That was right. Coach Lin was gambling—gambling that Coach Kunimoto would underestimate them and send Maruse out as the starting pitcher. They had devised a whole set of strategies around Maruse, hoping to score runs off him.
Of course, Coach Lin knew that Maruse would likely be replaced by Coach Kunimoto after giving up runs. But by then, they would already have the runs in hand. All they had to do afterward was protect their lead.
Unfortunately, he lost the bet! Coach Kunimoto had actually sent out Su Qing, the one person he had thought least likely to appear! Coach Lin sighed. Maybe this was fate. But the game still had to be played! Until it was over, no one could say who would win or lose!
After throwing another ten pitches to test his feel, Su Qing felt that he was about ready. His shoulder had started warming up. At the very least, throwing fastballs would not be a problem.
After To Koyasu Nishi's players cleared the mound, Harada took Su Qing onto it to test it out again. Su Qing really was not used to this kind of mound. But what else could he do? He would just have to make do.
After warming up, Su Qing wrapped his shoulder with the towel he had brought along. He did not go practice batting or play catch afterward. He simply sat in the Rest Area, chewing gum.
Spectators soon began arriving, though there were not many for this game. Mainly because the field was too out of the way. Most of those who came were Inashiro's diehard fans, along with the brass bands and cheer squads from both sides.
The umpires arrived quickly as well. Once they were in place, the game officially began.
"Bow."
"Please take care of