PAH
"Out!"
Shoto's dugout erupted in applause, cheering Jiro on. This first out of the second inning seemed to seal the pitcher's return to control of the game. Tenshi's eighth batter, a short but broad-shouldered kid, stepped into the box with an aggressive stance, determined not to be struck out so easily.
Daigo, noticing the confidence in the opponent, decided to switch to an outside corner fastball, a pitch that would require the batter's precision for good contact.
Jiro pitched firmly, and the ball sped towards the edge of the zone. The Tenshi batter hesitated but swung at the last second.
WOOSH
DING
"Foul!" - The batter managed weak contact, sending the ball into foul territory. Daigo quickly called for the second pitch of the duel, a high, inside fastball above the zone. The pitch came.
WOOSH
PAH
"Strike!"
A swing and a miss. The batter muttered in frustration, visibly annoyed. Seizing the moment, Daigo signaled for a splitter. Jiro nodded and pitched, keeping the precision and focus that had been missing at the beginning of the game.
The ball disappeared before dropping quickly towards the ground. The batter tried to follow the movement but swung too late.
WOOSH
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POFT
"StrikeOut!" - The umpire announced, as Tenshi's eighth batter lowered his bat in frustration, returning to the dugout under the disappointed eyes of his teammates.
The ninth batter stepped into the box, fully aware of the pressure on him. Tenshi already had two outs, and any mistake now would leave Shoto open to expanding its lead. Daigo, eager to end the inning quickly, signaled for a high, inside fastball, testing the opponent's ability to keep up with Jiro's pace.
The batter lifted his bat, visibly tense. Jiro pitched with precision, and the ball seemed like a direct line toward the batter's chest.
PAH
"Strike!"
The batter just watched as the ball hit the strike zone. Daigo then called for the second pitch, a splitter, but this time slightly higher in the zone. Now much more confident, Jiro quickly nodded at the signal and pitched.
WOOSH
PAH
"StrikeOut!" - The umpire announced as the batter returned to the dugout visibly frustrated. Jiro nodded at Daigo in acknowledgment but kept his expression focused and composed.
Tenshi's second batter entered the box with a hesitant stance. He had already seen his teammates get struck out by Jiro, and the nervousness was evident in his gaze. Daigo, aware of this, decided to keep the pressure with a simple sequence, starting with a splitter.
Jiro pitched, and the ball dove towards home plate, cutting through the air.
WOOSH
PAH
"Strike!" - The second batter swung and missed Jiro's splitter, which looked like a fastball until the last moment.
Without hesitation, Daigo signaled for an inside corner fastball, keeping the Tenshi batter on high alert. Jiro pitched with speed and precision, but the second batter managed to make contact, sending a shallow hit towards left field.
However, Shoto's defense was ready. Ren, alert and quick, ran in the direction of the ball, diving perfectly to secure the out.
PAH
"Out!" - The second out of the inning was declared, and Jiro silently thanked his defensive teammates for their support.
The third batter stepped into the box with an aggressive stance, determined to break Jiro's dominant streak. Daigo signaled for a low splitter to open the duel, and Jiro pitched firmly.
The ball dropped towards the ground, but the Tenshi batter decided to take a chance.
WOOSH
POFT
"Strike!" - This batter also failed to read Jiro's insane splitter and swung his bat into empty air.
Daigo and Jiro exchanged a confident glance, fully aware that they were in absolute control of this game. Daigo called for a high fastball to see if the batter would take the bait.
Jiro pitched, and the ball sliced through the air in a straight line. The batter hesitated but swung at the last moment, sending the ball in a pop-up towards the infield.
Kenta, positioned in the infield, had no trouble getting into the perfect spot for the catch.
PAH
"Out! 3 outs, changeover!" - The umpire announced, and the Shoto Junior High team ran to the dugout, celebrating Jiro's flawless performance in this inning.