Chapter 51 Quater-Final (8)

The crowd gasped as the ball sailed through the sky, a hit soaring into the depths of center field. Eyes were glued to the trajectory of the ball as it spun, seemingly defying gravity. For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze.

Then the commentator's voice cut through the tense silence: "Ohhh, it's gone! Shinjiro Takumi has done it again! A home run!"

The Seimei fans stared, mouths open in disbelief. "Oi, oi, oi... seriously!?" one fan shouted, his voice tinged with shock. Another fan put his hands on his head in disbelief, watching the ball disappear over the fence. Another man, seeing the home run, reluctantly handed over money to his friend, shaking his head. "I can't believe he actually hit it," he grumbled, passing over the crumpled bills. They had made a bet before the game on whether or not Shinjiro would hit a homer.

In the stands, Yumi leaped to her feet, shaking her husband's shoulder frantically, practically bouncing with excitement. "Honey, he did it! Can you believe it?!" she cried out, eyes bright with joy.

Hiroshi, however, was frozen in place. His eyes were still fixed on the field, trying to process the scene unfolding before him. Off the bench? And a home run? He has this much ability. ... His thoughts trailed off, overtaken by the magnitude of what had just happened.

As Shinjiro rounded the bases, he could feel the energy of the stadium vibrating around him. His heart pounded in rhythm with the cheers from his team. That one felt really good, he thought to himself as he jogged toward home plate, his eyes briefly locking on Noboru, who was on his knees at the mound, Masato consoling him with a hand on his shoulder.

Kenji's voice boomed as Shinjiro crossed home plate, "Rookie! That was insane!" Haruto wasted no time, scooping Shinjiro up into the air like a hero returning from battle. "Nice hit!" he shouted, as the rest of the team gathered around, celebrating. The players patted him on the back, each congratulating him in their own way.

Coach Nakamura, smiling from the dugout, gave Shinjiro a thumbs-up, his face gleaming with pride. "Good work," he mouthed, giving his approval.

In the dugout Emiko had teary eyes, watching the entire scene unfold with overwhelming emotion. Aoi nudged her out of her daze. "Hey! Don't get too emotional just yet! What's Noboru's pitch count?" she asked with urgency, snapping Emiko back into reality as she scrambled through the notebook.

Coach Fujimoto was deep in thought as he watched Noboru. His expression was unreadable, but it was clear that he had a decision to make. "Get someone warmed up in the bullpen," he instructed his assistant, the words heavy with expectation. He knew that this inning was crucial. Some of the Suma Tomogaoka players exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the pressure mounting.

Yamamoto, up in the stands, nudged Renjiro. "Looks like they're sending in another pitcher to warm up," he said, a hint of tension in his voice.

Renjiro nodded, his eyes still focused on the field. "Yeah, they can't afford another run here."

Meanwhile, back on the bench, Shinjiro sat down, still buzzing with adrenaline. Shota, grinning from ear to ear, leaned over and clapped Shinjiro on the shoulder. "Nice batting out there!" he praised, his smile wide. Shinjiro laughed nervously, Kai joined in from the corner, throwing him a thumbs-up. But not everyone shared in the excitement. Kohei, standing nearby with his arms crossed, scoffed, clearly unimpressed.

Back on the mound, Noboru stood alone, staring up into the sky as if looking for answers. Masato watching his friend closely. Is he going to be okay? Masato wondered, worry creeping into his thoughts. He could see the wear and tear on Noboru's face.

Just as Masato opened his mouth to speak, Noboru raised his hand, signaling that he was okay. He took a deep breath, eyes focused ahead. "Let's finish this inning and score some runs," he said, determination lacing his voice. Masato nodded, but before they could continue, a player from the dugout approached with a message from Coach Fujimoto.

"If Noboru gives up another run, he's coming off," the player stated bluntly. Masato sighed inwardly. That's to be expected.

Koji was the next batter, stepping up to the plate with a determined look on his face. This is my chance. Noboru's rattled after the home run. He tightened his grip on the bat.

Masato studied Koji for a moment, reading his stance and demeanor. Let's start with a breaking ball, see where Noboru's at. He signaled for a power curveball. Noboru wound up, his mind racing. We can't afford to lose. I'll strike them out here. Our season isn't over yet! He released the pitch, but it came out wild.

"Ball!" the umpire called as the pitch sailed wide.

The Suma Tomogaoka fans were visibly tense in the stands. "Hey, do you think we'll be okay?" one fan whispered, gripping his cap tightly.

Another boy replied, nervously fidgeting in his seat, "Shouldn't we bring in the relief pitcher already? I've got a bad feeling about this…"

Masato signaled for two fastballs down the middle. Koji swung wildly at both, missing each one. He cursed under his breath, adjusting his helmet. Down the middle twice!? They're really underestimating me....The next pitch has to be a breaking ball. He readied himself.

