Chapter 151: The Inashiro Match - Fierce Assault
In front of the third base dugout, the Inashiro Industrial team gathered solemnly. All the starting players stood before their bench, their expressions serious, while Coach Kunitomo stood with his hands behind his back, face calm yet stern.
"A freshman left-hander... five innings, four hits, one run," he said in a low, seemingly indifferent tone. Yet, his words struck a nerve in each of the Inashiro players, leaving a hint of shame in their eyes.
This lineup, hailed as the strongest in years, hadn't managed to average even one hit per inning against a mere freshman pitcher.
As they entered the sixth inning, still trailing by two runs, the proud players felt the sting of their underperformance.
"Change-up, fastball, an unusual stance, and the use of a moving ball... Indeed, that pitcher has impressive skill. But in the end, he's still a freshman. There are gaps in his game. Seize the opportunity. Two runs down, four innings left—decide the outcome. Not for the team, but for yourselves. Do you understand?" Coach Kunitomo's calm gaze and steady words sparked a determined light in his players' eyes.
Victory was within reach if they took matters into their own hands.
"Yes, sir!"
A fierce resolve ignited within the hearts of the Inashiro players.
"Bottom of the sixth inning, Inashiro at bat. Batting second, shortstop Shirakawa."
The atmosphere had shifted. Was something new in play?
Miyuki, Seidou's catcher, glanced at Inashiro's dugout, observing Coach Kunitomo's composed figure before shifting his gaze to Shirakawa, who was stepping up to the plate.
He pondered the situation. By now, Inashiro's lineup was on its third round against Sawamura, and they had likely begun adapting to his pitching style.
Especially the top of the lineup—their sharp instincts were formidable. If they focused on exploiting a particular pitch, they could become an immediate threat.
The battle's outcome might well hinge on Miyuki's ability to guide Eijun. His pitch selection had to be spot-on to keep Inashiro from exploiting Eijun's throws. Both sides had shown their hands by this point—no room left for hidden tactics, only a test of sheer strength.
Only the bold could prevail on this narrow path!
As Shirakawa prepared to bat, the umpire called out, and Miyuki exchanged a determined glance with Eijun. With a slight movement of his fingers, Miyuki gave the signal, and Eijun nodded.
In one fluid motion, Eijun lifted his leg and swung his arm, his entire form exuding power as he executed the pitch.
Swish.
The ball sliced through the air, heading straight for home plate—a blazing streak that radiated intensity.
In the batter's box, Shirakawa's eyes sharpened, his foot stepping forward as he swung his bat with full force.
Whack!
A loud crack resounded as Shirakawa's bat met the ball, sending it flying—
Ping!
"Foul!"
A foul ball, veering past the third-base line.
His timing and accuracy were improving, and he was clearly getting used to Eijun's form.
Miyuki's eyes flashed with concentration. He couldn't afford to let their rhythm break here. For the next pitch, he called for an inside fastball—one aimed right at Shirakawa's chest.
Swish.
Eijun's arm shot forward, releasing another bright white streak. The ball sped toward Shirakawa, right at his chest. Startled, Shirakawa leaned back to dodge.
Pop!
The ball struck Miyuki's glove with precision.
"Ball!"
"The second pitch was an inside fastball aimed high and close to the batter's chest. Seidou's battery is taking an aggressive stance!"
"That's it, Sawamura!"
"Keep up the attack! Attack, attack—keep pushing forward, Sawamura!"
"Shirakawa, go for it!"
"Come on, Eijun!"
"Hit one, Shirakawa!"
"Let's go!"
"Shirakawa, that pitcher's fastball isn't as tough as it seems. Don't rely solely on your eyes—use your experience to judge the best timing and angle," Coach Kunitomo thought, his gaze fixed on Shirakawa in the batter's box. His hands, folded behind his back, unconsciously tightened into fists.
As the game reached this critical point, even Coach Kunitomo felt the tension.
Swish!
Pop!
"Strike!"
Damn it, a change-up!
After swinging and missing, Shirakawa's expression darkened.
This pitcher—it felt like he was toying with them, using a mix of angles, variations, timing, speed, and finish. It was almost like a performance intended to mock them.
"Good, we've got him cornered. Next, an outside fastball—let's take him down!" Miyuki signaled subtly, and on the mound, Eijun whipped his arm forward once more.
Swish!
A white streak blazed toward the plate.
This is it! Coach Kunitomo's eyes sharpened.
With a sudden flash of determination, Shirakawa's eyes narrowed, his foot stepping forward as he swung his bat with full force.
Crack!
The ball shot off his bat, startling Miyuki.
Whizz!
Thud!
The ball sailed over the infield, dropping into shallow center field. Shirakawa sprinted and safely reached first base!
On the mound, Eijun's eyes widened. That location—how did he manage to hit it so precisely?
"Whoa! Shirakawa, coming through in a tight spot, connects with the outside fastball, sending it into shallow center! No outs, runner on first!"
"Great hit, Shirakawa!"
"Nicely done, Shirakawa!"
"Another one! Let's get another hit!"
"Your turn, Yoshizawa!"
"Yoshizawa-senpai, we're counting on you!"
Miyuki stood up from home plate, glancing at Shirakawa on first base and sighing lightly. As he suspected, timing and pitch variation no longer threw Inashiro off.
"Batting third, third baseman, Yoshizawa."
A fierce roar rose from the crowd.
This time, kid, I won't let you off!
With piercing red eyes, a ruthless aura, and a steely expression, Inashiro's third batter, Yoshizawa Hideaki, strode to the plate, exuding an intimidating presence that made Eijun catch his breath.
Was this the moment of decision?
Eijun panted heavily, wiping the sweat from his brow with his left hand. The heat was growing intense, and the pressure from Inashiro's batters bore down on him.
At this stage, every move Eijun made demanded all his strength and concentration. Four more innings, twelve more outs—each one had to be claimed, one after another.
At this moment, the player within Eijun—the warrior's instincts—awoke fully.
What is the essence of battle? Rationality? No. Here and now, Sawamura Eijun sought to prove that the essence of battle lay in a player's instincts!
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