Chapter 106: Clash of Titans in the Yakushi Match
In Seido High School's dugout, there was a sense of disappointment after missing the chance to score with the bases loaded.
Only a few wore solemn expressions, including Eijun, who felt helpless at this moment. Even if he knew something, expressing it wouldn't necessarily be possible.
After all, who would believe him if he did? People might even think he's crazy.
"That last pitch, what was that?" Coach Kataoka asked Miyuki as he returned to the dugout.
"It was probably a cutter," Miyuki responded after a moment of thought. The angle and movement were slightly different since Sanada was a right-handed pitcher, but overall, it was similar enough for Miyuki to be fairly certain of the pitch type.
"A cutter?!"
Hearing Miyuki's words, the Seido players showed an expression of surprise and glanced at Eijun, knowing that his decisive pitch was also a cutter (most seniors didn't know that Eijun had already learned a change-up).
"So it really was that pitch? That makes this pitcher even trickier," said Chris, showing a hint of apprehension.
Coach Kataoka nodded in agreement.
Judging by this inning's performance, it seemed unlikely they could score heavily off this pitcher moving forward.
Therefore, the two-run lead reclaimed in this inning became extremely important.
The batting battle needed to shift into a pitching duel.
At this moment, Coach Kataoka made a quick decision.
"In the next inning, Sawamura, you're up!" said Coach Kataoka to Eijun.
He had to admit, initially, he underestimated Yakushi High School's batting lineup.
Furthermore, he was dissatisfied with Tanba's performance in today's game.
Allowing three runs over three innings wasn't a huge problem, but his response after getting hit was disappointing to Coach Kataoka.
Tanba's old problem—losing composure and self-control after getting scored upon—continued to plague him, despite some improvements.
This issue left his position as ace always in jeopardy.
If not for his experience, camaraderie, consideration of the team, and the fact that the first-year players weren't strong enough, Tanba wouldn't have kept the ace status.
But Coach Kataoka wouldn't have given him the ace number with his mentality alone.
Coach Kataoka was dissatisfied with Tanba's performance now, and with crucial moments ahead, especially needing to maintain that two-run lead, it was necessary to make a strategic switch.
Thus, bringing in Eijun was the natural choice.
Tanba's face changed dramatically.
The senior players nearby also looked on with varied emotions.
Isashiki Jun seemed to want to say something but held back. Eijun simply nodded; Haruchi had already informed him of Coach Kataoka's decision.
"Yes, Coach!" Eijun replied determinedly.
"If they are sending all their main players, it's a signal for an all-out assault. In this mid-game battle, their lineup will likely attack aggressively. Stop them, dampen their momentum, and use your baseball to carve your path!" Coach Kataoka addressed the team.
"Yes!!!"
"Attention! Seido High School player change: Pitcher, Sawamura. Pitcher, Sawamura."
"What?"
"They're changing the pitcher this early? Seido?"
"Hey, hey, isn't it a bit early? Has Seido already pulled their ace?"
"Is this real? Aren't these teams fooling around today?"
"Sawamura? Wasn't he the freshman pitcher who shut out Akikawa in the last game?"
"Well, well, Seido, this is quite an interesting strategy."
As Seido High School's players took the field, the sight of Eijun jogging to the pitcher's mound sparked a buzz of gossip among spectators. It wasn't just the audience; the entire bench of Yakushi High School appeared stunned.
For Yakushi, switching to their ace, Sanada, was normal, yet Seido's sudden decision to substitute their ace was surprising.
"What perfect timing, those bastards!!!!" growled Coach Todoroki through gritted teeth.
"Sawamura Eijun, is it?" Sanada commented with a hint of interest.
"Hey, Raichi..."
"Todoroki, you're getting a bit intense…."
"Whoa, Raichi, what's that fearsome aura you're giving off?"
At the sight of Eijun stepping onto the field, Raichi's eyes blazed with an eerie red glow, and it seemed as if visible flames danced behind him, projecting an intimidating presence that left his Yakushi teammates momentarily dazed.
"Sawamura Eijun!!!!!! I've been waiting for you!!!" Raichi shouted towards the pitcher's mound, his voice echoing like a roar.
"It's all yours, Raichi," Coach Todoroki grinned broadly, his rugged uncle-like smile breaking through.
On the mound,
"You know the style and strength of Yakushi's lineup, right?" Miyuki said somberly.
"Yes," Eijun nodded seriously, sharing the grave expression.
"To overpower them, taking the initiative is essential. I'll signal for a change-up when necessary, so be prepared!"
"Rest assured, Miyuki-senpai, I'm full of resolve!" Eijun's eyes glinted with a subtle golden hue.
This was the first head-to-head challenge from Eijun to Raichi. Eijun vowed to establish dominance on his home turf and claim victory.
"Great, let's do this!!!"
"Yes!!!"
"Now starting the top of the fourth inning, Yakushi High School's turn at bat, seventh batter, catcher, Watanabe."
"Go, Watanabe!"
"Give this kid a tough time."
"Watanabe-senpai, you can do it!"
Despite being behind, Yakushi High School, riding the momentum of a big win, showed the strength and morale high enough to face Seido head-on.
Eijun stood firm on the pitcher's mound, facing Yakushi's seventh batter directly.
As Watanabe prepared to bat, the umpire made the call.
With a poised posture and determined spirit, the pitch was delivered in the next blink of an eye.
The fight for domination, a true battle, was about to begin!
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