Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 185: The Game Is Far from Over

"Batting third, left fielder, Isashiki-kun!"

To summarize, Sendo's inner monologue (or nonsense, depending on how you see it) can be put aside for now.

With two outs and a runner on first base, the third batter steps up.

This is a perfect chance for Seidou to extend their lead.

In a way, Jun-san is a tricky batter to handle because his thought process is genuinely hard to predict.

Yet, with a reverse swing, he managed to connect with the opponent's forkball, though it only advanced the runner.

Sendo wanted to cheer, "Nice advance hit!" but knowing Jun-san, he was aware that the "mop-haired dog" was aiming for a long hit.

So, to avoid unnecessary commentary, Sendo wisely chose to keep silent.

At this critical moment, Yuuki didn't disappoint.

With a timely double to left field, Seidou added a run, leaving runners on second and third.

Next up was fifth batter Masuko, but after being thrown off by the breaking balls, he watched an inside pitch for strike three.

In summary, Seidou achieved their much-needed insurance run thanks to Miyuki's stability.

Now came the true defensive test for Seidou.

Having shown enough of their only breaking ball, it was clear that Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's top-order batters wouldn't be as easily suppressed the second time around.

"Top of the fourth inning, Yokohama Kouhoku Academy at bat!"

"First batter, second baseman, Ishioka-kun!"

Second basemen rarely possess the power-hitting qualities of outfielders.

Still, that doesn't mean they can't hit long balls.

Usually, they're known for their quick reactions and defensive versatility.

Ishioka, a typical second baseman, focuses on infield hits, doubles, and walks, making him a tough batter to handle.

The first pitch was Tanba's signature curveball.

The batter didn't make any moves, resulting in a 0-1 count.

"Abandoning the curveball? Or something else?" Miyuki, still cautious, didn't act recklessly.

"Ball!"

"Not reacting to an outside ball either? Targeting a specific pitch type? Or simply not swinging at bad balls?"

The third pitch!

"Whoosh!"

"Ball!"

The count reached 3-1. Miyuki remained silent in the catcher's position, carefully observing.

"At this point, we can't lose our morale. Don't be afraid of throwing balls; just focus on your pitch!" Finally, Miyuki signaled for an inside pitch.

"Whoosh!"

"Pop!"

"Ball four!" Despite his effort, Tanba couldn't control the pitch.

"Although it was a ball, it was still a powerful throw. No problem!" Miyuki thought to himself as he caught the ball.

"That was a solid pitch, Tanba-senpai!" Miyuki called out, offering encouragement.

The nervous Tanba felt a bit more at ease hearing his words.

Catchers truly are mysterious figures, and pitchers equally so.

Although the first round had gone smoothly, Tanba's control was beginning to waver due to his high pitch count.

While it wasn't a major issue yet, the walk served as a warning sign Miyuki couldn't ignore.

After all, the game was far from over.

Fortunately, except for Sawamura's unorthodox motion, Seidou's other pitchers didn't need to adjust their delivery when runners were on base.

The second batter, Ninami, stepped up, immediately assuming a bunting stance but avoiding bad pitches.

This approach drained the pitcher's stamina and forced Miyuki to decide to go head-to-head with the batter while preparing for a hit-and-run play.

Given the vastness of the baseball field, it was impossible to cover every area.

While being wary of the hit-and-run, Seidou focused primarily on securing the out from a bunt.

Occasionally, they threw pickoff attempts to keep the runner in check.

However, Ninami aimed for an outside fastball, hitting it to right field.

Despite their vigilance, Seidou couldn't stop the hit-and-run.

The ball landed perfectly, resulting in a double. With no outs and runners on second and third, Yokohama's cleanup hitters stepped up.

The smoke of Yokohama's counterattack was rising.

From center field, Sendo worried about Tanba's condition.

Facing such a grueling situation seemed too harsh for him.

Although Tanba had gained some mental clarity, his mindset still lagged behind where it had been post-training camp.

And let's not even mention how much more Tanba understood the coaching staff's intentions after retiring—though it came a bit late.

"Batting third, shortstop, Kajiyama-kun!"

As a shortstop and third batter, it was clear Kajiyama was a contact hitter.

While they had tricked him in the first round, he had still managed to battle through multiple pitches.

However—

"A squeeze bunt?" Kajiyama suddenly laid down a bunt, catching everyone off guard.

Jun-san successfully fielded the ball and secured the out at first, but Yokohama's runner from third base scored.

This is what defines a powerhouse team—they exploit every weakness and opportunity to launch relentless attacks.

For these championship contenders, victory is the only goal.

Their reputations and pride are built on win after win.

Against teams like these, there's no room for complacency.

"Batting fourth, first baseman, Furano-kun!"

"Batting fourth, first baseman, Furano-kun!"

"Now, with one out and a runner on third, Yokohama Kouhoku Academy has the perfect chance to tie the game. Their cleanup hitter, Furano-kun, steps into the batter's box!

What will Yokohama choose to do? With only one out, they have plenty of options—go for a sacrifice fly, a squeeze bunt, or an outright battle?

Can Yokohama extend their lead?

And how will Seidou respond to this situation?"

At that moment, Coach Kataoka stepped forward!

"Infield shift forward? Seidou High School isn't giving an inch, demonstrating their aggressive style loud and clear!"

