The final match of Koshien was underway with thousands packing the home stadium of the Hanshin Tigers. Many of the professional players had also arrived to watch the game, looking out for any new talents.
In many cases, Koshien was viewed with more fervor than the NPB. Though none of the professional players thought it was odd, as many of them had played in this very tournament before making their big break.
Koshien could be compared to March Madness in the United States, or more like the College World series despite it only consisting of High School students.
This was an indication of just how popular this tournament was for the people of Japan.
The siren sounded to begin the game with Koryu batting first. There were a few people who were surprised to see the new face on the mound, however most in attendance had seen all the news articles and reports from the days prior.
In fact, some were even shocked to learn that Ken was in the dugout and not still in hospital after taking such a hit to the head.
"Batting 1st, Left Outfield, Riku."
A tall and athletic figure approached the batters box, his dark brown hair sitting firmly above his eyebrows. Despite the serious atmosphere in the arena, his face was beaming with a smile, showing no fear as he faced Yokohama's pitcher.
"Looks like Riku's team has done well this year to get to the finals." A deep voice commented. He was dressed in a business suit despite the summer afternoon sun bearing down.
"Yes, though I heard they had an easier run than Yokohama." Another voice spoke up.
Since the two were seated in the stands behind home plate, it showed just what sort of connections they had. A person had to know the right people to secure those seats.
"I'm not sure that it would have mattered either way though. Riku's been a mainstay on the National team since his first year of High School." The guy in the business suit commented.
DONG
"Heh, see what I mean?"
However, the ball which looked like it was going to skip between 3rd base and the short stop was suddenly secured by a dive from a muscular fielder. Instead of standing up and making the throw to 1st himself, he scooped it up to the short stop.
Naoki collected the ball and sent a bullet throw towards the outstretched glove of Hiroki.
"Out!"
"Ah…"
The two men who had been commenting on the player's skill earlier suddenly felt a little odd. They hadn't expected the National team player to be out on the very first swing.
However, Riku who had just gotten out didn't seem to be effected. His wide smile was still plastered onto his face, yet his eyes shifted imperceptibly as he stared at Naoki.
The next batter arrived for Koryu, only to suffer from the tight fielding of Yokohama.
Despite looking easy enough to hit, the pitches still felt odd upon making contact. It was like the ball wouldn't listen to where they wanted to hit it.
The 3rd batter also fell prey to the odd pitching style, getting caught directly in the outfield.
As the Yokohama team went off the field, those in attendance felt that they were a completely different team without their Ace on the field.
If having Ken pitch was like using a python to constrict and suffocate the other team, then Akira was like a fisherman, laying well laid out traps on the field and luring in the opponents.
While both seemed to be effective for now, Akira's seemed to draw power from the fielders whereas Ken's style focused on his own strengths.
Looking at it from an outsider perspective, it seemed like Akira had chosen the correct path to fulfill the role of a relief pitcher.
"Batting 1st, Left Outfield, Tatsuya"
Tatsuya walked up to the batters box, his face filled with determination. As he heard the calls from the crowd and the noise of the band, he filtered them out.
It could be seen just how much experience he'd received while playing at Koshien, something that everyone on Yokohama had also been through.
DONG
He flew like the wind after sending the first pitch over the head of the short stop. Not having expected to be hit in such a way right from the start, the outfielder was a bit slow to react, allowing him to get all the way to 2nd in time.
"Nice hit Tatsuya!"
"ORYAAAH!"
Tatsuya was recovering his breath, but he still sent a thumbs up to the dugout.
"Batting 2nd, Center Outfield, Jun."
His twin stepped up to bat next, his reserved attitude showing even more with all the eyes of the arena on him. However, like all the others, he was used to it by now.
DONG
Tatsuya had already shot off from 2nd base as the ball was being thrown, therefore he was safe before the right outfielder had collected the ball and sent it back infield.
Just like that, Yokohama had a great advantage in the very first innings. With a runner on 1st and 3rd base, they were in prime position with the clean up batters on their way.
"Batting 3rd, 3rd base, Makoto"
The muscular figure of Makoto stepped into the batters box, his size intimidating to those around him. He had the perfect physique for Rugby, yet for some reason he'd chosen baseball instead.
"Let's send you all home." He muttered with a grin.
The last match against Osaka had been a little stifling. Although he'd managed to get on base, it was only after getting hit by a pitch which annoyed him.
This time however, would be different.
The pitch came flying towards him, causing his eyes to bulge.
Thud
The ball landed right on his muscular thigh, bouncing into the foul zone near 3rd base.
"Hit by pitch, take your base."
Makoto stared daggers at the pitcher who had dared to take away his opportunity to redeem himself. He could do nothing but place his bat on the ground and jog towards first base, his eyes still honed in on the pitcher.