After Kenta's home run, Captain Kazuki hit a double, and the fifth batter hit a single, leaving runners on the corners with no outs. The sixth batter hit a sacrifice fly to the outfield, allowing Kazuki to score, but the seventh batter hit directly to the shortstop, resulting in a double play and ending the top of the first inning with Shoto Junior High leading 4 X 0.
In the bottom of the first inning, first-year starting pitcher Sora struck out the first two batters, but then gave up a double to the third batter and walked the fourth. With two outs and runners on first and second, the fifth batter hit towards right field, but Shun made a diving catch, making a great play to end the inning.
In the second inning, opposing pitcher Shunichi struck out the eighth and ninth batters, but after nine pitches to Shun, he ended up giving up another walk to him. The young samurai, Ren, stepped into the batter's box.
On the first pitch, Shun stole second base while Ren just watched the fastball outside the zone. Unfortunately, on the second pitch, Ren couldn't make good contact with the ball and sent it straight to the third baseman's glove, ending the inning.
In the bottom of the second inning, Sora easily struck out the sixth and seventh batters, but gave up a walk to the eighth batter. He ended the inning by striking out the ninth batter.
The third inning began with a double from Kenta, followed by another double from Captain Kazuki, driving Kenta home. The fifth batter was out on a fly ball to right field, but it was enough to advance the captain to third. The sixth batter brought the captain home with a sacrifice bunt, increasing the score to 6 X 0. The seventh batter struck out, ending the top of the inning.
In the bottom of the third inning, Sora loaded the bases with the first three batters and gave up a run by walking the fourth batter. With the score at 6 X 1, bases loaded, and no outs, the Shoto Junior High team faced their first dangerous situation of the game.
"Jiro, you're going in!" - Coach Yamada looked at the tall young boy with large glasses and a nerdy appearance. This boy was the true ace of Shoto Junior High.
"Yes, sir!" - The young boy spoke determinedly, he had been warming up his shoulder since the start of the inning and was ready to pitch.
Jiro ran out of the dugout and headed to the mound, passing Sora without saying anything. The boy was clearly disappointed about being replaced, and Jiro didn't want to upset him further.
"Hey Jiro, this is a tough situation, but we have a good lead, so it's okay to give up a few runs. Let's focus on getting the outs." - Captain Kazuki spoke to the young boy, trying to calm him down. It was normal for a pitcher to be nervous entering a tough situation, especially Jiro, who was playing in his first official game.
"I don't intend to give up any runs, Kazuki Senpai!" - Jiro said with a determined expression, shocking all the infielders gathered at the mound.
"Hahahahaha!! That's the spirit, kid! You may look like a nerd, but you've got guts!" - Ren got excited and slapped Jiro on the back, surprising the poor boy.
"Hm, just let them hit, Jiro, we'll take care of the rest!" - Kenta was also fired up by the boy's determination, but unlike his crazy samurai friend, he just patted Jiro on the shoulder and gave him a thumbs up.
The infielders and catcher returned to their positions as Jiro prepared to throw the first pitch.
Meanwhile, in the batter's box, the opposing team's fifth batter was showing a confident smile.
"I'm going to crush this kid!" - The batter was clearly underestimating Jiro because of his appearance and age. Of course, he was going to pay dearly for that.
The first pitch came.
WOOSH
PAH
"Strike!"
The batter failed to make contact with the inside fastball. The second pitch came.
PAH
"Strike!"
This time, the batter just stood there, misjudging a low and outside fastball right on the edge of the zone. Cornered, the batter prepared for the third pitch.
WOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout!"
A pitch right down the middle that dropped just before reaching the plate, a splitter. The batter didn't even come close to making contact and returned to the dugout, embarrassed.
The sixth batter stepped into the batter's box, waiting for the first pitch with concentration.
The first pitch came.
"Hehe." - The batter gave a slight smile as he watched the pitch, a fastball on the outside corner of the zone, his favorite spot to hit.
WOOSH
DING
Unfortunately for him, the fastball wasn't a fastball, but a splitter, causing him to make weak contact with the ball, sending it towards the shortstop.
Kenta quickly fielded the ball and threw it to Ren at second base.
"Out!"
The young samurai stepped on the base and then threw the ball to first base.
"Out! 3 outs, changeover!"
"Nice play, Senpais!" - Jiro was excited and grateful for the great play by Ren and Kenta.
"Hahahahaha, what are you talking about? You're the one who deserves the praise, kid, nice pitches!" - Ren gave another slap on the back to the poor Jiro. The young samurai was really impressed by the young nerd performance.
"Hahahahahahahahaha, hey Jiro, you did great, nice pitches!" - Shun also arrived from the outfield, extremely excited about his kohai's performance.
"Thank you, Senpai!" - Jiro felt proud of himself, being praised by Shun like that.
The team returned to the dugout, excited and ready to attack again. At the start of the fourth inning, the eighth batter got on base with a walk, and the ninth batter struck out. Shun reached base again with a walk, and shortly after, Ren hit a single that brought the runner from second home, leaving runners on first and third.
Kenta came up next but ended up getting a walk as well. It was clear that the opposing pitcher was in trouble. So, Captain Kazuki stepped into the batter's box with the bases loaded and one out, with the score at 7 X 1. The first pitch came.
WOOSH
DOOONG
"Holy crap!" - Shun couldn't help but curse when he heard the sound of his captain's hit. Kazuki had just buried the poor opposing pitcher alive. A Grand Slam, 4 runs with just one hit.
The score was now 11 X 1 for Shoto Junior High.