Chapter 134: Top of the Ninth!

Having resolved the crisis and retired Seido's 4th batter, Dong Qingguo, to secure two outs, the Ichidai Sanko Catcher finally felt a hint of relief. Things would be much easier from here on; although the 5th batter, Nanjo Taishi, was a decent hitter, he didn't possess the ability to blast Extra-base Hits at will like Yuki Tetsuya or Dong Qingguo. All in all, this batter's threat level wasn't that high.

Nanjo Taishi stepped into the Batter's Box. He didn't feel the slightest bit relaxed despite the current four-run lead; if possible, he wanted to score and widen the gap even further.

On a stage like the finals, against a powerhouse like Ichidai Sanko, a mere four-run lead could perhaps be erased in a single inning. That is baseball.

Focusing his spirit, Nanjo Taishi gently shook the bat in his hands, trying his best to keep his wrists relaxed.

Seeing Nanjo Taishi so focused, the Catcher also became much more cautious, starting with an inside pitch to test the Batter's reaction.

"Get another run!"

"Nanjo! You can do it!"

Amidst the expectations of the spectators, Nanjo Taishi swung his bat, following the trajectory of the incoming baseball.

Bang!

The bat struck the inside Fastball solidly, and the little white ball soared high toward the Center Fielder.

Nanjo Taishi felt a surge of joy and bolted toward First Base. The baseball in the air flew over the infield; looking at the height and speed, could it be a Home Run!?

Seido fans raised their fists and shouted at the baseball, "It's dropping!" The little white ball flew to the edge of the field and landed; in the end, it failed to fly over the wall.

Just as the spectators were lamenting the missed Home Run, a figure had already run to the wall, leaped forward, and caught the baseball with their glove facing upward before it hit the ground.

"Fly, Flyout!"

"A beautiful long-distance running Flyout by the Ichidai Sanko Center Fielder!"

At this moment, the Ichidai Sanko fans were stirred; they stood up one after another to offer applause. So what if they were trailing? This was the kind of game they wanted to see—never giving up until the very last moment!

What a pity, Nanjo Taishi sighed helplessly. If that ball had landed, he would have at least reached Second Base. As expected of an Ichidai Sanko player; even with a four-run deficit and the game nearing its end, they could still erupt with such strong power. Not a single team member would give up on the game; they were all fighting with everything they had. Perhaps this was the difference between a powerhouse and other schools. Every team aiming for the national championship would not give up regardless of the predicament they encountered; they firmly believed that as long as they persisted, they would surely find a chance to counterattack.

The bottom of the 8th ended, and the game entered the final inning.

Huangqian Yangyi was listening to the live broadcast through his earpiece at this moment, while Takashima Rei parked the car outside the venue.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry, the game is about to end." Huangqian Yangyi supported his waist with one hand and walked quickly into the field, while his older and younger sisters hurried forward to support him.

"Don't rush, we'll make it," Chris said.

As a member of Seido, he also hoped to witness with his own eyes the moment the team secured the championship and earned the qualification to enter Koshien. This was also why he hadn't stopped the injured Huangqian Yangyi from returning to the field to watch the game.

Top of the 9th, the game continued. It was Ichidai Sanko's last offensive opportunity; if they couldn't score four runs in this half-inning, the game would come to an end.

"Boys!"

Manager Tahara shouted from inside the Dugout.

"The game isn't over yet. Fight to the end! No matter the result, you are all my pride! Give it your all! Don't leave any regrets!"

Manager Tahara knew in his heart that the hope of tying the score in one inning was truly slim. The outcome of this game was almost a foregone conclusion; the Seido fans in the stands had already begun their celebrations early.

However, as long as the game was still going, they would fight to the end!

Tears were already welling up in the eyes of the Ichidai Sanko players. They shouted in response to the Manager's words in unison. As a powerhouse, they had their own pride. If they showed cowardice at this time and gave up on the game prematurely, such behavior would be even more unacceptable to them than losing the game.

The first Batter stepped into the Batter's Box with firm strides. The game was still going; who dared to say that Seido would definitely win? They weren't pushovers!

*Hoo~*

His hands trembled slightly; the Batter knew this was a sign of his nervousness. But beyond the nervousness, his concentration was higher than ever before.

Get on base, must get on base!

At the Catcher's position, Miyuki looked up at the Batter. From the expression on his face, one could tell that these Ichidai Sanko batters truly wouldn't give up easily.

Come to think of it, if it were them, they wouldn't give up either. With a Koshien spot at stake and the team's entire year of hard work on their shoulders, no one could take it lightly.

Feeling the Batter's determination, Miyuki sighed, and his eyes turned fierce.

Yes, fierce. Facing a tiger making a desperate final struggle, if you couldn't pin it down with one blow, you would eventually be bitten back yourself.

Koshien was everyone's dream—it was Ichidai Sanko's, and it was Seido's.

Miyuki empathized with Ichidai Sanko's situation.

However, if we don't crush your dream, our dream will be shattered!

Come on! I won't give you even the slightest chance!

Miyuki firmed his resolve. Thinking of how Huangqian Yangyi had entrusted the game to him before leaving, he would never show even a hint of hesitation. That guy must be watching the game from somewhere!

Soon, Miyuki gave the signal, and Nanjo Taishi threw the first pitch.

The Batter swung his bat aggressively. At this point, they wouldn't let any opportunity slip by; as long as the baseball entered the Strike zone, they would swing without hesitation!

"Pop!"

"Strike!"

The baseball entered the glove; it was an outside Slider, and the Batter swung and missed.

Damn it! Just a little bit off!

The Batter pulled back his bat, unwilling, and prepared for the next pitch.

Indeed very aggressive, with a strong desire to fight. Miyuki returned the ball and quickly gave the instruction for the second pitch.

Nanjo Taishi didn't dither, throwing the baseball according to Miyuki's pitch calling. It was a High-speed Slider below the Strike zone.

Bang!

The Batter swung and hit the baseball. The ball was low and fast, flying almost against the ground toward where Zhitian Jiangtai was sitting. The latter moved his feet quickly, bent down, extended his glove to intercept the grounded baseball, and quickly tossed it to the Second Baseman, Kominato Ryosuke. The baseball was quickly relayed to First Base—put out!

One out. Ichidai Sanko already had one foot off the cliff. All the Ichidai Sanko fans held their breath at this moment, not daring to make a sound.

They were waiting, waiting for a miracle. The scenario of overcoming a four-run deficit to reverse a game was not uncommon on the baseball field; perhaps their team could do it too?

The second Batter of Ichidai Sanko stepped into the Batter's Box.

"Pop!"

"Strike!"

"Strike!"

"Strike!"

Swinging and missing three times in a row, Nanjo Taishi did not give the batter any chance.