<85> Defense

Chapter 85: Defense

"What's Ozawa's pitch count?" On the other side, Coach Mitani also noticed the stamina issue with their ace pitcher.

"Sir! She's already thrown 83 pitches!" the recorder next to him quickly replied.

"The opposing team has been cautious with their pitch selection, except for their fifth batter, the pitcher, and their cleanup catcher. They've intentionally tried to conserve Ozawa's stamina."

"However, in reducing the number of breaking balls she throws, the pitch count inevitably increased. Especially with that Sendo kid—just facing him for two at-bats took over 25 pitches! Wait, over 25 pitches?..." Coach Mitani calculated furiously in his mind.

"What about their ace?"

"Only 54 pitches! Even though we're actively observing and being aggressive, their pitcher has been focused on the strike zone and rarely throws balls. Several of our batters were retired in just one or two pitches, so his count remains low."

"Our ace has faced 14 batters with 83 pitches, while their ace has faced 16 batters with only 54 pitches... What?"

"Still, as long as she's not completely exhausted, we have to entrust this game to Ozawa!"

"For the next inning, focus on using fastball-type breaking pitches to force their batters to swing. Aim for defensive plays to get the outs."

"Understood!"

"And for Sendo's next at-bat, walk him intentionally!" Coach Mitani finally decided to issue an intentional walk for Sendo.

"But, coach!..." Ozawa tried to speak but was immediately interrupted.

"This is an order! Your pitch count is too high. Even if you manage to retire Sendo, you'll likely be completely spent."

"In the last at-bat, Sendo was probably intentionally fouling off pitches to drive up your pitch count."

"Now that I think about it, some of those pitches were way outside the zone, but he still managed to hit them hard. If he wanted to, he could easily hit a long ball, even lighter than that home run earlier."

"This shows that Sendo has been calculating the entire game, sacrificing one home run to achieve a greater goal."

"Even if he lacks the ability to differentiate fine details between good and bad pitches, for a batter of his level, that doesn't matter. His physical condition compensates for such weaknesses."

"There's no need for small tricks. Face him head-on with strength and play fair!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Hah!" Sendo chuckled softly upon hearing the opposing team's energetic shouts.

"Man, I'm jealous. So many girls cheering at once—it sounds like a choir," he said with a grin.

"What nonsense are you saying? Geez!" Wakana immediately retorted.

"What's wrong?" Sendou asked, puzzled.

"Nothing! I promised Fumino-chan that I'd keep an eye on you... to make sure you don't cause any trouble!" Wakana quickly corrected herself, realizing she'd said too much.

"Why would she need to keep an eye on me? Am I really that untrustworthy? Do I seem like someone who causes trouble? Seriously." Sendo, unconcerned, shrugged it off and sat back down.

In that inning, the 6th, 7th, and 8th batters went down in order on just six pitches.

The gap in skill levels was apparent, leaving some of the players dejected—especially after seeing Sendo hit two home runs in two at-bats.

Sendo noticed this but said nothing. He believed such moments would drive his teammates to train even harder.

"Right now, we just need to focus on getting on base. Don't aim for big hits—play steadily and take it one run at a time."

"Got it"

...

In the top of the sixth inning, after successfully retiring the opposing 8th and 9th batters, Sawamura gave up a hit, allowing the leadoff hitter of the third rotation to reach base with two outs.

"Lead! Lead! Lead! Lead!"

"Lead! Lead! Lead! Lead!"

"Huh?" Hearing the stir from the crowd, Sawamura glanced over with wide eyes, though his heart was racing with nerves.

"Hey! Hey! Ignore her! There are already two outs; she won't take such a risk!" Sendo gestured, trying to calm him.

...

"Steal!"

Instant karma struck.

"What? A mistake here would waste such a rare opportunity! How bold—or is she underestimating us?"

Snap!

"Strike!"

Pop!

"Safe!"

"So close! Barely made it! And against a left-handed pitcher too!"

"That pitcher is still green! He doesn't even know how to execute a proper pickoff!"

"But that pitcher's speed isn't bad. What's truly scary is that catcher! He threw from his knees with just his shoulder, and it was almost enough to get her out!"

"At least she made it into scoring position. Now it's up to the batters to bring her home. This is the third rotation's top order, so it won't be easy!"

"We need to take notes. In a few days, we'll have a practice game against Akagi Junior High School, right?"

"Hey, what about their cleanup hitter? Should we just intentionally walk him every at-bat?"

"Don't worry. For some reason, that guy is only coaching Akagi Middle. He won't be playing in our game."

"Seriously? That's a relief! But it's such a waste for such a great player not to play."

"Yeah, seriously! What a shame!"

"Look! Coach Mitani is calling the second batter over. Looks like it's time for the strategists to step in, huh?"

The game returned to a tense moment, but the spectators continued their chatter, casually munching on snacks and gossiping.

Crack!

"First baseman! Ah?"

The ball sailed past the first baseman's glove into the outfield.

"Now it's two outs with runners on first and third! The game's just starting—keep it up!" The Sakura Girls's dugout erupted in cheers, urging their team forward.

"As expected, this team has too many defensive holes. Before, their reliance on the pitcher masked it, but in critical moments, their lack of experience and judgment becomes evident. And..." Coach Mitani glanced at Takada before calling over the third batter.

"Don't worry! Stay focused, everyone! We have to defend this no matter what!" Sendo stepped up to encourage his teammates.

However, sometimes overly absolute statements can add pressure.

Even with training, fundamental qualities like personality, fighting spirit, and instinct aren't easily changed overnight.

Ping!

"First baseman!"

Thud! The ball bounced out of Takada's glove.

"Error! Run! Run!"

In his rush to pick up the ball, Takada fumbled again, and the ball slipped out of his hand onto the ground.

"Safe!"

"We scored! Amazing!" The Sakura Girls's bench erupted in celebration, the players hugging each other. The display left some of the boys in the crowd dry-mouthed and tongue-tied.

Meanwhile, the other runners advanced to second and third bases, prompting another round of jubilant cheers from the Sakura Girls bench.

Takada stood frozen, overwhelmed, unable to process what had just happened.

"Timeout!" Sendo quickly called for a pause after the dead ball and ran onto the field.

"I'm sorry! I'm really, really sorry, everyone!" Takada stammered, tears streaming down his face. "Sen-chan worked so hard to get us that run, and I messed it all up! And now I let them get to second and third! I'm so, so sorry!" He was near incoherence, his voice trembling with guilt and frustration.

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