Bab 248: [248] Determination and Starting Role
Chapter 248: Determination and Starting Role
"Overall, Kiryuu High School's lineup is primarily power-focused. Each batter has the ability to deliver extra-base hits, and even the lower part of their lineup swings for the fences, making home runs a constant possibility. Both pitchers and outfielders must exercise extreme caution."
After Chris provided a detailed analysis of Kiryuu High School's individual batters, he emphasized the unique characteristics of their lineup.
In terms of overall batting strength, Seidou High School may have an edge over Kiryuu High School, but purely in terms of raw power, the only comparable team from the original storyline might be Ichidaisan High School.
This is a team that fully commits to power hitting.
Especially when paired with the advantage of metal bats, their lineup reaches a peak level of explosiveness.
Simply put, if a pitch is even slightly straightforward—lacking movement, tailing action, or deceptive angles—this team's batters, every single one of them, have the capability to crush it for a home run.
This is the strength of last year's runner-up team, a lineup considered the most powerful in the country—Kiryuu High School.
"Got it."
After hearing Chris's warning, the players of Seidou High School nodded solemnly.
From their previous practice match, they had already gained a deep understanding of this lineup's formidable power.
This was especially true for the pitching staff.
Even though it was Eijun who took the mound during that game, the other three pitchers keenly observed and understood the immense threat posed by Kiryuu High School.
Any hint of underestimation could result in a catastrophic outcome.
For Eijun himself, the memory of that practice match was deeply ingrained.
He allowed five runs, gave up a double-digit number of hits, and issued far too many walks.
At the time, he was still immature, and fatigue from training likely played a role.
However, Kiryuu High School had also not gone all out in that game.
This time, it would be different.
Both sides would bring their full strength to the match.
Eijun, too, was no longer the same as he was back then.
This time, he was determined to make Kiryuu High School see him in a new light.
Victory would undoubtedly belong to Seidou High School.
In his mind, there was no doubt.
The one who would have the last laugh would be none other than himself!
Sitting quietly, Eijun clenched his left fist slightly, a determined expression etched on his face.
"Lastly, we come to this player: the unshakable core of Kiryuu High School, a key figure in both defense and offense, their cleanup hitter, and ace pitcher—Hiromi Tachi."
Chris flipped his notebook, revealing a photo and the bold name on the whiteboard.
The television screen displayed an image of Kiryuu High School's ace pitcher, Hiromi Tachi.
Everyone on Seidou's team, including Yuuki and Jun Isashiki, adopted serious expressions.
If they wanted to defeat Kiryuu High School, breaking through this player would be the key.
While Seidou's offense managed to score seven runs in their previous match, they knew full well that Kiryuu's coach had refrained from issuing commands or deploying targeted strategies during that game.
Their battery also seemed to be experimenting with building rapport.
Therefore, the previous data could only serve as a reference.
Assuming they could easily replicate that result would be a grave mistake.
The approach needed to be grounded in meticulous analysis of recent Koshien games and the players' current form.
This cautious, evidence-based planning was the most reasonable and effective strategy.
From the coaching staff, led by Kataoka, to the players themselves, everyone on Seidou understood this.
"His pitches are heavy, with a slight delay effect. He throws a fastball clocked at 140 km/h and is skilled with curveballs. Due to his exceptional physical strength, his pitches not only have sharp late movement but also a commanding presence, making them difficult to suppress."
"This much was evident during the practice match. His decisive curveball, combined with its sheer quality, displayed an extreme arc and was challenging to time."
"Recently, he has also incorporated a forkball into his repertoire, adding further unpredictability to his pitching."
"His fastball, which serves as the foundation of his arsenal, is in a league of its own, ranking among the top three nationwide. This elevates the difficulty of dealing with his breaking pitches even more."
"To conquer him, we must first neutralize his fastball. Only by overpowering his fastball can we break through his other pitches. In this game, power will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome," Chris concluded with a final, decisive statement.
Coach Kataoka nodded subtly, signaling for Chris to step aside, which he promptly did.
"Kiryuu High School is a powerhouse we're all familiar with. I'm sure the memory of our last matchup against them is still fresh in your minds."
"Yes!"
"This time, it's a battle of strength, pure and undeniable power. There's no room for tricks or small maneuvers."
"What I want to see from you is your absolute best, the strongest version of yourselves. Mistakes are something to avoid, but it's impossible to completely eliminate them."
"No player can deliver a perfect, error-free game. However, I do not want to see you hesitating, playing cautiously out of fear of making mistakes."
"Errors born of indecision or half-hearted effort are unacceptable and unforgivable. But if a mistake occurs while attacking with full commitment and determination, that's something I can forgive."
"Do not be afraid! Do not hesitate! Play boldly and fiercely. You've made it this far; there are only two games left. Win at all costs! This is not only for yourselves but for the entire team and the honor of our school! Do you understand?"
"Yes!!!"
"As for tomorrow's starting lineup, there are no changes to the rest of the players. The starting pitcher and the seventh batter will be Sawamura. Your performance last time was excellent, and this time, I want to see you outdo yourself. Sawamura, I'm counting on you."
"Tanba, Kawakami, Furuya, be prepared to step in at any moment!" Kataoka's gaze shifted to Eijun as he delivered his instructions in a firm tone.
"Yes!" Eijun responded loudly and earnestly.
Meanwhile, the other three pitchers revealed varying degrees of disappointment.
Tanba, the ace, in particular, had a trace of melancholy flicker through his eyes as he clenched his fists tightly.
Perhaps this summer, regardless of how far they go, would be the one he's most proud of—and also the one that leaves him with the most regrets.
A faint, bittersweet smile appeared at the corner of Tanba's mouth as he reflected inwardly with a touch of self-mockery.
"Victory must be seized with your own hands! No matter who the opponent is, I trust that you can do it. Give it your all and take them down!"
"Yes!!!"
The resounding battle cry echoed throughout the room, embodying the collective determination of Seidou High School's first string.
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