NOVEL NEXT Chapter 302: [302] The Beginning of the Final Assault
Chapter 302: The Beginning of the Final Assault
"Coach?"
"This pitcher's condition has clearly declined. Right now, he can't throw any critical breaking balls effectively. The way he's pitching relies heavily on the defense and a bit of luck. Momentum alone has its limits. For this at-bat, focus entirely on his fastballs. In fact, if necessary, you can even ignore pitches on the outer corner. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Coach. I understand."
It must be said—experience truly comes with age.
Coach Nitta, with his sharp insight and seasoned judgment, had already noticed some signs in the seventh inning.
By the eighth inning, the performances in those two at-bats further solidified his conclusion.
Eijun was clearly avoiding throwing breaking balls, especially his signature pitch—the one that was extremely challenging to handle.
Coach Nitta could tell that particular pitch demanded exceptional control. If the pitcher's finger sensitivity didn't hold up, the pitch would simply fall apart.
Even simpler pitches like cutters and changeups would become difficult to execute under these circumstances.
Abandoning breaking balls wasn't a gamble for Komadai Fujimaki High. On the contrary, Coach Nitta would even welcome it if Eijun dared to throw a breaking ball now, as that would be a gamble for Seidou instead.
With a significantly increased risk of mistakes, every breaking ball would test Sawamura's nerves.
And in such a scenario, Komadai Fujimaki High might find their golden opportunity.
...
Whoosh
Ping
"Foul ball!"
"The third pitch—Seidou's battery opts for another inside fastball. Komadai's leadoff batter, Nishi, stubbornly hangs on."
Have they completely locked onto the fastball?
Miyuki glanced at Nishi out of the corner of his eye, pondering silently.
It was inevitable that their plan would be exposed. Miyuki never expected it to remain hidden for long. Given Eijun's visible exhaustion, it was only a matter of time before their strategy was figured out.
But this experienced coach had chosen the eighth inning—the most crucial juncture—and timed it perfectly with the top of the batting order. It couldn't have been more difficult for Seidou.
Especially with Nishi, such a persistent hitter...
A trace of worry flickered in Miyuki's eyes as he subtly signaled with his fingers beneath his glove.
A low, outside pitch. Focus on placement—power isn't the priority. Control is the key, Sawamura.
On the mound, Eijun nodded solemnly.
He moved his right leg, his left arm hidden behind him. At this point, Eijun had let go of everything else—velocity, intimidation, and sharp movement were no longer his top concerns.
His primary focus was minimizing strain on his arm and maintaining precision within a limited range.
Whoosh
With a sharp motion, his arm swung.
Whoosh
The next moment, another white flash shot forward.
This time, the pitch lacked its usual sharpness, exuding an undeniable sense of fatigue.
In Nishi's eyes, the oncoming ball reflected a faint glint of light. Within 0.5 seconds, he had judged the trajectory and prepared his swing.
Swish
His steps shifted, and his arms followed through.
The next instant, the bat connected with the ball.
Ping!
A loud impact reverberated across the field.
Although Eijun had barely managed to keep the pitch on a tricky path, the diminished power behind the ball was undeniable. At this moment, Nishi had fully seized control of the situation, overpowering Eijun.
As the bat made solid contact, the ball's trajectory and its residual force echoed in Eijun's widened eyes.
Whoosh
At home plate, the ball shone like a fleeting flash of light, streaking toward first base. Yuuki's expression shifted as he lunged to intercept.
Thud
The ball grazed the edge of his glove and ricocheted onto the ground, producing a dull thump.
The next moment, Nishi's figure burst into action, stepping firmly onto first base. This sight caused Eijun to tighten his grip on his left hand in frustration.
"Ohhhhhh!! He hit it! He hit it! With two outs, Komadai's top lineup didn't allow Seidou to end the inning easily! Nishi, the leadoff hitter, lands a clean single to right field and safely reaches first base!"
"Nice, Nishi! Well done!"
"That's how it's done, Nishi!"
"Exactly! This is what a hero should look like!"
"Nishi, that was so cool!"
"Keep it up, Taninaka! Show that pitcher who's boss. He's already shaken!"
"Komadai! Komadai! Komadai!"
...
Damn it, they've caught on to the ball's trajectory.
On the mound, Eijun wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead and exhaled deeply. His left hand clenched tightly once again.
Relax, Sawamura. Don't rush. We still have control with two outs.
Behind the plate, Miyuki subtly signaled for Eijun to take it easy, his fingers making small movements to calm his pitcher.
Eijun nodded quietly. He clenched his left hand slightly before loosening it and took a deep breath, striving to steady his emotions and maintain composure.
"Second batter, shortstop, Taninaka."
Don't let up on the rhythm. Focus on the pitcher's best pitch and send it flying in one go.
...
Whoosh
The white light streaked once more.
The ball, aimed tightly toward the inside corner, sped toward the plate.
Taninaka, firmly remembering his coach's instructions, stepped forward decisively. His bat swung with force.
Ping!
"Stealing!?"
A thunderous crack echoed through the stadium.
Both Eijun and Miyuki stared in disbelief as the ball made perfect contact with Taninaka's bat.
The subsequent flash of white light shot out from the plate, streaking across the sky.
Panic flickered in Eijun's eyes as he leaped into the air, raising his glove high in an attempt to intercept the ball.
Unfortunately, while the ball's contact point was somewhat low, Taninaka had calculated the pitch's path perfectly. The ball's speed was astonishing, and by the time Eijun's glove reached the targeted position, the ball had already flown past.
To make matters worse, as Taninaka swung his bat, Nishi at first base fearlessly initiated a steal toward second, risking an out.
The sound of the bat meeting the ball and the startled cries from the defense echoed simultaneously.
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!"
The soaring figure, the gleaming white light.
The entire stadium held its breath, eyes wide as they followed every frame of the unfolding scene, unwilling to miss a moment.
Thud
The ball landed with a heavy thud, evading Isashiki Jun's desperate attempt to reach it. Frustration was evident on his face as Nishi raced past second base and headed straight for third.
"Safe!"
The aggressive assault had begun. With two outs and runners on first and third, Komadai Fujimaki High finally revealed its sharp fangs in the top of the eighth inning!
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