After Chris finished introducing all the information about Yakushi High School, Coach Kataoka took a step forward.
"This is a team that will continuously go on the offensive. Generally speaking, they don't use bunts," Coach Kataoka said gravely, standing in front of the Seidou High School team.
"But this also ans it puts a lot of pressure on defense, especially on the pitcher's mound. Precisely because of this, we can't afford to back down. We need to face them with even more determination. Use the bats in your hands to crush their montum. Understand!?"
"Yes, sir!!!"
"And now, about tomorrow's starting pitcher."
After saying this, Coach Kataoka paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the team, particularly focusing on the four pitchers.
At that mont, Eijun couldn't help but feel his heart tighten.
His hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched into fists, and his breathing beca a little quicker.
After Coach Kataoka's gaze lingered on Eijun for a second or two, it quickly shifted to Tanba.
"Tanba, you'll be the starting pitcher for tomorrow's ga. As the team's ace, you need to show a spirit that won't lose to the opponent. Can you do that?" Coach Kataoka asked, staring sternly at Tanba.
"Yes, Coach!!!" A glimr of joy flashed in Tanba's eyes, but it was soon replaced by a determined expression.
"Manaka, I can avenge you!!!"
This was a vow made for his close friend!
The third-year seniors around him all showed smiles of the sa aning.
"Haha, you're starting, Tanba. Don't ss up tomorrow," Isashiki Jun said with a big laugh, patting Tanba's shoulder.
"Good luck, Tanba," Yuuki smiled and said.
"Ugga!!!"
"Hehe, just like before, we're behind you," Kominato Ryosuke said with a warm smile.
The bond among the third-years was one built over ti, based on trust and understanding.
On the other side, after Coach Kataoka announced the starting pitcher, both Eijun and Furuya wore expressions of clear disappointnt.
As pitchers, their attachnt to the mound was sothing others couldn't understand.
Up front, Miyuki and Chris exchanged glances, both showing a knowing look in their eyes.
"Kawakami, Sawamura, Furuya, the three of you should be ready to play at any ti. Understood?" Coach Kataoka said, nodding slightly before turning his attention to the other three pitchers.
"Yes!!" Eijun and the other two responded loudly.
Eijun also adjusted his mood.
Actually, deep down, Eijun had already vaguely anticipated this outco.
With Tanba uninjured, as the ace, both his experience and skills were undoubtedly the best among the four pitchers.
While his weaknesses were evident in so areas, in essence, for such a crucial ga, starting the ace had the highest probability.
From a reliability standpoint, Tanba had accumulated two and a half years of experience, whereas Eijun had only been on the team for less than four months.
In critical situations, any coach would make the sa choice.
"The ga is at 10 a.m. After morning practice and breakfast, we'll et at 8:30 and head to the field. Tonight, make sure you get enough sleep," Coach Kataoka said, giving the final instructions.
"Yes, sir!"
"That's all. Dismissed!"
"Yes, sir!!!"
Afterward, the team mbers left the dining hall in groups, heading back to their dormitories.
With the ga tomorrow, tonight's individual training would naturally be reduced to ensure their bodies were in optimal condition, which was a vital part of the players' preparation.
"Coach?"
After everyone had left, Coach Kataoka specifically asked Chris to call Miyuki back.
At this mont, only Coach Kataoka, Chris, Rei Takashima, and Miyuki remained in the dining hall.
"How's Sawamura's pitch?"
After a long silence, Coach Kataoka gazed out at the night scene through the window and suddenly spoke in a calm tone.
Miyuki was slightly taken aback.
Then, he imdiately realized what the coach was referring to—Eijun's recent progress with his new pitch, the changeup.
"Yes, it's going well," Miyuki replied softly.
Chris, standing nearby, also seed to grasp sothing, a thoughtful expression briefly flashing across his eyes, while Rei Takashima maintained her faint smile throughout.
"Will it be useful on the field? In the ga against Yakushi High School?" Coach Kataoka turned his head, his sharp gaze fixed on Miyuki as he asked this.
In truth, Eijun had misunderstood one thing.
In Coach Kataoka's mind, Eijun's current skill level was no longer inferior to Tanba Koichiro's.
Especially when considering Eijun's personality, the characteristics of his fastball, and various other factors.
As far as the coach was concerned, Eijun, as a pitcher, might even be ranked first at this mont.
Of course, in terms of experience and teamwork, Eijun still couldn't match Tanba.
These were the main reasons Coach Kataoka chose Tanba to start the ga. As for raw skill and tenacity, Coach Kataoka actually favored Eijun more.
That was why this conversation was happening.
Coach Kataoka had a strong premonition that tomorrow's ga would be anything but easy.
Rather than a slugfest, it was more likely to turn into a pitcher's duel.
Coach Kataoka knew he had to be fully prepared. In sports, victory or defeat is absolute, and that was its greatest cruelty.
And the key to that preparation was Eijun.
As for Furuya, his pitch variety and control were too limited, and stamina was a significant issue.
Against Yakushi's lineup, he might not last even one round without giving up runs.
Kawakami had the necessary skill, but his temperant was a concern, sothing only Coach Kataoka, as the head coach, was fully aware of.
If the ga was stable, Kawakami would be fine.
But in a dire situation, Kawakami couldn't be trusted to handle the pressure—putting him in might only make things worse.
In the original gas against Yakushi and Inashiro Industrial, when they needed Kawakami to close out the gas, he crumbled under pressure.
His failure might have been partly due to a lack of skill, but it was mainly his fragile mindset and inability to stay composed that led to his downfall.
"I believe he can," Miyuki replied.
The coach's question had caused a subtle change in Miyuki's expression, but after a few seconds of thought, he lifted his head with a firm look in his eyes, nodding resolutely.
"I see," Coach Kataoka nodded slightly after a brief silence.
"Tomorrow, I'll leave guiding them up to you, Miyuki."
"Understood, Coach!"
The night was quiet, and the sumr breeze gently blew.
The height of sumr was approaching, and the battle was near!
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