Diamond No Ace: The Monster

Chapter 19: It's Not Over Yet

In the freshmen game, the top of the seventh inning began with the freshmen team on offense.

Having just finished his pitching stint, Sawamura was both thankful for Haruichi's assistance in defense and eager to encourage his teammates.

"I can feel that we're gradually starting to get a read on their pitching. Our next task is to make solid contact and get the ball out there."

His outstanding pitching had earned him the trust of his team, giving them a fighting chance against the upperclassmen.

The freshmen's confidence in Sawamura had increased considerably, but they still didn't believe that scoring off Kawakami, the opposing pitcher, would be an easy task.

"That sidearm pitch of his feels like it's coming from behind us. It's impossible to time it right..."

"You don't understand anything."

Despite the skepticism from his teammates, Sawamura didn't lose his cool. Instead, he patiently explained to them:

"Let's not worry about winning or losing right now. Let's just focus on what we can do. Are you really content with ending the game like this? Because I'm not. Regardless of the outcome, we have to give it a shot. Only after trying do we have any hope of succeeding, right?"

At that moment, Sawamura seemed to be glowing with determination.

The freshman players, evidently convinced by his words, rallied behind him. After all, they all joined Seidou High School's baseball team with their own ambitions.

To simply give up on the game was something they couldn't accept.

"Let's give it a try!"

"Our middle school records don't matter anymore. Everything resets here. If we want to stand out and catch the coach's attention, we have to rely on ourselves. If you're not ready for that, you might as well give up your spot to someone who is!"

A boy with his hair covering his eyes chimed in, supporting Sawamura's sentiment.

Who do you two think you are?

Kanemaru wasn't willing to acknowledge the two of them just yet.

But even he had to admit that, for their team right now, the two were indeed their biggest assets.

"Who's up next?"

Sawamura glanced around.

He was clearly looking for the next batter to offer some advice—a habit he'd picked up as a team captain back in middle school.

"Are you an idiot? Didn't you check the lineup before the game? It's you, dumbass!"

Although his teammates were a bit harsh in their tone, Sawamura could sense that the atmosphere within the freshmen team had quietly shifted.

"Then just watch me. I'll definitely hit the ball!"

Sawamura picked up his bat, his confidence soaring as he took several powerful practice swings.

Seeing Sawamura's stance, the first-year teammates couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

They still had a vivid memory of Furuya's previous at-bat.

If Sawamura could perform just as well, there was a real chance for them to score.

The atmosphere within the team had completely transformed. Earlier, relying solely on Furuya's exceptional hitting and getting on base wasn't enough to change anything. But now, if Sawamura could just get on base, even with a bunt, they would do everything they could to help the freshman team score a run.

Unbeknownst to them, Sawamura had completely inspired his teammates. They began to look forward to making an impact in this game, hoping to impress Seidou High's baseball team coach.

"That's the guy who struck out Azuma-senpai!"

As someone who experienced it firsthand, Kawakami remembered the incident like it happened just yesterday.

He licked his dry lips, feeling a surge of determination throughout his body.

Perhaps back then, Sawamura misunderstood, thinking Azuma-senpai was picking on him and decided to step in.

But from Kawakami's perspective, he had always been grateful for Azuma-senpai's guidance. Without his encouragement, it would have been difficult for Kawakami to overcome the fear of getting hit by pitches. Let alone becoming an important relief pitcher for Seidou High School's baseball team.

"Alright then, let me show you my pitching as a way to repay both you and Azuma-senpai!"

Facing Sawamura's intense gaze, Kawakami smiled knowingly. His pitch now brimmed with life.

*Whoosh!*

The white baseball shot out with a fierce velocity.

It wasn't just the first-year players who were surprised—even the third-year seniors were amazed.

"Kawakami's in great form today!"

"Probably got fired up facing the guy who struck out Azuma-senpai."

Whatever the reason, everyone had high expectations for Kawakami's pitching.

The first-year freshmen were still hopeful that Sawamura would make a difference on the field.

However, to their surprise, despite Sawamura's aggressive swings, he couldn't make contact with the ball.

He really tried his best, putting in every ounce of effort he had.

But his swings were still far from hitting the baseball.

"Pop!"

"Strike!"

"Strike!!"

Kawakami secured two strikes in a row and wasn't satisfied yet.

For the final pitch, he threw a breaking ball that he had recently mastered.

Faced with this kind of pitch, Sawamura was completely overmatched, swinging and missing one last time.

In the Seidou first-string team, the senior who shared a dorm room with Sawamura laughed heartily, like a carefree fool.

"Haha, I knew this kid would mess up!"

"A perfect strikeout!"

"The game's decided!"

But as they were saying this, Miyuki, who was sitting in a corner wearing glasses, and Haruichi, who was following Sawamura, both shouted simultaneously:

"It's not over yet!"

It turned out that Kawakami's sharp breaking ball not only fooled Sawamura but also the catcher, Ono, who was serving as catcher for the second-string team.

"Pop!"

The ball hit Ono's glove and bounced away.

"Dropped third strike!"

Even though Sawamura was technically struck out, according to baseball rules, he was not yet out since the catcher failed to catch the third strike.

Sawamura's instinctive reflexes came to his aid. The moment he saw the ball get past the catcher, his mind went blank, and his body, almost instinctively, dashed toward first base.

Ono gritted his teeth and scrambled to pick up the ball.

"Don't get your hopes up!"

Despite the pain in his body, he forced himself to throw the ball to first base.

However, the time it took him to make this play was slightly too long.

Although he fought through the discomfort and made the throw to first base, it was just a fraction too late.

By the time the ball arrived, Sawamura had successfully reached first base.

He became the second player after Furuya to reach base.

"Safe!"

No outs, runner on first.

The freshman dugout was buzzing with excitement.

No one expected Sawamura to actually make it to base.

Even though the process was entirely different from what they imagined, they couldn't deny that the outcome was good.

-------------

If you want to read 20 chapters advanced.

Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Shu_21