Bottom of the fifth, Hachiya Oji on offense.
Score's 3-0.
Seidō had a solid lead.
Seidō's got a good lead, but even after that double play Hachiya Oji pulled off, the fans knew they were fighting a losing battle.
They weren't giving up, but it felt like the game was already decided.
Seidō wasn't just thinking about winning, though.
Would it be an easy win or a hard-fought one?
Their rivals were totally watching, figuring out how to play them based on this game.
Even Seidō's own players would be affected by how this ended.
As the game went on, Kataoka was really wishing they had another pitcher they could count on.
Their ace, Yoshida, was definitely a top pitcher in Tokyo, even the country, when he was at his best.
But his stamina was always a problem.
Once he got tired, his pitching would just drop off big time.
He'd go from being one of the best in the country to just a decent pitcher in Tokyo.
Not that being a decent pitcher is bad, but it's just not the same.
It was kinda sad to see him go from awesome to just decent.
He'd already started to get shaky in the fourth.
Kataoka knew that meant Yoshida was starting to lose steam.
If they'd scored a bunch more runs last inning, it would've been fine to leave him in.
But they only managed to get two runs out of that chance.
They gotta give it to their opponents—they weren't scrubs.
They were actually pretty tough.
If they wanted a clean win, they needed to really show they were on a different league.
So, with that in mind, they needed to switch pitchers.
Takumi was their ace in the hole, supposed to come in clutch when it mattered most.
They were already pretty sure they'd win today, so sending him in now felt like they're showing off.
That left Tanba Kōichirō, the second-year.
His curveball was a real weapon; when he was on his game, he could definitely hang with the best pitchers in Tokyo.
But if he gave up a hit early, especially with runners on, he'd start to crack.
Sending Takumi in felt like overkill.
But putting Tanba in could make things complicated in a game they should have had in the bag.
Letting Yoshida keep pitching risked exposing his weaknesses, which would be free intel for rival teams.
Kataoka was lost in thought, eyes sweeping the field.
The three pitchers could feel him weighing his options.
Takigawa Chris Yū, the team's catcher, started to step up, ready to give his opinion.
Seeing that, Takumi shot to his feet.
He knew Kataoka might be thinking about sending him in.
He didn't know why the coach had changed his mind, but he wasn't about to miss this chance.
After all, the only way he could get better was by pitching.
Last game, even though he killed it and they won, he didn't get anything out of it.
Total waste, right?
"Coach!" Takumi yelled, leaping up and waving his hand, making it clear he wanted the mound.
Yoshida, feeling his spot being threatened, shot back, "I'm still good to go! It's not your turn yet," not wanting to look weak.
Kataoka was still unsure, but when he saw Tanba wasn't saying anything, his eyes narrowed.
Takumi's pitching wasn't flawless; he'd burn out if he went too long.
Did he know that?
Of course, he did.
But he still jumped at the chance without a second thought.
When Tanba first joined, he'd also dreamt of being the ace. After warming the bench all through junior high, he was itching to prove himself.
But whether it was his personality or being held back for too long, he never really developed that ace mentality.
Unlike Yoshida, who even when he's not at his best still carries himself like an ace and takes responsibility.
When the pressure's on, he can pull it together.
Even Takumi, a first-year, has more of that ace mentality than Tanba does.
Should Takumi be sent in?
Kataoka was still unsure.
It It wasn't a make-or-break moment, and sending him in would pretty much guarantee an easy win.
Was it really worth it?
As he hesitated, Takigawa started to speak.
But before he could get a word out, Takumi jumped in, pleading. "I know it doesn't matter who pitches right now, but that's exactly why I should. It's not just about big-game experience, I haven't even pitched in a real game yet..."
Sincerity always wins.
He was pulling out all the stops to get his shot on the mound.
No one was going to talk him out of pitching.
Not even Takigawa.
Even though Takumi had cut him off twice, Takigawa still stepped in. "Coach, let him pitch. He needs the big-game experience."
Sure, being a batter would help, but that's just icing on the cake.
What he really needs is time on the mound.
Takigawa was actually backing him up?
Takumi thought sheepishly, 'My bad, Takigawa-senpai.'
How was he supposed to know he'd actually help him out? He figured Takigawa still wanted to keep him under wraps.
"Good!" Kataoka nodded, making the call. "Seidō is making a change. Yoshida to the outfield, and number 20, Yamamoto, will take the mound."
Just like that, the switch was made.
The teams watching couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement.
Had Seidō found a new pitcher?