Head-on Showdown

Smack!

Miyuki's hit was deflected by the shortstop's glove, completely losing its momentum.

It happened to roll toward the approaching second baseman, and Masuda lunged forward with all his might.

Smack!

"Go!!!" The entire stadium cried out in unison.

Masuda and Miyuki both launched into a desperate, all-or-nothing race!

Whoosh!

Smack!

Those farther away could not tell who had arrived first. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the umpire.

If he was out, the game was over!

At that moment, it felt as though the whole world had fallen silent.

"Safe!" A second later, the umpire stretched both arms out.

"Ah!!!" Everyone on Seidou's side erupted in cheers, drowning out even the umpire's voice.

"Safe!!

The umpire ruled him safe at the base!

The game isn't over yet!!!"

Head Manager Oota threw both arms into the air, while Coach Kataoka let out an incredibly spirited roar.

In the stands, Rei-chan clenched her fists against her chest. Some of the anger she had felt toward Miyuki was swept away for the moment.

That play had been far too close. A moment slower, and they would have been finished.

It was practically a miraculous escape from hell!!

But this only bought Seidou another breath of life. If they did not score this inning, the outcome would remain unchanged.

Even so, they did not care. Just as when there had first been two outs, having even a sliver of hope was far better than having the game ended outright.

"It's not over yet!!

The decisive victory has only just begun!!!" Sawamura roared from third base.

"Uraaa!!!" Isashiki-senpai answered at the top of his lungs.

"Sawamura-kun!"

"Furuya, throw another one!!" Feeling his own momentum was not enough, Sawamura shouted toward Furuya in the bullpen.

"Pfft!"

"Pew!"

Boom!!!

Furuya immediately obeyed, throwing a ball with all