Chapter 484: Seiko Match — War of Attrition
"Whoosh!"
"Pop!"
"Strike three! Batter out! Three outs — change sides!"
A perfect slider.
Furuya retired Seiko's No. 9 batter, Shirota.
After surviving the previous inning's crisis, Furuya's pitching had grown even sharper, leaving Seiko High's lineup increasingly frustrated.
However—
"What's his pitch count now?"
Coach Kataoka asked quietly.
"He's at 80 pitches," answered scorer Takako immediately.
"I think one more inning should do it, Coach," Ochiai added softly, watching Furuya jog back toward the dugout.
"Mm."
Coach Kataoka gave a small nod.
Both he and Ochiai had already planned to switch pitchers soon.
Furuya had already thrown 80 pitches in five innings — and stamina had always been his weakness.
80 pitches had already taken a big toll on him physically.
More importantly, the mental strain was mounting.
The sixth inning would likely be his limit.
And since Seiko's top of the order was coming up next, a pitching change could happen even earlier depending on how Furuya handled the next frame.
As for exactly when and who to switch in — they would decide based on how the inning unfolded.
"We're only halfway through the game. Even though we're up by two runs, we can't afford the slightest bit of carelessness. If needed, forget about trying to hit his spiral pitch—target the fastball. With his shaky control, there will be hittable pitches during this middle phase of the game. When they come, don't miss them."
In front of the first-base dugout—the starting nine had gathered.
Coach Kataoka stood before them, speaking with a firm voice.
"Yes, sir!"
Eijun, Miyuki, and the others immediately responded in unison.
"Kuramochi — bat from the right side this time. And also…"
Ochiai suddenly spoke up beside Coach Kataoka—his words made everyone blink in surprise, and Kuramochi himself looked slightly stunned.
Huh?
Bat from the right side?
Kuramochi glanced at Ochiai, an odd look on his face.
"Bottom of the fifth inning—batting for Seidou, leading off, shortstop Kuramochi!"
Seidou's third time through the order.
Kuramochi exhaled slowly and steadily stepped into the right batter's box.
"Right side? Is he trying to read the pitches better?"
Masu furrowed his brow.
But that didn't quite make sense.
Ogawa Tsunematsu was a lefty — typically, batting left-handed would be better both for pitch visibility and to maximize Kuramochi's speed on the bases.
A smokescreen? Or something else?
"..."
Masu narrowed his eyes.
In his gaze, Kuramochi stood with a rare look of solemn focus.
Masu subtly tapped his finger.
Let's see what this pitch reveals.
A powerful spiral pitch—bring it on.
Tsunematsu — go!
"Whoosh!"
His arm whipped forward.
As it did—with a full flick of his motion—a white flash rocketed toward the plate.
At that moment in the batter's box—
Kuramochi quickly crouched and showed a clear bunt stance.
Masu raised his eyebrows, a knowing look flickering in his eyes.
Just as I thought!
But let's see how you handle this one!
A spiral pitch this sharp — can you really bunt it?
A gleam flashed in Masu's eyes.
The ball's sharp light—closed in on the plate.
In the batter's box, Kuramochi's mind quickly flashed through everything Ochiai had just explained to him.
He tightened both arms, pressing his thumbs and middle fingers more firmly on the bat, leaning his body slightly forward—angled toward third base.
"Ping!"
A crisp sound rang out.
The feel of the ball off the bat—even Kuramochi's eyes showed a trace of surprise.
Did it really absorb that much force so easily?!
In his mind, he couldn't help but picture Ochiai's lazy, casual smile.
That little mustached coach really knows his stuff, huh…
"Whoosh!"
Though surprised, Kuramochi's hands never hesitated.
The ball shot out, bouncing right along the third base line—leaving Masu wide-eyed in disbelief.
Kuramochi flung aside his bat and sprinted toward first.
Swift as the wind.
His form streaked down the baseline like a blur.
"Third baseman, hurry!"
Masu shouted urgently.
But it was already too late.
By the time third baseman Shirota scooped up the ball and fired toward first—
"Tap!"
The cheetah-quick Kuramochi was already touching the bag.
"Safe!!"
The first-base umpire's call made Masu grimace.
He really managed to deaden the impact of that spiral pitch so perfectly?!
"OHHHH!! The cheetah is in form!"
"That's it, Kuramochi!"
"Keep running! Keep running!"
"Let's go, Seidou!"
"A perfect bunt single! The leadoff man is on base! And now look at that massive lead off first — causing all kinds of pressure on the defense. Once again, Seidou's iron middle infield duo is bringing the attack!"
"Batting second, second baseman Kominato!"
On the mound, Ogawa Tsunematsu looked annoyed as he glanced toward first—where Kuramochi was flashing a mischievous grin.
"Heh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Pop!"
"Whoosh!"
"Pop!"
Two straight pickoff attempts.
But they had no effect.
Kuramochi continued taking a huge, aggressive lead—leaving Ogawa feeling frustrated.
"Tsunematsu, focus on the batter! If you get too caught up with the runner, you'll fall into their trap!"
At home plate, Masu Shinichiro spoke with a stern tone.
"I know, Masu-san."
At Masu's reminder, Ogawa grit his teeth, turned back toward the batter's box, and locked eyes with the pink-haired figure standing there.
I'll get him. I'll make sure Seidou regrets this.
But once again, Seidou High made a surprising yet completely logical choice.
"Whoosh!"
"Ping!"
Haruichi Kominato—a high-average, long-ball-capable hitter—opted for a sacrifice bunt.
"First!"
Without even looking, Masu shouted toward third.
With that guy's insane speed, he'll take second easily. Good thing the bunt went to third—otherwise that leadoff man could've sprinted straight home!
"Whoosh!"
"Pop!"
"Out!"
"Safe!!"
Haruichi was out, but Kuramochi easily slid into second.
One out, runner on second.
Seidou, despite holding the lead, shifted from aggressive offense to a solid, strategic approach.
Their tactical shift surprised many—and left Seiko's side struggling to adjust.
In the dugout, Coach Oga wore a troubled expression.
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