Chapter 63: The Second Practice Game
Eijun's performance wasn't stellar, but considering he was a first-year pitcher facing last year's national runner-up team, known for having the strongest batting lineup in the country, holding them to just five runs was impressive. This was even more commendable given his fatigue from intensive training and his focus on developing his outside pitches.
Achieving such results garnered Eijun newfound respect from many observers.
As for how much of Kiryu's strength was truly exerted, only the heavens know.
Nevertheless, the victory was clear, and the fact remained that Eijun had completed the game with a win.
Since joining Seido High School, Eijun had participated in six practice games, including with the second string, and won them all.
Such a record might seem exaggerated, but Eijun had begun to show glimpses of the dominance typical of an ace pitcher. It suggested that he might one day become a renowned pitcher not only in Japan but also globally.
Of course, that's a story for much later.
"Really amazing pitching from Sawamura," said one observer.
"Exactly. In the first half, he was really supported by the defense, but in the second half, he really stood out."
"Especially in the sixth inning—striking out the cleanup hitter and controlling the subsequent batters without giving up any runs. That low outside pitch was spot on."
"That low outside pitch was really precise, and with Sawamura's mechanics, it looked like the velocity was five or six kilometers faster than usual. His tricky inside pitches combined with sharp cutter pitches make this first-year pitcher quite remarkable. It's not unthinkable he could claim the ace number for Seido."
"Well, don't forget Tanba. Let's not overlook him, especially since he's in great form now."
"Yes, he has completely bounced back from the struggles in the spring and Kanto tournaments."
"This summer, there shouldn't be any debate about the ace number. Tanba is a third-year, after all, and his current form is very confident compared to his shy first-year self. It's clear he's matured."
"I'm talking about the future though. After this year, Sawamura could very well claim the ace number with the progress he's shown."
"Well, it's hard to say. There's also that other guy."
"Yes, the one with the God-given talent and fastballs over 150 km/h—and he's a strong batter too."
"Eijun Sawamura and Satoru Furuya—future candidates for Seido's ace, perhaps? It's going to be interesting."
"But for now, the focus is on this summer's tournament. Thinking about the future is one thing, but what's important is what's in front of us."
"True, true."
"It's easy to get ahead of ourselves."
"Oh, there's another game this afternoon, right?"
"Yes, against Kasuga. It looks like Furuya will be on the mound. Judging by the situation, maybe all four pitchers will complete the game."
"I'm really looking forward to the afternoon game."
"A powerful pitcher facing a strong eastern team—it's bound to be another intense match."
The victory against Kiryu and Eijun's impressive display brought smiles to those around, including former Seido players and supporters.
As Seido grows stronger, as supporters, they naturally rejoice.
Seido, located on the other side of Mount Fuji in Hyogo Prefecture, hasn't visited Hanshin Koshien Stadium in six years. The prolonged absence is a point of growing anxiety for alumni and supporters who have consistently backed Seido High.
If the trend continues, there is real fear that they might witness the decline of this once prestigious powerhouse.
Over the years, some traditional powerhouse teams saw reduced budgets, decreased support, and even dissolution due to continued poor performance, and Seido's supporters hoped not to see their team face the same fate.
This year could very well be the turning point.
If Seido High fails to reach Koshien again, the consequences are uncertain. However, there's potential that Coach Kataoka might have to resign to take responsibility, a fact not lost on the seasoned adults familiar with these professional intricacies.
School administrators answer to the board of directors, and Seido, being a private—and not public—school, means this distinction is significant.
This is why the arrival of key players like Miyuki last year, and Furuya and Sawamura this year, has stirred excitement among supporters. They believe these additions could address Seido's weaknesses and make a path to Koshien possible.
Perhaps this will be the year of revival for this storied team.
Naturally, genuine smiles appeared across the supporters' faces as they considered these possibilities.
In June, under a blazing sun, Seido wrapped up their intense match against Kiryu in the morning and took a short break at noon. By 3 PM, with the sun less harsh and slightly setting in the west, Kasuga High School arrived at Seido High right on time.
"Kasuga is one of the stronger teams in the eastern region, a team capable of challenging Teito High School. As a practice opponent before the summer tournament, they're fitting—neither to be underestimated nor excessively feared. Let's show them our spirit and win this practice match!" Coach Kataoka spoke in a deep voice, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Yes!!!"
All the first-string members, including Captain Tetsuya, Isashiki Jun, and Eijun, responded loudly.
"For this game, we'll switch the starting lineup a bit. Sawamura and Furuya will swap positions. Sawamura, you'll play left field," Coach Kataoka instructed in a calm tone.
"Yes!!!" Eijun responded loudly.
This arrangement had been discussed the day before, as Sawamura and Furuya were expected to interchange roles across the games. How long Sawamura would stay in left field depended on his performance.
Unlike Furuya, who was valued for his batting ability, Coach Kataoka didn't emphasize Eijun's batting skills; instead, he intended to use these games to give Eijun experience in the outfield, preparing for any future needs.
Besides these two, Coach Kataoka also made some other adjustments to the starting lineup. After the grueling morning game, players' fatigue had to be considered.
While Seido's morale was high after defeating Kiryu High, Kasuga High approached the matchup with a somber atmosphere. As fellow Tokyo teams, even from the east, Kasuga was well aware of Seido's formidable reputation.
Especially with news that Seido had beaten Kiryu during a practice match, Kasugai's caution increased intensely.
"Listen up, even though it's just a practice match, it's the best preparation before the summer tournament. This year, we must defeat Teito and reclaim our glory for Kasuga. Seido is the perfect benchmark. Their starting pitcher is the monster pitcher we saw in the Kanto tournament. Go all out, strike him down, and win the game!"
"Yes!!!!"
With familiar surroundings, a familiar field, indifferent shadows of intense competition, and their greatest rivals—Seido High's first string, the second practice game before the summer tournament—was about to commence!
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