บท 73: <73> Temporary Change in the Batting Order
Chapter 73: Temporary Change in the Batting Order
"Here you go, Sen-chan!" Takada handed over the uniform, cleats, and other gear.
"Thanks!"
"Um, Sen-chan, it's better if you warm up before the game! It wouldn't be good if you sprained something!" Takada hesitated as he saw Sendo taking the items.
"Do you think I wouldn't warm up?"
"No, that's not what I meant..."
"I'm not saying anything! We're teammates! Just speak your mind without worrying! Don't hold back."
Sendo let out a small laugh. "Don't worry, I'll warm up before the game starts."
Hearing this, Takada scratched the back of his head with a silly smile, looking quite adorable.
The first match was essentially a slow battle where Sakura Girls' University gradually scraped together runs against Tokumei.
Akagi and his teammates changed into their uniforms, but the game was still ongoing, with no runs scored by either side.
In the final inning of the seventh, Sakura Girls managed to squeeze out two more runs from Tokumei.
Perhaps driven by their pride as men, Tokumei's players didn't show any sign of discouragement, even when they were behind in the bottom of the seventh.
It is often said that baseball truly begins after two outs, but maintaining the same fighting spirit as at the start of the game, even when trailing, is remarkable.
Many games are decided early because of the skill gap or mental breakdowns.
In this match, Tokumei showed a rare mentality, staying focused without faltering.
However, despite the close calls, their skill difference was evident, and they narrowly managed to hold Tokumei scoreless.
"Their ace is warming up. Let's go!" After the game ended, Sendo noticed a pitcher from Sakura Girls' University heading to the bullpen to warm up, and he signaled to his teammates.
Since Sakura Girls had just finished their game, only their ace needed to warm up, leaving the field available for Akagi Junior High.
"Sorry! This is a sudden situation; I need some time to decide the lineup!" Sendo approached Coach Mitani at the Sakura bench, apologizing.
"No problem! You all came just to watch, and it's my request for you to play. Take your time to figure it out and have the players warm up first."
"Thank you!" Sendo then headed toward his own team's bench.
"Pardon me!" He took off his cap and greeted Coach Yashiro on the opposing bench.
"Good luck, Sendo-kun!"
"Thank you!" Sendo gave a slight nod and made way for the coach to leave.
After placing their gear on the bench, Sendo directed everyone (except Wakana) to start warming up on the field with their protective equipment.
While the team was warming up, Sendo sat alone, contemplating the lineup.
The process was quick since there were only a handful of players to consider.
He set a game plan and structured the batting order accordingly.
After about ten minutes, Sendo jogged over to exchange the lineup sheet with Coach Mitani.
Then, with a bat in hand, Sendo walked out of the bench alone and glanced at the ace of Sakura Girls' University.
The pose he struck might seem showy—only if you didn't like him, though.
Sendo held the bat single-handedly in his right hand, gripping the thicker part while the handle rested against his elbow.
It was as flashy as one could get.
He maintained the pose for just a few seconds before starting his warm-up.
Bending his knees, he began stretching while rolling his shoulders. He casually rested the bat on his thigh.
After loosening up his shoulders, he set the bat aside and started doing squats, hopping up after each squat.
....
After fully warming up, Sendo started to swing the bat lightly, getting a feel for its weight.
Once he was ready, he placed the bat on his shoulder, squatting with his feet firmly planted, waiting for his teammates to finish their warm-ups.
A few minutes later:
"Shin, almost done?" After getting a nod, Sendo called everyone back.
"I'll announce the batting order now! Wakana, you'll start this game as a substitute."
"Got it!" Wakana answered gently, knowing she joined the baseball team mainly to support everyone.
"How nice! Wakana is so kind!" Sendo remarked.
"Stop joking around! Get on with it!" Wakana replied with a smile.
"I'm serious! But I'll get back to announcing the lineup!" Sendo, sensing the urgency, quickly shifted back to the main topic.
"Alright, listen up, everyone!"
"This time, I'll place our best hitters at the top of the order. I don't think we have the capability to string together consistent hits against their pitchers."
"So, my plan is to load the bases as much as possible before my at-bat, and then I'll be the one to drive in the runs."
"Of course, if you get a chance to score, don't hold back. But before my turn, focus on safely getting on base rather than taking risks. I'll bring you home when it's my turn."
Sendo's strategy was clear yet straightforward, and while it might sound overconfident, it made perfect sense given their circumstances.
To a stranger, this might seem like a risky plan relying too much on one player, but for his teammates, it felt right, reflecting their trust in Sendo.
"Here's the batting order!
(To help everyone remember, I'll give a brief description of each player's strengths.)
1st, shortstop: Ohno! (High on-base percentage, the best leadoff hitter we have.)
2nd, center fielder: Omura! (Ranked third in overall batting among our team.)
3rd, second baseman: Kondou! (Second-best overall hitter on the team.)
4th, catcher: Me! (Let's leave it at that…)
5th, pitcher: Eijun!"
Sendo thought to himself, "If he gets walked or gets on base normally, he could steal to third, setting up a bunt for a guaranteed score! Even with two outs, a surprise bunt could be effective! In one word: steady."
The team understood his plan, but... someone had a different idea.
"Heh! So you can't do without my powerful hitting, huh, Sendo?" Sawamura grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "Don't worry! If you mess up, I'll send a big one out to bring you home! Hahaha!"
"..."
"Just ignore him..." Sendo silently chanted to himself, trying to keep focus.
"Now, for the rest of the lineup:
6th, third baseman: Oyama! (Not particularly special, but at least not as lacking as Eijun and Shin. Shin lacks training, and Eijun... well, let's not even go there.)
7th, right fielder: Aoki! (Smart player known for his strategic hitting and bunting skills. He's adapted to hit-and-run plays and switched to left-handed batting to complement the base runners. He used to bat second in practice games.)
8th, first baseman: Takada! (A power hitter with a lottery-like approach, mainly because of his bulk!)
9th, left fielder: Arata!"
"Wakana, I'm counting on you for recording the game footage!"
"That's all!"
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