Even after they got Miyagawa, Sankou's third batter Out, the situation didn't get any less dangerous for Yakushi.
The players on the field were still focused on the next batter, Sankou High's cleanup hitter, Hoshida.
Hoshida has been gaining a lot of attention lately.
This was mainly because he had represented Sankou High in practice matches against the Tokyo and Los Angeles teams.
With that experience, his fame naturally exceeded that of the other players on his team.
Of course, aside from fame, his ability to hit as the fourth batter of a powerhouse team was beyond question.
At that moment, he was particularly fired up, especially after Miyagawa was Out.
He kept his eyes firmly on the mound, his intense gaze practically piercing through Igarashi.
Facing such a hitter, Igarashi didn't show any sign of backing down.
Without hesitation, he threw the pitch!
Whrroosh!
The baseball came in fast, as powerful as ever.
Hoshida couldn't help but feel astonished.
'How lucky could Yakushi High be to have such a talent?'
A first-year pitcher like Igarashi already had this kind of strength!
It made Hoshida subconsciously think of Sawamura from Seidou High last year.
Both were first-year players who immediately demonstrated impressive pitching skills.
If Igarashi's strength could truly rival the first-year Sawamura, then this game was going to be a real challenge!
He shook his head, dismissing such unrealistic thoughts from his mind.
Although Igarashi's talent is commendable, when compared to the "Great Demon King" Sawamura, it's clear that they are not on the same level.
'It is not impossible to take him down.'
If he can just read the angle of the pitch and forcefully hit the ball out!
With that thought, Hoshida prepared for the second pitch.
Here it comes!
Seeing the direction the ball was flying, Hoshida was ready, and then he took a step forward to strike the ball.
Ping!
The small baseball was hit and flew out at an even faster speed than before.
Hoshida was overjoyed and prepared to let go of the bat and sprint to first base.
"Kehahaha-Kehahahaha!!"
But then, he saw something truly unbelievable.
Suddenly, a figure shot out and positioned itself right in front of the ball, blocking it.
Snap!
The ball, which seemed to be about to fly out of the field, was violently pulled down.
Hoshida was filled with disbelief.
'Why was he there?'
He had clearly hit the ball in the pitcher's direction. Although it was slightly towards third base, there was no doubt this was the pitcher's field.
How could the third baseman be in the pitcher's field to catch the ball?
This was clearly unreasonable!
But somehow, Raichi appeared right there and blocked the ball.
At this point, it was clear that it was going to be difficult for Sankou High's team to score in the eighth and ninth innings!
Even though they had scored quite a few hits, it was only four runs.
Top of the ninth inning, the game was about to resume with a batter from Yakushi High School stepping up to the plate.
The first batter was the ninth batter for Yakushi.
He was quickly struck out.
One Out, no one on base.
Next up was the leadoff batter, Akiba.
Ping!
Akiba, who had been facing off head-on with the opposing pitchers, suddenly switched to a bunt.
This caught Sankou High's team completely off guard.
They had never anticipated such a move in a critical moment.
Akiba dashed to first base like a streak of light.
One Out, runner on first base.
Next up, Yakushi's second batter was dealt with, but Akiba moved to second base, entering a scoring position.
Now, it was time for the third batter, Mishima.
Ping!
After a few exchanges, Mishima made a hit.
The situation now had two Outs, runners on first and third.
Now, it was time for Raichi to step up to the plate.
Two Outs, runners on first and third!
Normally, in this situation, a pitcher would avoid facing a batter like Raichi directly.
Instead, they would Walk him intentionally.
By loading the bases, they would work to neutralize the threat.
But unfortunately, Amahisa Kosei was not just any ordinary pitcher.
Even though Raichi had hit two home runs against him already, Amahisa didn't back down.
He chose to face him head-on!
BUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
The heavy bat swung like an impenetrable wall. Raichi swung forcefully, meeting the incoming ball.
The ball was hit and flew high, eventually landing beyond the field, into the stands!
"Home Run!!!"
In this game, against one of the top pitchers in the country, Amahisa Kosei.
Raichi hit three home runs after five confrontations!
This directly helped his team secure the victory.
The final score between Yakushi High School and Sankou High's team was 7:4!
In the third matchup between the Yakushi High School and Sankou High's team, Yakushi was once again victorious.
Considering that Sankou High's Ace pitcher had been injured during the game, the accomplishment of Yakushi High's baseball team became even more impressive.
"In just two short years, Yakushi's Coach has led this team to such heights. It's truly remarkable," someone remarked.
Now, Yakushi is no weaker than the top three teams in West Tokyo.
After three major tournaments, they've made it to the finals three times.
Last autumn, they narrowly lost to Inashiro Industry.
This spring, they lost to Seidou High.
Now, they are about to face Seidou once again in the summer finals.
Their performance and achievements are enough to turn heads.
After the game ended, the players from Yakushi High were celebrating, ecstatic.
Their team played like they were on adrenaline, always showing such excitement.
In stark contrast were the players from Sankou High's team.
Hoshida, Sasaki, Miyagawa, Amahisa...
All of these outstanding players had retired.
Though Sankou High's team managed to recruit talented freshmen during the recruitment period thanks to their former fame, in the current West Tokyo, it would be difficult for them to take the lead.
It's easy to predict that the era of shining stars has passed.
The next era will belong to Seidou and Yakushi!
Unfortunately for Sankou High, the core of these two teams is made up of second-year students.
Seidou High's baseball team has just over 50% of their core members in their second year.
Yakushi, however, has 70% of their core players in second years.
After the third-year players retire, their impact on the team will be minimal.
"Not only tomorrow's finals but for the next year, Yakushi will likely be Seidou's biggest rival," reflected the players from Seidou's team after the game.
Especially after watching Yakushi's new pitcher, Igarashi, they became even more determined to prepare for their next challenge.
At this point, the players from Seidou's team had no idea that another new pitcher, hiding within the Yakushi team, was not just Igarashi.
…