Ace of Diamond

Seido takes on Norikane High as Sawamura struggles to live up to the weight of the team's ace number.

Ichidaisan High faces off against Yakushi, with Amahisa revealing a new pitch in his showdown with Raichi.

The showdown between Amahisa and Raichi kicks off the second half of the Yakushi-Ichidaisan match.

Four quarterfinals matches play out as the semifinalists are decided.

Potential injuries plague both Seido and Ichidaisan, while Sawamura tries out new pitches.

Amahisa and Sawamura reveal a few new tricks to start the Ichidaisan-Seido match.

Ichidaisan and Seido continue to clash with no ground to spare in a tight match between ace pitchers.

The Seido baseball club has been invited to the spring invitational at the hallowed Koshien Stadium. Sawamura will finally stand on the mound! Standing between Seido and the national title are the winners of last year's summer tournament Komadai Fujimaki and their unstoppable ace Masamune Hongo. Can Seido triumph over Komadai? It's the start of another heated battle in youth baseball!

In the second round of the invitational, Seido faces Nihon Shono. After throwing a 150 km/h pitches to shut down batters in the first round, Furuya has become the darling of the press and the fans. Which team will advance to the quarterfinals? What about the other team from Tokyo, Yakushi led by Todoroki Raichi? And what of the summer tournament winners, Komadai Fujimaki? The quarterfinals are taking shape.

It's ninth day and fourth round of the spring invitational and Seido will finally face Komadai Fujimaki. It's Masamune Hongo's first start of the tournament, and he has not given up a single run. How will the Seido batters counter his 150 km/h fastballs and sharp splitters? Meanwhile, Furuya is starting for Seido. How will he fare against the Komadai Fujimaki batters?

The quarterfinal match against Komadai Fujimaki is wrapping up. Miyuki earned Seido's only hit against Komadai Fujimaki's Hongo in seven innings. However, Seido's Furuya continues to respond to Hongo and improve his game. Will Seido be able to earn a spot in the semifinals? Will Sawamura get a chance to play?

Losing to Komadai Fujimaki, Seido is out of the spring invitational. What did Furuya as he pitched against Hongo? But there's no time to bask in the afterglow of Koshien Stadium. The Seido lineup is shifting once again. New first-years are joining the team. The other baseball club members are carefully measuring the time left until the summer tournament. And then Haruichi unveils a unexpected change.

Seido has little time to rest after the spring invitational before the Tokyo spring tournament. Their first round opponent is Eigen High School. Kawakami is the lead-off pitcher, but the crowd is expecting Furuya who shone at Koshien Stadium. Will Furuya make an appearance? And what about Sawamura, who was disappointed and Koshien Stadium and is all too aware of Furuya's prowess?

A third-round game at the Tokyo spring tournament is attracting a lot of interest. Inashiro Industrial, the runner-up team from last year's summer tournament with this generation's best southpaw, Mei Narumiya, is facing Yakushi, a quarterfinal finisher from the spring invitational. How have they grown after their winter training and experience in the invitational? Has Narumiya recovered after his disappointing run in the fall? This heavily watched game is about to get under way!

At Meiji Jingu Secondary Stadium, the sparks are flying as Inashiro and Yakushi's game wraps up. Meanwhile, Okumura and the other new Seido first-years are learning how tough high school baseball can be. Seido can seat 20 players on the bench for the spring tournament, but they've only registered 18. Coach Kataoka purposely left two spots open so the third-years for whom this is the last summer tournament, as well as the second and new first-years will compete for them.

Seido has made it to the fourth round of the Tokyo Spring Tournament. With East and West Tokyo competing, there are some interesting games coming! Teito, a school that has played many times at Koshien Stadium and defeated the reigning champions Inashiro in last year's fall tournament, is facing Ugumori who have been getting lots of attention. The winner of this game will play Inashiro in the fifth round! It will be a match to see!

Sawamura goes to tell Miyuki about Okumura's outburst, but remembers his own conflict with upperclassmen and judging Chris before knowing his situation. In the spring tournament, Teito's game against Ugumori finishes and Seido will face Kasgua First High in the quarterfinals. Will Furuya start, or Sawamura? With Ichidai Third High's Amahisa and the new first-years watching, Coach Kataoka declares they will win and selects the starting pitcher...

