NOVEL NEXT Chapter 229: [229] A Confused Seidou in the Battle Against Ikuei
Chapter 229: A Confused Seidou in the Battle Against Ikuei
At this point, Ikuei High School was well aware of their opponent's weaknesses.
Lacking a strong power hitter—or more accurately, having a relatively weak capacity for long hits—Ikuei's fielders adjusted their defensive positions slightly forward.
Their focus was on preventing Kuramochi's infield hits, bunts, and aggressive swings, effectively limiting his offensive potential.
This strategy to contain Kuramochi was something most teams facing Seidou had attempted, but Ikuei executed it better than anyone so far.
Their pitcher's control over the ball forced Kuramochi into an uncomfortable and restrained position, leaving him frustrated.
This was exactly how Kuramochi felt in that moment.
...
Whoosh!
Ping!
Despite Kuramochi being the one initiating the offense, Ikuei's defense retaliated with unexpected force, deviating from their usual style.
Under pressure, Kuramochi was forced to swing at a borderline outside pitch, resulting in a grounder to the infield.
Bang!
The ball hit the ground hard but was quickly fielded by Ikuei's shortstop, who was already prepared.
No matter how fast Kuramochi was, he couldn't escape this time.
Whoosh!
Pop!
"Out!!"
With some effort, Ikuei's pitcher and catcher managed to secure Kuramochi's out.
...
"Second batter, second baseman, Kominato-kun!"
Ikuei's aggressive defense left Seidou slightly surprised.
Even Coach Kataoka found it difficult to determine whether Ikuei was setting a deliberate trap, pursuing a new tactic, or completely changing their style for this match.
As Ryousuke came to bat, Ikuei doubled down on their aggression.
They attacked the inside corner relentlessly, leaving Ryousuke initially unprepared.
This wasn't the Ikuei Seidou had anticipated, and the two days of preparatory training they had conducted seemed suddenly irrelevant.
Ikuei's change in style was dramatic.
...
Whoosh!
Pop!
"Strike! Batter out!!!"
After a seven-pitch duel, Ikuei's battery refused to back down, throwing all fastballs.
The final inside pitch secured Ryousuke's out.
Next came Seidou's third batter, Isashiki Jun.
Even though he managed to make contact with Sato's forkball, the ball barely left the infield and was easily caught by Ikuei's center fielder.
Whoosh!
Pop!
"Out! Three outs! Change sides!"
...
Tactical shift? Strategic overhaul? A sudden attack?
Ikuei's defensive display in the first inning left Seidou stunned.
Even the audience blinked in disbelief.
This Ikuei High School seemed entirely different from the team they had seen in previous games.
Was Ikuei always such an aggressive team?
No, their last game showcased a calm, calculated defensive style.
How had their approach changed so drastically for this match?
In Seidou's dugout, Coach Kataoka's eyes glimmered with a sharp light, while Chris sat deep in thought.
Most of the Seidou players exchanged puzzled glances, feeling caught off guard by Ikuei's unexpected approach.
...
"The bottom of the first inning, Ikuei High School's turn to bat. Leading off, center fielder..."
If Ikuei's defense in the top half of the inning left Seidou confused, their offense in the bottom half left them utterly stunned.
Ikuei launched an aggressive attack on the very first pitch!
You read that right—Ikuei High School was actually playing an offensive style mirroring Seidou High School's aggressive approach. With power and speed, they launched an attack that took Seidou by surprise.
...
Whoosh!
Ping!
The first pitch, an inside fastball, was read by Ikuei's leadoff hitter. With brute force, he swung hard and sent Tanba Koichiro's pitch flying.
Tanba's expression turned grim, and Miyuki was momentarily stunned as the ball flashed toward left field.
Eijun gave it his all to chase after the ball, but it was clearly beyond his reach. If it had been Carlos or Isashiki Jun in the outfield, it might have been caught. However, for Eijun, this was a tall order.
Thud!
The ball landed on the outfield grass, resulting in a base hit.
Ikuei High School secured the first hit of the game, with their leadoff batter reaching first base.
In the dugout, Coach Natsume maintained a stern expression and immediately signaled for the runner to steal a base.
That's right—Ikuei chose to steal on the very first hit of the game! What was even more shocking was that they succeeded.
Even against Miyuki's strong arm, Ikuei executed a perfect steal.
The timing of the runner's start, the batter's coordination, and the runner's technique and speed were flawless.
Miyuki cursed inwardly, refusing to believe they hadn't specifically practiced this play.
...
Ikuei High School, aggressive as fire, kept the pace fast, giving Seidou no time to adjust.
With the runner now in scoring position, the second batter executed a textbook sacrifice bunt.
...
Whoosh!
Ping!
The bunt advanced the runner to third base, sacrificing an out but putting Ikuei in prime scoring position with one out.
...
Not stopping there, Ikuei continued to emulate Seidou's aggressive style.
Their third batter swung at every pitch within reach, regardless of whether it was a good or bad ball.
He was relentless, forcing Seidou into an intense battle.
It wasn't just Seidou who was stunned.
The entire crowd wore astonished expressions.
Who was attacking here—Ikuei or Seidou? It felt as though the two teams had swapped styles.
Ikuei's relentless offensive play seemed to be an intentional shock tactic.
...
After being pushed to a full count, Ikuei once again defied expectations. They opted for a forced scoring play.
...
Whoosh!
Ping!
The ball streaked toward the outfield, accompanied by a sprinting runner.
In this fierce, storm-like offensive exchange, Ikuei managed to score a run at the cost of two outs, seizing the lead in the first inning and taking control of the game.
Seidou, momentarily disoriented by Ikuei's sudden onslaught, quickly adjusted.
While they couldn't stop Ikuei's cleanup hitter Yanagishita from securing an infield hit, they managed to contain the fifth batter, Kimura, for the third out.
Finally, Seidou put an end to Ikuei's aggressive first-inning offense.
-----------------------
If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Leonzky