Chapter 54: Wrong!

Seidou High School's offense was far from over.

After Sawamura returned to home plate, securing the second run for his team,

Yuuto on the mound showed a momentary lapse in concentration.

This slight relaxation didn't escape the notice of the Seidou players.

Shiratsu, batting fifth, seized this opportunity and a professional assassin-like shot.

Ping!

The small white ball was struck and fell into the gap in the defense.

"Nice hit!"

"Run!"

The continuous hits were driving everyone on the field into a frenzy of adrenaline.

At this moment, they were all trembling with excitement.

Seidou was on the brink of overcoming Yamamori High School!

Shiratsu reached first base with ease.

Miyuki also crossed third base; having acted early, he reached third just as the opposing outfielder picked up the ball.

"RUN!"

The base-running coach decisively gave Miyuki advice.

His bold suggestions earlier had helped Sawamura score that run.

Now, he was hoping Miyuki could also make it home safely.

"Okay!"

A 2-0 lead wasn't enough to justify pulling Sawamura from the mound.

This score wasn't secure, whether Kawakami was brought in or if they switched to another pitcher.

It wasn't very reassuring.

But if the score difference were 3-0,

The situation would be vastly different.

Even if unexpected events occurred during the game,

It would be possible to bring Sawamura back in time and save the situation.

The chance of the opponent catching up by two runs was already very low.

Catching up by three runs wasn't impossible, but it was extremely difficult.

Miyuki made a determined dash for home plate.

"BAACK! HOMEE!!"

The catcher, Kazuto, shouted urgently with a surprisingly grim voice.

Unfortunately, it was too late.

By the time the outfielder returned the ball, Miyuki had already reached home plate.

 "YEAAH!"

Miyuki shouted and made a guts pose after he returned home.

The score became 3-0.

"Shiratsu!!"

"Shiratsu!!!"

"Nice hit!"

"Cool!"

On the second base, Shiratsu was pumping his fist to the sky while looking at his teammates, clearly excited despite his usually calm demeanor.

'Nicely done, nothing less from you!'

Miyuki who had returned home was also directing his fist at Shiratsu.

In the blink of an eye, Seidou High School had scored twice, expanding their lead to three runs.

One Out, with a runner on first base!

Given the situation, Seidou High School still had a great chance to score.

Standing in the Batter's Box now was Maezono.

Behind him was Toujou, batting seventh.

These were two highly anticipated batters.

Unfortunately, their luck seemed to be running out today.

They couldn't continue their impressive performance.

Both batters went to the plate one after the other and were quickly dealt with.

By the end of the fifth inning, the score remained 3-0.

In the top of the sixth inning, it was Yamamori High School's turn to bat.

Seidou High School made a lineup change.

Sawamura, who had been on the mound, was moved to the outfield.

Kawakami Norifumi took over the pitching duties for Seidou High School.

This arrangement was generally accepted.

With the score gap widened to three runs, even if Kawakami was now pitching, the Seidou players didn't think they would lose.

In the press box, Owada Akiko murmured,

"He's been pulled out so soon!"

She was referring to Sawamura.

She had initially thought the Ace would pitch the entire game.

After all, their opponent was a top-eight team with considerable strength.

"Considering the upcoming games, it's understandable to replace Sawamura-kun now. However, it seems the opponent hasn't given their all and looks somewhat dangerous."

Fujio, observing the calm Yamamori, had a nagging sense of foreboding.

Although Yamamori High School's style resembled Seidou High School's they were particularly skilled at seizing opportunities.

In this game, Seidou High School hadn't made many hits, but they had turned almost every hit into a valuable Run.

Yamamori High School also had a similar style.

However, because their opponent was Sawamura, they hadn't been able to implement their strategy.

In other words, they hadn't even managed a single hit up to now.

Even if they wanted to seize an opportunity, they had no chance to seize it.

The game continued.

Both teams' bands played spirited and enthusiastic music.

It seemed like the game was building up to a dramatic climax.

Kawakami, newly on the mound, was very composed.

Under Miyuki's guidance, he threw a series of tricky pitches.

Ping!

"OUT!"

Ping!

"OUT!"

"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!"

He retired Yamamori High School's lower batters three up, three down.

"Great pitching!"

"Nori, well done."

His perfect performance helped Seidou High School maintain its lead.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Seidou High School was on offense.

Leading off was still Kominato Haruichi.

In this game, Kominato was noticeably less spectacular than in the previous two games.

His previous two at-bats were both resolved.

The young man's spirit was unyielding—such a person would never admit defeat.

As Kominato stepped into the Batter's Box, he was determined to make up for his earlier failures.

Paak!

After battling a few pitches, he finally seized his chance.

He hit the ball and reached first base.

No Outs, with a runner on first base.

Now it was Sawamura's turn to bat.

In his previous two at-bats, Sawamura hit a home run the first time and was Walked the second time.

Well done!

It appeared that the opponent was quite wary of Sawamura Eijun.

This meant that Sawamura was likely to be walked again.

Even if he wasn't walked, Sawamura's skill should allow him to continue contributing to the lineup.

"Sawamura!"

"Sawamura!!"

"Demon King!!"

In the stands, Seidou High School supporters cheered hoarsely for Sawamura!

Sawamura himself remained calm.

He knew very well that although Yamamori had Walked him before, they would not Walk him again now.

Eijun's confidence came from his understanding of the opponent's tactics.

He had vaguely grasped what this tactic was all about.

"No wonder I found it familiar."

He was indeed familiar with this tactic.

It wasn't that he had seen it used by any opponent, but because he had used it himself.

'Now, it's time to make a miracle!'

All he needed to do now was verify his guess.

He raised the bat high, certain that he would not be walked this time. With this tactic, they wouldn't force a runner to second base— with no Outs, it would be like digging their own grave!

'To prevent Haruichi from reaching second base, the opponent's battery would definitely choose to face me head-on.'

Sawamura's smile was nearly impossible to hide.

He missed this tactic dearly; it had been nearly two years since he had seen anything like it.

'Where did these guys from Yamamori find it?'

"Hoo!"

Taking a deep breath, Sawamura adjusted his breathing rhythm.

He didn't force himself into the state. He was confident he could hit the ball normally.

He had already guessed where the ball would be pitched and how it would break.

It felt a bit like playing poker and seeing the opponent's hole cards.

The thrill of outsmarting his opponents filled Sawamura with excitement.

He could hardly wait for the ball to come and to swing at it.

Whoosh!

Without making him wait too long, the white ball flew toward him.

'Excellent!'

Sawamura was elated and swung at the ball with no hesitation.

Ping!

But the moment the bat connected, Sawamura's expression changed.

'…Shit!'

The sensation in his hands clearly told him he had guessed wrong!

…