"What about facing breaking balls?" Rei Takashima asked the recorder.
"Breaking balls below 110 km/h have a batting average of about 70%. In the 110–120 km/h range, outfield long hits drop to 30%. World-class pitchers typically throw breaking balls between 125 and 145 km/h. That's why Ushijima's power hitting results in a top-tier batting average against Changeups.
"Although the speed is slower, the trajectory and angle are difficult to predict. If you can't anticipate the ball's path, hitting the sweet spot is almost impossible. That's why many power hitters have a lower batting average against breaking balls than fastballs."
Rei Takashima listened carefully. It was clear why she was so surprised—one match had allowed Ushijima Wakatoshi to improve so quickly. Originally developed as a pitcher, he had now honed his ability to hit long-range shots. His fourth batter was certain to fall victim.
"What about Yuki's batting average?" she asked.
"Based on current strike data, apart from home runs, Ushijima is better than Yuki in both infield short hits and outfield long hits. Even if it's not a home run, a well-placed long hit combined with Ushijima's speed will get him to third base every time."
On the field, the assistant coach had organized the training session.
"Bang!"
Facing a fastball over 140 km/h from the assistant coach, Ushijima swung with all his strength. The ball soared out, and he sprinted full speed.
"Wow, that's fast!" observers gasped. "That ball hit right between right field and center field."
Ushijima ran while tracking the ball. He reached first base even before the ball landed.
"Smack!" The ball hit the wall and bounced back.
"Damn! How did it carry that far?!"
Isashiki sprinted, picked up the ball, and turned just in time to see Ushijima near third base.
"You brat! Who do you think you are, trying to run back to home plate?!"
Ushijima, undeterred, dashed toward home at full speed. Isashiki hurled the ball like a bolt of lightning into the catcher's glove.
"ha-ha-ha" Ushijima reached home just a meter short. Frustrated, he panted.
"Too greedy! Just stop at third!" the spectators teased.
"Even as a long hitter, unless the outfielder or infielders mess up, getting back home is impossible," someone added.
Ushijima ignored them. He knew that with Diamond-level speed, it was still possible.
"Alright, Ushijima, stop practicing hitting and start pitching," Miyuki, acting as catcher, reminded him.
"What kind of pitching ability are you practicing? Focus on your control now."
Ushijima nodded. Though his long hitting had improved, his pitching was still his priority.
"Are you guys going to practice pitching too?" he asked Kominato, Shirasu, and the others as he put on his gloves.
"Yeah. You pitch, we hit. This way, you practice control while we practice hitting, and we all get used to the Cutter and Two-Seam," Shirasu replied.
The others were happy with the plan. Ideally, the team's pitcher would conduct drills for the hitters, especially with multiple ball types, so they'd be prepared for any situation in a real match.
"How many pitches are you planning to throw? Can you handle your stamina?" Yuki asked.
"I'm fine. Let's focus on the team's first six batters," Ushijima said. "Miyuki's sixth batter doesn't count—that one's mine. I'll use four-seam, two-seam, and cutter balls. No four-seams today, since that's just a fastball practice. I'll throw fifteen two-seams and fifteen cutters for each batter—thirty balls each. The recorder will track everything. Once the first batter finishes, we move to the next."
Kominato gasped. "That's 180 pitches! Are you serious?"
Ushijima smiled. "Ball control only improves when you're physically fit. To complete this, you have to throw a lot. If i can't take it, I'll call a stop."
With world-class stamina and strength, Ushijima was confident he could handle it.
The training began. Ushijima pitched while the team hit, practicing control and helping his teammates get familiar with each type of pitch.
Even though his own ball control couldn't improve much—since it was already systematic—he could still practice positioning and using the pitcher's mound effectively. Ushijima had recently discovered that the angle from the pitcher's mound affects pitch effectiveness, and he planned to use this to his advantage.
As a pitcher, mastering the mound meant every throw could be even more powerful. And Ushijima Wakatoshi was just getting started.