Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 47: Preparations Before the Practice Match

When people are relaxed, time always seems to fly by, and before they knew it, their three-day trip to the seaside had come to an end. Upon returning, they began the intense training sessions leading up to the practice match.

"Yosh! Yosh! Yosh!"

Clap!

"Nice pitch, Ei-chan!"

"Shin, practice twenty throws with me!"

"Got it!"

…

"Great work! No one slacked off on bunting or base running after returning, so keep it up! The practice match is in three days!"

With the match approaching, Sendo divided the team into groups. Sawamura and Shin paired up in the bullpen for pitcher-catcher drills, while others focused on bunting and visualization-based base running.

"Visualization-based base running" involves imagining the pitcher's movements as they run, relying on the mental impressions of Wildcat pitchers they've practiced with for a long time.

They also review practice videos each night, studying the Wildcat pitchers' quality throws and identifying their own mistakes in bunting or base running.

With preparations ramped up, they've even reduced morning runs to a 3-kilometer warm-up.

"Alright, take a quick break, everyone! Remember to stay hydrated; it's hot today!"

"Yes!!!"

…

"So, how are they doing in training?" Fumino, who knew little about baseball, asked.

"Not bad! That idiot and Shin are syncing up well enough. Shin barely misses those relaxed throws now, even though his shoulder strength is limited. He's done well with the practice plan considering his talent level."

"As for the batting lineup, if they face teams at the level they saw this summer, they'll have an easy win! Sorry, I almost forgot—I've mentioned it before, but you haven't actually seen that game. I just mean they can comfortably beat weaker teams."

"Is that so? So, everyone's really improved!"

"Yeah! It's like they've all been reborn. This group really loves training and can focus as if nothing else exists but baseball. They're really incredible!"

"Is that right? Well, that's wonderful!"

"They're close to achieving their first goal—unless luck turns against them!"

"The first goal?"

"Yes! Breaking through the first match! It was the goal they set the first night at the beach!"

"Is that so? I didn't know that! Wakana doesn't know either!"

"Uh…" Sendo was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Hmm?"

"Ahem, of course not. We decided in the bath..." Sendo's voice trailed off as his face turned red.

"I see!" Fumino turned away, equally embarrassed.

...

"Good! Let's move on. From now until the end, it's all defense practice! You need to not only catch the ball but also follow my calls to throw to the designated position based on the numbers I call!"

"Yes!"

"Let's start! Third baseman!"

"Five (third base)! Six (shortstop)! Three (first base)!"

"Alright, but faster! Next up, shortstop!"

"Six (shortstop)! Four (second base)! Three (first base)! Yes, that's it—keep it going!"

"One more ball!"

....

The defensive training had been going on for over an hour, and though it wasn't quite over yet…

"Hey, you idiot in the bullpen! Yeah… you! Come here! And bring Shin along!"

"Who's idiot!"

"Ei-chan, let's just go," Shin said.

"Fine, fine! Just when I was getting into my pitching groove!"

Grumbling, Sawamura stomped his way over. It was obvious he was pouting.

"What's the big deal all of a sudden?"

"You've practiced enough pitching for now; your shoulder could use a break. Come join the defensive drills! Since you're the pitcher and still rough on the basics, and given our limited space, I hadn't included you until now. But it's about time you learn some basic coverage skills."

"Coverage? Huh… what's that?"

"Hmm… how do I explain this?" Sendo was momentarily stumped by the question, thinking it over.

"You're a pitcher, right? So you should know the pitcher is considered the eighth fielder too, right?"

"Nope!"

"Well, now you know! Listen up, you idiot!"

"Stop calling me an idiot, you idiot!"

"Alright, listen closely, Eijun. When the batter hits your pitch, everyone else has to handle the ball, right?"

"Yeah," Sawamura grumbled in reluctant agreement.

"In that case, the infielders can't cover their own bases! When other fielders step in to cover empty bases, that's called 'coverage.' Usually, second base is covered by the second baseman, shortstop, or center fielder, and third base by the shortstop or left fielder."

"But sometimes, when others are occupied, the pitcher has to step in to cover a base. Pitchers often need to cover home plate or first base. I'll teach you the basics of coverage so you're not stumbling all over yourself in the practice match."

"Alright! Let's do it!"

"Head to the mound!"

"We're going to start. First and third basemen, pay attention. I won't tell you who's catching; I'll only tell Eijun where to cover! If the play is between two players, Shin will call out who's got it. Shout out loud!"

"Got it!"

"Alright, let's go!"

"First ball!"

Crack!

"Cover first base!"

"Oh!" Sawamura responded, a bit too late.

"No need to answer—just move! Too slow! Next ball!"

Crack!

"Second baseman!" Shin shouted as the ball flew between the first and second basemen.

"Cover first base!"

Sawamura was slightly late again.

"One more time. Since your body's lagging, we'll keep going until it adjusts!"

Thanks to Sendo's impressive ability to anticipate plays, he could guide Sawamura to the right spot for coverage based on the team's movement.

After about ten more balls, Sawamura finally started keeping up, if only barely.

Sendo didn't have high expectations for him; as long as he could hear the calls during the game and cover his position, that would be enough.

"Last ball! Just like before—no outs, bases loaded, and aim for a double play!"

"Got it!!!"

Crack!

For a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Thud!

The ball hit the ground, and shortstop Ohno reacted instantly, fielding it cleanly as it bounced straight into his glove.

"Six (shortstop)! Two (catcher)! Five (third baseman)!" Sendo's instructions came swiftly.

Ohno immediately understood Sendo's plan, making a quick throw to the catcher.

Catcher Shin, using a recently practiced technique to compensate for his weak shoulder, planted his feet to increase his throwing power, and passed the ball smoothly to third baseman Oyama.

"Nice!" This time, the play was flawless—whether by skill or luck, it was executed without a hitch.

Just as Sendo had described, they successfully got both the second and third base runners out, turning a bases-loaded, no-out situation into a two-out with runners on first and second—a fantastic finish.

"Perfect wrap-up! Alright, dismissed!"

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