It's the quarterfinals of the spring tournament and Seido is playing Kasuga First High. In the bottom of the third inning, Haruichi Kominato gets a timely hit to give Seido the lead and bring the cleanup Miyuki up to bat. Can Miyuki take the pressure of starting pitcher Sawamura? The fifth inning sees a big chance for Kasuga First. Can Sawamura see the game through? Meanwhile, the effect of Koshien Stadium on Furuya has become apparent, making him more focused on being the ace. What is it he sees, looking forward?

After being added to the bench, first-year Masashi Yuki hits a home run in his first game. Okumura, Yui and Asada, each with their own emotions, are practicing and getting more familiar with the team. The team is preparing for their next game against Ichidai Third High. During practice, Miyuki prioritizes catching for Furuya, which frustrates Sawamura. Having been reproached by Miyuki for clasing with Sawamura, Okumura volunteers to catch for him.

The spring tournament game against Ichidai Third High has finally begun. Seido is batting first against Ichidai Third High ace Kosei Amahisa. Seido's cleanup starts as Haruichi Kominato steps up to the plate with one out and a runner on third. Will Miyuki getting them to bat first help them take the lead? Meanwhile, Seido's starting pitcher Furuya takes the mound with the same emotions he felt in the Invitational. The early innings are turning into a heated battle!

The spring tournament game against Ichidai Third High has finally begun. Seido is batting first against Ichidai Third High ace Kosei Amahisa. Seido's cleanup starts as Haruichi Kominato steps up to the plate with one out and a runner on third. Will Miyuki getting them to bat first help them take the lead? Meanwhile, Seido's starting pitcher Furuya takes the mound with the same emotions he felt in the Invitational. The early innings are turning into a heated battle!

It's Seido vs Ichidai Third High in the spring tournament semifinals. Up 2 - 0 until the fifth inning, Seido's starting pitcher Furuya faces an Ichidai rally. Unable to control the ball, his pitching continues to falter. Miyuki trusts Furuya as the ace and does his best to guide him. However, after his third walk in one inning, Coach Ochiai gives Coach Kataoka a bit of advice, helping him make a firm decision to...

It's the spring tournament semifinal game against Ichidai. After saving his team with his perfect relief pitching, Sawamura is now the lead-off batter in the top of the sixth. Can Sawamura get on base and lead his team in a counterattack? Ichidai Third High's Amahisa's impeccable pitching hasn't allowed Seido a run since the second inning. Will the Seido batters support Sawamura and mount a comeback? Which team will advance to the final?

After their own semifinal game the nine Seido players watch Inashiro's semifinal against Teito. Narumiya and Mukai both played at Koshien Stadium as first-years, and then received their powerhouse school's ace number as second-years, and they'll both be pitching. Meanwhile, Seido High School is analyzing their game against Ichidai Third High, focusing on Coach Kataoka. Then, Miyuki remembers a certain thought...

After seeing the result of the spring tournament, the Seido players think about what they lack, and begin to act on it. Sawamura shows an especially strong will to improve, and it propagates to other third-years. Meanwhile, the final game of the spring tournament is being played. Miyuki and Furuya, who has felt pressure ever since playing at Koshien Stadium, are at Meiji Jingu Secondary Stadium to see it.

Coach Kataoka announces the team will play an intrasquad game, setting the practice fields abuzz. The first-years are eager to perform in order to make the second string, but so are the upperclassmen who want to make the first string. With Sawamura and the other main players looking on, first-year Kukki starts the game. How will Okumura, Seto and the other first-years counter the intense competitive spirit of the upperclassmen?

The first-years are playing the second and third-years in an intrasquad game. In the third inning, the Asada-Okumura battery comes on to face the upperclassmen. After seeing Okumura and Seto's aggressive play, Asada thinks to himself that he wants to live upto Okumura's expectations. Will Asada's pitches hit their mark? Meanwhile, Kawashima continues his intense pitching to try to take back his illustrious spot on the bench. Can Okumura and Seto's devious batting continue to work on the upperclassmen?

