In the top of the third inning, Osaka Kiryuu High School was on offense.
Under the joint leadership of Miyuki and Hidezawa, Seido High School successfully secured three outs. Although they gave up a home run that widened the score difference back to three runs, the overall situation was not as unfavorable as it had been earlier.
The score now stood at four to one.
Compared to the first two innings, Seido displayed a much more tenacious side. They no longer looked shaken or overwhelmed. Their defensive coordination improved, their movements were sharper, and their reactions were more precise.
From the outside, it seemed as though Osaka Kiryuu had maintained control.
But from within the field, the subtle shift in momentum was undeniable.
Matsumoto Takahiro noticed it immediately.
His face, which had already been somewhat grim, grew even more strained. He tried to maintain his usual composed smile, but it did not reach his eyes.
If looks alone could kill, the Osaka Kiryuu players might have collapsed under his glare.
They had failed to capitalize on the opportunity. This inning should have been decisive.
Instead of crushing Seido completely, they allowed them to stabilize. Now it would be difficult to defeat Seido in one swift blow.
Even if Osaka Kiryuu ultimately won this game, the cost might be high.
Matsumoto had already sensed it. This would not be a simple victory. It would be a brutal struggle.
A pyrrhic one, perhaps.
They might eliminate Seido, but at the cost of exhausting themselves. And after such a battle, the subsequent games would become far more difficult.
That thought irritated him deeply. Under Matsumoto's gaze, several Osaka Kiryuu players lowered their heads.
They felt the pressure. They also felt embarrassed.
They had believed this would be straightforward. After gaining an early advantage, they expected to maintain dominance easily.
Instead, Seido resisted.
Even though they had added another home run to the scoreboard, the result felt unsatisfactory.
It did not match their expectations.
The game moved on.
In the bottom of the third inning, Seido High School came up to bat. Osaka Kiryuu's lineup had already progressed to their fifth batter in the second rotation. Seido, on the other hand, had only one hit so far.
Zhang Han's home run.
Aside from that single swing, they had not managed another clean hit.
They were now starting from their eighth batter. They had not even completed a full rotation through their lineup. No matter how much praise the media had showered upon them, Seido's own players were fully aware of the gap.
Earlier in the tournament, they had felt invincible.
Their offense overwhelmed opponents.
Their ace pitcher suppressed hitters.
Confidence had soared.
But now, standing opposite one of the nation's top powerhouses, the difference became visible.
Among them, only Azuma Kiyokuni, Yuuki, and Zhang Han could confidently claim they stood on equal footing with Osaka Kiryuu's core hitters. Even Zhang Han might still benefit from being underestimated as a rookie.
His true overall consistency might still lag slightly behind.
Ever since Hidezawa's dramatic improvement, many of Seido's teammates had developed near blind faith in him. They believed he had become a top tier ace. Someone who could challenge any powerhouse.
Now, that belief required adjustment. There were still teams stronger than them.
Osaka Kiryuu was proof. Their overall depth and explosive ability exceeded Seido's.
Recognizing this did not break Seido's spirit.
Instead, it clarified their situation. If they wanted to win today, they would have to fight harder than ever before. Coach Kataoka gathered the players briefly before they returned to the field for offense.
He did not raise his voice. He did not panic. He spoke calmly.
Across the field, Matsumoto Takahiro observed the meeting.
He understood exactly what Seido was trying to accomplish.
They were steadying themselves. Reorganizing. Preparing for a counterattack.
But he had no intention of interfering.
The bottom of the third inning would begin with Seido's lower order batters. At most, the lineup would cycle back to their first batter.
Tanaka Kakuei.
Matsumoto knew Tanaka's profile well. A capable hitter, but typically a slow starter. He did not believe Tanaka would suddenly explode in this situation.
Even if Tanaka managed to get on base, the batters behind him would struggle to drive him home. From Matsumoto's perspective, this inning posed little real threat.
In the fourth inning, they would change pitchers.
Everything remained within his broader plan. There had been a minor setback, yes.
Zhang Han's home run.
That had been unexpected. If not for that swing, the score would likely be four to zero.
The pressure would have been immense. Newly rising powerhouses like Seido often relied heavily on momentum. When things went smoothly, they were unstoppable.
When adversity struck, cracks could form quickly.
That opportunity had slipped away. Now, instead of collapsing, Seido had stabilized. And that made the game more complicated.
"Ping!"
Miyuki Kazuya barely managed contact.
The ball bounced sharply along the ground, was fielded cleanly, and thrown to first base.
"Out!"
Nakata Hisashi remained composed on the mound. He had not been shaken by Zhang Han's home run. On the contrary, his confidence seemed to have hardened.
His expression even carried a hint of pride. Komochi may be waiting for the next inning, he thought, but I am still in control.
"Ping!"
Kou Shunmin followed.
Another routine ground ball. Another out.
Just as Matsumoto had predicted.
Two outs. No one on base.
Everything unfolded according to his expectations. The lineup now cycled back to the first batter.
Tanaka Kakuei. Seido's captain.
Matsumoto watched intently. He anticipated another quick out. But what happened next surprised him.
"Ping!"
Unlike what many expected, Tanaka did not hesitate.
He did not wait cautiously for the perfect pitch. On Nakata's very first offering, he swung decisively. During the first rotation, Seido's batters had gathered valuable information.
They had adjusted. There was no need for hesitation. The bat connected solidly.
"Wham!"
The ball shot past the infield and dropped into the shallow area behind first base.
Its distance was not impressive. But its placement was perfect.
Tanaka accelerated immediately.
By the time Osaka Kiryuu's fielders reacted and recovered the ball, Tanaka had already rounded first base aggressively.
He slid into second.
Safe.
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