Chapter 58: Goals and Challenges
"Did you see that? Alternating between inside and outside corners, then using a breaking ball as the out pitch—that's textbook pitching. Currently, you're not quite able to hit all four corners perfectly. Your inside corner pitches are a little better, but you still lack precision. Your ball quality is exceptional, but you need control to maximize its potential. In this game, focus on accurately hitting the low inside corner, and I also want you to work on controlling the low outside corner. A slightly lower pitch that grazes the edge of the strike zone will best utilize your peculiar pitching advantage."
After Hiromi just executed a double play against Seido High School, Miyuki addressed Eijun with a serious expression.
Eijun, of course, understood how crucial it was to switch control between inside and outside corners in high school-level games, especially given his unique pitching form and ball movement.
The lower he could pitch, keeping it in the border of the strike zone, the less likely batters would be able to hit it.
"I understand, Miyuki-senpai," Eijun replied with a firm nod.
"Good. The first two innings gave them a full taste of your quirky ball trajectory. Now, use cutters and four-seamers as bait, increase control, and aim for the outside corner to finalize the play," Miyuki said, patting Eijun on the shoulder.
"Yes!"
In the top of the third inning, Kiryu High School's batting lineup began their second rotation, starting with their first batter.
Just as Miyuki predicted.
Kiryu had already become accustomed to Eijun's peculiar pitch and begun slightly adjusting their timing to accommodate his unique pitching style.
In this inning, if they maintained the same rhythm and tempo as the previous two, Kiryu was highly likely to dominate the game.
And that's exactly what happened.
In the original storyline, Kiryu thoroughly dismantled Furuya, scoring a total of eleven runs in four innings—a staggering performance.
Even with Furuya in poor form, this highlighted the power of Kiryu's batting lineup.
This time, with Eijun stepping in, from the start, he faced Kiryu's relentless offensive. Except for the first inning, where he managed to take advantage of their unfamiliarity with his pitches and unique throwing form to quickly get three outs, the pressure quickly mounted by the second inning.
Especially in the beginning of the third inning, during the second rotation of hitters, Kiryu's leadoff man executed the coach's instructions perfectly. Utilizing the advantages of a metal bat and their inherent strength, they neutralized Eijun's ball quirks.
With good ball sense and experience, they exploited timing deviations caused by Eijun's unique delivery.
After battling through two inside pitches, they capitalized on a gap when Eijun and Miyuki attempted an outside pitch, hitting a long drive to center field.
This play successfully got them to second base.
"Darn it!"
Watching Kiryu's leadoff hitter effortlessly reach base, Eijun's expression changed slightly.
"Don't worry, that pitch was bound to happen. It was too much inside; it didn't reach the intended spot. Next, it's still low outside. Sawamura, remember, in this practice game, the most important goal isn't just the score!"
Miyuki's eyes flashed with a hint of seriousness that made Eijun pause and then relax slightly.
"Whoosh."
"Crack."
"Bang."
"Third base!!!"
With the first inside pitch earning a strike, Miyuki decisively called for another outside low pitch.
The result, however, wasn't as anticipated.
The ball grazed the strike zone edge but didn't drop lower, allowing Kiryu's second batter to precisely track its trajectory.
With a long-arm swing, the batter drove the ball fiercely, slamming it into the ground as it quickly darted toward third base. Masuko, at third, had no time to react as the ball brushed the edge of third base and bounced into the left field area.
Another hit!
Sweat began to bead on Eijun's forehead. With no outs and runners on first and third, he gritted his teeth. Curse it! He was back in trouble again.
Eijun couldn't shake the feeling that he might be facing a completely different team compared to the first inning.
It was no wonder Eijun felt this way. Just after one inning, the shrewd Coach Matsumoto had completely deciphered Eijun's main traits. Coupled with the physical fatigue from training, Eijun couldn't focus as well on controlling his pitches, and his pitch speed suffered as a result.
Moreover, Miyuki had a specific plan for this game—to have Eijun practice outside pitches in actual gameplay.
This strategic choice led to the increasing pressure Eijun felt starting from the second inning and into the third.
"Coach, Miyuki is..." Chris, with a thoughtful expression, glanced over at Coach Kataoka.
"Hmph, ambitious fellow," Kataoka scoffed softly, not saying much more.
Though his words were few, they clearly conveyed Coach Kataoka's opinion.
On the Kiryu bench, Coach Matsumoto seemed to notice something as well.
"They really are using us as a stepping stone. But if we completely shatter their confidence, they shouldn't blame us!"
With a gaze as sharp as a knife, Coach Matsumoto scanned the field, focusing on Miyuki and Eijun, before instructing his players to use any means necessary.
As long as it was within the rules, Coach Matsumoto paid no mind to potential consequences. In sports, the only ones who are remembered are the victors!
.....
"Crack!"
"Left field!!!"
Eijun's head shot up, eyes on the trajectory. In left field, Furuya seemed to hesitate for a moment as the ball flew his way, his body slightly tense as if reacting slowly.
Fortunately, the ball flew high and not very fast. With the solid foundation from his regular outfield practice, Furuya managed to get to the landing spot before the ball descended. He extended his glove and securely caught it.
"Pop!"
"Out, three outs, switch offense and defense!!!"
"Whew..." Seeing Furuya make the steady catch, Eijun breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.
He glanced at the Kiryu runner on third base, who wore a look of disappointment. Eijun felt grateful internally.
However, seeing the glaring "1" on the scoreboard made Eijun's expression fall. They had still conceded a run in that inning.
It felt like an arduous task, with their opponents persistently applying pressure. The strategy alternated between steady pressure and sudden, intense bursts of offense, making Eijun wary each time he pitched.
It was overwhelming.
Practicing outside pitches in such a situation made Eijun give a faint, wry smile. Only Miyuki could have such a bold outlook.
Osaka Kiryu was proving to be a formidable opponent!!!
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