Chapter 75: The First Match: Eijun's Brilliance
Seidou High School and Maimon West High School.
"Wait, jersey number 11? A first-year pitcher?"
A spectator expressed surprise upon noticing that Seidou High School's pitcher on the mound wasn't the third-year ace, Tanba, nor was it the second-year side-arm pitcher, Kawakami.
The spectator quickly pulled out the tournament roster and flipped to Seidou High School's page.
Seeing Eijun's name and information, the spectator's face showed astonishment.
"A first-year? What did you say?" Another nearby spectator was equally shocked.
"It doesn't seem to be Furuya from the Kanto tournament either?"
"No, it's a newly registered first-year pitcher named Sawamura Eijun."
"Pfft, what is Seidou doing? Starting such an important first match with a first-year pitcher? Are they overconfident?"
"Where's Tanba? What about Kawakami? At the very least, it should be Furuya—that fastball is quite intimidating."
"I don't understand what Seidou High School is thinking."
As Eijun stepped onto the pitcher's mound, the few neutral spectators present showed expressions of doubt and skepticism.
In their view, even if playing against a public school, Seidō High School shouldn't take things so lightly.
If they fell behind in the first inning, even a prestigious school like Seidou would find it challenging. Sometimes, controlling the momentum and the pace is crucial in a match!!!
On the third-base side, in the Maimon West High School dugout, Coach Chiba Junichi appeared extremely angry when he saw Seidou High School's starting lineup before the game started.
"Hmph, this is exactly how these prestigious schools act. Since Seidou looks down on us, it's our chance to show them our strength!" Coach Chiba said with a fierce expression.
"Yes!!!!" The Maimon West High School players responded energetically.
If it had been the third-year ace, they might not have felt as confident inside, but with a mere first-year rookie on the mound, they had nothing to fear. With such a golden opportunity, they would be fools not to seize it.
Since fate had delivered such a chance.
Naturally, Maimon West High School intended to take full advantage of it.
Even if they couldn't win the game, they at least wanted to deliver a strong blow to those arrogant opponents!
"Top of the first inning, Maimon West High School's attack, first up, center fielder, Kamei-kun."
"Kamei, go for it."
"Show that first-year kid what high school baseball really is."
"Kamei, give him something to remember!"
"Kamei, go get 'em!!!!"
Eijun tossed the chalk bag in his hand aside, blew the white powder off his fingertips, and focused his gaze on the first batter from Maimon West High School stepping into the batter's box.
With a strong build, the batter seemed to be about 1.8 meters tall.
Indeed, athletes in sports often have great physiques; after all, without a strong body, enduring all the tough training would be impossible.
Of course, some players are more reserved physically; just because someone looks lean doesn't mean they lack stamina or endurance.
"Well, not bad at all. You're not nervous, which is good, Sawamura. Remember, this is an important first match; you should be aware of that. However, don't be overly cautious here.
Throw boldly with the first pitch, an inside fastball. Let them know you're not just any rookie first-year!!!"
Miyuki, with his sharp eyesight, easily read the atmosphere around the Maimon West dugout and the expressions of their players. It only took a moment for him to decide on a plan to strike them head-on.
This is likely the key trait of a decisive catcher.
"Gotcha," Eijun replied.
When Eijun saw Miyuki's signal, a slight, confident smile appeared on his lips, and he straightened up from his slight crouch.
With his right leg raised high and his left arm perfectly hidden behind him, Maimon West's leadoff hitter Kamei was momentarily stunned. Huh? Where's the arm?
"Whoosh."
Without any delay, in a split second, the ball whistled through the air, allowing no time to react.
The white light that danced on Eijun's fingertips flew out in an instant.
It shone brightly across the sky.
The leadoff batter for Maimon West was caught off guard. The white light shot into the home plate area like a sword piercing straight through, precisely cutting into the inner corner.
"Pop!"
A clear, loud sound echoed.
"Strike!!!!!"
The leadoff batter remained in his swinging stance, his face showing surprise.
That pitch just now? What happened? It was as if...
"What are you doing, Kamei?"
"Did you really not swing at that fastball?"
"Kamei, didn't you have breakfast this morning?"
"Don't space out on the field, you fool!"
The voices of his teammates from the dugout filled Kamei with a sense of irritation. That pitch was far from a simple fastball and had been placed so precisely on the inside corner.
Damn, this pitcher is not as easy as he looks.
Kamei glanced back at Eijun on the mound, who held his head high, and thought so to himself.
At home plate, Miyuki's lips curled into a slight smile.
Great, the first pitch had both power and movement. As expected, you don't disappoint. Next, we'll throw another inside pitch, but this time, just a bit higher.
Eijun gave a slight nod from the pitcher's mound.
"Whoosh."
Another flash of white light.
This time, Kamei was entirely focused on watching Eijun's movements, but even so, the release point was invisible. The ball had already shot into the strike zone.
With no other choice, Kamei swung hard based on instinct.
"Clang!"
Not good!?
The moment the bat collided with the white light, Kamei's expression changed.
"Whoosh."
"Thump."
The ball slammed into the ground and bounced toward the pitcher's mound.
Eijun stepped to the side, easily catching the incoming ball with his glove, then flipped it to first base.
"Pop!"
"Out!!!!!!"
The high inside pitch fooled him; it was different from the previous pitch, and at the end, the ball seemed to shift slightly!
Kamei gritted his teeth, feeling frustrated inside.
This first-year player is definitely not a simple rookie pitcher!!!!!
Kamei took a deep look at Eijun on the mound, who was adjusting his cap, with a trace of wariness in his eyes.
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