Chapter 76: First Battle

In the vast majority of teams, a pitcher's batting ability is generally weak, and they are usually placed in the 9th batter spot.

However, Huangqian Yangyi is different; his batting prowess is plain for all to see. When Coach Kataoka was still hesitating about his batting order, Huangqian Yangyi took the initiative to request to bat 9th.

When asked for the reason, Huangqian Yangyi explained his rationale to Coach Kataoka.

Compared to himself, Kominato Ryosuke is undoubtedly better suited for the 2nd batter position; his batting average is high, his speed to reach base is faster than Huangqian Yangyi's, and he is highly skilled, capable of executing and coordinating with the vast majority of tactics.

Placing Kominato Ryosuke here can serve a role similar to having two leadoff hitters.

If both the first and second batters have a batting average of. 300 and an on-base percentage approaching. 400, and both are fast, then the probability of at least one of them reaching base after playball is about 60 percent.

Since the person on base is fast, as long as either the third or fourth batter can get a hit, it is possible to bring in the first run.

(It doesn't necessarily have to be driven in by them personally; as long as there are fewer than two outs, it can be brought in by the people behind them.)

By fighting with this pattern, the probability of scoring in the first inning will be greatly increased.

There is one more point: Huangqian Yangyi is a pitcher. This position, which acts like a team detonator, is relatively dangerous for him. His arm is very precious; if he were to get injured while diving for a base, it would be far too great a loss.

If Huangqian Yangyi's batting is placed at 9th, it can play a greater role. If he is lucky and the 7th and 8th batters perform well and reach base, then his at-bat will have the opportunity to send them home to Home Plate.

If no one is on base, he can also reach base himself, and the 1st and 2nd batters that follow both have high on-base percentages, which is enough to cause tremendous pressure on the opposing pitcher.

If he is lucky enough to form a bases-loaded situation, then the 3rd batter, Yuki Tetsuya, and the 4th batter, Dong Qingguo, can play a major role.

Just by this one batting order, the entire Seido lineup can be connected. Coach Kataoka understood the magnitude of its effect as soon as he thought about it.

As for why this wasn't done in the past, it was entirely due to ingrained thinking. In this era of Japanese baseball, the obsession with a strong 4th batter is comparable to that of an ace pitcher. Anyone with strong batting ability, whether it be the coach or the player themselves, wants to fight for this position, or at least be in the upper batting order.

And so, just like that, Huangqian Yangyi got the 9th batter position.

Walking at the very front of the team, Huangqian Yangyi stepped onto the field, and a thunderous roar immediately erupted from the sidelines.

"Seido! Victory!"

"Huangqian! Ace!"

The rhythmic slogans swept in with the momentum of a giant wave.

Although they weren't shouting their own names, the other Seido players still felt their spirits stirred; this was too passionate, too showy, too cool.

You have to know, most of Seido's stable starting players even have personal songs written by the brass band. It was just that Huangqian Yangyi hadn't been at Seido for long, and his personal song wasn't finished yet. Otherwise, with such rhythmic slogans added to a personal song, it would have been simply boundless in its coolness.

Everyone stood in their positions one by one, and Huangqian Yangyi raised his hand high on the Pitcher's Mound, holding up one finger.

A few seconds later, as Huangqian Yangyi's fist dropped, the entire stadium fell silent. The summer that belonged to him had begun.

Top of the first inning, Omori Academy attacks first.

The opponent's leadoff batter was short and on the thin side, looking like the nimble and agile type. To deal with such a batter, Tanaka Wataru gave the sign for a low, outside Fastball.

Huangqian Yangyi nodded upon seeing this. It is very difficult for a batter of this build to hit a low, outside ball; first, the power is insufficient, and second, the arms are not long enough.

Unless the opponent stands directly close to Home Plate, but that intention is too obvious, and most people wouldn't do that.

After loosening his shoulders a few times, Huangqian Yangyi quickly threw the ball.

A baseball with a speed reaching 150 kilometers per hour flew toward Home Plate. The Omori Academy batter's pupils shook instantly; before the person could even react, the ball had already entered Tanaka Wataru's glove.

So fast!! The batter looked back and happened to meet Tanaka Wataru's half-smiling gaze.

Although his coordination with Huangqian Yangyi was not as tacit as Miyuki's, it was more than enough to deal with the Omori Academy batters.

The next pitch, an inside Two-seam Fastball.

Tanaka Wataru threw the ball back and immediately gave the instruction.

After three consecutive Strikes, the Omori leadoff batter didn't even touch the ball and was struck out.

Is this Seido's monster First Year? After experiencing it personally, one could better understand that kind of terror. His pitching gave the batter absolutely no chance; it was aggressive and overbearing!

The batter took a deep look at Huangqian Yangyi before walking off the field, and the second batter had already stepped into the Batter's Box.

Bang!

Slap!

Ping!

"Strikeout!"

Without even half a chance, the second person was out as well.

Not long after, the coordination between Huangqian Yangyi and Tanaka Wataru successfully retired Omori Academy in order.

"As expected of the ace, it's so reassuring."

"Seido is really going to rise."

"Ya-ha-ha, hard work pays off. After so many years, it's finally time for our Seido to shine."

"Huangqian, well done!"

The spectators on the sidelines enthusiastically applauded and cheered for Seido. Returning to the Dugout, Huangqian Yangyi immediately took the water handed to him by Miyuki and took a small sip.

"Senior, it's up to you guys from here on," Huangqian Yangyi said.

Zhitian Jiangtai, who was about to go up to bat, gave a thumbs up: "Leave it to me, no surprises on reaching base."

"Mm, try to end the game early," Huangqian Yangyi said.

Regarding this, no one would hold a dissenting opinion. The Summer Tournament schedule was truly a bit dense; being able to end early and save physical strength was definitely a good thing for them.

Standing in the Batter's Box, Zhitian Jiangtai did not have any change in his mindset due to the strength of the opponent. He only knew that their ace had expectations of him, and he also wanted to help Huangqian Yangyi. Being able to end the game early not only meant more rest time for the pitcher but also greatly reduced the risk of injury.

On the Pitcher's Mound, Omori Academy's ace, Xiangtian Dahe, was a pitcher specializing in Breaking Balls. His Fastball speed was only around 140, but he had mastered the Slider, Curveball, and Forkball, so his ability was not bad at all.

"The first pitch, stuff an inside Fastball to test him out. This batter is good at hitting outside pitches."

The Omori High School catcher calculated in his heart. They had also studied Seido's data and knew that Zhitian Jiangtai was good at hitting outside pitches.

Xiangtian Dahe blew on the rosin on his hand and quickly threw the first pitch.

Zhitian Jiangtai, in the Batter's Box, narrowed his eyes. So slow!

Having hit Huangqian Yangyi's pitches often during regular training, seeing this pitch of less than 140 kilometers per hour now, Zhitian Jiangtai felt like it was in slow motion.