Evidently, the first possibility was the greatest, and Coach Kunitomo of Inashiro Industrial also intended the same. With the last chance to attack, they had to find a way to score a run. As long as they dragged the game into extra innings, the game would essentially restart, and both sides would be back on equal footing.
Coach Kunitomo once again made a substitution, replacing the leadoff batter with another player who was the best at bunting on the team, possessed decent speed, and was a left-handed batter.
"Iwata, you must get on base no matter what!" Coach Kunitomo said in a deep voice.
Jiro Iwata nodded heavily. Being substituted into the game at the most crucial moment, Coach Kunitomo's expectations were obvious. Having finally gotten a chance on the field, he also hoped to accomplish the task. As long as Inashiro could advance, he believed he would get more opportunities afterward.
Unlike Inashiro's somber atmosphere, Seidou's side was much more relaxed.
The players looked calm; as long as they defended this half-inning, the game would end.
Because of this, everyone looked at Kanzaki Ryou with anticipation. With him around, there shouldn't be any surprises.
In the stands, Seidou's supporters had already raised their victory flags, their slogans echoing thunderously. They were ecstatic.
This was Inashiro Industrial — the uncrowned king of the entire West Tokyo area in recent years. Although Seidou had defeated them in the Spring Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament and the Kanto Tournament, the prestige and weight of those tournaments did not compare to the Summer Tournament.
Only by defeating Inashiro here could Seidou's supporters truly experience the thrill of revenge.
Only by defeating Inashiro here could they proudly beat their chests and declare themselves the true King Seidou!
"Kanzaki! Can you do it?"
Although Coach Kataoka's tone was phrased as a question, Kanzaki Ryou could hear unwavering trust behind it.
"Of course!" Kanzaki Ryou replied with a firm nod.
"Then go. The rest is up to you."
"Yes!"
Kanzaki Ryou walked in front, Seidou's teammates following behind him.
Standing on the mound, Kanzaki Ryou felt his hands trembling.
Was he… nervous?
He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself.
Damn it! My heart is beating too fast!
Hoo—Hoo—
After several deep breaths, he felt his hands slowly return to normal. He bit his lip and glanced at Miyuki, who was watching him with clear concern.
Kanzaki Ryou shook his head, signaling he was fine, but Miyuki frowned slightly.
Miyuki immediately figured out what was wrong. Kanzaki Ryou was undoubtedly an incredible pitcher, but his experience was still lacking. This was the semifinals of the Summer Tournament. The opponent was Inashiro. This was the final inning — the last chance to decide the winner.
This game was too important!
Could even he be nervous?
Let's throw a Straight ball first to check his condition, Miyuki decided, giving the sign.
At the batter's box, Jiro Iwata was even more nervous. His hands were sweating, and his breathing was heavy.
Soon, Kanzaki Ryou suppressed his nerves and released the pitch.
Whoosh!
The ball flew rapidly, and Iwata immediately squared for a bunt.
Too high!
Miyuki's heart sank.
Thwack!
The ball sailed over Iwata's extended bat and landed in Miyuki's raised glove.
Miyuki's expression stiffened.
This guy really had a problem just now.
He threw the ball back forcefully, glaring seriously at Kanzaki Ryou.
Kanzaki Ryou swallowed and stared up at the sky.
"Not nervous, not nervous… just a small occasion."
He muttered repeatedly, trying to convince himself. This was only the semifinals. If he panicked here, how would he face the finals? Or worse — Koshien?
After quickly hypnotizing himself, Kanzaki Ryou grinned and winked at Miyuki.
Miyuki blinked in surprise.
Hah… he still has the mood to smile. If the next pitch is that high again, it'll be a disaster.
In the Inashiro dugout, Coach Kunitomo also noticed Kanzaki Ryou's strange earlier pitch — and the unusual pause between Miyuki and Kanzaki Ryou.
Is his condition off? Is he nervous? Low stamina? Kunitomo speculated.
But he didn't give Iwata any new orders yet.
He would observe one more pitch.
Iwata was still rattled. He had judged the ball properly, yet it suddenly floated up in the latter half. Too weird.
Miyuki signaled again:
Another Straight ball — this time aimed at the batter's chest!
Being a lefty, Iwata would have difficulty hitting a diagonal inside Straight ball. As long as Kanzaki got it into the zone, it would be nearly impossible to hit.
But they had to guard against the bunt. Iwata clearly intended to bunt, just like before.
Kanzaki threw.
The ball streaked towards the batter's chest.
Iwata immediately squared again.
Thump!
The ball struck the weakest part of the bat.
Iwata tossed the bat aside and sprinted.
Too naive!
Miyuki had been ready. He snatched the ball and fired it to Yuki Tetsuya.
Thwack!
"Out!!"
With the out secured, Kanzaki Ryou instantly calmed down. He spread his arms and grinned.
Miyuki rolled his eyes, but deep down, he was impressed. This guy was trembling with nerves moments ago, yet he adjusted himself this fast.
What a monster.
Inashiro's atmosphere chilled as Iwata failed.
The second batter stepped up and was struck out in three blazing Straight balls.
"Just one more!!"
A unified roar shook the stadium. Seidou's fans stood, flags raised.
"Ryou!!"
"Seidou! Seidou!!"
Amid the explosive cheers, Inashiro's third batter — Captain Hada Kazuki — walked into the box, carrying the final hope of his team.
His expression was deadly serious.
As captain and third batter, he had to step up.
He had to carry Inashiro's hope forward.