Chapter 174: Chapter 63: Seizing the Opening
On the afternoon of April 2nd at 1:30, the match between Nihon University and Waseda Jitsugyo began on time.
In this match, the third base side, Waseda Jitsugyo, attacked first; the first base side, Nihon University, attacked later.
"Buzz—buzz—buzz—"
As the air raid siren sounded again, the much-anticipated semi-final officially began.
In the top half of the first inning, Waseda Jitsugyo, the team attacking first, was in good form, immediately showcasing their aggressiveness from the start, successfully taking the early lead:
Facing the ready-to-go Yoshinaga Kentarou, Chongxin Shen Zhong patiently maneuvered around him. After battling through 6 balls in a full count situation, he seized on Yoshinaga’s pitch mistake, successfully hitting a double, fulfilling his responsibility as the leading batter.
Matsunaga Kenta, the second batter, continued to follow Izumi Minoru’s strategic arrangement, diligently completing his role as the second batter by sacrificing a bunt to advance Chongxin Shen Zhong to third base.
The third batter, vice-captain Kenshu Yasuda, did not disappoint his teammates either, economically hitting a timely single to bring Chongxin back to the home plate, securing the early lead for Waseda Jitsugyo in the match.
1:0, Waseda Jitsugyo leads—next up is the fourth batter, Lin Guanglai.
The stands at Koshien Stadium stirred, although there wasn’t the grand instrumental support as last summer, the momentum created by Waseda Jitsugyo supporters was still considerable. Their hands waved support items, cheerleaders danced energetically, turning the entire Alps Stand into a fervent ocean.
Lin Guanglai, holding a black and gold metal bat, walked confidently into the batter’s box, ready to face his first at-bat of the semi-final—now with a player on first base and one out, it’s an excellent opportunity for Waseda Jitsugyo to seize the early lead and expand the score advantage.
However, seemingly unintentionally, Nihon University’s Ogura Quanyou wiped his nose, and subsequently, Yoshinaga Kentarou on the pitcher’s mound received the signal, beginning his throw.
"Ball."
"Ball."
"Ball."
"Ball."
"Four balls, the batter takes the base."
At his first at-bat, Lin Guanglai didn’t get the chance to swing—the greeting he received was Nihon University’s intentional walk.
Regarding this, Lin Guanglai’s expression showed little change, only slightly puzzled as he glanced toward Nihon University’s player zone, then calmly placed the bat down and jogged to first base; Kenshu Yasuda, who was initially on first base, was pushed to second base due to the walk.
Witnessing this scenario, many spectators on the stands sighed gently—after all, many were specifically there to watch Lin Guanglai, but unexpectedly, Nihon University started with a pass.
Of course, the spectators merely expressed their disappointment but did not feel anything wrong with Nihon University’s decision; including the live commentators, everyone generally believed that this choice of intentional walk was relatively rational:
With a player on first base and one out, intentionally walking the strongest batter of the opponent not only helps avoid widening the score gap but also fills the bases slightly, making it easier for Nihon University’s infield to execute a double play, ending the inning.
Standing on first base, Lin Guanglai took several steps toward second base—his position now made Nihon University’s defensive players quite uncomfortable:
This position, given Lin Guanglai’s tall stature and long legs, was actually enough to threaten second base—if Waseda executed the double steal tactic, the situation of one out with runners on second and third bases was exactly what Nihon University wanted to avoid.
Yet, at the same distance, even if Yoshinaga Kentarou chose to make a pickoff throw, Lin Guanglai could easily dive back to the base; if a mistake occurred during the pickoff throw, it might directly give Waseda a chance to score.
Nihon University guessed correctly, as Waseda indeed prepared to employ the double steal tactic in the subsequent at-bat:
Lin Guanglai on first base signaled with his eyes to Hagiyama Mitsuo, who was ready to bat at home plate, to let the next ball pass; meanwhile, the base coach outside the third baseline gestured to Kenshu Yasuda on second base, conveying the coach’s instructions.
When Yoshinaga Kentarou lifted his foreleg, Waseda’s two baserunners on first and second base simultaneously moved, rushing toward the next base; at the same time, the calls from Nihon University infield players resounded.
As a champion-level team facing this sudden attack from Waseda, Nihon University showcased their exceptional tactical acumen:
Suzuki Takahiro, who received the pitch, barely made any unnecessary adjustments, taking a quick step and threw the baseball toward second base—his catching position wasn’t particularly favorable, so he didn’t pay attention to Kenshu Yasuda running toward third base.
The front leg Lin Guanglai extended as he slid touched second base just as Shimizu Hiroki’s tag with the glove holding the ball was placed on him—these two actions happened almost simultaneously, and the call depended on the umpire’s decision.
Compared to the stern-faced Nihon University players, Lin Guanglai’s expression was much more relaxed—not to mention that Waseda was currently in the lead, even if he was tagged out this round, he would at least indirectly help a teammate advance to third base, keeping the opportunity for the team to score sizeable.
The second base umpire seemed hesitant, recalling numerous details of the scene just moments ago; players from both sides fixed their eyes on him—this call could potentially decide the result of this inning, or even the entire match.
After approximately one to two minutes, the chief umpire at second base finally made his ruling.
He extended both hands perpendicular to the ground, dramatically waving his arms:
"Safe!"
"Yeah!!!"
"Ohhhhhhh!!!"
With this ruling, Waseda Jitsugyo’s third base side and the stand erupted with fervent cheers and applause; in contrast, the Nihon University side, whether supporters or players, seemed somewhat disappointed.
But regardless, the game must go on—Nihon University’s Ogura Quanyou called a timeout, sent a messenger onto the field to calm his players’ emotions and gave them some breathing space.
Yet, Waseda clearly came prepared today, especially targeting Nihon University’s ace pitcher Yoshinaga Kentarou; each player in the lineup exhibited an exceptionally high competitive state.
Just like Izumi Minoru instructed his team on the bus before the match, the Waseda players aimed to bring down the "lion".
In Ogura Quanyou’s eyes, the players of Waseda Jitsugyo on the field had transformed into the hyenas of the African savanna, congregating in packs, opening their blood-filled maws—their teeth still had remnants of other teams’ flesh and blood; the wind blowing from Koshien carried the bloodthirsty and putrid smell unique to hyenas, making even lions hard to bear.
For reasons unknown, having coached Nihon University for over twenty years and witnessing its peaks and valleys, Ogura Quanyou felt slightly startled at this moment; he glanced toward Yoshinaga Kentarou on the pitcher’s mound, feeling that their team wasn’t a lion, but rather—
A lamb ready to be slaughtered in the hyenas’ eyes.
"Hold on, Kentarou..." Ogura Quanyou murmured.