitch.'
'The aim is to induce a swing and then field it for an Out.'
Miyuki signals again, and Sawamura unhesitatingly delivers the pitch.
Shirakawa, once more, assumes a bunt position, identical to his previous attempt, and pulls the bat back as the ball nears.
SNAP!
"STRIKE!!"
With two Strikes, Shirakawa has bunted twice and retracted his bat each time.
'What is he trying to achieve?'
Miyuki is puzzled!
'But now, with two strikes, there's no need for further deliberation. We can use a winning shot to Strike Out the opponent.'
Suddenly, Miyuki realizes:
'This might be Inajitsu's true objective.'
'They could be deliberately sacrificing the first two pitches to focus on Sawamura's new breaking ball to seek an opening.'
Inajitsu might have made a significant decision to gamble the outcome of the game on Sawamura's new pitch.
The more Miyuki thinks about it, the more plausible it seems.
'While others might not attempt this if Coach Kunitomo is behind it, it's quite possible.'
Now that Miyuki knows the opponent's plan, he will not let them use the Cutter against him.
'Sawamura's repertoire is not limited to just the Cutter.'
For the next pitch, he will use a pitch that has never been used before in this game, the Magic Ball.
So far, Sawamura has yet to use it in this game.
It will undoubtedly surprise the players of Inajitsu.
Miyuki's call is met with Sawamura's agreement.
He winds up and throws the ball.
Whoosh!
The white ball flashes like a beam of light, soaring toward the batter.
Shirakawa, who was previously in a normal stance, suddenly steps away from the zone, avoiding the entire inner corner.
From his position, Miyuki's heart sinks.
'Gotcha!'
…