"If we win tomorrow's game, we'll have to face back-to-back games in the upcoming semifinals and finals.
Since the team's goal is to dominate the nation, the Kanto Tournament goes without saying!
I intend for us to fight for victory in every game as much as possible!
Whether it's your current back number or batting order doesn't matter. Show your resolve to stand together as one team!"
"Yeah!!"
"The rest of you can go back!
Sendou, Miyuki, you two stay behind!" Coach Kataoka said at last.
The others then left one after another.
"I didn't keep you two behind for any particular reason!
Tomorrow's opponent is absolutely not one we can underestimate!
So I want you to lead the lineup and put pressure on them offensively!
I don't care about the process. If we can pressure them enough, even their precise Small Ball Strategy will be affected!"
Hearing Coach Kataoka's instructions, the two nodded.
"Also, keep an eye on Furuya lately. To be honest, his recent performance has been a little strange!
I want to know the reason as soon as possible, so I hope you two can help with that!"
"Yeah!!"
On April 20th, Seidou's players once again appeared at Meiji Jingu Second Stadium!
Though it was still a mild spring day, the heat of the stadium was already enough to make people sweat slightly.
That morning, Coach Kataoka announced that Tetsu's Younger Brother would start in left field today and Sawamura would be the Starting Pitcher. Before long, game time arrived.
"Pff!"
"Whoosh!"
"Smack!"
"Strike!"
"Batter out!!"
"Another Forkball!"
At the bottom of the first inning, Kuramochi struck out the first batter right away.
Not long after that, there were already two outs, with Shirazu-senpai on first base.
The batting order then came around to Sendou,