Chapter 429: The Heat of the Ouya Battle
"Snap!"
"Out!"
"Safe on base!"
As Kawakami threw the ball to first base, securing Ito's out, Kato successfully reached third base.
One out, runner on third.
In such a situation, Ouya High School's options and flexibility significantly increased.
On the third-base side, Ouya High School's bench, including Coach Araki, showed a satisfied smile.
Bold yet meticulous.
Truly letting go.
It wasn't about attacking recklessly, but about learning to think and control oneself while giving full effort. The players of Ouya High School, not just any high school students with high IQs,
In terms of understanding,
Or rather, in terms of learning ability, were extremely strong.
They quickly grasped the true meaning of Coach Araki's words.
Baseball.
Isn't a one-person game.
It's about nine people, or even a team of twenty-some, working together in concert.
In this respect,
Seidou High School truly hadn't anticipated.
That the young team from Ouya High could make such a sharp counterattack in this desperate situation.
"Time out!"
Even for Seidou,
Under these circumstances,
Miyuki had to call for a timeout. Although the situation hadn't worsened and Kawakami's condition was stable, as the catcher and team captain,
It was his duty to act.
Waiting until the situation deteriorated would be too late.
Even if it was preparing for a rainy day,
Making preparations in advance was the most appropriate choice.
After calling for a timeout, Miyuki waved his hand, and Kuramochi, Maezono, and the other four infielders quickly gathered around the pitcher's mound.
Each one wore a solemn expression.
They absolutely could not let Ouya High continue to have their way.
As the Seidou High team gathered on the pitcher's mound,
Miyuki, with a serious expression, discussed some critical details with Kawakami, Maezono, and others, especially regarding defense.
In Miyuki's judgment,
It was most likely that the opponent would use a strong attack tactic,
Especially towards left field.
He instructed the infielders, focusing on the left side of the field, to make Kuramochi and Haruichi particularly aware of defensive issues on that side.
"Nori, it's just one run. We still control the flow of the game, no need to rush, take it slow." After briefing Maezono and Haruchi and the others,
Miyuki placed his right fist gently against Kawakami's chest, showing a look of trust.
"Believe in yourself, Nori, you can definitely do it. Those two guys are watching too; as their senior, it's time to show your true strength."
"Yeah, Nori, this is your time to shine," Maezono added, smiling broadly.
"Don't let the juniors clean up after you, Nori," Kuramochi also said with a laugh.
"Come on, Kawakami-senpai."
"Kawakami-senpai, we've got your back," Kanemaru and Haruchi said together.
"Ah, I know," Kawakami replied, slightly startled at first, then meeting Miyuki's trusting gaze, those words unmingled with any falsehood.
Kawakami's chest puffed out more resolutely.
That composed demeanor.
Indeed, how could he, as a senior, show a faltering side!!!
"Let's go, let them know the strength of our reigning Seidou."
"Ohhhhhhhhhh!"
Fired up with an unyielding spirit, especially Kawakami, who had always been a perennial substitute, felt a fierce momentum ignite within him at this moment.
He was a mainstay of the reigning Seidou High.
A senior in his second year.
With two juniors watching him from behind, observing every move he made.
Eijun was already formidable, and Furuya was constantly advancing and improving.
He absolutely could not fall behind.
Even the usually mild-mannered could have their moments of fervor.
"Infield playing in?"
"They're showing they won't give up even a single run next."
"After all, this is Seidou High."
"But Ouya High School won't miss this opportunity either."
"There's a man on third; any strategy, any kind of attack is possible."
"It all depends on when Ouya decides to make their move."
"The initiative is in Ouya's hands unless Seidou can ensure that the next two batters are perfectly struck out. Otherwise, even with a ground ball or a fly ball, if the distance is sufficient, there's a good chance the runner on third might attempt to score."
"Indeed."
After the timeout,
The defensive shift of Seidou High School didn't surprise most of the spectators.
After all, they were familiar with the dominant Seidou High.
"Batter eight, left fielder, Makunouchi-kun."
"!!!"
A high-pitched shout.
"Whoosh"
It was Kawakami's will in motion.
As the sharp pitch emerged,
In the batter's box,
Ouya High School's eighth batter tensed, quickly stepping and swinging with all his might.
"Swoosh"
"Bang!!"
A loud sound followed.
The expression of Ouya's eighth batter changed.
His bat vibrated in his hands.
For a moment, it felt like he couldn't hold onto the bat.
With a stern expression,
He swung forcefully.
The bat's tip lowered.
With all his strength,
A streak of white soared up.
Heading towards third base.
"Boom"
Accompanied by a dull sound.
"Foul!!!"
Beyond the field.
The third-base umpire's call followed.
The second pitch, same position, same angle.
From this moment, Miyuki became more aggressive with his pitch calls.
Since the opponent dared to swing freely,
There was no reason for them not to be bold at Seidou High.
A battle of strong attacks.
Seidou High had never been intimidated by any team.
No matter the situation, no matter the opponent.
You want to be more aggressive?
Fine, Seidou High is more than happy to oblige.
They'll let you know there's always a higher mountain.
Next pitch, a slider.
"Whoosh!"
The momentum surged.
A bold swing.
The next second.
The flashing ball light, dazzling and moving.
Makunouchi's pupils focused.
"Swoosh"
The dancing ball tip.
"Bang!"
Another crisp sound followed.
"Whoosh"
"Boom!"
"Foul!!!"
Damn, this pitcher's pitches are all focused on tricky, low positions.
Too hard to hit.
Makunouchi clenched his teeth.
Displaying a vexed expression.
No, at least, he had to send Kato back home.
"Whoosh"
"Snap!"
"Ball!"
"Whoosh"
"Bang!"
"Boom!"
"Foul!!!"
It's decided.
The next pitch, right there!!!
Makunouchi's resolute expression, his arms exerting even more force.
At home plate, Miyuki's eyes narrowed slightly.
His finger moved.
"Whoosh!"
A flashing glint.
As it darted.
An inside pitch!!!!
As Makunouchi's eyes shifted,
As Kato on third base was about to act.
"Whoosh"
That sharp light traced a path over home plate.
Heading towards an outside position.
"Snap!"
...Forkball... Forkball!?
"Strike, batter out!!!"
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