Chapter 65: The Dual Pitcher Prototype
The Splitter!?
No, it should be said that it was a fastball splitter, the legendary "miracle pitch!" Who would have thought this young pitcher had such a trump card?
In the dugout, the coach of Kasuga High School wore a deeply troubled expression. Just when his batters had started feeling confident, Seido's pitcher-catcher duo hit them with this unexpected move. It was a bold counterattack, a sharp slap back in their faces!
Thanks to this miracle pitch that took out the fourth batter, the subsequent Kasuga batters became hesitant. Faced with what appeared to be a straight fastball, they were left guessing whether it was actually the fastball splitter. This cost them some valuable chances, but ultimately the threat was defused in the top of the fifth with only one run conceded by Furuya.
"When did he learn the splitter?"
"No, no, judging by its angle, this was no ordinary splitter. The speed, the timing of the break, and its sharp drop were all remarkable."
"Yeah, that pitch is what was once dubbed the 'miracle pitch,' the fastball splitter."
"Today's first-years are really something else."
"Indeed, with Sawamura Eijun, Haruichi Kominato, and Furuya, it's been quite the productive year for Seido's first-years."
"I bet Kasuga High is feeling bewildered right now."
"Is it really a gap in skills? Even without their full-power lineup, Seido has been dominating Kasuga."
"Well, it's almost their full lineup; all their key batters are on field."
"To be honest, I had high hopes for those first-years."
"Oh, you mean the ones from the famous Matsukata senior league, and one of the standout players?"
"Yeah, it's a pity."
As spectators shared their thoughts, they didn't notice that, off to the side, two boys in Seido training uniforms became visibly uncomfortable after overhearing the conversation.
One of them, in particular, looked quite grim. These boys were none other than those former Matsukata stars, Kanemaru Shinji and Tojo Hideaki.
Now, they could only stand by silently, watching Eijun, Furuya, and Haruichi shine on the field, perhaps feeling a deep sense of sadness within.
"Shinji, I've made up my mind. I'm going to change positions," Tojo suddenly announced, shocking Kanemaru.
"Hideaki, you..."
"Perhaps, that position will never be mine these three years…" Tojo murmured, a bitter smile on his lips as he glanced toward the two figures in blue and white retreating to the dugout.
"Hideaki…" Kanemaru opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for how to console his friend. Some truths were undeniable, and words felt too weak and inadequate.
Not only Tojo, but Kanemaru realized he too might need to change; otherwise, the path to the first-string team would grow increasingly distant.
The two contemplative boys fell into a pensive silence.
Their internal struggles went unnoticed by those around them as everyone else's attention was riveted on the lean figure at the center of the field.
Since the fifth inning, when the fastball splitter made its appearance, Furuya's dominance had been showcased in full force.
In the later innings, he completely stifled Kasuga's lineup, racking up strikeouts and making everyone realize the terrifying potential of such a powerful pitcher.
While Furuya controlled the defense, Seido's offense exploded with intensity.
Kasuga High School went through three pitchers during this practice game, yet none could suppress Seido's batting lineup. Over nine innings, Seido racked up 16 runs, utterly overwhelming Kasuga. Beyond the notable performances of the third-year players, what truly stood out was the play of first-year Haruichi Kominato.
In his first appearance for the first-string squad during this practice match, he demonstrated remarkable batting prowess. Whether executing dugout strategies or making his own hitting decisions on the field, Haruichi impressed Coach Kataoka and the surrounding spectators alike.
In five at-bats, Haruichi achieved three hits and three RBIs. This performance was particularly outstanding considering their opponent was the formidable Kasuga High School from the East.
This led to widespread praise for Coach Kataoka, who demonstrated a keen eye for talent by integrating three promising first-year players into the first string, all of whom delivered impressive performances.
Among them, the standout performer in this practice match was undoubtedly Furuya.
His overall stats were highly satisfactory to everyone. However, due to fatigue constraints, he showed signs of exhaustion after conceding a run in the seventh inning.
Coach Kataoka then decisively replaced Furuya with Kawakami.
Although Furuya left the field with a look of dissatisfaction, Eijun had already been subbed out in the fifth inning. Having pitched a complete morning game, Coach Kataoka wanted Eijun to merely experience the feel of playing outfield in a first-string setting for the afternoon.
In the end, Furuya pitched seven innings in this game, throwing 95 pitches, allowing six hits, issuing three walks, conceding three runs, and striking out fourteen batters.
This performance, equally as impressive as Eijun's, won over everyone present.
Kawakami, traditionally a middle reliever and closer, effectively stifled Kasuga High School's offense in the final innings after taking the mound in the eighth.
He allowed only one hit and gave up no runs.
Seido High School secured an overwhelming victory in the practice match with a dominating 16-3 scoreline.
"Salute!!!"
"Thank you for the match!!!"
With shouts of varying intensity from both teams, the practice match came to an end.
Comparatively, the players from Kasuga High School appeared somber and serious. They had ambitious plans for the summer to dethrone Teito High School and secure the solitary ticket to victory.
However, the practice match today revealed the true strength of Seido High School, one of Tokyo's four powerhouses, highlighting the level of top-tier teams.
This forced them to reevaluate their confidence in overcoming Teito High School.
Naturally, these thoughts were reflected on their faces.
In contrast, having defeated Kasuga, Seido High School was brimming with confidence, with the performances of Eijun and Furuya being particularly standout.
They believed firmly that these two would be pivotal to Seido High School's future success!
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