Chapter 31: Beg To Differ

With two Outs and runners on second and third, Haruichi and Sawamura had created a prime scoring opportunity for the team.

"Fourth Batter, catcher, Miyuki-kun."

Now, it was Seidou High School's fourth batter, Miyuki Kazuya's turn.

Cheers erupted from the stands.

At this moment, the opportunity to defeat Sankou High School was within reach.

"Miyuki, it's up to you!"

"Go for it!"

"Hit it out!!!"

Kuramochi in the dugout stared intently at Miyuki.

Though they joined the first string in the same year, Kuramochi could clearly feel the gap between him and Miyuki.

While the others had talent, Miyuki's talent was in a league of its own.

Miyuki was a true genius.

'A real baseball genius!!!'

'Though I don't want to admit it, you're the only one in our year who can go head-to-head with that pesky Sawamura. Don't let us second-year Senpais down!'

Feeling the support around him, Kazuya seemed energized.

He lifted his bat and assumed a scarecrow-like batting stance, one leg pulled back.

This sudden movement successfully puzzled Sankou's battery.

They were unsure of Miyuki's intentions with this unexpected stance.

The catcher glanced uncertainly at his own dugout.

In his opinion, with first base open, it wasn't necessary to confront the opponent's fourth batter aggressively.

It might be better to let Miyuki reach base and focus on the fifth batter of Seidou High School.

Fifth batter Shiratsu, while strong, wasn't on the same level as Miyuki and the others.

It made more sense to pick a softer target rather than confront the strongest batter head-on.

Sankou's Coach, however, shook his head firmly.

In his heart, he had already given up on this game.

There was still a theoretical chance for Sankou High School, but it was a bit slim.

In this situation, it was better to focus on developing Amahisa Kousei and making him aware of the challenges of high school baseball.

The catcher resignedly closed his eyes.

His Ace was a fearless player.

The Coach had clearly sacrificed everything for the future.

For next summer's tournament, he was determined to gamble with Sankou's last chance of a comeback.

'Since you've all decided, why should I be afraid?'

The catcher decided to go all out.

He signaled firmly for Kousei to use his best pitch.

With only four Outs left in the game, even sharp sliders could make an impact.

The catcher's call stirred Kousei's fierce determination.

His fighting spirit was unprecedentedly high.

His fingers gripped the white ball tightly, with veins bulging on the back of his hand.

It was clear how much force he put into the pitch.

Whoosh!

As if concentrating all his strength, Kousei threw the white ball with a fierce grin.

The ball, like a streak of light, instantly traveled 18 meters and appeared above the home plate.

In the strike zone.

Miyuki seemed to have anticipated what Kousei was pitching.

'Here it comes!'

Having timed it perfectly, Kazuya swung the bat without hesitation.

He swung smoothly, making precise contact with the white ball.

PAAANG!!!

The ball ascended high into the air.

It flew and flew until it left the field.

"OOH!!"

"IT'S HERE!!!"

"THAT ONE WAS PERFECT!!"

"MIYUKI!!"

"MIYUKI!!"

"SEIDOU!!!"

A home run!

A three-run home run!!!

Seidou High School's lead expanded to six points.

The score became 6:0.

Miyuki, the captain, had personally sent his opponents to their doom.

At 3:0, Sankou still had a slim chance of a comeback.

After all, they had very talented batters and players.

But now, that chance was gone.

Unless Seidou High School collectively faltered and gave up, Sankou High had no hope of reversing the game.

The once-determined Sankou High School team fell silent.

They realized the game was beyond their reach.

Since the start of the playoffs, Miyuki had become a phenomenon, excelling in every aspect—defense, catching, controlling, hitting.

His performance was increasingly dominant, even with the terrifying Sawamura Eijun on his team, Miyuki's brilliance shone through.

The score was 6:0 as the game entered the bottom of the eighth inning.

After experiencing despair, Sankou High seemed to have come to terms with their situation.

Their supporters and players in the dugout continued to cheer passionately for their fourth batter.

"Miyuki!"

"That was phenomenal!"

"Nice batting you jerk!!!"

In the midst of the cheers, there was an unmistakable undertone of desperation.

Everyone knew in their minds that Sankou High had little chance left.

After Miyuki hit a three-run homer, he returned to the dugout to unanimous support from his teammates.

