章 145: [145] The Power of Inashiro's Strength
Chapter 145: The Power of Inashiro's Strength
"Safe on base!!"
Although Kuramochi quickly intercepted the ball in front of him, Eijun's error in interception caused the ball's trajectory to change, costing Kuramochi some extra time.
Just as he managed to stop the ball and throw it toward first base, Carlos had already stepped onto the bag.
This darkened Eijun's expression on the pitcher's mound.
At home plate, Miyuki shook his head slightly and couldn't help but glance toward third base, where Inashiro's bench was. There sat Coach Kunitomo, his stern figure exuding a sharp and intimidating presence.
Miyuki thought to himself, What a sly fox. He's already spotted Sawamura's biggest weakness.
Miyuki sighed inwardly. He couldn't help but admire Coach Kunitomo's perceptiveness. Lack of speed? Imperfect control? Limited mastery of breaking pitches? These are indeed weaknesses in Sawamura's pitching. But overcoming these flaws isn't easy, and they don't detract significantly from his overall skill.
In combination with his unique abilities, Sawamura has actually become a formidable opponent for Inashiro.
But even so, Sawamura still has a critical shortcoming. This weakness isn't something he can overcome just through hard work.
Eijun's biggest issue right now is his lack of experience in big games. When faced with certain situations, he struggles to respond freely, making this his most significant vulnerability.
For example, in Carlos's recent hit—if it had been Kawakami, he would've handled it better. Eijun's downfall lies in his inexperience in high-stakes matches.
He may have participated in many games in junior high, but they were softball games with minimal specialized training.
This lack of experience is Eijun's Achilles' heel, a point that Coach Kunitomo astutely recognized, seeing through the seemingly mature exterior to the youth beneath.
In Seidou's dugout, Coach Kataoka and Chris both frowned slightly.
"Second batter, shortstop, Shirakawa."
There's no need to go for long hits. Simply getting on base is enough. Additionally, shake that pitcher up completely.
"Hm."
Shirakawa and Carlos both touched the brims of their caps, their eyes flashing with a somber intensity.
Carlos...
At that moment, Carlos took a large lead off base, putting intense pressure on Eijun from the pitcher's mound. Carlos, who matched Kuramochi's speed, made it clear he was threatening to steal.
As Eijun prepared to lift his leg, he caught a glimpse of Carlos out of the corner of his eye and quickly made a pickoff attempt.
Whoosh
A bright flash shot from the mound toward first base.
The ball was fast, but Carlos moved faster.
Smack
By the time the ball landed in first baseman's glove, Carlos had already touched the bag, and then he resumed taking a large lead. His stance taunted Eijun, as if to say, Come on, stop me if you can!
Eijun's gaze grew colder as his eyes reflected a hint of piercing intensity.
"Sawamura, don't focus too much on the runner. Leave him to me and concentrate on the batter. Overthinking it will play right into their hands."
At home plate, Miyuki's face was serious as he gestured this to Eijun.
"Alright…"
Eijun took a deep breath and slowly nodded.
He raised his arm, stepping forward with his right leg.
Whoosh
Another bright flash burst from his pitch.
As Eijun turned his head, Carlos's eyes flashed with a steely glint, and just as Eijun lifted his leg, Carlos took off in a burst of speed.
"Stolen base!!"
The first baseman shouted, but by then, it was too late for Eijun to stop his pitch.
Whoosh
A flash of white shot out of his hand, speeding towards home plate.
At home plate, Miyuki's eyes gleamed with a subtle silver light, bracing himself to catch the ball. However, Miyuki miscalculated. Did Inashiro really plan to settle for just one stolen base?
In the batter's box, with both Eijun and Miyuki caught off guard—
Swish
Shirakawa swung his bat.
Crack!!!
A sharp, piercing sound echoed through the field.
"A hit-and-run!?"
Inashiro wasn't playing it safe here—they launched an aggressive attack against Eijun.
Whoosh
Capitalizing on Carlos's threatening lead, Eijun's control wavered slightly. Shirakawa seized the opportunity, sending a blazing white arc over the infield and into right field.
As soon as the ball left the bat, Shirakawa discarded his bat and sprinted toward first base.
Thud
Though Shirasu chased it down in right field, he couldn't reach it in time. The ball landed on the field just a couple of strides ahead.
Meanwhile, Carlos rounded second base, charging toward third with blazing speed.
Just as Seidou High assumed this hit would hold Inashiro at bay—
Carlos, rounding third, didn't stop. Instead, he launched himself straight toward home!
"Home plate!!!"
Miyuki's face tightened, and he shouted toward the outfield.
Inashiro's ambition was massive—they planned to score with this single play!
In right field, as Shirasu picked up the ball, Miyuki's urgent shout reached his ears. He glanced over and saw Carlos barreling toward home plate, unhesitating. Shirasu's usually calm face showed a flash of anger.
Are they really underestimating Seidou's defense!?
Without a moment's hesitation, Shirasu hurled the ball toward home, determined to tag out the runner at the plate.
Whoosh
But this time, Seidou had indeed miscalculated.
Smack
Just as Miyuki caught the ball, Carlos had already slid in, casually touching home plate with his hand. Miyuki's face fell, his movement frozen in surprise.
"Safe on base!!"
"Ohhhh!!! What a bold play! With an aggressive, well-coordinated attack, Inashiro's lightning-fast runner Carlos has managed to bring in a run in the bottom of the third! This is Inashiro's impressive teamwork on display!"
"Inashiro! Inashiro! Inashiro!"
"Nice hit, Shirakawa!"
"Fantastic running, Carlos!"
"One run down, just one more to go!!!"
Inashiro's cheers contrasted with the stunned expressions in Seidou's dugout.
To think they scored from a single hit to shallow right field!? It wasn't even a deep outfield hit, and Shirasu's reaction was as quick as they come.
And yet, they managed to score?
Everyone in Seidou felt a chill run down their spines at Carlos's blazing speed.
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