Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 56: Step by Step Strategy

"Whoosh"

"Pop"

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

With an outside pitch, Eijun managed to get out Kiryu High's ninth batter, finally ending their aggressive attack in the second inning.

Though the scoreboard brightly displayed "1," reminding everyone of the run that had been scored.

Eijun couldn't entirely prevent the run in this inning—having runners on second and third made it quite challenging. After a moment of relief from getting Shibata out as the sixth batter, the renowned "Osaka Fox," Coach Matsumoto, made a precise tactical call.

This not only secured a run but also, due to a delayed reaction from outfielder Furuya, resulted in a critical bases-loaded situation with just one out.

Thankfully, Miyuki's calm handling and guidance, combined with Jun Isashiki's strong arm in the outfield, helped prevent further runs from scoring.

By the time Eijun walked off the mound, exhaustion had set in.

This was only the second inning, yet the pressure from facing Kiryu High's lineup was palpable, especially alongside the fatigue from training.

"You pitched well."

As Eijun returned to the dugout, he was greeted by the kind words and smile of Chris, boosting Eijun's spirits and bringing a smile to his face.

"No, I've still got a long way to go."

"Exactly, it's only the second inning and you've already given up a run, Sawamura, you've got a lot to work on. Chris-senpai, don't pamper this guy too much," came Miyuki's familiar, teasing voice from behind, and Eijun couldn't help but feel speechless as he caught Miyuki's mocking grin.

Miyuki-senpai, how can you say one thing on the field and another off it?

Eijun decided it wasn't worth arguing.

"Hehe." Seeing their playful banter, Chris smiled warmly.

"Miyuki, this exchange match is a great opportunity. Sawamura, work on your outside pitches. Once you can accurately hit the four corners, your unusual pitch will become even more effective," Chris said with a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

"That's exactly what I was planning," Miyuki replied with a light laugh and a nod.

"Understood, Chris-senpai," Eijun nodded firmly, responding earnestly.

Reflecting on his previous experience, Eijun knew the value of an effective outside pitch in complementing an inside fastball, mixing inside and outside effectively along with his unique pitching style.

Having these tools would make it difficult for most batters to find an opening.

In the corner, Furuya, listening to Jun Isashiki's scolding, nodded quietly. He looked at Eijun with a touch of envy in his eyes.

The pitcher's mound was a place he aspired to as well.

In the Kiryu dugout, Coach Matsumoto's expression was inscrutable. Only scoring one run seemed surprising to him given the situation.

Certainly, Seidou's defense and the catcher's ability to make the right decisions played a major role.

But the experienced Coach Matsumoto also recognized Eijun Sawamura's contributions.

"Hehe..."

Coach Kataoka, could it be that this young man is your secret weapon? Are you using us as opponents to train him against strong local teams? Coach Matsumoto pondered as he glanced at Coach Kataoka, who sat solemnly on the bench since the start of the game.

If that's true, then this is really interesting, Kataoka!

"Bottom of the second inning, Seidou's attack, sixth batter, catcher Miyuki-kun."

A fastball approaching 145 km/h, heavy pitch quality, diverse breaking balls, and arm strength among the top in his age group.

Truly an ideal ace. I'd love to catch this guy's pitches myself.

Miyuki lightly scraped the dirt in the batter's box with his left foot, gently swinging his bat.

With a slight knowing smile, he looked toward the pitcher's mound.

Maybe this first pitch will be a golden opportunity...

The crafty catcher's lips curved into a smile.

From the dugout, Eijun slipped on his glove, watching Miyuki in the batter's box with a speculative grin. With no one on base, chances are this main catcher won't get a hit.

He smirked at the thought of mocking Miyuki later, always scheming.

Eijun thought mischievously to himself.

At the center of the field:

"!!"

Standing so far inside, is this guy planning to win with an outside pitch? Or is it a deceptive tactic?

Kiryu's catcher, Shibata, pondered as he watched Miyuki's composed demeanor.

Tachi, try an outside fastball first to test him. Even though it's the lower lineup, be cautious and give it your all with your arm here.

Shibata signaled from behind the plate.

Hiromi nodded slightly, lifted his leg, and with a swift motion, unleashed his arm, stepping into the pitch.

"Whoosh"

The white ball left Hiromi's hand, turning into a streak of light speeding toward home plate.

An outside breaking ball!!!!

The flash of white appeared in Miyuki's vision.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

He stepped forward.

The bat swung fiercely.

"Crack"

Just like a pre-rehearsed script, as the white streak of the ball darted from the pitcher's mound toward home plate, Miyuki's bat moved decisively.

It smoothly and directly intercepted the streak of light.

Simultaneously, a loud, sharp crack resounded.

This sudden impact startled catcher Shibata, as he watched the brilliant white streak shoot through the sky.

Shibata quickly stood up, shouting toward the outfield.

"Left-center field!!!!"

Clever, precise, perfectly timed—Miyuki's hit embodied these three qualities.

There was no excess force, just a precise capture of the moment.

Miyuki fully capitalized on the outside breaking ball.

The white streak flew at lightning speed to the outfield, landing before the Kiryu outfielders could react.

Amidst the astonishment on Kiryu's side and the jaw-dropping surprise on Seidou's side, sixth batter Miyuki Kazuya successfully reached second base!

As the white light descended and his figure advanced, both inside and outside the field echoed with low gasps of amazement.

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