As the two pitchers put on an outstanding performance, back and forth, not giving an inch, the game continued into the 7th inning.
The score between the two teams was still 0:0.
It seemed like a deadlocked pitcher's duel.
But considering Osaka Kiryu High School had a first-year pitcher on the mound, they still held the upper hand in momentum.
Of course, they were also taking bigger risks.
Up to now, Akashi has not shown any weaknesses.
Even when allowing runners on base, the fielders backed him with double plays.
In front of Seihou, the batters of Osaka Kiryu High School were like lambs to the slaughter.
They had no resistance whatsoever.
Meanwhile, the first-year pitcher had already shown several flaws.
It seemed like it was just a matter of time before he would be broken.
In this tense showdown, even with Seihou managing to get on base, the struggling first-year pitcher held on for another inning.
He didn't allow the opponent to widen their lead.
The situation remained at a standstill.
With two runners left on base.
In Seihou's dugout, the atmosphere was lively.
Everyone was excitedly discussing the recent confrontation.
From their words, it was clear they felt relaxed.
They had two more chances, and now they were starting to make contact with the ball, getting hits.
At this rate, scoring was only a matter of time.
Next time, next time, they would definitely score.
Looking at his teammates who were so happy, Akashi's face, however, was grim.
'Since when had these guys been satisfied with just hitting the ball and scoring?'
'The opponent was just a first-year rookie.'
Shouldn't they show the power of a powerful team?
Shouldn't they be shaking these little guys, making them question their life choices?
How could they be satisfied with just hitting the ball and getting on base?
A team's ambition decides how far they can go.
Akashi suddenly felt disheartened.
Even if they won this game, so what?
With the way these guys were behaving, whether they met Seidou or the Komadai, the result would still be the same.
Defeat!
It seemed like this conclusion had already been decided in advance.
Akashi wanted to yell something out.
But he wasn't sure what to say.
He could only silently walk up to the mound.
As the Ace of the team, even if he was dissatisfied he has a duty to uphold.
Everyone's hopes and dreams are on his shoulders, he can't back down no matter what.
The game still had to go on.
After all, the final whistle hadn't blown, and the result hadn't been decided yet.
As long as they kept going, they still had hope.
By the time the 7th inning was down with two Outs, the rookie pitcher, Morishita, noticed something.
The once powerful Seihou is now overconfident and lax.
The flaws naturally started to show. As if they lost their magic.
Their specialty became monotonous, and their strength was gone.
Ping!
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Morishita decisively swung his bat.
He sent the ball flying into the air!
When the baseball soared, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
'Very good!'
It looked perfect!
The baseball landed on the ground. Morishita was the first to charge forward.
He sprinted past first base and headed for second.
Two Outs, runner on second.
At this point, the Osaka Kiryu High School baseball team made another substitution.
This time, the substitute was a particularly muscular player, even overweight beyond standard expectations.
Takami Hakumatsu.
"Another new player!"
This surprised not only the teammates of Seidou High School's baseball team but even the spectators in the stands.
They never expected that the Sly Coach of Osaka Kiryu High School's baseball team would be so composed.
This behavior is truly incomprehensible!
He actually kept such a batter until the very end.
Osaka Kiryu's fourth batter, although not yet a star player, showed by his swing that he was likely a very powerful hitter.
Had it not been for Akashi's overwhelming control, this player would have probably hit a home run already.
In fact, during previous matches, he had hit multiple home runs!
He also had many hits...
Without a doubt, he was an impressive player.
Even top pitchers would likely not dare to underestimate him.
Because any moment of carelessness could result in two completely different outcomes.
A player like this, substituted in at such a critical moment, how terrifying must his strength be?
In such an intense match, the fact that they had kept such a batter until now was a shock.
Now, it wasn't just the teammates of Seidou High School's baseball team who were confused; many of the fans in the stands, as well as players from other teams, were also bewildered.
How many more hidden aces did Osaka Kiryu High School have?
No one knew.
No one could guess what these guys were planning.
But the batter on the field was definitely one to watch.
To be able to replace the original fourth batter as a pinch hitter...