Higasa, Asou, and others even brought him water.

It felt like welcoming a victorious general.

"You're all making me shy!" Miyuki laughed awkwardly.

No one knew the complex emotions of the substitutes after Seidou High was eliminated in the Fall Tournament.

Especially with the news that many powerful newcomers would join next year, the substitutes and rotational players of Seidou's first string were extremely anxious.

They knew that Seidou's current record would attract exceptional talent.

Just like in April, when Seidou High School recruited Sawamura Eijun, Furuya Satoru, and Kominato Haruichi.

All three were promoted to the first string, which meant that three third-year seniors were pushed out.

It was a harsh reality, but it was the truth.

Who knew how many exceptional players would join next year? Those in unstable positions might not make the cut.

This wasn't just about how hard they worked; some things couldn't be overcome by effort alone.

Undoubtedly, they would cling to hope and battle fiercely to earn a spot in the main lineup. However, the chance of being replaced was an undeniable reality.

If that day came, this might be their last chance to advance and play at Koshien.

After losing in the Fall Tournament, the mindset of some substitutes was clearly unstable.

They would enter a long off-season and train hard only to be replaced by the more talented newcomers.

Now, they had finally grasped the opportunity they had lost.

The second-year seniors were naturally grateful to Miyuki for helping them achieve their Koshien dream.

It was clear that in the hearts of Seidou's players, the game was effectively decided.

Sankou High had no way to turn things around.

But…

The players of Sankou High, particularly their fourth batter, would beg to differ.

Ping!

Sawamura, who had originally planned to use his sharp breaking ball to Strikeout Hoshida in one go, was suddenly hit hard.

The opponent bet on his and Miyuki's pitch selection and managed to hit the ball beautifully.

The white ball flew into the outfield gap.

No Out, runner on second base.

This unexpected turn of events gave Sankou players a boost.

Finally, they managed another hit.

At this point, Sankou players weren't expecting to win the game.

They were focused on playing their best and seizing any opportunities.

No Out, runner on second base.

This was a great scoring chance for any team.

Sawamura Eijun stared blankly at his hand and smiled bitterly.

'Another hit!'

'Moving ball!'

'Breaking ball!'

These were all pitches that Sawamura Eijun was very skilled at, and he didn't miss during the pitch.

Yet, he still lost a hit.

'Sankou High School!'

The team's overall strength was still intimidating. If not for their connection issues, Sawamura would not have been able to completely shut them down.

Even in difficult times, the top three teams in West Tokyo retained significant fighting strength.

Shaking his pitching wrist, Sawamura glanced calmly at his partner.

As if sensing his thoughts, Miyuki instantly understood what Sawamura meant.

He nodded and signaled to Sawamura.

Before pitching, Sawamura took a deliberate look at Hoshida on second base.

Hoshida was staying put on second base, not moving an inch.

'Waiting for the batter to face me?'

Sawamura snickered inwardly.

He didn't care about the opponent's little schemes; he only wanted to resolve the situation cleanly.

Ignoring Hoshida on second base, Sawamura made his stride and pitched.

Whoosh!

The white ball flew like an arrow through the air, with a sharp, piercing sound.

The batter was clearly unprepared, unable to react, and could only watch as the ball slipped into Miyuki's open mitt.

Snap!

The sound of the baseball hitting the Mitt was crisp and clear.

"STRIKE!"

"Sakaki!"

"Swing! Sakaki!"

"Quick!!"

In the stands, the supporters of Sankou were growing anxious.

How outrageous?

How could they just watch Sawamura pitch without reacting?

Against Sawamura Eijun, if you don't swing, you can't do anything at all.

Only by swinging actively can there be any hope.

Even though this hope was slim, it was still hope.

The batter Sakaki gritted his teeth, no longer able to hold back.

When Sawamura Eijun pitched the second ball, he decisively hit it out.

Ping!

The bat connected with the baseball, and the ball rolled to first base.

The first baseman barely moved, picked up the white ball, and stepped on first base.

"Out!"

The batter was cleanly out.

However, the runner didn't stop in his place and sprinted to third base.

The process was a bit tense, almost resulting in a tag-out.

But he managed to reach third base successfully.

The situation was now one Out, runner on third base.

…

T/N: The game will be over tomorrow!

As always, Thank you all for reading!!

See you Tomorrow!

Until then, take care!

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