Chương 90: [90] Strike
Chapter 90: Strike
"Whoosh."
"Pop."
"Strike! Batter out! Three outs, change of sides!"
It's over already!? Why did it end so quickly!?
In the dugout, the players from Akikawa High showed grim expressions. Their year or two of intense training had been completely overshadowed by a first-year student who had only been enrolled for three months.
Is this the depth of a powerhouse team? The strength of a champion?
Even though You Shunshin was still holding the line, not allowing any runs and keeping the game tightly contested against Seidou High, Eijun's relaxed and outstanding performance was like a needle piercing the hearts of the Akikawa players, causing them to waver.
Jersey number 11, first-year pitcher, Eijun Sawamura: five innings, no runs, no hits, no walks. His dazzling stats brought cheers from Seidou, astonishment from the stands, and a heavy weight on Akikawa High.
"Nice pitching, Sawamura."
"Haha, you must've taken something today, kid."
"You were outstanding, you rascal."
"Great job, Eijun-kun."
Returning to the dugout at the top of the fifth inning, everyone praised Eijun once again. His performance was undeniably impressive today.
Hearing the praise from those around him, Eijun squinted, seeming slightly puffed up.
"Hmph, your key pitches were still a bit high. You're just taking advantage of their lack of power. Plus, your outside corner control is still shaky. Compared to You Shunshin, you're far behind."
Of course, there was never a shortage of a certain sly-eyed catcher to throw cold water on the situation.
After hearing Miyuki's words, Eijun's expression fell, but he couldn't argue back, because what Miyuki said was true.
Besides, Eijun knew why Miyuki was saying this—it was to remind him. After all, their opponent was only Akikawa High.
Apart from You Shunshin, none of their batters were worth mentioning.
There was nothing to be happy about, and this made Eijun more cautious.
The real opponents, the monstrous players from his own generation, were still ahead. It wasn't time to celebrate yet!
"So, are you planning to go into extra innings!?"
At this moment, a low voice rang out, causing the previously cheerful atmosphere in Seidou's dugout to freeze.
Everyone looked gravely at Coach Kataoka, who had calmly made that statement.
Coach Kataoka raised an eyebrow and fixed his gaze on all the players.
"Hmph, if you truly aim to dominate the nation, then win this game in the next five innings. Extra innings? If it comes to that, don't even talk to me about national domination!!!"
"Yes, sir!!!!"
The cold tone in Coach Kataoka's words sent a chill down everyone's spines, and they responded loudly and solemnly.
"Clap, clap, don't lose heart. Shunshin's pitching is holding up well against Seidou. As long as we stay patient and composed, our chance will come!"
On the third-base side, Akikawa's dugout, Coach Ozaka, noticing his players' morale dropping, clapped his hands to lift their spirits. And he wasn't lying. Up to this point, You Shunshin had indeed stifled Seidou's offense.
Four innings and not a single run allowed.
That was an undeniable fact, and it revived the spirits of Akikawa's players. After all, they still had Shunshin on their side.
As long as they can stay calm!
Everyone turned their eyes toward You Shunshin, whose expression remained composed. Their gaze was filled with trust and reliance on him. However, what they didn't know was that, at this moment, both You Shunshin and Coach Ozaka harbored a sliver of concern in their hearts. They knew very well that if they couldn't break through soon, their defense would eventually crumble.
The tension that held them together—once it snapped—the consequences would be disastrous.
They needed to find a way to break through the opposing pitcher's wall, even if it was just to score one run. If they could manage that, the team's momentum would change. This game was all about who could score first and seize the advantage!
Standing on the mound, You Shunshin's thoughts started to drift. His eyes flashed with a contemplative look as he silently reflected.
"Bottom of the fifth inning, Seidou High School at bat. The sixth batter, catcher, Miyuki-kun."
"Miyuki, it's time to hit one!"
"Miyuki-senpai, go for it!"
"Let's see a hit from our star catcher!"
"Take aim, Miyuki!"
"Miyuki-kun!"
"Seidou, Seidou, Seidou!"
By the fifth inning, Seidou had managed to get runners on base and even hit some singles, but they still hadn't scored that crucial run. The fans in the stands were starting to feel anxious. If the game dragged on, the situation could become unpredictable.
It's already the fifth inning, and there's no sign of fatigue. His control was still precise in the previous inning. This guy has incredible stamina.
Miyuki lightly tapped the ground with his bat, frowning slightly as he pondered.
Perhaps it's time to adjust the strategy a bit, otherwise...
"Whoosh."
"Pop."
"Ball!"
Huh? (⊙o⊙)…
Miyuki's eyes flickered with surprise. A ball on the first pitch? That obvious?
He looked up and, for a split second, caught a glimpse of the brief flash of confusion and distraction on You Shunshin's face before it quickly vanished.
Miyuki's lips curled into a slight smirk.
Oh? So that's it? I thought you were unshakable, never anxious.
If that's the case, this could work.
After a control issue on the first pitch, the second pitch will most likely...
A sharp glint flashed in Miyuki's eyes.
On the mound, You Shunshin immediately realized his brief lapse in concentration and felt a wave of self-reproach. However, he didn't realize that his small mistake had been noticed by the sharp-eyed catcher on the other side.
I'll adjust with an outside pitch next.
A breaking ball to the outside corner.
He's likely to go for an outside pitch!
A synchrony of thoughts.
"Whoosh."
As the white blur shot from the mound and arrived at home plate, a faint smile flickered in Miyuki's pupils.
The bat swung fiercely, slicing through the air.
In an instant, the ball collided with the bat.
"Bang!!!"
A powerful crack echoed through the stadium.
On the mound, You Shunshin's expression shifted drastically.
"Whoosh!!!"
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