Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 53: The First Collision

"Whoosh"

"Crack"

"Strike, batter out, three outs, switch sides!!!"

"Wow, Sawamura actually got a three-up, three-down in the first inning against Osaka Kiryu!?"

"Wow, he really is a top performer in the second string."

"And his control seems to have improved recently. If he faced Furuya now, he might perform even better."

"But don't you think Sawamura looks a bit stiff?"

"Haha, everyone's like that. Seidou High School has been in intensive training until yesterday."

"No way, facing Kiryu High School in this state?"

"That's why I say Coach Kataoka is amazing."

In the first inning, Sawamura's outstanding performance immediately won praise from everyone around. Not only did he prevent any runs, but he didn't even allow a hit. It must be admitted that Sawamura's performance exceeded everyone's expectations.

Moreover, most people knew that Seidou High School was not in peak condition right now, as every player was carrying the fatigue of the training camp and their bodies weren't as agile as usual.

"The pitch is still a bit high; you need to pay attention to your control next."

On the bench, Miyuki said this to Sawamura while adjusting his gear.

"Got it, Miyuki-senpai," Sawamura responded after taking a sip of warm water.

"The opposing team is also experienced. They'll likely notice the quality of your pitches soon, so be extra careful and be prepared with all necessary measures."

"Understood."

On the other side, in the Kiryu bench:

"I really didn't expect Coach Kataoka to surprise us like this. A special pitching stance, unique pitch, and average control—no wonder we were shut out. It's clear why he's starting in this practice game," Coach Matsumoto said with a smile.

Matsumoto's words made all the Kiryu players show grim expressions. To them, it seemed like the coach was angry, as their performance against a first-year pitcher was indeed disappointing.

"Tachi," Coach Matsumoto said, his gaze shifting to a seemingly intimidating young player.

"Yes, Coach, I understand," Hiromi replied.

"Seidou is a strong team, and that's undeniable. But we're not weak either. Let's give it our all and win this game!!!"

"Yes!!!"

"Bottom of the first inning, Seidou High School's turn to bat, first up, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun."

Wow, what a scary expression.

Kuramochi stepped into the batter's box, slightly adjusting his bat, and glanced at the pitcher's mound where Hiromi's fierce expression was visible, thinking to himself.

"Whoosh"

The white ball flashed, and Kuramochi's eyes lit up with a determined glint.

A good pitch must be hit!!!

"Swish"

The bat swung, and the sharp sound followed.

"Bang!!!!"

So heavy, so strong!!!

Kuramochi's expression changed.

"Whoosh"

The ball flew out.

"Crack"

It perfectly landed in the third baseman's glove.

"Out!!!"

"Oh, a line drive to third base, such a pity."

"Seems like the power was suppressed, right?"

"Really hard to handle."

"Next up, second baseman, Kominato-kun."

As Kuramochi exited, Kominato stepped up to bat.

"The pitch is heavy, and the speed is at least 140+ km/h. And it doesn't seem like he's throwing at full strength. Ryo-kun, be careful," Kuramochi's serious words echoed.

"Yeah, got it," Kominato Ryousuke lightly nodded, his face still smiling as he stepped into the batter's box.

Oh, such a good expression. I hope you can maintain that look.

Kominato Ryousuke straightened his bat, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

It seemed like Miyuki could see through the meaning in Ryousuke's eyes, and on the mound, Hiromi narrowed his eyes, revealing a faint hint of danger.

"Whoosh"

"Clack"

"Whoosh"

"Clack"

"Clack"

"Clack"

...

"Thud"

"Foul ball"

"Whoosh"

"Clack"

"Foul ball!!!"

"Wow, how many pitches is this?"

"Over ten, right?"

"More than that, I think he's already hit almost ten foul balls."

"Whoosh"

"Clack"

"Ball!"

"Full count!!!!"

This guy is really tough. His ability to select pitches is so good; it's really annoying.

Behind the plate, Kiryu's catcher, Shibata Kyohei, gritted his teeth, feeling frustrated inside.

Tachi, use this pitch to get him to swing. Shibata Kyohei quickly concluded that if they continued to drag this out, it would be a big problem for their momentum.

Hiromi grinned widely, showing a terrifying smile, and nodded firmly.

He raised his hand and swung his right arm with force.

"Whoosh"

The sound of the pitch cutting through the air echoed, and the white blur sped towards the plate.

At the moment the white blur appeared in his sight, Ryousuke instinctively stopped himself from swinging.

"Tsk"

Seeing Ryousuke's action, Shibata Kyohei clicked his tongue in frustration.

"Clack"

"Four balls, walk!!!!"

The expression on Shibata Kyohei and Hiromi's faces was far from pleasant as they watched the unflappable Ryousuke, who had just tossed his bat aside with a hint of a smile. This guy was proving to be quite the challenge.

"Haha, nice job, Ryousuke!"

"Ryousuke, well done!"

Despite everyone on their side being exhausted, the least they could do was make the pitchers on the opposing team work harder. Ryousuke jogged while keeping an eye on the pitcher's mound, silently strategizing.

The perfect combination of a shortstop and second baseman, their synergy was impressive both in defense and offense.

On the bench, Eijun's eyes sparkled with a special kind of light as he thought to himself.

"Fly out, come on!"

"Bam!"

"Bang!"

With a roar-like swing, the kind of sound that always seemed to give him more power, the result wasn't quite what was hoped for this time.

Watching the ball roll into the infield towards first base, Isashiki couldn't help but show a look of frustration.

"Why?!"

"Whoosh"

"Smack"

"Out!"

After the Kiryu infielders recorded Isashiki Jun's out, Ryousuke, who was on first base, managed to advance to second base.

"Heh, nice bunt, Jun."

Ryousuke offered a light smile and spoke casually.

With two outs and a runner on second base, it wasn't the best scenario but still a decent one as they faced the fourth batter from Seidou High, Yuki Tetsuya.

One must say, Yuki Tetsuya's skill was among the top ten, if not the top five, at the national level.

"Bam!"

"Bang!"

The perfect arc of the hit soared through the sky and collided violently with the left field fence.

This sound even caused a slight reaction from Coach Matsumoto, who had maintained a calm demeanor on the Kiryu bench.

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