Masato placed his mitt right in the middle. Noboru hesitated for a moment. Is he serious? Last time, they got a hit off us here. But trusting the call, he delivered the pitch. Koji swung again, but his timing was way off, and the ball sailed cleanly into Masato's glove.

"Strike! Batter out!" the umpire called.

Koji stormed back to the dugout, fuming. " Fuck three down the middle… What the hell!"

Next up to bat was Ryoichi, he stepped up to the plate with a cocky grin, pointing his bat toward Noboru. "This battery sure is fearless," he muttered under his breath as he squared up.

Kenji, waiting for his turn on deck, eyed Ryoichi carefully. If Ryoichi can get on base… They won't risk walking me next....please get on base.

Masato signaled for a changeup and Noboru nodded, winding up and delivering. Strike one! Ryoichi didn't move a muscle.

The next pitch was a slider. Strike two! Ryoichi remained stoic, showing no signs of nerves.

The Suma Tomogaoka fans roared their approval. "Nice pitching, Nobo!"

Masato observed Ryoichi carefully. He's not swinging. Is he waiting for a fastball? He decided to finish him off with a splitter. Noboru wound up and threw the pitch, but Ryoichi finally swung, barely connecting. The ball dribbled back toward the mound, a weak hit.

Noboru rushed forward, but as he picked up the ball, his grip slipped, and the ball rolled harmlessly to the side. Ryoichi sprinted down the line and made it to first base safely.

The crowd groaned in disappointment. "I told you they should've subbed him out!" one fan complained. "Now Kenji's up next! This isn't looking good…"

Yamamoto shook his head. "That was sloppy. Noboru's losing his composure under pressure."

Renjiro leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Are they going to walk Kenji here? But If Noboru can strike him out, they'll carry that momentum into the next inning. It's a risky move."

The commentator chimed in, "Suma Tomogaoka sends out a messenger, calling for a timeout. They can't afford to give up another run here. Sugawa is warming up in the bullpen!"

The Suma infielders gathered around the mound, huddling closely. "Let's play in for a squeeze play," one suggested.

"No this guy can hit deep" another agreed, nodding. "We can score next inning, but we need this out now."

Kenji stepped into the batter's box as the Seimei fans ramped up their support, blowing trumpets and banging drums. "Hit it, Kenji!" they yelled.

Masato stood behind the plate, eyes locked on Kenji. This guy is dangerous, we have to be carefull here.... He knew Kenji's presence at the plate was different. He wasn't just another batter; he was the engine of Seimei's offense. One mistake, and Kenji will send the ball into the stands.

Masato glanced at Noboru, signaling for caution. Noboru suddenly stepped off the mound and fired a quick pickoff throw to first base. Ryoichi had taken too big of a lead, caught completely off guard. He dove back to the bag in a desperate attempt, but it was too late.

"Out!" the umpire shouted, his voice booming across the stadium.

The Suma Tomogaoka players erupted in cheers, chanting, "Two outs! Two outs!" Noboru pumped his fist as the infielders clapped in celebration.

Ryoichi cursed under his breath, kicking the dirt as he stormed back to the dugout. I thought for sure Noboru's attention was on Kenji... His frustration was palpable, but the damage was done.

Masato allowed himself a brief moment of elation, quickly resetting. "Good work, Noboru," he muttered under his breath. But our work isn't over yet, Let's strike him out with your best pitch. He signaled for a screwball to Kenji, the most reliable breaking pitch in Noboru's arsenal.

Kenji's grip tightened on the bat as Noboru wound up, his body moving with a fluidity that suggested newfound confidence. The pitch came toward the plate, spinning with deceptive movement. But Masato's heart sank as he realized—It's weak!!

"Shit!" Masato cursed under his breath, eyes widening in alarm. Kenji's bat made solid contact with the ball, the familiar crack echoing through the stadium. The ball shot into the air, arching high toward center field, the crowd on their feet as they followed its path.

The center fielder, Nakagawa, sprinted back, eyes tracking the ball. His legs pumped furiously, but even in the moment of pressure, his mind wandered. Man, I'm so hungry... What should I eat after this? Maybe tonkatsu?

The ball descended from the sky, heading for the wall. With a sudden burst of focus, Nakagawa leaped, his body slamming into the outfield wall. His mitt reached up just in time, and the ball fell perfectly into his glove.

Cheers erupted, the Suma Tomogaoka fans going wild. He stumbled, winded from the impact, but he held the ball aloft in his glove, signaling the third out.

Masato and Noboru exhaled simultaneously, relief washing over them. We're still in this!! Noboru thought, his shoulders sagging slightly as the team jogged off the field. The Suma players gathered around Nakagawa as he made his way back to the dugout, pats on the back and shouts of congratulations following him.

The commentator's voice boomed over the cheers. "What a catch! Nakagawa with the play of the game! Suma Tomogaoka holds Nehimon Seimei to one run in the inning, keeping the score 3-2, we are heading into the last inning."