Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 52: Opening Game Debut

"Oh, Sawamura is the starting pitcher today?"

"Yeah, Sawamura has been performing quite well in the second string. This is probably Coach Kataoka giving him a chance."

"I heard there are four practice matches this weekend, with each of the four pitchers set to pitch a game."

"Really?"

"Yeah, that's what they're saying. It might even be tied to the jersey number decisions."

"A practice game to decide the ace number? That's exciting!"

"Impossible, right? At this point, Tanba clearly seems like the best choice. They can't possibly let a first-year take the ace number this summer, can they? Besides, Sawamura and Furuya both have pretty obvious shortcomings."

"Well, who knows? It's up to Coach Kataoka to decide."

"Hey, did you notice? Why is Furuya in left field?"

"Is it a warm-up?"

"Could be, but it's more likely preparation for summer. His hitting ability is monstrous, after all."

"True."

"Alright, alright, the game's starting. Let's focus on the match."

In the first practice game, Seidou High faced Osaka Kiryu, who batted first. As Eijun and his teammates took their defensive positions, the crowd around the field buzzed with conversation.

Everyone had different opinions and reactions to today's starting lineup.

"The first time on the mound for the first string..."

Regardless of the expressions and opinions around him, as Eijun stood on the mound, which represented the pinnacle of Seidou High's baseball, he couldn't suppress the surge of excitement within him.

At that moment, this was his mound.

With his left hand clenched into a fist and his eyes shining, Miyuki at home plate gave a slight smirk, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"Sawamura!" Miyuki called out loudly to Eijun on the mound.

"Yes!"

Almost no words were needed. As partners, they could instantly understand each other's intentions. And so, when Eijun saw Miyuki's expression, he nodded knowingly and replied firmly.

"Sawamura, no walks for the leadoff batter, or I'll have your head!" shouted a senior from center field.

"And you, Furuya, keep running in the outfield, keep running until you drop, got it!!!!?"

"Haha, Sawamura, you've been doing well in the second string, but this is the first team, don't mess up," Kuramochi teased from behind the mound.

"Be careful with your pitches," Ryousuke said with a smile.

"Sawamura, we've got your back in defense."

"Take them down one by one," Tetsu simply said, always concise.

These reliable teammates and their unwavering words gave Eijun a profound sense of reassurance.

"Yes, I'll do my best!!!!!" Eijun proudly raised his left hand and shouted.

....

Hmph, looks like a lively first-year, but we won't hold back. If your prized student ends up broken by us, I won't be responsible, Coach Kataoka.

In the third base dugout, Coach Matsumoto smiled, but the dangerous glint in his eyes sent a chill down the spines of the Kiryu players nearby.

They couldn't help but feel sympathy for Eijun on the mound.

Seems like our coach plans to get serious.

Don't hold back, swing powerfully, and crush that kid,

Coach Matsumoto gestured lightly in the dugout.

"Yes!"

....

Eijun took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

Don't be nervous, don't be nervous, it's just a practice game. If you're too tense, you won't be able to throw properly.

At home plate, Miyuki gave a slight smile, signaling Eijun to relax a bit.

"Start with your best pitch to gain the early advantage. Throw an inside fastball. Remember, with your accumulated fatigue, don't overexert yourself, or your control might falter."

"Got it," Eijun nodded slightly from the mound.

Then, raising his right leg high, his arm moved swiftly. The Kiryu leadoff hitter focused intently on Eijun's motion.

In the next instant, his arm whipped forward, releasing a shining streak.

"Whoosh!"

The ball raced forward with a flash of icy brilliance, leaving the Kiryu batter momentarily stunned.

"Pop!"

"Strike!!!!!"

What?! The Kiryu leadoff batter's face registered shock, and simultaneously, Coach Matsumoto in the dugout frowned. Why didn't he swing at that pitch? Even though it was an inside pitch, it wasn't placed so precisely that it couldn't be swung at, was it?

Coach Matsumoto's displeased gaze was evident to the batter, who showed a slight, rueful grin in response.

It's not that simple; this guy's pitching form was a bit strange.

His left arm hidden behind his body and his high leg kick... just like that...

"Whoosh!"

Before he could fully process the last pitch, Eijun lifted his arm again, and the white blur shot out once more.

Damn it, just swing.

"Whack!"

Relying purely on experience and instinct, the Kiryu batter swung the bat.

"Crack!"

A loud, intense sound followed.

Having initially captured the ball, the batter's smile faded quickly.

The feeling in his hands told him clearly that the swing was late, and he missed the ball's sweet spot entirely!!!

"Whizz!"

The ball ricocheted off the ground.

"Bang!"

"Third base!!!" Eijun shouted loudly, turning his head toward third base.

Masuko, the third baseman, despite the fatigue from training camp, handled the routine grounder effortlessly.

With a step and a reach, he snared the ball in his glove.

In a smooth motion, the ball flew to first base.

Tetsu easily caught it at the bag.

"Pop!"

"Out!!!!!"

"Yes, we got the leadoff hitter out!!!"

"Not bad, kid, you can do it if you try."

"Keep it up, Sawamura."

"Don't get complacent, Sawamura."

"If you mess up now, Sawamura, you'll be in deep trouble!"

The Seidou team exhaled a little in relief, while in the Kiryu dugout, Coach Matsumoto maintained a neutral expression as he looked at his leadoff batter returning.

"What did you think?"

"His pitching form is unusual. You can't see the release point, and his pitches seem to have a distinct quality."

"Can't see the release point? And special pitch quality? So this is your secret weapon, Coach Kataoka?"

Coach Matsumoto's eyes narrowed slightly, with an inscrutable look in his gaze.

Meanwhile, on the field, Miyuki quickly capitalized on Kiryu's unfamiliarity with Eijun and their difficulty adapting to his pitch quality and form. He called pitches rapidly, giving Kiryu no time to overthink.

Eijun swiftly dispatched the first three Kiryu batters.

Three up, three down. Against the mighty Osaka team, Eijun delivered a perfect showcase in his opening inning!

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