Chapter 140: The Battle of Left-Handed Pitchers
In the first inning of the battle between Seidou High School and Inashiro Industrial:
Seidou High School took the lead with Eijun's remarkable memory of the original players, allowing for an accurate analysis of the pitcher-catcher duo, Harada and Narumiya, paired with Coach Kataoka's decisive strategies.
Most importantly, it was the top three batters' skillful performance that set the stage.
Jun Isashiki's powerful home run to left field stands brought Seidou High School two early RBIs, breaking through Narumiya's defenses right from the start and securing an early lead.
In response, Eijun stepped onto the mound in the finals with fearless pitching, suppressing Inashiro's top three hitters with only fastballs. He managed to shut down Inashiro's offense in order, ending their attack and establishing an early advantage for Seidou.
Right from the beginning, Seidou High School seized control of the game!
"The top of the second inning, Seidou High's offense. Batting seventh, left fielder, Sakai-kun!"
With Seidou scoring in the first inning, the lineup has now cycled down to the lower order. If anyone from Seidou's lineup can reach base this inning, the top of the order will return for their second round in this inning.
If Seidou can capitalize on this chance and secure even one more run against Narumiya, it would likely mean they've gained full control of the game.
Inashiro Industrial knows this all too well.
Clearly, their proud and angered "Prince" won't allow Seidou High that kind of opportunity.
"Not even one more run! Don't even think about it!"
With a steely face and fierce gaze:
Whoosh
Pop
"Strike!"
Whoosh
Crack
"Foul!"
Whoosh
Pop
"Ball!"
Despite his anger, Narumiya remains calm, a combination that makes it tough for Sakai at the plate.
Each of Narumiya's fastballs clocks in at over 145 km/h with intense power and precision, leaving Sakai with almost no opportunities to swing.
Helplessly, he watches as Narumiya uses a forkball to get him out.
Whoosh
Pop
"Strike! Batter out!"
Watching the ball shoot into the catcher's mitt, Sakai's face shows frustration. In this moment, he realizes the huge gap in skill between him and Narumiya. Even making contact requires his full effort to catch the faintest glimpse of the ball's path.
Getting a hit? A near-impossible task.
With a defeated look, Sakai steps down from the batter's box.
Eijun's brows furrow slightly as he watches Sakai's exit.
But then, determination flares in his eyes—he may not be able to resist Narumiya's pitches yet, but he won't surrender in spirit!
"Batting eighth, pitcher, Sawamura-kun."
"Alright, freshman. Let me, the ace, teach you what it means to be a first-year player!"
When Eijun's blue-and-white figure stepped into the batter's box, Narumiya's cold gaze locked onto him from the pitcher's mound—a piercing, unrestrained intensity.
Behind the plate, Harada also eyed Eijun with a hint of caution.
Although this pitcher might not pose a significant threat at the plate, his sharp instinct for the ball had already proven dangerous in previous games.
Despite his lack of power and refined technique, his sensitivity to the ball was extraordinary, making him someone they couldn't underestimate.
Eijun wasn't aware of the high regard Inashiro's captain-catcher held for him. At this moment, his focus was solely on Narumiya. That frigid stare sent a chill down his spine.
He's serious… this guy…
But!
Eijun stared back, refusing to show any weakness. He knew that if he faltered here, he'd be surrendering the initiative.
Don't even think of backing down! Narumiya-senpai, this battle is far from decided!
In that instant, fierce sparks seemed to ignite in the air between them.
Their first showdown as pitchers was about to begin!
"Go, Sawamura!"
"Don't lose to him, Eijun!"
"Mei, take down that arrogant kid!"
"Finish him off, Narumiya-senpai!"
"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"
"Inashiro! Inashiro! Inashiro!"
"Let's go!"
"You got this!"
Standing in the batter's box, Eijun dug his right foot lightly into the dirt, his clear eyes fixed on Narumiya on the mound.
I have to make this arrogant prince feel the pressure!
The first pitch—a high inside fastball on the edge of the zone. After weighing the pros and cons, Harada decided to start with a probing pitch.
Narumiya frowned slightly. Though he believed there was no need for caution against a first-year batter from the lower part of the lineup, he still gave a slight nod, foregoing any defiance or stubbornness.
With a high right leg lift and a smooth, fluid motion, Narumiya's pitching form looked almost flawless.
Eijun's gaze hardened, refusing to blink.
Whoosh
Suddenly, a flash of white light streaked towards him.
The ball hadn't even arrived yet, but the sound pierced through the air first.
As the sound echoed, Eijun's eyes narrowed. He barely managed to catch a glimpse of the ball's trajectory and tightened his grip on the bat.
Inside pitch!
Eijun quickly recognized the pitch's path.
But as the ball drew closer and he prepared to swing, something flashed in his vision. In that instant, Eijun abruptly stopped his bat.
He watched the ball fly past and into Harada's mitt.
Harada's brow furrowed slightly, and on the mound, Narumiya's expression shifted subtly.
Pop
"Ball!"
Harada let out a quiet sigh of relief. This pitch had been borderline, but with a high chance of being called a ball.
But this kid didn't swing.
Interesting…
"Alright, let's try again. Mei, aim here," Harada signaled with a slight movement of his fingers.
Whoosh
Another flash of white light streaked towards the plate, following a trajectory nearly identical to the first.
Swish
This time, Eijun didn't hesitate. He swung his bat with full force.
Crack!
A sharp sound rang out, and a jolt of pain shot through his hands.
Whoosh
The ball, deflected off his bat, shot downward and struck the ground hard.
Bang
"Foul!"
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