With the score at 3-0 for Hokuto Junior High and 2 outs, the leadoff hitter Toru Okada stepped into the batter's box.
"Damn it!" - Jiro clenched his fists, standing on the mound, looking at the scoreboard with a mix of frustration and anger. He didn't want to have given up that run.
"Jiro!" - Kazuki shouted from behind home plate, standing up and throwing the ball to Jiro on the mound with force.
PAH
Jiro caught the ball with surprise on his face, not expecting such a strong throw. For a moment, he thought his captain was angry with him for allowing a run, but that thought quickly disappeared when he heard his captain shout again.
"2 outs!" - Kazuki shouted while signaling two with his fingers, smiling at the young pitcher on the mound before crouching down, ready to receive.
"2 outs, Jiro!"
"2 outs!"
