章 141: Fifth Round (5)

PAH

"Out!"

Shoto's dugout erupted in applause, cheering Jiro on. This first out of the second inning seemed to seal the pitcher's return to control of the game. Tenshi's eighth batter, a short but broad-shouldered kid, stepped into the box with an aggressive stance, determined not to be struck out so easily.

Daigo, noticing the confidence in the opponent, decided to switch to an outside corner fastball, a pitch that would require the batter's precision for good contact.

Jiro pitched firmly, and the ball sped towards the edge of the zone. The Tenshi batter hesitated but swung at the last second.

WOOSH

DING

"Foul!" - The batter managed weak contact, sending the ball into foul territory. Daigo quickly called for the second pitch of the duel, a high, inside fastball above the zone. The pitch came.

WOOSH

PAH

"Strike!"