Top of the 8th inning. The batting order started with catcher Maehara at number six. My turn was slated for the ninth spot, so I just needed one person to get on base before I had my chance. Minato was still pitching for the Shikoku Islands, clinging to his position despite the looming defeat. From Minato's perspective, these next two innings were crucial for his career.
Maehara grounded out to second on a two-seam fastball. Nishitani, the left fielder, followed with a grounder to shortstop. Despite his speed, he was just thrown out. Center fielder Tajima's wish to get on base was dashed as he flied out to center on the first pitch. Three outs. I didn't get my chance to bat.
In the bottom of the eighth, no balls came my way at second base, and our team swiftly secured three outs. As I returned to the bench, I kept an eye on the manager and head coach Ichikawa, wondering if they'd let me bat next inning.
If no pinch hitter was sent in, I'd lead off the ninth. I put my glove on the bench and looked at head coach Ichikawa, who gave me a slight nod. *Looks like I'll get my shot.* I put on my helmet and headed to the plate.
Minato remained on the mound, having given up three runs in two innings. He desperately needed to finish strong to secure another chance. Despite the wide score gap, every at-bat was crucial for both of us.
The first pitch was a slow curveball, high and outside. *Ball.* If it landed in the strike zone, it could be an effective pitch, but his control seemed off.
The second pitch was a low and inside fastball, around 140 km/h. The velocity didn't seem intimidating. *Ball.* Two balls, no strikes. The count was in my favor. Minato's arsenal included a changeup, slider, and occasionally a forkball. I focused on the changeup, the same pitch Haratani had homered on earlier.
The third pitch was a slider, low and inside. *Ball.* Three balls, no strikes. I glanced at the bench. The sign was to swing away. With such a large lead, they were giving me the green light. *This is my chance. Swing hard until two strikes.*
The fourth pitch was a changeup, slower than expected. I was ahead of it and fouled it into the third base stands. *Stay patient.*
The fifth pitch was a low and outside fastball. I reflexively let it go. "Strike." The count was full. I took a deep breath and cleared my mind.
*What's next? Fastball, changeup, curveball, slider, or forkball? The forkball isn't accurate enough for a full count situation. Probably a slider. Foul it off and focus on changeups and curveballs.*
The sixth pitch was indeed a slider. I fouled it off. *What now? Changeup?*
The seventh pitch looked like a straight fastball down the middle. I swung hard, but the ball dipped under my bat. *A forkball! Who throws a fork in this situation?* It was perfectly placed. I hung my head and returned to the bench.
Batting coach Onda approached me. "It all came down to missing that fourth pitch. You saw just one hittable pitch from a first-division pitcher. Mastering that is the key to surviving as a professional."
*He's right.* The fifth pitch was perfectly placed, and even if I hit it, it would likely be an infield grounder. The forkball on the seventh pitch was masterful. *Am I still considered a lost cause at this level?*
As I watched Minato get the next batter, Arai, to fly out to second base, I pondered my future. *How can I survive in this world?* The challenge loomed large, and I felt the weight of it pressing down on me once again.