Coach Kataoka's order for the infield to move forward was a perfect embodiment of Seidou's bold and decisive approach.

Meanwhile, the outfield adopted a standard middle-depth defense.

Since the cleanup hitter had power-hitting potential, pulling the infield in meant the outfield couldn't afford to retreat too far, as it would leave too much open space in the middle.

The field, charged with intensity thanks to Coach Kataoka's strategy, heightened the tension among the audience.

Unlike earlier isolated bursts of scoring, Yokohama Kouhoku Academy now began to display cohesive teamwork.

Seidou's offensive style often relied on explosive power.

With just a bit of pressure applied by teammates on base, their batters—mostly reliable—could deliver results.

However, much of Seidou's scoring happened with two outs, forcing them to rely on individual skill unless the opposing team made mistakes.

Yokohama Kouhoku, however, thrived on creating opportunities.

With only one out and a critical situation, it was unclear whether their cleanup hitter would opt for a sacrifice fly to secure a run.

Yokohama's fourth batter stood in the box with no unusual movements, but there was no room for complacency.

"They've locked onto the pitch, haven't they? Fine! Hit it when you see it!" Yokohama's coach gave their cleanup hitter a meaningful glance, and Furano clearly understood the message.

"Here we go, Tanba-san!"

"Right!"

"Breathe. It's okay! I can still see the glove clearly! Everyone's got my back! It's okay!"

Tanba's actions were smooth and practiced—lifting his leg, stepping forward, and releasing the ball in one fluid motion.

"Whoosh!"

"Thwack!"

"Ball!"

"No reaction to the outside ball at all. Are they targeting a specific pitch?" Miyuki thought, noting that even though the ball was outside, it wasn't an obvious miss.

But what exactly were they aiming for?

The possibilities weren't clear. Perhaps they were waiting for pitches in a specific range rather than simply inside or outside.

"Let's try this pitch. If it lands in the strike zone, we'll have a better idea of what they're targeting," Miyuki signaled, strategizing as he gave the next sign.

Tanba repeated his motion, delivering the pitch.

"Whoosh!"

"A missed curveball? It doesn't matter!" Furano noticed the ball heading for his head and took a step back—not to avoid it, but to adjust his stance for a swing.

"A backward step? So they're targeting the inside corner? Or is it part of their range?" Miyuki's mind raced as he watched Furano's movement.

The catcher quickly adjusted his plan.

"It's coming! Curveball!"

"Ping!"

"Huh…?" Miyuki's mind blanked for a moment as the ball soared toward right field.

"Right field!" he shouted instinctively. Sendo and Shirasu sprinted to intercept the ball, but its speed made a catch impossible.

While it wouldn't escape the outfield, minimizing the damage was their only option.

"How is that possible? They were targeting the curveball?" Miyuki muttered, astonished as he gave his instructions.

This was the level of a national powerhouse.

"It landed!"

"Nice! Extra bases!" Yokohama's bench erupted in cheers.

Shirasu sprinted diagonally to cut off the ball while Sendo followed closely behind.

Due to the awkward positioning, Shirasu couldn't make an immediate throw and needed to rotate before making a long throw.

Sendo trailed him at an angle, ready to back him up with his left-handed advantage.

The third-base runner had already scored, and the second-base runner wasn't far behind.

Shirasu picked up the ball and—

"Here!" Sendo shouted, recognizing Shirasu's awkward stance.

Shirasu quickly tossed the ball backward with his glove to Sendo, whose positioning was perfect for a seamless handoff.

Sendo, a lefty, didn't need to turn to make the throw.

The Yokohama base coach, assuming Shirasu's throw would buy them time, signaled for the runner to charge home.

They underestimated Sendo's long-throw capability—common for a first-year with no prior scouting data.

"Whoosh!"

The ball flew like a laser, landing squarely in Masuko's glove at home plate.

"Out!" The umpire shouted, swinging his fist like a boxer, emphasizing the dramatic play.

The crowd erupted in cheers. For a moment, they forgot Yokohama had overtaken Seidou with three runs.

"What was that?"

"Was that a laser beam?"

"That throw was insane! How fast was that?"

"No idea, but it was incredible!"

Even Miyuki was momentarily stunned by Sendo's throw.

"Seriously, you just saved the game! And here I thought you were slacking during practice," Miyuki muttered, smiling as Sendo casually jogged back to center field.

The energy from that throw was palpable, making it feel as though Seidou had regained control of the game. Their momentum was unmistakable.

"What a monster of a first-year. That shoulder is terrifying! And wasn't that from right field? He's ridiculously fast!" Yokohama's bench murmured in disbelief.

But the game wasn't over. Even the most impressive out was just one out. Yokohama still had two outs and a chance to add more.

"Ping!"

"Thwack!"

"Out!"

The fifth batter hit a powerful line drive, but it went straight into Ryousuke's glove at second base, ending the inning.

"Well done, you idiot!" Jun-san exclaimed, wrapping his arms around Sendo in excitement.

Though the play hadn't prevented Yokohama's runs, it boosted Seidou's morale significantly—almost like hitting a home run.

"Sendo-kun, that was a powerful throw! My hand's still numb from catching it!" Masuko commented with rare words of praise, clearly impressed.

Jun-san, visibly stunned, withdrew his arm from around Sendo and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

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