Chapter 297: [297] Blunders in the Finals
Chapter 297: Blunders in the Finals
A sudden, unexpected home run.
Komadai Fujimaki High's players were completely caught off guard. Even Kanemoto, who had prepared to walk Yuuki if necessary, couldn't have predicted this.
The cleanup hitter for Seidou wasn't just powerful—he hit the first pitch, and it was a home run!
Kanemoto's lips curled into a bitter smile.
While he hadn't underestimated Yuuki's strength, he had misjudged his determination.
In this late stage of the game, only someone like Yuuki—this "monster" of a player—could summon such force and serve as the captain, cleanup hitter, and unwavering core of a championship team.
On the pitcher's mound, Kumo, Komadai Fujimaki's mentally resilient No. 2 pitcher, couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. In a tightly contested final like this, every run was a significant step. The current score, just 2-1, spoke volumes about the game's intensity.
And yet, in this critical moment, Kumo had given up another run, widening the gap to 3-1. This would make Komadai's path to victory even steeper.
In the stands, alongside the astonished cries of the crowd, professional scouts nodded in satisfaction.
This game was turning into a treasure trove.
Originally, it seemed like Shuuzou Sano from Seihou would be the standout batter this year. But now, Seidou's cleanup hitter, Tetsuya Yuuki, was proving to be even more reliable.
This home run spoke volumes.
As Yuuki returned to touch home plate, his run triggered an eruption of cheers, and he was welcomed back to the dugout by jubilant teammates.
The scouts, watching Yuuki's figure among the celebrating Seidou players, made mental notes: this was a player worth remembering.
...
In Komadai's dugout, coach Nitta frowned slightly and shook his head, sighing inwardly before issuing a decisive order.
"Sasaki," he called calmly.
"Yes, Coach!" A first-year substitute immediately stood up and responded loudly.
"Head to the bullpen and tell Hongou to be ready. If another runner gets on base this inning, he's going in," Nitta said in an even tone, not even looking back.
The players in Komadai's dugout stiffened at the command but showed no outward surprise.
After all, their team's success had been built on Nitta's resolute use of relievers, defeating countless strong teams to reach the finals.
What surprised them, however, was that Nitta chose the first-year pitcher, Masamune Hongou, over the second-year backup. This decision hinted at Nitta's particular trust in Hongou.
...
In the bullpen, upon hearing the coach's instructions relayed by Sasaki, Hongou's expression didn't waver.
Instead, he tightened his grip on his fist, his eyes reflecting his silent determination.
Nearby, Renji observed Hongou's reaction with a faint smile.
"It's time..."
...
Meanwhile, Seidou's offense was far from over.
Following Yuuki's home run, the team's strong hitters were lined up to keep the pressure on Komadai.
"Let's go, Masuko-senpai! We're counting on you here!" Kuramochi leaned against the railing, shouting encouragement.
"Another hit! You've got this, Masuko-senpai!"
"Defend the honor of Room Five, Masuko-senpai!"
Even Coach Kataoka and the Seidou bench showed unwavering faith in Masuko.
On the mound, Komadai's pitcher was visibly shaken.
This was the moment for Seidou to seize control.
Eijun, already preparing for his turn at bat, glanced at Masuko's sturdy figure in the on-deck circle. His eyes gleamed with a faint golden light.
More importantly, the next player after Masuko was someone who never disappointed—a truly reliable presence.
"Batting fifth, third baseman, Masuko!"
The air grew heavy with tension.
That imposing figure—there was no denying it.
Among all the fifth hitters in this year's national high school tournament, Masuko exuded the most overwhelming presence.
Simply standing in the batter's box, his sheer aura created a crushing pressure that most pitchers couldn't withstand.
And now, after the home run by Yuuki, Komadai's pitcher Kumo, already showing signs of instability, faced this daunting opponent.
Kumo took a deep, heavy breath and cast a determined gaze at Masuko. He knew there was no retreat. If he allowed any more momentum to build, the only result awaiting him would be—substitution.
Even though the strategy of rotating pitchers had been in place for over a year, Kumo's pride as a pitcher refused to let him be pulled in such circumstances.
"Boom!"
At the very least, he wanted to redeem himself for his earlier mistakes.
A roaring surge of energy filled the air.
"!"
At home plate, the umpire gave the signal. Kumo moved quickly, his arm snapping forward, and a streak of light appeared in the sky.
"Whoosh!"
The ball shot straight toward Masuko in the batter's box like a blazing comet.
The piercing white light, carrying an icy intensity, seemed as if it intended to devour the batter entirely. When the ball closed in, Masuko's pupils contracted sharply. His body instinctively jerked backward to avoid the pitch.
But in the next moment—
"Thud!"
A sharp impact resounded.
The crowd gasped, Seidou's dugout widened their eyes in alarm, and the players on Komadai's side wore grim expressions, dreading what they had just witnessed.
The ball struck Masuko's arm hard before he could fully evade it.
Masuko's face contorted in pain, clearly showing the impact's severity.
A pitch with no warning, an accidental hit-by-pitch, had once again pushed Komadai Fujimaki High closer to a dangerous precipice.
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