Chapter 25: Vs Osaka Kiryuu High School

The baseball field at Seidou High School on Saturday.

All the first string of Seidou High School, led by the superintendent Kataoka, collectively went to the school gate to greet their opponent today, Osaka Kiryuu High School.

Seidou High School, of course, is not so polite to every opponent. There are many other reasons for this, which are like this.

First of all, Seidou High School had not entered Koshien for five consecutive years, but it was still a top powerhouse in the country. It's not that Seidou High School is bragging on the outside, and it's not all relying on reporters' propaganda.

After all, no matter how many good words the reporters would say if there were no suitable opponents, the strength of Seidou High School players would not shine.

At a time like this, the importance of practice matches is highlighted.

Although Seidou High School has not entered Koshien in the past few years, there is no chance to show his strength on the national stage. But this does not mean that Seidou High School has not played against the national-level Tyrants.

Seidou High School has always maintained its relationship with other Famous Schools.

This solves one of the biggest problems of Seidou High School. They are not afraid of having no opponents, and the opponents of Seidou High School's practice matches are also powerful and famous all over the Nation.

Just like the last three practice matches opponents of the Summer Camp, Koshien Runner-up Osaka Kiryuu, and the current hegemon of West Tokyo, Inashiro Industrial High School, and the rising star of East Tokyo, Shuuhoku High School.

These schools are all very good opponents. But this does not mean that any school invites anyone, and they will play games with them.

It also depends on whether you are qualified or not.

Seidou not only has relationships but also strength. Also, a good practice match opponent for those schools.

This is another benefit to Seidou, because of the matches with these Tyrants, Seidou has gained a higher degree of attention.

This is too important for both the school and the players.

For example, Azuma Kiyokuni, who just graduated, was picked in the draft of the Pro leagues.

The media exposure is one aspect. After the media exposure, Azuma will naturally receive the attention of professional scouts. But attention is attention. If you just look at your practice, can they know how strong you are?

They need to watch you in the game!

And when it comes to the tournaments, Seidou High School often fails to make it into Koshien.

This is not conducive for scouts to detect the strength of your players.

At a time like this, the advantages of the powerhouses like Seidou High School were highlighted. In addition to the regular competitions, they would also play practice games with these Giants of Koshien. In such matches, players have more opportunities to express their skills, and it is easier to get ahead.

Osaka Kiryuu, almost every year, plays practice games with Seidou High School.

In the quiet days of Seidou High School in the past, it can be said without hesitation that Osaka Kiryuu was one of the backers of Seidou High School.

Such good friends, Seidou High School will naturally welcome them warmly.

This is the reason why Kataoka led all the Players of Seidou High School and greeted them at the school gate.

This may be a bit troublesome, but the fact is that the relationships between people must be mutual. How people treat you, you must treat them the same, or even twice as good.

Such a relationship can last for a long time and become a truly good relationship.

Back to the topic.

Takahiro Matsumoto, the superintendent of Osaka Kiryuu, is a middle-aged man in his 50s with a benevolent look.

With a mid-parted hairstyle, there is a little hair loss on the forehead, and a warm smile gives people an affable feeling.

Kataoka is more than 20 years younger than Coach Matsumoto.

Therefore, he took the initiative to come forward and shake hands.

"Superintendent Kataoka, thanks for the invitation."

Matsumoto laughed so hard that you could barely see his eyes.

"We have troubled you to come all the way here, really thank you for your hard work!"

Kataoka was very respectful, but there was a bit of pride.

"Oh, no trouble at all, no trouble at all. Life is about moving around."

The two talked for a few words, and Takahiro Matsumoto suddenly changed the subject.

"I was surprised that Sawamura-kun went to Seidou High School. I wonder if he will play today."

"Of course!"

As Kataoka spoke, he handed over the lineup list in his hand to Matsumoto.

Matsumoto took it and listened to Kataoka as he continued to speak.

"Let's have a great game!"

Hearing this, Takahiro Matsumoto was slightly taken aback, and he did not immediately answer Kataoka's question, but looked at the lineup list of Seidou High School.

The level of detail in this list is astounding. Not only are there arrangements for all players, but there are even timetables for when substitution players will play.

The most interesting thing about this game is the two pitchers who will play.

In the first three innings, it was Furuya Satoru, who is said to have a Super-Fastball, and in the last six innings, it was Sawamura Eijun.

In this game, all the pitchers arranged by Seidou High School were first graders.

Coach Matsumoto smiled slightly.

The opponent is them, the famous Osaka Kiryuu High School and Kataoka still sent two baby kids to play against them!

Although before the summer competition, the team needs some adjustments, he is not unaware of that, but it is irrational to send two first-year students to the same game.

"Before the summer competition, you want to test the players' status in practice games. I understand. But I still didn't expect Kataoka-san to send two first-years. Seemingly these two first-years are full of potential. Pitchers, eh? I've heard about the Kanto Tournament. Sawamura-kun and that Super-Fastball pitcher? Hehe, then I'll wait and see."

After that, Takahiro Matsumoto left.

Kataoka stared blankly at Matsumoto's back and sighed in his mind.

'Really can't hide anything from this old fox.'

On the other side is the rest area for the players of Seidou High School.

"The Coach of Osaka Kiryuu High School looks like a nice guy."

Miyuki has said to Sawamura.

Sawamura rolled his eyes at him.

"Don't bother me, okay? I'm resting."

Sawamura spared every minute and every second, trying to recover his strength.

Miyuki didn't care.

Game start.

"Salute!"

"Pleased to play with you!"

"Pleased to play with you!"

***

In the first half of the first inning, Osaka Kiryuu High School took the lead.

In this game, the starters of Seidou High School hardly made any adjustments, that is, the pitcher was Furuya.

Of course, this does not mean that there is no adjustment at all.

Sawamura's place in the lineup was adjusted from the fifth batter to the seventh batter.

…

T/N: The First Chapter!