In the bottom of the first, the opposing pitcher wore Number 11. He had appeared during spring training before, throwing around 132 km/h. He probably had a Four-Seam Fastball, a Two-Seam Fastball, and a Slider.
Kinoshita Little League's leadoff hitter, Yoshino, had a very low batting average against Number 11 in their previous game. Myoizumi Little League used a relay pitching strategy, though, and each pitcher might only throw two innings before being taken out, so there was too little data.
But training gave people confidence. More than a month had passed since spring training. This time, he could hit it!
Yoshino focused completely and swung at the first pitch. The instant the ball came off his bat, he had a bad feeling about it, but he still threw down the bat and sprinted with his head down. The ball bounced near the Pitcher's Mound, then skipped high over the shortstop's diving attempt before rolling toward the outfield.
"Nice!" Yoshino did not finally relax until he stepped on the base and saw the umpire spread both arms.
The second batter was center fielder Ōno. He was actually the same type of player as Yoshino—fast on the bases—though Yoshino had a slightly higher batting average.
But Ōno was very good at bunting. He tapped the ball toward third, where it rolled forward along the foul line.
"Don't touch it, don't touch it!" the catcher shouted from the side. The charging third baseman and pitcher both backed away, watching as the ball suddenly stopped on the line. The nearby umpire ruled, "Fair!"
"Huh?!" While the Kinoshita Little League Dugout erupted in cheers, Myoizumi Little League collectively cried out in confusion. That bunt had been way too perfect. How many times had he practiced that?
Number 11 helplessly smothered the ball with his