Chapter 102: Full Bases!

"What was that just now?" 

"Double steals with two Outs!" 

"Indeed, coming all this way to watch this game was worth it." 

"The Koshien final, the West Tokyo Derby. This match truly lives up to expectations." 

"Is that Toujou and Kuramochi?" 

"I didn't expect Seidou High School to have such strong players beyond just a few stars!" 

The spectators in the stands were wide-eyed in surprise, their mouths agape in disbelief. 

They had every reason to be shocked; what had just happened was indeed astonishing. 

"How thrilling!" Owada Akiko exclaimed. 

Although she couldn't pinpoint what was exciting, Seidou High School's performance made her want to stand up and applaud. 

Even without a deep understanding of baseball, she sensed her intuition wasn't unfounded. 

The two players at Seidou High School had clearly executed something remarkable. 

Beside Akiko, Fujio looked as though his eyes were about to pop out. 

For spectators like Akiko, who had a superficial understanding of baseball, Seidou High School's recent play appeared impressive on the surface. 

But for true baseball enthusiasts, the reality was much more intricate. 

Fujio, for instance, felt the exquisite teamwork that had just unfolded. 

If Kuramochi failed to get on base, the situation could become quite embarrassing. 

Before Sawamura Eijun and Miyuki Kazuya stepped into the Batter's Box, there would likely be empty bases. 

Inajitsu High School's backup pitcher, Hirano, could then apply a full-base strategy. 

Remember, Inajitsu's Ace pitcher, Narumiya was still in the game. Even though he had been exhausted from a previous game, as long as he was able to pitch, he would take the mound. The game was now in the second half of the sixth inning. 

If they survived this core attack, Narumiya would be able to pitch again when the key hitters came up next. 

Under these circumstances, Kuramochi had to successfully get on base. 

However, the challenges he faced were immense; getting on base was no easy feat. 

Only by considering all of this can one truly appreciate how outstanding Kuramochi and Toujou's performance was. 

Kuramochi was known for his speed. 

Inajitsu High School adopted a strict defense against Kuramochi's bunts and steals. 

Their first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop all advanced their positions. 

They formed a nearly impenetrable wall, giving Kuramochi no chance to steal. 

In this situation, Kuramochi seemed forced to confront Inajitsu's batters directly. 

The players from Inajitsu likely thought the same. 

So after tightening their defense, they believed Kuramochi would have no choice but to go head-to-head with them. 

Unexpectedly, Kuramochi did the opposite. 

Instead of facing them head-on, he executed a bunt and a steal. 

However, facing such a well-guarded defense, using the bunt strategy seemed less than wise. 

At this moment, Toujou's performance became crucial. 

He had to create an opening in Inajitsu's tightly arranged defense to help Kuramochi from the back. 

Earlier, he had stolen second base, causing Inajitsu's second baseman to shift back. 

Even though this subconscious action only delayed the defense by a second, it was enough. 

Kuramochi seized that split-second advantage and successfully reached first base. 

The situation shifted to two Outs with runners on first and second. 

Seidou High School's teamwork during this sequence was simply amazing. 

"This certainly wasn't an impulsive idea," Fujio thought confidently. 

Only through extensive practice could such an impressive performance occur in a game. 

Moreover, this offensive strategy was not typical of Coach Kataoka. 

'The mastermind behind this tactic had to be Ochiai, right?' 

In the dugout, Ochiai stroked his chin. 

'That's right, it's me!' He wore a smug smile. 

He had already identified the biggest issue with Seidou High School's offense: how to improve Kuramochi Yoichi's on-base percentage. 

If Kuramochi's on-base rate could be enhanced, Seidou's offensive strength would certainly be revitalized. 

To this end, he had indeed devised a few tactics. The offensive move before them was just one of those ideas. 

"Second batter, second baseman, Kominato-kun." 

At this moment, it was Haruichi's turn to bat. 

He walked to the plate, wooden bat in hand, his eyes bright and clear. 

There were no distractions on his mind. 

He raised his bat high, focusing intently on the pitcher's mound. 

'This is bad!'

The worsening situation caused Tadano, the catcher, to frown subconsciously. 

If they allowed two Outs with runners on first and second, the situation would favor Inajitsu High School. 

But now, with two Outs and Seidou High School occupying first and second, they were dangerously close to their ideal situation. 

'What to do?'

Tadano questioned himself but couldn't come up with a solid plan. 

It seemed there was no way out, leaving only one choice. 

'So why not take the leap of faith?'

Resolutely, Tadano signaled Hirano on the mound. 

In the Batter's Box, Kominato appeared calm on the surface, but inside, he felt the same intensity. 

'In this game, this pitcher had faced many challenges.' 

'Each time he did, his performance was steady.'

'And to find his rhythm, he typically started with a straight ball to the outside corner.'

'Exactly like this one!' 

Just as Haruichi expected, a straight ball to the outside corner was delivered. 

He stepped toward the plate, swinging his bat with all his might. 

Paak! 

The ball soared after being hit, flying past the second baseman of Inajitsu High School at incredible speed.

'Damn…!'

