[186] The Elite Clash of Yokohama Kouhoku Academy

Chapter 186: The Elite Clash of Yokohama Kouhoku Academy

"Whoosh."

"Ping."

"Bang."

"Pop!!!"

"Out! Three outs! Change of sides!"

In the top of the third inning, Eijun successfully dealt with Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's lower lineup, securing three outs.

Following that, Ino quickly retaliated, striking out Eijun in just three pitches.

When facing Shirasu, Ino used a series of four inside rising pitches, making it incredibly difficult for Shirasu to hit, ultimately getting him out.

Although Kuramochi barely managed to reach first base thanks to his exceptional speed, the Seidou lineup failed to capitalize.

Ryousuke grounded out toward first base, leaving no room for a sustained offense.

After three innings, both teams remained scoreless.

While Seidou High had cycled through their batting order two more times than their opponents, this advantage was superficial and held no real impact.

The game remained deadlocked as it entered the middle innings—critical for Seidou High.

The next challenge was Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's second time through their batting order.

In the first at-bats, most players struggled to adjust to Eijun's unique pitching form.

However, experienced batters like those on Yokohama's team needed only one at-bat or a few pitches to adapt and find countermeasures.

In the original story, by the later stages of the series, the advantages of Eijun's unconventional form had largely diminished.

This was partly due to Eijun and Miyuki failing to further exploit this uniqueness, but also because opposing teams had studied him through practice games, official matches, videos, and direct encounters.

One might even suspect that the author forgot this part of Eijun's setup...

In any case, it was clear that Eijun would not dominate Yokohama Kouhoku as easily during their second turn at bat.

This second trip through the lineup would become the first critical turning point of the match.

In Yokohama Kouhoku's dugout, Coach Yamagake provided targeted advice and tactical instructions based on observations from the previous at-bats.

"Sawamura, from this inning onward, we need to increase the usage of that pitch," Miyuki said with a serious expression as he adjusted his gear.

"Understood, Miyuki-senpai. Leave it to me," Eijun nodded confidently.

This wasn't to say that Eijun's other pitches had been completely figured out.

His changeup and cutter were still highly effective.

However, the changeup carried an inherent risk—overusing it could lead to a loss of control, even for Eijun.

A misplaced pitch could easily turn into a hittable ball down the middle.

The cutter, while more stable, required precise control, which put significant strain on Eijun's lower body due to his pitching mechanics.

Though Eijun appeared to be in good spirits with plenty of stamina, in a long match, anything could happen.

A catcher's job wasn't just about calling pitches to take out batters—it also involved carefully managing the pitcher's condition.

As for the risks of the new pitch?

That was a matter of perspective, dependent on Miyuki's ability to make the right calls on the field.

"Top of the fourth inning, Yokohama Kouhoku's turn to bat. First up, their second baseman, Ishigoka!"

"Let's go, Ishigoka! Crush that kid!"

"This time, don't mess it up!"

"Sawamura! Attack him and take him down!"

"You can do it, Sawamura!"

"Be careful with your pitches!"

"Ishigoka, you've got this! Send it flying!"

Cheers erupted simultaneously from both dugouts and cheering sections, each side determined not to lose in momentum. At the very least, they refused to be outshouted by the other.

"You're not getting off easy this time, kid," Ishigoka muttered as he twisted his neck, producing cracking sounds.

With a fierce expression, he exuded the aura of Yokohama Kouhoku's leadoff batter.

"Still choosing the center stance? Persistent, aren't you?" Miyuki raised an eyebrow as he noticed Ishigoka's positioning.

"Let's intimidate this guy a bit. Sawamura, throw it here. With your control, it's doable, right? No need to aim for the strike zone—create an illusion instead."

Miyuki's fingers moved subtly behind the plate.

Eijun solemnly nodded in response.

The first pitch!

"Whoosh!"

Eijun's arm swung, dust rose from the mound, and the ball gleamed as it left his hand, darting toward home plate.

Here it comes, a fastball.

Ishigoka's eyes narrowed, locking onto the pitch as its trajectory entered his vision.

He quickly adjusted his stance, stepping forward with his foot and swinging the metal bat in his hands.

The bat's movement blurred as if it were layered with shadows.

"Swish!"

No need for an overly powerful swing—the pitcher's fastball wasn't as forceful as expected. With precise positioning, it was enough to create an opportunity!

"Ping!"

The sharp sound of contact echoed as the ball flew off the bat.

"Bang!"

"Foul!"

Both Miyuki and Eijun's pupils constricted simultaneously. That pitch was clearly a bad ball, not controlled deliberately by Eijun. Yet, Ishigoka had swung so decisively?

"Next pitch, still inside," Miyuki signaled. "Sawamura, if he wants to challenge you, let's give him what he wants—aim near his chest."

Eijun gave a small nod.

"Whoosh!"

Another glimmering pitch shot forward.

In the batter's box, Ishigoka watched the ball hurtle toward him, a slight smirk creeping onto his lips.

The same tactic won't work twice, you annoying kid!

"Swish!"

"Ping!!!"

No hesitation.

Ishigoka timed his swing perfectly, as if he had rehearsed this moment beforehand. The ball and bat collided violently.

"Whoosh!"

The white ball soared into the air from home plate.

On the mound, Eijun's expression shifted, and he leapt, trying to intercept the ball as it flew over his head.

But the ball sped past, giving Eijun no chance, clearing the infield and landing in front of Isashiki Jun in the outfield.

"Plop!"

Damn it!

As Isashiki picked up the ball, Ishigoka had already planted his foot firmly on first base.

"Ohhhh!!!! He connected with the second inside fastball! Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's leadoff hitter, Ishigoka, hits a single to shallow center field!"

"Next up, the second batter, center fielder, Shinagawa!"

In the dugout, coach Yamagake tilted his head slightly, a faint glint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. Shinagawa glanced back and nodded in understanding.

"Whoosh!"

"Ping!"

A bunt!

Yokohama Kouhoku chose a solid sacrifice bunt strategy. With one out, a runner advanced to second base.

The cleanup batter stepped up next.

Yokohama Kouhoku Academy was now mounting a fierce offensive against Eijun, the first-year pitcher.

With runners in scoring position, they had a prime opportunity to strike first and take the lead!

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