In the top of the third inning, Seidou was on offense.
Kominato Ryosuke stepped into the batter's box for his second at-bat of the game. In the previous inning, his batting quality hadn't been ideal, resulting in a double play together with Shida Shota.
This time—
His task was clear.
Get on base.
Kominato understood his role perfectly. As a left-handed batter, he naturally held an advantage against right-handed pitchers. Although his speed couldn't match Shida Shota's, as long as he placed the ball somewhere difficult to field, even a short hit could be enough for him to reach base safely.
Facing Hayato Hinata, Kominato replayed the pitching patterns from the first two innings in his mind.
First pitch—most likely a straight ball or a fast forkball.
Average velocity—over 145 km/h.
Normally, that speed would be oppressive.
But after Kanzaki Ryou joined Seidou, high-velocity pitching had become routine in their batting practice.
Kominato adjusted his grip, a faint smile still on his face.
From the outside, no one could read his thoughts.
On the mound, Hayato Hinata glanced briefly toward Yuki in the on-deck circle, his expression tightening. He knew very well how dangerous this inning could become.
If Kominato reached base—
Sagara High School would be dragged into another crisis.
Whoosh!
Without hesitation, Hayato fired the pitch.
The baseball shot straight in.
Kominato frowned slightly and swung—
Whack!
"Strike!"
The bat cut cleanly over the top of the ball.
A fast forkball.
Kominato calmly pulled his bat back. Missing the first pitch meant the second was likely an outside straight ball, followed by a breaking pitch—probably a slider.
Having made his read, Kominato decisively prepared to attack the next pitch.
Bang!
The ball screamed toward third base.
Missed!
The third baseman failed to field it cleanly, and the baseball slipped past him, tearing through the infield defense.
"Kominato!!"
"Nice hit!!"
"Run!"
Kominato burst forward, sprinting toward first base. With his speed, a ball that broke through the infield was more than enough.
"Safe!"
Stepping on the bag, Kominato completed Coach Kataoka's assignment perfectly.
Now—
It was up to the batters behind him.
"Nice one, Kominato-senpai!!"
From the dugout, Kanzaki Ryou shouted excitedly.
Hearing him, Kominato glanced back and made a small swinging gesture toward Kanzaki, the corner of his mouth lifting.
Inside Sagara High School's dugout, Coach Yamamoto's expression darkened.
With the leadoff man on base, Seidou's heart of the order was about to come up.
Even with Ace Hayato Hinata on the mound, there was no guarantee they could escape unscathed.
"…This is bad," someone muttered. "We're probably giving up runs."
At that moment, Ochiai Hiromitsu spoke.
"If we intentionally walk two batters, load the bases, and focus on the sixth and seventh hitters, it might be the safest option."
Silence fell.
Coach Yamamoto and the players all turned to look at him.
Ochiai shivered slightly and awkwardly stroked his mustache.
Walking two batters on purpose?
That wasn't just pressure—it was humiliation.
They were a prestigious school. Was it really necessary to resort to such tactics?
Seeing the reactions, Ochiai wisely shut his mouth. This wasn't the first time his strategic suggestions were ignored. Within Sagara High School, his influence was limited; Coach Yamamoto rarely adopted his in-game tactical advice.
On the field, Yuki stepped into the batter's box.
His unmoving stance alone exerted tremendous pressure on both pitcher and catcher.
He was a long-distance hitter with explosive power—similar to their own third batter, Maya Yamato. Even difficult pitches could be sent flying if he connected cleanly.
More importantly—
The more crucial the situation, the more reliable Yuki became.
His clutch batting average was terrifying.
Now, Seidou needed him to push the runners forward and widen the lead.
Hayato Hinata focused intensely.
The catcher flashed the sign: inside, high straight ball—diagonal angle.
Even if he hits it, it won't fly far.
Whoosh!
The pitch exploded out of Hayato's hand like a laser.
Yuki didn't hesitate.
No test swing.
No observation.
The moment the ball arrived—
He swung with full force.
Bang!
The bat barely caught the ball squarely.
The baseball shot forward—not high, not fast—but perfectly threaded the gap between first base and second.
Yuki dropped his bat and sprinted.
At the same time, he glanced toward Kominato—
Only to realize Kominato had already gone halfway.
A hit-and-run!
The Sagara fielders reacted quickly. As the ball was scooped up, Kominato was already a single step away from second base.
"First base!!"
The catcher shouted.
The throw came in hard.
Whack!
"Out!"
Yuki was retired at first.
The hit wasn't clean, but Kominato had read the timing perfectly and advanced to second base.
Yuki walked off the field calmly.
Mission accomplished.
One out. Runner on second.
Hayato Hinata turned toward the dugout.
Coach Yamamoto immediately crossed his hands, issuing a clear command.
Walk Azuma Kiyokuni.
Face Kanzaki Ryou.
As Sagara High School's assistant coach, Ochiai immediately understood the signal.
He sighed inwardly.
If Yuki had been struck out earlier, they could've walked both Azuma Kiyokuni and Kanzaki Ryou, then challenged the weaker lower lineup.
But now—
With a runner already in scoring position—
They had no choice.
No matter what, they would have to face either Azuma Kiyokuni or Kanzaki Ryou.
And that—
Was the most dangerous option of all.