WOOSH
DOOONG
"Damn!" - Shun cursed as he watched the hit to center field turn into a double. The boy stared at the sixth batter stepping into the batter's box with fire in his eyes, eager to redeem himself after being thrown out.
WOOSH
DOONG
Unfortunately, Shun wouldn't be able to do anything. He watched the ball get hit hard to left field. He could only watch from a distance as the runner from second base crossed home plate with ease, while the sixth batter reached second base safely.
Just like that, Hokuto Junior High opened the scoring. But they weren't content with just one run.
WOOSH
DONG
The seventh batter hit a double over the shortstop's head to center field, once again allowing the runner on second base to score, bringing the score to 2-0 in favor of Hokuto.
"Damn it! We can't keep giving up runs like this!" - Captain Kazuki was starting to panic. This wasn't an issue of Sora's lack of control, nor was there anything wrong with his lead. In fact, the problem was something that had haunted Kazuki for a long time, the difference in skill.
Sora simply wasn't good enough to strike out Hokuto's batters. The only reason they managed to escape the first inning without giving up any runs was due to the miraculous defensive plays from Shun and Ren.
But you can't expect miracle plays all the time. In fact, even if they were willing to do so, the batters were simply avoiding hitting to their area.
"What should I do?" - Before Kazuki completely lost it, he saw Coach Yamada stand up from the dugout steps and give a signal.
"Already? Well, I guess there's no other choice." - Kazuki was surprised by the coach's action, but this was really their only option at the moment.
"Out!"
Jiro managed to secure the first out at first base, but he was clearly bothered by the runner advancing to third. The boy knew they were facing an incredible battery, and it wouldn't be easy to score runs, so he didn't want to give up any more runs either.
The ninth batter stepped into the box, having already received a signal from Sugawara, so he knew exactly what to do. He focused, and as soon as he saw Jiro's first pitch, he didn't hesitate.
WOOSH
DONG
The fastball flew into center field. The ball was high and was easily caught by the center fielder.
PAH
"Out!"
"Back home!" - Before the center fielder could even breathe, he heard Kazuki's shout. He looked toward third base and saw the runner charging toward home plate. The center fielder quickly threw the ball as hard as he could to Kazuki.
PAH
Kazuki caught the ball high, but as he turned and lowered his glove to tag the runner diving toward home plate, he heard the umpire's voice behind him.
"Safe!"
"Damn it!" - Kazuki cursed, realizing he was too late. He then looked at Jiro on the mound, worried.
"Hahahaha, nice run! That was perfect! Perfect!" - Sugawara was laughing like a maniac in the dugout, congratulating everyone involved in the play.
"Phew, this guy is really something else..." - Kohei sighed as he watched his friend laugh like a madman. He knew Sugawara had no mercy, not even for a rookie first-year pitcher.