Chapter 269: Obstacle (1)

“In the crucial 7th innings, Yokohama capitalize on their lead with a masterful bunt from their Ace Ken Takagi to send the Captain home.”

The smooth and excited tone of Kageyama came out of the TV, giving a summary of what had just happened. Usually a commentator for professional games, he was invited to commentate since the Quarter Finals.

His counterpart was none other than Miya Furuka, her bubbly personality shining through.

“Wow, who would have thought that Yokohama had such a thing up their sleeves.” She commented in awe.

“Yes it truly was amazing. One would think that they’d have Ken swing for the fences, especially since he is currently leading the home run tally this year at 6 home runs total.” Kageyama added, his voice full of enthusiasm.

“I’d say that he is the standout of this years competition. A two-way player that we’ve never seen before who is capable of throwing a perfect game as well as hitting the big home runs.”

“You’re right Miya, I daresay he’s the front runner for player of the tournament if he continues this kind of display.”

The two continued to speak through the TV, broadcasting to over a million people across Japan who were tuning in. Although these people could not make it to the arena, the commentators did a good job of keeping things interesting.

With Kageyama’s in depth baseball knowledge, and Miya’s bubbly personality, the two were a perfect duo for the job.

“Holy crap, that bunt was perfect…” Tetsu mumbled.

He had just earlier been jumping for joy as Yokohama sailed across home plate and added another run to their score.

It was only when the live action replay showed on his screen that he could fully appreciate Ken’s play. The bunt perfectly sent the ball to the zone where 1st base had to field it.

Yet if it wasn’t for Makoto’s do or die sprint from 3rd base, it could have ended badly for Yokohama.

Yuki wasn’t too sure what was happening, but she heard the commentators talking about her son and couldn’t help but feel full of pride. There was nothing more gratifying to hear people compliment one’s child.

Chris who was in the arena watching the play live couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. He had thought the play was truly risky. Yokohama probably could have got a run in the way of a sacrifice fly ball.

Yet now that he thought about it, it was the fact that the bunt was so unexpected that it had worked so well.

His eyes focused on Seiji, his old colleague who was the coach for Yokohama and couldn’t help but grin.

‘Looks like he’s the mastermind.’ Chris thought.

After the cheering died down, Coach Narukami was wearing a frown. As the game got later and later, he felt a constricting feeling overtaking his body, like Yokohama were slowly choking the life out of them.

Ken’s masterful pitching and these small plays were wearing them down.

However, there was not much that Osaka could have done differently in that play. Takuya had made the right call and everyone rotated to where they should have been.

Even Daichi made the right decision to tell Takashi to throw to 1st base and secure at least 1 out.

The older man let out a sigh. He could only hope they managed to stem the bleeding in this innings and make a push for some additional runs.

Out of all the teams they’d played, he never thought Yokohama would give them the biggest trouble so far.

He turned his attention to Seiji Hanada and couldn’t help but feel his opinion of him change slightly, to one which held more respect.

“Batting 6th, 2nd base, Yusuke”

Yusuke arrived into the batters box and couldn’t help but smile wryly.

‘Even when Ken doesn’t hit a home run, he still steals the show.’ He thought inwardly.

Since he always had to follow up Ken in the batting line up, he often had these kind of thoughts. If anything he was usually a lead off batter thanks to his fast legs, yet he couldn’t exactly match up to the Aoyama twins just yet.

Yusuke sensed something behind him, a fierce aura which felt threatening.

He anxiously moved his gaze only to see the catcher with a determined expression plastered on his face. It was as if the last run had turned on a competitive switch inside of his brain.

‘It’s not over yet…’

As Daichi locked in, the next 3 pitches were fast and their courses unpredictable, easily blowing by Yusuke and sending him back to the dugout.

Coach Hanada could feel the shift in Osaka’s attitude. While they were still playing as usual, there was an underlying desperation underneath their movements, giving him a little anxiety.

As Naoki went up to bat, he called Ken over.

“I think you’ll need to throw your curveball when Osaka bat next.” He said solemnly.

Ken was silent for a moment before agreeing.

“I’ll throw it, but only once, and only against Daichi.” He stated, his tone firm and full of confidence.

“Hmm?” Seiji was confused. It was already the 7th innings, but he had yet to throw it even once.

Instead of explaining, he asked the coach a simple question.

“Do you trust me?”

Ken looked directly into the gaze of Coach Hanada, his face showing confidence not befitting his young age.

Seeing such a look, the coach could only let out an exasperated sigh, muttering something about the youth surpassing the elderly.

By the time the two had finished with their chat, the umpire called out.

“3 outs, changeover.”

“Alright, do what you can to keep us in the lead. As long as you get through this innings, we should be able to hold onto the game.” Seiji responded, patting Ken on the shoulder softly.

Ken flashed him a grin, “Don’t worry coach, we’re going to win this match and then the finals.”

“Hehe, okay. Hurry up and get out there.” Seiji made a shooing motion, telling Ken to make haste.