Four balls.
After more than a dozen pitches, Zhang Han still couldn't escape the fate of a walk.
Everyone watching felt that Zhang Han's mindset must be on the verge of collapse.
"Timeout!"
Ono, the catcher, urgently called for time and rushed to the mound. Covering his mouth with his glove, he stared at Zhang Han with deep concern.
In this moment, Ono desperately wanted to comfort him, to help calm him down.
Putting himself in Zhang Han's place, anyone who had just gone through all that would find it nearly impossible to stay composed.
A hit allowed, then a prolonged at-bat that ended in a walk. A hit was still understandable. A pitcher cannot stay perfect forever. With enough balls thrown, giving up hits is normal.
But a forced walk was different.
Not only had Zhang Han never experienced something like this, but probably 99 percent of pitchers across the world rarely faced such a situation. Being pressured relentlessly until you break—that was the kind of blow that shatters confidence.
Anyone with an ordinary mindset would probably want to quit the game on the spot.
Ono was worried, and he wanted to say something helpful. But communicating with pitchers was not his strength. Especially with Zhang Han, who rarely made mistakes. Despite being partners for over a year, they'd barely had moments where he needed emotional intervention.
What should he say to ignite Zhang Han's fighting spirit at a moment like this?
He had no idea.
He couldn't think of an answer.
"Don't stand there like an idiot. Say what you want. If you don't have anything to say, go back and catch the ball."
Zhang Han's face showed no emotion. But from his words alone, Ono could feel his burning fighting spirit.
When confronted with a crisis, Zhang Han didn't choose defeat or escape. He chose to face it head-on.
Ono let out a long breath of relief.
He truly was the player who'd pitched for Matsukata as a first-year in middle school. His mental fortitude was far beyond what Ono imagined.
With his heart settled, Ono returned to his position behind the plate.
As long as Zhang Han's spirit was unshaken, they still had hope. Even if victory was impossible, they could at least end the game with dignity.
Ono squatted down and set the target again.
But Zhang Han was far from calm inside.
These second-years were extremely solid in fundamentals and impressive in ability. At first, Zhang Han had been the one in control, and he felt proud. Matsukata's training truly held up he could stand toe-to-toe with Seido's upperclassmen.
But in the later innings, especially this one, everything changed.
The upperclassmen who had already faced him once came up again. Their entire state was different they were sharper, calmer, deadlier.
Zhang Han realized the truth, They had figured out his pitching pattern.
What had been their suspicion earlier was now confirmed through Kominato Ryousuke's fifteen-pitch battle. They had cracked the code.
From Zhang Han's perspective, keeping him on the mound now was dangerous for the Freshman Team.
But Coach Kataoka said nothing. It seemed the coaching staff still wanted to see him pitch. They hadn't given up on him at all. If the Director and coaches still believed in him, why should he give up on himself?
He took a deep breath, exhaled heavily, and forced down all stray thoughts.
Then he faced the second- and third-year batters again. What happened next was something he never expected. He thought it wouldn't be difficult to get one last out. But reality slapped him in the face.
"Ping!"
"Ping!!"
The baseball was hit again and again.
Zhang Han kept giving up hits. No matter where he placed the ball, the seniors found a way to hit it.
If his pitching had deteriorated or lost control, he might have understood. But his pitches were still sharp. He hadn't weakened at all.
He could get them out earlier. So why not now? Zhang Han couldn't understand.
Hit after hit meant run after run.
One run.
Two runs.
It wasn't until the third run that Zhang Han personally covered first base, finally securing the out.
Only then did the inning end.
Even so, in the freshmen's final defensive inning, Zhang Han gave up three runs. The score became 13 to 3.
This was the final score of the game.
When the game ended, the second- and third-years erupted in loud cheers.
They had given up three early runs and nearly lost their dignity. But after Chris entered the game, they mounted a 13–0 comeback. It was enough to restore their pride.
Most importantly, they had finally stopped Zhang Han.
Even though he was incredibly talented and already possessed notable strength, he was still too green compared to the upperclassmen.
"Old ginger is spicier. Those freshmen may have talent, but it's still far too early for them to challenge second-team starters and First-string substitutes."
"The key was Chris. Without him coming in and turning the game around, who knows who would have won today."
"Well, the freshmen also had stamina issues. That last inning, they were exhausted. The fielders didn't even chase all the balls."
"What I'm wondering is was it really necessary for the second- and third-years to celebrate that loudly after beating freshmen?"
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