[366] Adjustments and Recommendations

Chapter 366: Adjustments and Recommendations

"So, regarding the starting pitchers for the upcoming games—Coach Kataoka, have you made a decision?"

With the training plan settled, the next priority was deciding the starting lineup and refining strategies for the upcoming matches.

Aside from their first game against the formidable Teito High, Seidou's next few opponents weren't particularly challenging—at least, not in the eyes of Ochiai, Coach Kataoka, and most of the team.

According to the tournament schedule, Seidou wasn't expected to face any powerhouse teams until the semifinals.

The strongest teams on their path had, at best, only reached the top 16 in their respective regions in recent years. Compared to Seidou, the reigning national champion, there was no real basis for comparison.

Of course, Seidou wouldn't underestimate their opponents.

However, it was unlikely they would approach these games with the same level of caution and preparation as they had against Teito High or Inashiro Industrial. After all, they had already KO'd Teito with an 8-1 victory.

"Coach Ochiai, do you have any suggestions?"

Coach Kataoka turned to Ochiai and asked calmly.

"Heh, considering the semifinals and finals, I think it's necessary for our other two pitchers to maintain match readiness. The upcoming opponents don't have particularly strong batting lineups, so it's an excellent opportunity for practical experience, don't you think?"

Ochiai stroked his mustache with a slight smile.

"Hmm, I agree. I was already planning to start Kawakami in the next game. If everything goes smoothly, Furuya will start the following match. We can't rely solely on Sawamura throughout the entire fall tournament—not for the team's sake, nor for his own development."

Kataoka nodded in approval.

Kawakami was a reliable sidearm pitcher, and Furuya was a naturally gifted power pitcher. While the current team core was built around Eijun and Miyuki, Kataoka was committed to nurturing Furuya and Kawakami whenever possible.

As Ochiai had pointed out, the next few games presented ideal opportunities for them to gain in-game experience.

During the summer tournament, Furuya and especially Kawakami had seen limited action, with Kawakami barely playing at all. For an active pitcher, a lack of game time was far from ideal—without real match experience, maintaining form and confidence became significantly harder.

Relying on a single pitcher to carry the team to victory throughout an entire tournament wasn't something Kataoka wanted to repeat. Not only was it a dangerous strategy, but it also placed an unhealthy burden on the individual pitcher.

Such excessive reliance could ruin a player's career.

With these thoughts in mind, Kataoka felt even more determined to balance the rotation fairly.

...

Meanwhile, on the practice field, the "Ace" himself, Eijun, was completely oblivious to the fact that he had already been removed from the starting lineup for the next two—possibly three—games.

For now, he was fully focused on his current role as a batting practice pitcher.

From Eijun's perspective, this wasn't just about helping batters—it was also an opportunity to refine his control.

He aimed to further improve his pitch accuracy, striving toward a Nine Box Control level.

Given his unique pitch quality, achieving such precision would make him an absolute menace—not just in high school baseball, but even in professional leagues down the road.

Swish!

Ping!

Swish!

"Heh, not bad. Nice power… but it's a foul ball."

Eijun grinned mischievously as he watched the ball sail out of bounds.

"Kanemaru, you need to work harder, or else you'll stay a benchwarmer forever."

"Damn it! Just a little more and I would've hit it!" Kanemaru clicked his tongue in frustration. "Just you wait, Sawamura! I'll nail the next one!"

"Heh, this is already your third attempt, though."

Eijun chuckled.

"You bastard, Sawamura! I won't forget this!"

"I'll be sure to remember, hehe."

Being a batting practice pitcher wasn't just about honing control—it was also a great way to strengthen mental resilience. Two birds with one stone!

Man, spending too much time around Miyuki-senpai is making me devious.

Eijun shook his head with an amused smirk.

"Oh, you're up next, Haruichi."

A flash of pink caught Sawamura's attention as Haruichi stepped up to the plate.

"Please go easy on me, Eijun-kun," Haruichi said with a small smile, casually twirling his wooden bat.

"Haha, same to you, Haruichi!"

...

For most of the afternoon, Eijun spent his time as a batting practice pitcher.

It wasn't that he didn't have other training to do—this was simply how he had planned his schedule for the day.

This, too, was part of Ochiai's recommendations for him.

To put it bluntly, Eijun had already developed solid control over his advanced pitching techniques and power. However, when it came to more sophisticated mechanics and additional pitch types, that was still beyond his current physical capabilities.

It wasn't that he couldn't learn them—rather, his body wasn't yet ready for such techniques.

At the end of the day, Eijun was still just a 16-year-old—a young athlete in the middle of rapid physical growth.

Both training and competition had to be carefully regulated, ensuring he didn't push his body too far too soon.

This was precisely why Coach Kataoka was determined to further develop Furuya and give Kawakami more opportunities to pitch.

Overworking a player could destroy their future.

Seidou had already experienced this painful lesson with Chris Yuu. That injury had become a permanent scar in Kataoka's heart—something he never wanted to repeat.

Since then, he had prioritized the health and longevity of his players above all else.

After all, before they were baseball players, these young men were still students, still teenagers who hadn't fully matured.

...

By evening, after wrapping up the day's training, Eijun invited Haruichi, Tojo, and a few others to relax at the bathhouse.

Soaking in the warm water after an intense day of training was pure bliss.

Afterward, they headed to the cafeteria for dinner.

Compared to his early days at Seidou, when he had struggled to adjust to the school's strict routine, intense training, and meal schedules, Eijun now felt completely at home.

His body had adapted to the disciplined lifestyle, his training had fine-tuned his physical condition, and his nutritionally balanced meals had contributed to his overall growth.

Compared to spring, when he had first arrived at Seidou, Eijun had gained noticeable muscle mass—even his height had slightly increased.

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