Chapter 157: Inashiro Game - The Last Chance
After striking out Yuuki, Masuko was the last batter standing.
However, even he couldn't withstand Narumiya, who was pitching like a god. On just the second pitch, he hit a high fly ball to left field, but it was easily caught by Inashiro's left fielder, Sugi.
The cleanup hitters—Seidou High's third, fourth, and fifth batters—were completely shut down by Narumiya in this inning.
Not a single one managed to get on base. The overwhelming pressure from Narumiya created an almost suffocating atmosphere for Seidou High, as if they were being strangled.
Although the score was tied, Inashiro Industrial clearly held the upper hand in terms of momentum and control of the game.
Despite the tie, the psychological advantage seemed to favor Inashiro, especially after they shut down Seidou's strongest hitters.
This had a noticeable impact on Seidou's morale, which was evident in the tense expressions of the players.
The atmosphere in Seidou's dugout was heavy with tension. Coach Kataoka frowned slightly before calmly addressing the team.
"Stay calm. It's still a tie. Even if we go into extra innings, both sides have equal chances. Don't lose your focus—first, hold them off, then look for an opportunity to strike back."
"Yes, sir!"
Indeed, it was still a tie game, and the opportunity was equal for both sides.
The players of Seidou's first string had determined expressions on their faces. They were just one step away from reaching that sacred ground, and no one wanted to give up at this critical moment.
"Sawamura, Miyuki."
"Understood, Coach," both Eijun and Miyuki responded firmly in unison.
"Bottom of the eighth inning, Inashiro Industrial is up to bat. Leading off is the center fielder, Kamiya-kun."
Carlos, standing in the dugout, couldn't help but feel impressed. He had underestimated Eijun. Today, he realized Eijun was a pitcher worth facing seriously.
"I'll remember your name, Sawamura Eijun. You're a pitcher worthy of our full effort," Carlos muttered to himself, his expression more serious than ever before.
With this newfound respect, Carlos vowed that in this inning, they would give everything they had to break Eijun.
Eijun could sense the intense determination emanating from the batter's box. The will to win, the desire to crush him—he could feel it all.
"You want to take me down? Let's see if you've got what it takes!"
At that moment, the aura emanating from Eijun was that of a true ace from a powerhouse team. His powerful presence filled the mound, and it clashed in the air with the equally strong will of the batter, neither side giving an inch.
Behind the plate, Miyuki couldn't help but smile.
"Overcoming adversity makes you stronger and brighter. Sawamura, you've become our ace at this crucial moment."
"Come on, show us your full strength here. To help you shine even brighter, I'll do whatever it takes!"
Miyuki's eyes gleamed with determination. At that moment, the bond between Seidou's battery, Eijun and Miyuki, solidified. They had become true partners.
.....
"Whoosh!"
"Pop!"
"Strike! The batter is out!"
"Three outs! Change of sides!"
"Not suppressed, not defeated. With equal strength, Seidou High School's first-year left-handed pitcher, Eijun Sawamura, has become even more tenacious after conceding a home run. In the bottom of the eighth inning, he struck out the top three batters in Inashiro Industrial's lineup consecutively. It's as if he's declaring to everyone: the game isn't over yet! The reigning champions, Seidou, are still aiming for victory!"
"Sawamura-kun..."
"Eijun..."
A girl's heart is easily stirred. At this moment, in this game, the shining figure of Eijun captivated her even more deeply.
The figure of an ace pitcher!
"That pitcher is amazing."
"Eijun Sawamura... He's incredible. This summer, Seidou might have found a true ace."
"He's only a first-year, so what does the future hold for him?"
"This first-year left-handed pitcher... He's like 70% of Narumiya Mei from last year, with the remaining 30% showing even more potential than Mei."
"With a powerful lineup, an exceptional catcher, and solid defense, Seidou High School now boasts a reliable ace. They truly look like a champion-caliber team."
"All that's left is the title itself. A champion must take the crown to prove their worth."
"A first-year lasting this long? Even if they lose in the end, it would be an honorable defeat."
"Don't jinx it! The game isn't over yet, alright? The score is tied, and there's still the ninth inning. It's anyone's game."
"Exactly! Seidou still has a chance."
"Even if it goes into extra innings, Seidou has about a 40% chance of winning. It's still a close contest!"
To be honest, no one expected this match to be so close until now. It's not that they doubted Seidou High School and Inashiro Industrial going head-to-head.
It's just that Eijun's performance far exceeded everyone's expectations for a first-year player.
He was incredibly stable, exuding a sense of reliability and composure that didn't seem like it belonged to a first-year student. It was as if he were already an ace who had undergone three years of the rigorous trials of high school baseball.
That unwavering resolve.
Even after giving up a home run, he stood tall and undeterred.
This is what amazed everyone. Regardless of the outcome, the name of this left-handed pitcher, Eijun Sawamura, would echo throughout Tokyo and the entire Kanto region after today.
"He's really tough to deal with," said Yoshizawa, who had just been struck out. He took off his cap and looked at Eijun's figure in the distance, sighing.
"Is he really just a first-year? Feels like he could be a senior like us," remarked Hirai, shaking his head.
"Eijun Sawamura... and he's only in his first year. His future is..."
"Hmph..." For once, Narumiya merely snorted, saying nothing. Though typically proud and aloof, inwardly, he had already acknowledged Eijun's talent.
Narumiya knew well what kind of lineup his team had. Even with the defensive backing and Miyuki's guidance, Eijun's performance was something that even the prideful Mei could not ignore.
This was an opponent worthy of respect.
Coach Kunitomo looked on calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"One more inning to go. Keep your focus. The longer the game drags on, the more it favors us. Remember, it's the opponent who should be anxious now. What we need to do is stay steady. Got it?"
On paper, Seidou High School and Inashiro Industrial were evenly matched. However, as the game progressed, small differences began to emerge, and Coach Kunitomo could see them clearly.
In terms of defense and pitching, Narumiya still held a slight edge over Seidou. It wasn't a large margin, but as the game continued, this slight advantage could become decisive at a critical moment.
That's why the upcoming ninth inning would be the most crucial of the game.
This was the key reason behind Coach Kunitomo's words.
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