The second inning began and ended quickly. Haruto took down the fifth, sixth, and seventh batters without difficulty, while Sora also managed three outs against the sixth, seventh, and eighth batters after he started using his curveball.
The top of the third inning began with the eighth batter from Shoto Junior High at the plate. Shun put on his gear and walked out of the dugout towards the left batter's box.
"This guy, huh? I need to get back at him for eliminating me in the first inning" - Haruto, the pitcher, thought as he delivered his first pitch.
WOOSH
DING
"Foul!"
Shun made contact with the fastball on the outside low corner of the zone. The second pitch came.
WOOSH
DING
"Foul!"
This time it was a high fastball on the inside corner of the zone. Shun made contact and sent it to foul territory. The third pitch came.
PAH
"Ball!"
Shun stayed still as he watched a pitch similar to the last one, a fastball on the inside corner, but this time a little above the strike zone. The fourth pitch of the at-bat came.
PAH
"Ball!"
Shun remained motionless as he saw an outside pitch off the zone. The next pitch came.
WOOSH
DING
"Foul!"
[Master Thief (SS+)
Gives the user a significant speed boost while running between bases. Increases the success rate for stealing bases.]
Shun decided to stick with his plan. He took a small lead that indicated he wasn't interested in stealing another base, but as soon as Haruto turned and started his windup, he ran again.
"Steal!" – This time it was the second baseman who shouted, alerting the battery.
PAH
"Strike!"
The catcher caught the ball and threw it as fast as he could to third base. Shun slid towards the base, extending his hand. The fielder caught the ball and tagged Shun, but once again, the boy was quicker.
"Safe!"
Shun stood up excitedly, looking at Ren, who gave him a thumbs-up. Shun then looked at the opposing pitcher, who was clearly irritated.
"Haruto, don't worry about the runner, let's focus on the batter! We have 2 strikes and no balls, let's get him out" - The catcher thought as he signaled Haruto. Haruto also calmed down and decided to focus on the batter, delivering his pitch.
"Hehe, sorry, but we're not going to let you settle down now," – Shun looked at Haruto calming down and couldn't help but be impressed, but he quickly smiled. As soon as Haruto started his windup, Shun sprinted towards home plate.
Meanwhile, Ren saw the fastball coming his way. He changed his stance to lay down a bunt, holding the bat with both hands.
TONK
"There's no time! Throw to first!" – The catcher analyzed the situation and gave the command, but he was a little too late.
Haruto, who had run to field the ball, didn't want to give up a run and hesitated slightly when he heard the command. However, he quickly decided and threw to first base. But little did he know, that slight hesitation was more than enough for Ren's quick legs to carry him safely to first base.
"Safe!"
"Yeeeaaahhhhhh!" – The dugout erupted with excitement as they watched the brilliant play by the two friends. Shun scored a run just by stealing bases, while Ren reached first safely thanks to his incredible speed. The two players, making their debut as starters, tied the game by themselves.
Coach Yamada let a slight smile escape as he watched, thinking he made the right choice in giving these two boys a chance.
The game was now tied as the first batter stepped up to hit with a runner on first and no outs.
SHOTO 1 X 1 HOSHIZORA.