Shun arrived at the dugout and quickly greeted Coach Yamada. Today's game was the last one of the day, so Shun arrived early to watch the game of their potential opponents in the fourth round. Of course, they would only be their next opponents if Shoto Junior High won this match.
Kenta quickly left the dugout and headed toward the umpire on the field. Aoba Junior High School's captain also stepped out of their dugout and walked to the umpire. Without delay, the umpire tossed the coin into the air.
"The choice is yours, Aoba!" - the umpire said.
"We'll bat first!" - Aoba's captain said without hesitation. He quickly turned and returned to his dugout.
"Huh?" - Kenta found the captain's choice strange and walked back to the dugout, deep in thought.
"Did you win?" - Shun asked curiously as he saw his friend returning to the dugout.
"No." - Kenta shook his head.
"Ah man, you're terrible at coin tosses! I was excited to pitch right away..." - Shun said, frustrated as he went to grab his batting gear.
"You're going to pitch now, they chose to bat first." - Kenta said calmly.
"Huh? Why?" - Shun turned, confused. Although not decisive, it was undeniable that the team that started fielding had a slight advantage. Read new adventures at m_v-l'e|-novelhall.net
There were several reasons for this advantage, such as the starting pitcher being able to set the pace of the game or how batters in the bottom of the innings knew how many runs they needed to catch up.
Especially in elimination games like those in the Tokyo tournament, even though it was a small mental advantage, it was common for teams to capitalize on it.
"It doesn't matter, what you need to do hasn't changed!" - Coach Yamada overheard the conversation and was also puzzled, but as a good coach, he didn't let it show. He simply told his boys to do what they knew best.
The coach looked satisfied with his players' determination. Even though he hadn't anticipated this new variable, there was no way a mere middle school pitcher could stop his trained batters. He was certain they would make it to the Kanto tournament this year!
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Shun was calmly throwing from the mound, warming up his shoulder, completely unaware that Aoba Junior High's players were gunning for him.
After about 15 pitches, Shun signaled to Daigo, and the boy quickly ran to the mound. The infield players also joined the meeting, all covering their mouths with their gloves.
"Are you ready, Senpai?" - Daigo asked, looking at Shun intently. He had talked a lot with Shun yesterday and knew about the boy's concerns over giving up walks in this game. He was worried himself, but all he could do was do his best to catch Shun's pitches.
"Hehe, don't worry, I've never felt better!" - Shun gave a thumbs-up and smiled at Daigo. Thanks to his conversation with the old man yesterday, he was much calmer now. Shun then looked at all the infielders gathered around the mound and continued:
"Just a quick review, guys, first and third base, when there are runners on base, watch out for bunts. Don't try to make any exceptional plays, just secure the out at first. If they want to give us a free out, we're not going to refuse!" - Shun spoke calmly.
"Yes, Senpai!" - The two second-year players at first and third base responded without hesitation.
"Kenta and Ren, you two will have to cover more ground than usual. I'm counting on you!" - Shun smiled as he addressed his two friends.
"Tch! You don't need to tell me that!" - Kenta replied, a bit embarrassed by Shun's sincerity.
"I was going to do that anyway!" - The young samurai Ren muttered, feeling a little flustered by Shun's genuine request.
Shun looked at his two friends and smiled. There was no one he trusted more to have his back than these two.
"Hahaha, alright! Now get your dirty feet off my mound!" - Shun laughed loudly, feeling excited. His debut as a pitcher in an official tournament had finally arrived!