Chapter 74: The Start of the Summer Tournament!
"Batting first, shortstop Kuramochi Yoichi."
"Yes!" Kuramochi replied loudly.
"Batting second, second baseman Kominato Ryousuke."
"Yes."
"Batting third, center fielder Isashiki Jun."
"Yes!"
"Batting fourth, first baseman Yuuki Tetsuya."
"Yes," Tetsuya replied softly, always with a calm and composed expression.
"Batting fifth, third baseman Masuko Tooru."
"Wooga!" Masuko expressed himself in his signature manner.
"Batting sixth, catcher Miyuki Kazuya."
"Yes."
"Batting seventh, pitcher Sawamura Eijun."
Just as Coach Kataoka uttered the word "pitcher," the three pitchers present fixed their gazes on him.
What? There are four pitchers in the first string?
That's right, there are indeed four, but among them, only Kawakami has the least attachment to starting games. Since joining Seidou High School, the number of matches he has started can almost be counted on one hand—it's almost negligible.
Naturally, when announcing the starter, he is the calmest one because he clearly understands his role within the team.
The real attention on the starting spot was held by Sawamura Eijun, Furuya Satoru, and the ace, Tanba Koichiro.
At the moment when Coach Kataoka announced the starting pitcher's name, Eijun's eyes widened in obvious joy. He clenched his fists, clearly showing his happiness.
"Yes!" Eijun responded loudly.
In contrast, on the other side, Furuya looked slightly disappointed, and Tanba expression subtly changed.
Not being selected as the starter did unsettle Tanba a bit; after all, it was an important first match, and he is the team's ace.
To be honest, although he didn't show it on his face, Tanba couldn't quite help himself internally.
"Tanba, be ready to go in at any moment. As the team's ace, you need to be prepared to take the field at any time," Coach Kataoka turned and looked at Tanba with eyes that seemed to see through his thoughts, speaking firmly.
The gaze and words sent a shiver down Tanba's spine.
He immediately replied loudly, "Yes!!!"
Coach Kataoka nodded slightly. Meanwhile, after announcing Eijun as the starter, Miyuki, seated in the front row, showed a thoughtful expression.
Putting Sawamura in the game? Then for the next game, it might be that guy's turn?
Miyuki's gaze drifted over Furuya's figure, pondering internally.
He quickly understood Coach Kataoka's plan.
If that's the case, then perhaps after Sawamura, the follow-up pitchers could be Tanba or Kawakami, using a similar pattern in the second game.
When facing less formidable opponents in the early rounds, letting the first-year duo start helps them gain experience and build courage in major competitions, with veteran seniors backing them up later.
With a strong lineup as a shield, utilizing these preparatory schools for practice is just about perfect.
Miyuki had essentially guessed most of Coach Kataoka's plan.
"Next, batting eighth, left fielder Sakai Ichiro."
"Yes!"
"Batting ninth, right fielder Shirasu Kenjiro."
"Yes!!!"
"And that's the starting lineup for tomorrow's game. Remember, the match isn't just about the nine who start—it requires the cooperation and effort of the entire team to secure victory. Don't be careless, don't be afraid; show our true strength, and victory will be ours," Coach Kataoka said with confident words that resonated with the team's spirit.
"Yes!!!!"
.....
The next morning, at the Fuchuu City ballpark, it was a rare day of good weather—clear, with blue skies and no clouds.
Due to it being the first two rounds of the tournament, the attendance is not very high.
However, if you look specifically at the spectator seats along the first-base side, you will notice a large group of people dressed in matching outfits.
There are also cheerleaders, a formal marching band, and a support group.
This is the standard setup for a match involving a powerhouse team.
Undoubtedly, this is the cheering section for the prestigious Seidou High School.
Even if their opponent is merely a public school, as a powerhouse, Seidou High School maintains its grandeur and presence, which stands in stark contrast to the spectators seated along the third-base side.
"Is this what a proper tournament venue looks like?"
Standing in front of the dugout, Eijun gazed at the vast field with a hint of excitement in his heart. Strictly speaking, this was his first time on the field for an official match.
This is his high school debut match!!!!
A determined look flashed in Eijun's eyes; he was determined to perform well in this debut!
"Line up!"
"Salute!"
"Please take care of us!"
Following the umpire's instructions, both teams lined up, bowed to each other, and shouted loudly.
The 89th National High School Baseball Championship, West Tokyo Division, second-round match, and the first game for the reigning champions, Seidou High School, had kicked off!!!!
This match had a small deviation from the original as the team with the first offense was Maimon West High School.
"Don't be nervous. With your skills, you can handle it perfectly," Coach Kataoka said calmly, standing with his arms crossed in front of the dugout.
These words caused Eijun to pause slightly, then he nodded vigorously.
"Yes, Coach!!!"
"Go for it, Sawamura," catcher Miyuki said softly to Eijun after putting on his catching gear.
"Yes!" Eijun adjusted his cap and, with a determined gleam in his eyes, strode towards the pitcher's mound that was his to command!!!!
"Two runs are allowed; concede any more than that, and you're done for, Sawamura!" barked the stern senior from center field.
"Careful pitching now," smiled Ryousuke charmingly.
"Sawamura, deal with them one by one," declared Kuramochi with a unique grin, implying another message with his slightly sinister smile—that if things weren't handled well on the field, they'd resolve it back at the dorm.
"Sawamura, pitch boldly; we have your back," reassured the ever-soothing senior Masuko.
"Good luck," Tetsuya, the captain, kept it concise and to the point.
Listening to these unique cheers from his seniors behind him, the last bit of unease in Eijun's heart vanished completely. After all, he earned his place on this field with his skills.
With such reliable seniors backing him, what was there to fear?
Eijun took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. As he stepped onto the pitcher's mound untouched by others, he felt calmer than ever.
The summer tournament, Seidou's first match, Eijun's debut match—it was game time!
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