"Tanba, what's going on? How co you couldn't even touch the ball?" the impatient Isashiki Jun asked first.
"I don't know either. They were three straight four-seam fastballs in nearly the sa spot, but I was completely thrown off," Koichiro Tanba replied, the confusion still clear on his face.
"Don't you feel like you've seen that kind of pitching sowhere before?" Miyuki Kazuya suddenly spoke, interrupting everyone's thoughts.
"Now that you ntion it… yeah, it does feel familiar," Kuramochi Yoichi said.
"It's You Shunshin from Akikawa," Chris stated calmly.
"Ah! That's it!" Kuramochi Yoichi exclaid in realization.
"Then there's nothing to worry about. We crushed that pitcher last ga," Sawamura Eijun said loudly.
"Shut up if you don't know what you're talking about!" Kuramochi Yoichi snapped.
"That's right," Chris continued. "You Shunshin's top speed barely exceeds 130 km/h, but this pitcher is throwing at least 140 km/h. That's a whole different level. On our team, only Yuki can confidently handle this kind of pitch. As for Isashiki and Miyuki… it'll depend on luck."
"We have to score at least two runs in the next three innings, no matter what," Coach Kataoka said, his tone returning to its usual sternness. "This pitcher hasn't shown himself until now—he might have a weakness, just like their ace. Keep pressuring him. The ga isn't over yet—we still have a chance to turn it around!"
"Tanba, the mound is yours. You absolutely cannot let them score again. Understood?"
"Yes! I'll do everything I can to stop them!" Koichiro Tanba stood up straight and responded firmly.
So that's how it is… Kitamura Kou thought to himself. Akaishi, you're pretty cunning. First a high inside pitch, then a fastball slightly lower, and finally one just a bit higher than the first—luring the batter into a swing and miss. Looks like our catcher is no worse than Seido's.
Stop ssing around, Akaishi Osamu thought, catching the aning behind Kitamura's teasing glance. Even if this is the ninth batter, his skills aren't sothing to underestimate. Stay sharp… Let's try a different approach this ti.
With that, Akaishi subtly adjusted his glove, setting a lower target on the outside corner.
"Alright, alright, I'm throwing," Kitamura Kou muttered as he smoothly delivered the ball with his refined pitching motion—more efficient and less taxing on his body.
"SWOOSH!"
That pitch feels so far away… Kenjiro Shirasu thought as he watched the ball head toward the low outside corner—the farthest point from his reach.
But he didn't hesitate.
He swung.
Ping!
The ball dribbled weakly toward the mound.
Already prepared, Kitamura Kou took two quick steps forward, scooped up the ball, and threw it cleanly to Mishima Yuta at first base.
"Smack!"
"Out!"
Kitamura Kou chuckled as he watched Shirasu glare at him in frustration. Casually catching the return throw, he turned and walked back to the mound.
"Hey, Kitamura's pitching is actually really solid!"
"He can pitch and hit—and he's fast too. Is he really just a first-year?"
"Seido High School might be in serious trouble this ti!"
"Seido, don't give up! Your chance will co!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion. Most of them were seasoned baseball fans, capable of reading the flow of the ga.
Seido High School had already revealed most of their cards.
Yakushi High School, on the other hand, kept unveiling new ones.
The balance of victory was clearly shifting.
At this point, Seido could only hope for a miracle.
"First batter, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun."
The lineup had finally returned to the top.
As soon as Kuramochi Yoichi stepped into the batter's box, he gripped his short bat and swung lightly without hesitation.
From the mound, Kitamura Kou imdiately understood Seido's plan.
They're trying to wear down—just like they did with Sanada. They want to expose my weaknesses and turn the ga around.
If that's all you've got, you'll be disappointed, Kitamura Kou thought calmly. For the past five years—rain or shine—I've been running every single day, except for scheduled rest days, just to build my stamina.
And my pitches aren't sothing you can just hit whenever you want.
With that, he delivered the next pitch.
"SWOOSH!"
A fastball to the lowest point of the outside corner again at the very edge of the batter's reach.
The mont he released the ball, Kitamura charged forward in quick steps, ready to deal with a bunt.
Just as expected, Kuramochi saw him rush in and imdiately pulled the bat back.
Smack!
"Nice pitch!"
Kitamura showed no reaction. He returned to the mound after receiving the ball and imdiately threw the second pitch—once again charging forward right after.
Sa result.
Two strikes.
Kuramochi Yoichi was instantly cornered.
Next pitch… they'll definitely try to foul it off and keep wearing us down, Akaishi Osamu thought. Even if Kou's pitches aren't easy to hit, we still need to be careful.
After making his decision, Akaishi gave the signal.
Akaishi, you're really cautious… It's not necessary, but fine—I'll go along with it this ti. After all, this is our first official ga as a battery.
With that, Kitamura Kou fired the third pitch.
"SWOOSH!!!"
This ti, he didn't charge forward.
Instead, he simply stood there, smiling as he looked at Kuramochi Yoichi.
The ball streaked toward ho plate like a flash of white light.
Low outside corner.
Sa speed—just over 140 km/h.
Even though he didn't understand why Kitamura hadn't rushed forward this ti, Kuramochi had already made up his mind.
He wasn't pulling back.
He lunged forward, extending his bat toward the ball.
His posture beca unstable—almost collapsing—but the bat kept moving… inch by inch… toward the incoming pitch.
"You have to make contact…!"
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