The second baseman was momentarily stunned. Based on past experience, he knew Kominato Haruichi was a skilled hitter.

But he hadn't expected the swing speed to be so quick or the hit to be so powerful.

The result of countless practice sessions was now deeply ingrained in Kominato's body.

At that moment, the second baseman instinctively reacted.

He lunged sideways to catch the incoming baseball.

However, the speed of the ball was too much.

By the time he reached it, the baseball had already zipped past him.

It's over!

Such a clean hit caught everyone off guard.

He could only watch helplessly as the ball soared into center field.

"It got through!!!"

As the ball passed the defense, the supporters of Seidou High School erupted in cheers.

"So exciting!"

"It was unbelievable how the ball flew out like that!"

"Next, Seidou High School should be able to score!"

"The runner on second base should easily make it home!"

This was the straightforward thought of the audience, as well as Carlos, the center fielder.

After positioning himself, he confidently caught the ball.

Then he intended to throw it home.

'But wait!'

There were no runners at home plate.

'No steals?'

Carlos frowned, sensing something ominous.

The upcoming events proved his instincts right.

The bases are loaded!

Before Sawamura Eijun stepped into the Batter's Box, the situation escalated.

This was precisely the scenario the Inajitsu High School players had been desperately trying to avoid.

No one knew better than them how fatigued their Ace, Narumiya, was.

Though active, Narumiya had been trying to conserve energy.

But even with that conservation, there was no way he could pitch from the sixth inning onward.

In this situation, with the bases loaded, Hirano would have to face Sawamura Eijun.

Of course, an intentional walk was an option.

They could walk Sawamura at the cost of one run.

But what would that lead to?

It wouldn't be any better; they'd only end up facing Miyuki Kazuya after conceding a point.

Isn't that foolish?

What reason is there to give Seidou High School a free run?

If that's the case, it would be better to confront Sawamura Eijun head-on.

Even if they ended up losing, it wouldn't be much worse than giving him a free run!

Thus, the choice for Inajitsu High School was straightforward: confront Sawamura right here.

However, a slight anxiety lingered in their mind.

No matter how they thought about it, it was hard to feel at ease.

At this moment, nearly everyone's attention was focused on Sawamura, who was about to step into the Batter's Box.

Only Carlos scrutinized Toujou.

Toujou had intentionally paused, giving up the tempting idea of stealing home.

His goal was to create a loaded base situation, forcing Hirano to confront Sawamura.

This approach was undeniably advantageous for the entire Seidou High School.

Yet, for the players themselves, this decision inevitably compromised Toujou Hideaki's interests.

Still, he didn't care at all.

At least on the surface, he seemed to prioritize the team over personal ambitions.

That was truly commendable!

"I didn't expect Seidou High School to have such a player."

For the team's benefit, he sacrificed his own interests.

'Toujou Hideaki!'

Beyond the star players, another player had caught Carlos's eye.

The game continued.

Now, Sawamura Eijun stood at the plate.

"Sawamura!!"

"It is Time!!!"

"Demon King!!"

"Sawamura!!!"

"Show them what you're made of!!!"

The fans in the stands were wildly cheering and chanting Sawamura's name.

Even though nothing had happened yet, they sensed an impending moment.

This duel would directly determine the outcome of today's game.

"Let's go!"

Seidou High School's offense had been relentless. Though it was only the bottom of the sixth inning.

Sawamura Eijun had already faced Hirano four times.

In the previous three encounters, Sawamura had two Walks and one home run.

He clearly held the upper hand.

Given that this opponent had already hit a home run, Inajitsu High School's players had to be extra cautious.

They couldn't afford to relax; any lapse could lead to dire consequences.

Tadano, the catcher, was even breathing heavily.

But he remained resolute, calmly signaling to the pitcher.

'There's no retreat now; we can only confront him directly. Trust your defense behind you; the most important thing is to throw the ball.'

At that moment, Tadano felt as if he had been forced into a corner.

He resolved to give it his all and wouldn't let Sawamura intimidate him.

His priority was to lead Hirano's pitching.

He needed him to throw his best pitches.

Determined, Tadano decisively signaled.

Hirano on the mound nodded in agreement.

At this moment, he also resolved to deliver his best pitch into Tadano's open Mitt.

Whoosh!!

The ball came soaring in—exactly a low-angle slider!

This kind of slider is difficult to hit with a normal swing.

You have to hold the bat vertically to connect with a pitch this low.

As the ball slid sideways, the upright bat crossed paths with it.

The intersection wasn't a line but a point.

Only by finding that precise point could the ball be struck.

At that moment, Sawamura in the Batter's Box felt something unusual.

'This ball is so slow!!'

It was slow enough for him to see the stitching on the baseball.

Identifying the pitch, Sawamura twisted his body like a massive coil, then unwound.

PAAAANNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!

His bat connected perfectly at the intersection of bat and ball.

Whoosh!

The ball soared out of the field at a speed even faster than when it arrived.

...

T/N: I am starting to realize more and more that Inajitsu is the perfect rival for Seidou.

As always, Thank you all for reading!!

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