Such a thing was unheard of!
They couldn't wait to see what kind of performance this guy could bring.
There was no further waiting, and the first pitch was thrown.
The incredible momentum of the swing seemed as if it would overturn the entire Batter's box.
BUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!
A tremendous metal buzzing sound echoed throughout the stadium.
Almost everyone held their breath at the sight of that swing.
Such terrifying power had only been seen once before.
That was during the Spring Championship!
The sudden rise of Yakushi High School, with their fourth batter,
Todoroki Raichi.
With just his bat, he had created a massive storm in Koshien.
Now, another man was raising a new storm with his bat.
BAAAAANNNNGGGG!!!!!!!
The baseball was struck and flew high into the air.
Everyone's gaze followed the ball.
They watched as it soared out of the Koshien field.
"IT'S OUT! IT'S OUT!!! THE SUPER PINCH HITTER FROM OSAKA KIRYU HIGH SCHOOL, TAKAMI, WITH A DEADLY HIT!!!!!"
Originally, everyone thought Seihou High School would win, but in this match, they were not able to continue.
The team that moved forward was another one.
A powerhouse that everyone had thought had fallen.
Relying on a first-year substitute pitcher and a second-year, previously unknown, strong batter...
They overturned Seihou High School and broke Akashi's Heroic epic.
Who says only top-star players can defeat other stars?
That's nonsense!
The two players who had just taken the field were undoubtedly impressive.
They were so strong that you couldn't look away!
But honestly, their overall strength was still quite average.
The pitcher wasn't one that batters couldn't hit.
Seihou High School became anxious in the final moments.
Otherwise, with their ability, hitting the ball out shouldn't have been so difficult.
It was still very possible for them to score.
As for that batter, after his pinch hit, he was immediately replaced.
What does this mean?
It means this guy was nothing more than a one-time weapon.
A player with a unique batting style, but not capable of replacing the original fourth batter.
However, Seihou High School, looking so strong...
Was defeated by two unexpected players.
And they were defeated cleanly, without any hesitation.
This thrilling scene played out in Koshien.
After the match, over 20,000 spectators stood up and gave their highest respect.
The strength displayed by these two teams was deserving of their respect.
They were truly amazing!
So amazing that you couldn't take your eyes off them.
Powerful!
This was real power!
In the second quarterfinal of Koshien, the final victor was Osaka Kiryu.
…
Akashi's epic was shattered, and as one of the top four candidates, they unexpectedly lost.
The remaining two matches, in contrast, felt rather uneventful.
In the end, the two teams with particularly powerful strength made it to the final.
Hakuryu faced Seidou High School's old rival, Teito.
This was also a very classic match.
In the end, Hakuryu High School relied on their agility to break Teito's three-dimensional defense.
They advanced to the final four with a 3:2 victory.
On the other side, the final match also concluded.
The teams were the Komadai from Hokkaido and the Yamamori High School from Yamanashi.
Although Yamamori had an impressive battery and showed potential, when it came down to this stage, teams with just potential had little chance.
So, they couldn't escape elimination.
Moreover, the score between the two teams was quite lopsided.
16:0!
In the eight-to-four match, the Komadai Fujimaki High School baseball team didn't disappoint their reputation.
With their overwhelmingly strong performance, they completely crushed their opponents.
They didn't give them any chance to breathe, directly pinning their opponents down and rubbing their faces in the dirt.
This was Komadai, a team determined to defeat Seidou High School's baseball team.
Back when they met in the Spring Tournament, their strength was far from what it is now.
In less than five months, this team, which had been left far behind by Seidou High School, had risen again and now posed a serious threat to Seidou High School.
Looking at the strength displayed by these teams, Komadai's chances of going all the way are looking very strong.
Starting tomorrow, the semifinals' groupings were hotly debated.
Seidou High School would face the surprising Osaka Kiryu.
As for Hakuryu, who defeated Teito, their opponent would naturally be Komadai.
The teams left at the end either had incredible luck or extraordinary strength.
None of them were easy to beat.
…
T/N: As always, Thank you all for reading!!
See you Tomorrow!
Until then, take care!
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