"Such a quick reaction!"
In the rest area of Seidou High School,
Coach Ochiai stroked his goatee thoughtfully and said,
Sawamura's tactics were proceeding very smoothly.
Originally, they thought reaping a few more points from their opponents would be no problem.
Unexpectedly, after just a few at-bats, the opponents started using countermeasures.
Superintendent Kataoka wasn't surprised by this outcome.
"After all, neither Yamamori nor Coach Kiyoshi are an easy opponent."
It's only natural for them to have such a level, they are a Famous School.
"That's right!" Ochiai nodded.
Although the opponent's reaction was swift, the situation was irreversible.
Seidou High School was certain to win this game.
The players on the field did not have the same level of concern as the coaching staff.
The Kotari brothers were fully immersed in their duel with Sawamura.
All their attention was focused on Sawamura.
The baseball in the pitcher's hand, charged with all his strength, was thrown with great force.
Whoosh!
Even after nearly a hundred pitches, Kotari Yuuto's throws were still very sharp.
Sawamura wasn't lenient either. Facing the incoming pitch, he struck the ball decisively.
Ping!
The white ball was hit and flew out of bounds.
"FOUL!!"
"Whew!"
Sawamura in the batter's box took a deep breath and lifted his bat once more.
'The ball's power was stronger than I had anticipated. '
'Kotari Yuuto!'
'The man's fighting spirit is splendid.'
But a game is a game, and he wouldn't hold back due to personal feelings.
Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to the opponent who tried his best.
'Bring it on!!!'
Sawamura's eyes were Like a hungry beast waiting for its prey to arrive. His eyes seemed like they were glowing with a fierce, crimson light.
'Danger!'
Seeing his opponent like that, Kotari Yuuto's muscles tensed and Kazuto's mind started revising his initial plan.
They knew this opponent was not to be underestimated.
The next pitch could very well be hit.
' 'But so what?' '
They would still do it, this duel is so fun!
This is how things go in Yamamori, the tactic is decided, and the next move is obvious, all that is left is to do their best and enjoy the game.
Whoosh!
The small white ball shot out.
Sawamura, in the batter's box, locked his eyes firmly on the ball, not blinking.
'Here it comes!!!'
'Now!!!'
He watched as the white ball approached him.
PAAANG!!
Sawamura swung his bat cleanly and powerfully, sending the baseball high.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still.
The small white ball soared far, hitting the outfield fence hard before bouncing back.
"YEAAAH!!"
"WOOOOOH!!"
"SAWAMURAAA!!"
"NICE BATTING!!!"
"SOOO COOOL!!!!"
"SAWAMURAA!!"
"SEIDOUUU!!!"
"DEMON KING!!!"
"KING SEIDOU!!!"
A long hit! A super long hit!
A lot of expectation was on him and he didn't disappoint.
Not only did Kuramochi at third base score, but Haruichi at first base also crossed home plate.
Sawamura reached second base comfortably.
The score extended to 7:2!
Seidou High School's offense wasn't over yet.
Miyuki Kazuya, the team's fourth batter, was up to bat.
Ping!
The white ball was hit, creating a beautiful arch before landing in the gap in the outfield.
Sawamura sprinted back to home plate.
The score became 8:2.
"SEIDOU!!!"
"MIYUKI!!"
"MIYUKI!!"
"SAWAMURAA!"
"KING SEIDOUU!!"
The entire Koshien stadium instantly turned into a sea of joy.
Everyone was celebrating wildly.
They were all fans and supporters of Seidou High School.
Although the game wasn't over yet, they had already begun celebrating the victory.
Seidou High School had made a comeback with a six-point lead.
No matter how much they are struggling, a prestigious team lives up to its reputation.
One of its fundamental characteristics is stability.
Ping!
Shiratsu made a good hit to the outfield but the ball was caught by the center fielder.
Snap!
"OUT!"
Seidou High School's offense in the seventh inning ended here.
In the top of the eighth inning, Yamamori Academy began their attack.
Despite being significantly behind, Yamamori Academy's players did not sink into despair; instead, they showed vigorous energy.
Perhaps it was a case of nothing left to lose.
In any case, they started fighting fiercely against Seidou High School.
They displayed a very aggressive offensive stance in this inning.
The batters all stood close to the strike zone, trying to block Kawakami's inside pitches.
However, it was of no use.
Kawakami's control was excellent.
The baseball almost brushed against the batters' shirts before flying into Miyuki Kazuya's open Mitt.
The continuous Strikes and Strikeouts signaled the final death knell for Yamamori Academy.
Although they managed a single hit in the eighth inning, they ultimately failed to score.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Seidou High School attacked again.
With a change in the pitching strategy, Sawamura's previous approach was no longer effective.
