[179] The Battle for the Starting Pitcher
Chapter 179: The Battle for the Starting Pitcher
During the Kanto Tournament, Seidou High's batting lineup managed to score only two runs against this pitcher by the seventh inning.
Seidou High's batting lineup is no joke.
Their performance in the first game of Koshien, where they completely dismantled Nanagamari Tech's defense, and their dominant displays during the regional tournament, all serve as proof that Seidou High's batting lineup is among the best in the nation.
Yet, even such a formidable lineup could only score two runs in seven innings against Ino, Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's ace pitcher.
Now, this ace pitcher had developed a new pitch—a changeup. Reports indicated that his velocity had slightly increased, now approaching 145 km/h.
It was clear that overcoming this pitcher in the upcoming game would be an extremely difficult task.
Additionally, Yokohama Kouhoku's defensive capabilities—including their infield coordination, outfielders' strong arms, and excellent judgment—were on par with Seidou's.
To score runs, merely defeating the pitcher wouldn't be enough.
They would also need to break down Yokohama Kouhoku's defense.
This game had a high likelihood of turning into a pitchers' duel, much like the final against Inashiro Industrial in the Kanto Tournament, where Seidou High lost due to pitching struggles.
This time, Seidou High could not afford to lose in the same way.
Chris made it a point to emphasize the challenges posed by Ino, reminding Yuuki, Isashiki, and the others that Yokohama Kouhoku's ace pitcher had become even more formidable.
"A changeup, huh? Things just keep getting more troublesome," muttered Isashiki Jun, scratching his head.
"That inside-sinking pitch was already hard enough to handle, and his control is excellent. Now he's added the ability to change speeds..." Kuramochi shook his head, clearly frustrated. "This guy's pitching difficulty has gone up another level. Honestly, you could compare him to Inashiro's Prince."
"The key is how much of a gap that changeup creates," Sakai said, his expression serious.
"A changeup?" Eijun's eyes flickered with a strange light as he considered it.
Among high school pitchers, the changeup was a relatively rare pitch.
Most focused on sliders or curveballs.
Throwing a changeup often depended on a pitcher's personality, characteristics, and style.
There was no doubt that Yokohama Kouhoku's ace pitcher was well-suited for this pitch.
Not only was it effective, but it also appeared to carry significant impact.
However, Eijun couldn't help but wonder if the pitch would have any unique characteristics.
Variations in grip, delivery, and even body mechanics could lead to subtle differences in how the pitch behaved.
"Troublesome indeed," Yuuki remarked with a sharp glint in his eye, his tone heavy.
"There's also their backup pitcher, Aoki, a second-year," Chris added. "His velocity is around 135 km/h. He appeared frequently during the regional tournament, often starting games. His decisive pitch is a slider. He's another pitcher we cannot underestimate."
After thoroughly analyzing Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's roster and strengths, Chris nodded toward Coach Kataoka.
Receiving a slight nod in return, Chris stepped aside.
"You should all have a clear understanding of Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's strength from this year's Kanto Tournament."
"This team is incredibly strong. Do not think you can overpower their pitcher outright. Focus on finding exploitable gaps and making the most of them. The key is patience and precision."
"Focus on making contact, even with just one swing. Understood?" Coach Kataoka's voice was cold and commanding.
"Yes, sir!" The Seidou players responded in unison, their faces filled with resolve.
Yokohama Kouhoku Academy was undoubtedly one of the strongest opponents they would face. The game was a 50-50 contest, where even the slightest mistake could result in a crushing defeat.
"And now, the starting lineup."
"Leadoff, shortstop, Kuramochi Yoichi."
"Yes!" Kuramochi immediately responded loudly.
"Second batter, second baseman, Kominato Ryousuke."
"Yes." Ryousuke replied with a faint smile, his half-closed eyes glinting with a hint of cold determination.
"Third batter, center fielder, Isashiki Jun."
"Got it!" Isashiki roared with his trademark enthusiasm, his eyes blazing with determination to show Yokohama Kouhoku the true power of Seidou's batting lineup.
"Fourth batter, first baseman, Tetsuya Yuuki."
"Yes." Yuuki responded calmly, as steady as ever, showcasing his trademark composure.
"Fifth batter, third baseman, Masuko Tooru."
"Ugaaa!!!" Masuko roared in his unique way, full of energy and determination.
"Sixth batter, catcher, Miyuki Kazuya."
"Yes." Miyuki replied with a faint smile at the corner of his lips. His gaze subtly swept over to Eijun, the meaningful glint in his eyes causing Eijun to pause in confusion.
What is this guy planning now? Eijun thought, feeling slightly unsettled.
"Seventh batter, left fielder, Sakai Ichirou."
At this moment, Coach Kataoka seemed to hesitate briefly before announcing the name, bringing a bright smile to Sakai's face. Meanwhile, Eijun's eyes flashed with intrigue.
Likewise, everyone present, including Tanba and Furuya, displayed various expressions of surprise.
Throughout this summer, it had almost become a routine—when Eijun wasn't pitching, he would play left field roughly 70% of the time.
It was clear that Coach Kataoka intended to groom him as Seidou's future ace.
But now, Eijun wasn't assigned to left field.
This sent a strong signal. Tanba's hands instinctively clenched into fists.
Coach Kataoka, however, paid no mind to the reactions of the Seidou players and continued steadily announcing the starting lineup.
"Eighth batter, pitcher, Sawa—"
At that moment, a figure suddenly stood up, and a voice rang out, startling everyone present.
"Coach, please let me take the mound!"
It was Tanba. Without a moment's hesitation, he stood firmly, his determined expression and resolute tone fully conveying the conviction of this third-year ace.
He wanted revenge. He wanted to prove, once and for all, that he was truly the ace of this team, not just someone wearing the number but relegated to the role of a substitute pitcher.
Everyone stared at Tanba in surprise.
No one had expected him to have the courage to step forward and challenge for the starting role in such a situation.
Eijun, too, after a moment of surprise, looked at Tanba with a sense of admiration.
Perhaps the Tanba of the past had been somewhat timid, both in his personality and in his pitching.
But recently, he had begun to display the poise expected of an ace of a powerhouse team.
Has he transformed?
Eijun wondered silently. The magic of Koshien truly seemed to have the power to inspire profound changes in players.
Of course, Eijun himself might not have realized the role he played in this transformation.
Tanba's change was ultimately a reaction to Eijun's outstanding performances, which had deeply impacted him.
As mentioned before, on the grand stage of the finals, Eijun's unwavering determination and unyielding spirit—his crimson resolve—were etched deeply into the minds of everyone at Seidou.
This resolve, embodied by Eijun, had acted as a catalyst for change.
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