Iijima has had an unconventional path to professional baseball. Starting in the corporate leagues, moving through the American minor leagues, and playing in independent leagues, he was finally drafted sixth round in the same year as me. A right-handed underhand pitcher, Iijima doesn't rely on speed but on precise control and his ability to disrupt a batter's timing.
In his professional debut as a starter, Iijima faced the Senshu Blacks. The top of the first inning began with the leadoff batter Kishi hitting a deep fly ball, but the center fielder made a superb catch. The second batter, Nukaga, lined out to second base on a full count, and the third batter, Kurosawa, hit a liner to left field, but the score remained 0-0.
"Hmm, it seems he's being hit quite well," Haratani observed.
"Yeah, but the ball flew right to our fielders," I responded. "It's great that he kept the score at zero in the first inning. Hopefully, this will give him confidence."
In the bottom of the first, the Shizuoka Oceans' lineup rallied, taking a three-point lead with a leadoff home run by Arai.
As Iijima faced the cleanup hitter, Okamura, the league's home run leader, in the second inning, he was cautious. The first pitch was an inside fastball, which Okamura let pass. The second pitch, a curveball on the outside corner, was called a strike. The third pitch was a high straight ball in the middle, and Okamura fouled it off, visibly frustrated as it could have been a home run.
The next pitch was a slider right down the middle, a risky move, but it caught Okamura off guard. He watched it go by, struck out looking.
"That's what happens with good batters," Haratani commented. "The pitch was so perfect he couldn't react."
Taniguchi nodded in agreement.
However, the next batter, designated hitter Brandon, hit a first-pitch fastball high and in the middle into the left-field stands, making the score 3-1.
Catcher Suzuki ran up to the mound for a quick chat.
"What do you say in situations like this?" I asked Haratani.
"It depends on the pitcher, but usually you tell him to reset and focus on the next batter," Haratani explained.
Mitamura, uncharacteristically, remained silent and focused on the TV screen.
Iijima adjusted, pitching carefully to the next batter, Mizutani. The first pitch was low and outside, the second pitch was on the edge of the strike zone. Mizutani swung at the third pitch, a high fastball, and flew out to center field. The seventh batter, Imanaka, grounded out to short on a curveball, ending the inning with just one run allowed.
In the bottom of the second, the Shizuoka Oceans' offense struggled, with three consecutive strikeouts. The top of the third saw Iijima allow a hit to the leadoff batter, but a double play ended the inning with no runs scored.
"If we only give up one run in the third inning, that's a good result," Haratani noted.
"Yeah, but the real test will come as the batters get accustomed to his pitching," I replied.
In the bottom of the third, the Oceans capitalized on an error by the Senshu Blacks, scoring six runs and extending their lead to 9-1. Iijima was lucky—if he could maintain this level of performance until the fifth inning, he would be the winning pitcher.
In the top of the fourth, Iijima allowed a double to Okamura with two outs, bringing up Brandon, who had already homered once. Iijima pitched cautiously, missing the strike zone with the first three pitches. The fourth pitch, a low inside slider, was swung at like a golf shot by Brandon, sending it into the left-field stands again, making the score 9-3.
Pitching coach Tsudanuma came out to the mound, gathering the infielders.
"Is it time for a pitcher change?" I wondered aloud, holding my breath along with everyone else watching the screen.
But the mound visit ended, and Iijima stayed in. He looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath before facing the next batter.
Iijima forced Mizutani to hit two foul balls with curveballs, quickly putting him under pressure. Despite the situation calling for a pitch outside the strike zone, Iijima struck him out with a low and outside slider, escaping the inning with only three runs allowed.
"Hmm, I hope he can hold off for one more inning," Haratani said. "He'll likely pitch until the fifth and then be relieved. If they can avoid conceding more runs, there might be another chance."
The bottom of the fourth saw the Shizuoka Oceans' offense stymied, ending without any points. As the game entered the top of the fifth inning, we all watched with bated breath, hoping Iijima could navigate this crucial inning without further damage.
___________________________________________________________
support me on patreon: currently [Episode 43: First professional start]/
patreon.com/ilovefanfics594
PS will be greatly appreciated / 5 power stones = 1 extra chapter
A small tip would mean a lot! Your support helps me continue doing what I love. Thank you so much! 🙏
https://ko-fi.com/ilovefanfics