Capítulo 111: [111] The Thunderous Momentum in the Battle Against Yakushi
Chapter 111: The Thunderous Momentum in the Battle Against Yakushi
"A fastball on the inside? I never expected Sawamura-kun to be so bold in this situation," Akiko Owada remarked, covering her mouth in surprise.
"Yes, Sawamura is already a tough opponent, with his moving fastball, unique pitching style, and excellent control. There aren't many batters at Yakushi High School who can deal with him. And now, he's showing the necessary mental fortitude. In this case, Raichi lost the battle of wills," Fujio Mine commented with a tone of admiration.
"Especially in this situation, with Seido leading," he added, his eyes firmly fixed on Eijun as he jogged back to the bench, a distinct gleam in his eyes.
"Momentum? What's that supposed to mean?" someone asked.
At that moment, in Mine's mind, Eijun began to merge with the image of another pitcher, as if they were one and the same. Both were first-years, key players, left-handed pitchers, fulfilling a crucial role. An unshakeable ace figure.
"This match is dangerous for Yakushi High School," Mine murmured quietly.
To strike out Raichi with three pitches is something only absolute skill can achieve. In many ways, it was a highly significant strikeout.
Returning to the bench, Eijun was met with praise from all around. Even Coach Kataoka showed a hint of a smile.
"Nice pitch, Sawamura," Chris chuckled.
"Thank you, Chris-senpai!" Eijun replied with a smile, raising his voice in acknowledgment.
"The real battle starts now, so don't let your guard down, Sawamura," Miyuki warned, removing his catcher's gear with a solemn expression.
"Yes, I understand," Eijun replied, equally serious.
On the other side, the atmosphere at Yakushi High School was slightly oppressive. It wasn't a fluke or luck; it was a straightforward confrontation, and Raichi had been struck out in three pitches.
There are many ways to get out, but a strikeout is particularly effective in uplifting team momentum, while significantly lowering the opposing team's morale.
"Hmph, it's only the fifth inning. There are plenty of opportunities left. Stay calm. Your abilities are recognized. You have no reason to be afraid. You're on this stage for yourselves. First, hold the defense, then go on the offensive!" Coach Todoroki huffed, his usually nonchalant face now showing unprecedented seriousness.
Even though he knew this inning put Yakushi High School in a tricky situation, he wouldn't show it. Why? Because he's the team's coach.
He's the true backbone for all the players.
Everyone else could show disappointment and frustration, but he could not.
"Yes, sir!!!!"
The coach's words and demeanor inspired Yakushi High School's players. After all, one inning doesn't decide everything. They still had four innings to go!
Meanwhile, Sanada's eyes gleamed with determination.
He resolved to hold the line, using his pitching to preserve his team's chances of victory!
"Bottom of the fifth inning. Seido High's turn at bat, second baseman, Kominato-kun."
"Come on, Kominato-senpai."
"Get a hit!"
"Let's go, Ryousuke!!!!"
The continuous cheers showed tremendous support for Ryousuke.
"Sawamura, pay attention. This pitcher relies on fastballs. There are many things you can learn and incorporate," Miyuki advised Eijun quietly.
"Yes, I understand." Eijun nodded slightly.
In the story, Eijun's growth was often modeled on pitchers like Sanada and Narumiya.
Some have said that Eijun's complete form is a combination of Sanada, Narumiya, and his own unique traits.
Although this view might be slightly biased and personalized, there is some truth to it.
"Whoosh"
"Clang"
"Bang"
"Foul!!!"
Watching the ball fly off his bat, Ryousuke allowed himself a slight smirk, a look that Yakushi High perceived as quite irritating. His slightly narrowed eyes seemed to convey the message that he could intercept any pitch, any ball path.
He's really tough to deal with...
This is already the fifth pitch.
At home plate, Watanabe furrowed his brow as he glanced at Sanada on the pitcher's mound.
Sanada? Wouldn't it be wiser to walk this batter?
Watanabe's eyes held a questioning look. After being tangled up for so long, he worried about Sanada's physical condition—an exhaustive battle might make the situation even more disadvantageous for them.
Especially with the next batters being the cleanup hitters, walking Ryousuke might be a more strategic choice.
"No, we can't walk him, Watanabe-senpai; the next hitters are the cleanup hitters. Adding a runner will only make it harder to control the situation," Sanada shook his head slightly from the mound.
"Then let's settle it here; we can't prolong this," Watanabe agreed, signaling a strategy.
Sanada nodded in understanding.
Since walking the batter wasn't an option, they needed to increase the intensity of their attack. This way, they could at least try to force a mistake from their opponent.
With a raise of his hand...
"Whoosh"
Another flash of white light was released.
The glint from the ball was sharper this time, more aggressive.
Ryousuke could feel the pressure coming from the pitch.
This pitch was his opponent's decisive move.
No reason was needed—just the intuition that Ryousuke relied on for a quick reaction.
He adjusted his stance, leaned slightly forward, and swung the bat with a fierce "whoosh."
As the white light crossed...
In the dugout, Eijun noticed a curious gleam in his eyes.
This pitch might....
"Clang!!!!"
He's caught it!!!
A glimmer of joy flashed in Ryousuke's open eyes, but in the very next second...
The sensation from the bat made Ryousuke's smile freeze.
"Whoosh"
Contrary to expectations, the ball shot out in the opposite direction.
"Thud!!!"
It smashed into the ground, kicking up dirt that matched Ryousuke's now somber expression.
Darn it!!!!
Ryousuke quickly tossed his bat aside and sprinted toward first base.
"Mishima!!"
As the ball ricocheted, Sanada rushed down from the mound, intercepted the ball, and threw it toward first base.
"Pop"
"Out!!!!"
A groundout at first base, even against the persistently tough Ryousuke, Sanada didn't flinch.
After a grueling six-pitch battle, he succeeded in getting Ryousuke out. Following that, he struck out Jun Isashiki on three pitches. Despite giving up a left-field hit to cleanup hitter Captain Tetsu, he flawlessly shut down Masuko's next attempt.
Sanada demonstrated his fighting spirit through his performance.
With thundering momentum, Yakushi High was determined not to back down in this battle!
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