"Yes, not only is his pitching ability as a pitcher at an elite level, but even his outfield defensive skills have reached the standards of a top-tier powerhouse. However, the most noteworthy aspect of this pitcher is his batting ability. Sawamura Eijun has consistently delivered hits in crucial monts during the sumr tournant, especially that walk-off ho run in the final, which showcased his full offensive potential. Even though the preliminary gas this month were against weaker opponents, maintaining a 100% hit rate is enough to prove Sawamura Eijun's imnse threat as Seidou High School's cleanup hitter."
The assistant coach of Teito High School, sitting beside Coach Okamoto, looked at his notebook with a solemn expression and spoke.
"Coach Okamoto, I believe we should adopt a war of attrition strategy against Seidou High School in this match."
He suggested this earnestly.
"After the sumr, although Seidou's batting lineup does not appear weakened based on the preliminary rounds, overall, this new Seidou lineup is certainly not as strong as last year's senior class. Replacing those key players is not an easy task. While the top of the order, up to the cleanup hitter, may not have suffered a significant drop in quality, the lower half of their lineup is far weaker than the previous generation. The biggest issue with Seidou's batting lineup is continuity. If their offense fails to string hits together, their overall threat is greatly reduced. Taiyou has the ability to suppress this lineup. As long as we effectively contain their key hitters—Sawamura Eijun and Miyuki Kazuya, their number three and four hitters—along with our strong defensive capabilities, Seidou will find it difficult to score."
"As for us, if we can score even a single run within five innings, the scales of victory will tip in our favor."
"Their starting roster includes many players promoted from the bench. While the defensive chemistry between Miyuki and Sawamura has improved, the rest of Seidou's fielders will inevitably have gaps we can exploit. Especially in the later innings, since most of these players have never experienced a high-stakes match, that inexperience could be our key to victory."
After carefully considering his words, the Teito assistant coach laid out his analysis.
It must be acknowledged that soone capable of becoming Teito High School's assistant coach is no re placeholder. His baseball insight and judgnt are undoubtedly among the best in the industry.
His analysis of Seidou's strengths and weaknesses was sharp and precise. The strategy he proposed was solid and well-founded.
Sitting across from him, Kengo nodded in agreent.
Indeed, to most schools, Seidou High School still appeared as formidable as they were in the sumr—seemingly flawless in defense, offense, and teamwork.
But that was rely an illusion. Compared to the sumr's Seidou High, in the eyes of powerhouses like Teito High and Inashiro Industrial, their batting lineup was still in its infancy.
Even Seidou themselves understood this. After three preliminary matches, their batting lineup had only just begun to take shape. For their nine batters to truly function as a cohesive unit, they still had a long way to go.
This was sothing that Teito and other powerhouse schools saw clearly.
As the assistant coach finished speaking, Coach Okamoto raised an eyebrow slightly before slowly nodding.
At present, this was the most reliable strategy against Seidou High School.
Teito had always relied on stability to secure victories.
Their impenetrable defense, akin to an iron fortress, was the key to their repeated success and the reason why they were regarded as an unbeatable powerhouse.
Now, with Seidou's weakened batting lineup and their core defensive duo improving their synergy, adopting a strategy centered on endurance and attrition was the most suitable approach.
After all, their ace pitcher's stamina was practically maxed out.
"Alright, let's proceed with training in this manner for the next few days," Coach Okamoto nodded.
For now, this was the best approach. As for finer tactical adjustnts, he planned to refine them over the next few days.
After all, there was still more than a week before the main tournant began—there was no need to rush.
"Yes, sir!"
The assistant coach and Kengo responded in unison.
The scorching sun hung high in the sky. As the last traces of sumr lingered, the autumn tournant was already quietly approaching.
Through the blinds of his office window, Coach Okamoto gazed at the Teito High School baseball field, where his players were training diligently.
A slight smirk ford at the corner of his lips—a confident smile.
He believed that the team he had personally nurtured would not let him down.
The undefeated army, Teito High School—invincible and unstoppable!
This was the pride of being the king of East Tokyo.
"Kengo-senpai, can you practice with now?"
After leaving Coach Okamoto's office, Kengo planned to return to his dormitory to organize a few things. As he turned a corner, he unexpectedly—no, it would be more accurate to say he encountered soone who had been deliberately waiting there.
Mukai Taiyou, Teito High's ace pitcher, despite being only a first-year.
Like Sawamura Eijun, he had made it to Koshien in his first year, sweating it out on that grand stage. Upon returning, he imdiately took the ace number, making him one of the most closely watched rising stars in all of Tokyo.
Now, this very ace stood before him, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked at his captain.
Kengo's expression flickered with surprise.
"Taiyou?"
"Hmm, of course."
Kengo took a deep look at Mukai but didn't ask why. After all, if the ace wanted to practice and sought out his primary catcher, wasn't that the most natural thing in the world? Without hesitation, he nodded in agreent.
A bright smile imdiately blood on Mukai's face.
"That's great, Kengo-senpai. I just ca up with a new idea I want to try out. If I combine it with my three-dinsional pitching... Heh, this upcoming ga is going to be thrilling."
Mukai clenched his hands lightly before relaxing them again.
In his mind, an image of Eijun flashed by.
"This ti, I'll prove to everyone that I am the strongest pitcher of this generation. Your so-called ' 'Unorthodox Pitches'—I'll show you what a true ace looks like!"
A faint, chilling aura flickered around Mukai as he silently vowed to himself.
Taiyou.
Kengo caught the fleeting cold glint in Mukai's otherwise smiling eyes.
And yet, he understood his ace's mindset all too well.
After all, with such a formidable rival among his peers, who wouldn't be fired up for battle?
This competitive spirit wasn't a flaw—it was the very essence of youth.
The sa holds true in the world of sports.
As the golden season of autumn approached, the grand tournant was slowly drawing back its curtain.
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