Seidou High School's players had to rely on their own strength to face Kotari Yuuto.
Under the desperate support of his teammates, Kotari Yuuto displayed a brilliant pitching performance.
He did not give Seidou's lower-order batters any chance to extend the score.
After the eighth inning, the score remained 8:2.
Thus, the game entered its final inning.
This was also Yamamori Academy's last chance to attack.
If their players could not overcome Kawakami at this moment, their Spring Koshien journey would likely end here.
In the top of the ninth inning, Yamamori Academy began their attack.
The lineup was up to their top batter, Yamazaki Kento!
The spectators in the stands and the players in the rest area…
All the supporters of Yamamori Academy were fervently cheering them on.
It was as if they wanted to convey their own strength to the players on the field.
Yamazaki's eyes were fiery as he assumed a stance for a long hit.
Whoosh!
Yamazaki, who had initially prepared for a long hit, suddenly changed to a bunt.
Ping!
The white ball was touched and rolled toward third base.
Yamazaki ran all the way to first base.
Snap!
Before the baseball was returned to Maezono, Yamazaki reached base.
"Oooooh!!!!"
Yamazaki, now on base, let out a howl like a wolf.
It seemed that he needed to express the surging emotions in his heart.
He was truly excited, very, very excited.
Even though the score was now 8:2, they were six runs behind.
But Yamazaki and the Kotari brothers had never given up hope.
They had anticipated losing to Seidou, losing to Sawamura!
This was expected before the game.
But being mentally prepared did not mean they had to accept it.
They wanted to fight, to pull Seidou High School from their throne.
Yamazaki's remarkable base hit also shocked Seidou High School's players.
In a baseball game, there are only two moments that signify the end.
One is when the game's outcome is decided.
The other is when one side accepts defeat.
And now, neither condition had been met.
So they had to keep fighting.
Next, steal a base!
Despite Miyuki having thwarted base stealers countless times at Koshien, Yamazaki was still determined to steal a base.
And he chose to run on the very first pitch!
"Suicidal!"
After Miyuki received the ball, he quickly passed it to second base.
But unexpectedly, as Kuramochi caught the ball, Yamazaki had already slid into second base.
No Out, runner at second base!
This incredible scene changed the atmosphere of the entire stadium.
Some originally neutral spectators now looked at Yamamori Academy with awe, seeing a group of young players struggling against their fate with smiles on their faces.
Such people are very easy to resonate with.
Many people started applauding and cheering them on!
"The atmosphere has changed!"
Miyuki realized that the atmosphere of the arena had subtly shifted.
They couldn't continue like this.
He knew very well that if this situation persisted,
It would spell disaster for Seidou.
The disaster might not be severe, but in high school baseball, no disaster is acceptable.
"Focus on getting the Outs first, and ignore the runners!"
'We are leading by six runs, losing a point or two didn't matter.'
What was crucial now was to stabilize the situation.
Sometimes, drastic measures are necessary.
Miyuki was focusing on the big picture, even surpassing Seidou High School's management.
"Good!"
Kawakami, concentrating on dealing with the batter, unleashed remarkable fighting power.
He struck Out Yamamori Academy's second batter!
One out, runner at second base!
"Third batter, pitcher, Kotari Yuuto-kun!"
Ping!
In this situation, Kotari Yuuto gave his all to hit the ball into the outfield!
Calculating the ball's landing point, Sawamura was already waiting at the spot.
Snap!
"OUT!"
Two Outs, runner at third base.
As Sawamura caught Kotari Yuuto's hit, Yamazaki stole third base.
Due to the distance, Sawamura's throw was slightly off target.
He failed to tag Out the opponent on time.
'Now, there are two Outs!'
Miyuki wasn't bothered by this result at all.
Or rather, he was very satisfied.
Securing the outs was the most important thing.
"Fourth batter, catcher, Kotari Kazuto-kun!"
Now it was the turn of the strongest fourth batter.
Ping!
The baseball was cleanly hit behind the pitcher.
There, between the second baseman and shortstop.
Like a gust of wind, Kuramochi dashed over and awkwardly caught the ball, then threw it to first base.
Snap!
"OUT!!!"
A beautifully timed hit was thus lost.
Three Outs, the game is over!
Spring Koshien invitation Tournament, Quarterfinals, First Match.
Seidou High School vs. Yamamori Academy.
Ultimately, Seidou High School triumphed with a score of 8:2.
They advanced to the top four in the nation.
The flashes from the stands snapped away.
Everyone cheered for Seidou High School, celebrating the return of the champions.
The organizers were also thrilled.
They were right to bring Seidou High School back; such a grand spectacle would not have happened otherwise.
…