With the intrasquad game over, Kataoka selects those who will be on the first string, causing joy and sorrow among the first-years and the upperclassmen. Meanwhile, Miyuki begins talking about the team at length with Kuramochi in their classroom. Although he says, "Honestly, no amount of time would be enough," Kuramochi says Miyuki still seems to be enjoying himself.

Miyuki has ordered Sawamura and Furuya to practice with the first-year catchers. Will they be able to lead and live up to Miyuki`s expectations? During night practice, Sawamura is enthusiastic to have Miyuki catch for him. Then Coach Kataoka shows up and watches the numbered pitches Sawamura throws to Miyuki. Kataoka has something to tell Sawamura.

During the long break in May, the powerhouse schools travel to different parts of the country to compete in practice games to prepare for the summer tournament. Fujimaki Komadai has traveled to Osaka to play Osaka Kiryu; Inashiro is playing Saiho in Aichi; Yoshinaga from Tokushima is in Kumamoto playing Shogakkan. Seido tides themselves over by playing Yamaga in Saitama, but then it`s time for Sawamura to take the mound against Hakuryu, a team that finished in the semi finals of the Invitational.

The game against Hakuryu and third batter Mima is finally under way. They are one of the most mobile teams in the country. Sawamura finds himself in trouble early in the first inning. Will his pitching style work against the Hakuryu batters? Meanwhile, Seido has changed up their batting order to be more aggressive after their loss in the spring tournament. How will they fare in this game?

Sawamura`s pitching is looking strong against Hakuryu. Mima and the high school baseball fans were expecting to see Furuya pitch, but they have to acknowledge Sawamura`s skill. Meanwhile, out in left field, Furuya can`t stop thinking about standing on the mound. What will Kataoka do as he loses his focus? And then, Sawamura faces Mima for the third time.

The game against Hakuryu, a quarterfinalist in the Invitational, is entering the final stretch. What has Sawamura felt and learned facing a nationally ranked powerhouse school? What did Furuya feel and learn watching Sawamura pitch the game on his own? Both pitchers have mixed emotions. Meanwhile, Mima, who also wants to play professionally, has taken an interest in Miyuki.

The game against Hakuryu, a quarterfinalist in the Invitational, is entering the final stretch. What has Sawamura felt and learned facing a nationally ranked powerhouse school? What did Furuya feel and learn watching Sawamura pitch the game on his own? Both pitchers have mixed emotions. Meanwhile, Mima, who also wants to play professionally, has taken an interest in Miyuki.

After a series of successful practice games, the Seido Nine are intensely focused on preparing for the summer tournament. Sawamura, encouraged by Kataoka`s words, begins rising early in the morning to train. Meanwhile, after seeing Sawamura`s improvement, Furuya tries to help out with batting practice. Their rivalry seems to be having a positive influence on both of them, until...

The Seido baseball team is hard at work preparing for the summer tournament. Meanwhile, the team managers are reviewing notebooks and clippings of newspaper and magazine articles about the team since their appearance at the Invitational. They remember the passionate emotions of Sawamura and Furuya during the games. Seeking consecutive spring and summer appearances at Koshien Stadium, they are striving to improve.

Sawamura is the starting pitcher in the practice game against Chiba`s powerhouse, Naruta Industrial. How will his pitches fare against their batters known as the Southpaw Killers? It will be another trial for Sawamura, who must handle another big game. Plus, Naruta Industrial and Kuramochi have a previous relationship. What happened between then?

In order to prepare for unforseen circumstances in the summer tournament, Coach Kataoka has the players play out of their normal positions. Sawamura played left field in a practice game and Furuya played the infield during batting practice. Coach Kataoka asks straight-out if Yui, a first-year who made the first string, if he can play multiple positions. How will Yui, who has played catcher his whole career, respond?

Returning from his injury, Furuya joins a game with the second string. Seeing Sawamura shine in the first string`s game, Furuya mulls over the words Kataoka wrote in his journal. Meanwhile, in Yamanashi prefecture, Seido`s rivals Yakushi, Ichidai Third High and Inashiro Industrial compete in intense games for the spring Kanto Tournament. Sawamura and his teammates watch intensely as their rivals become stronger.

Sawamura has demonstrated his remarkable growth during the practice games, and people have taken notice, especially his outstanding performance in the Hakuryu game. His pitching has inspired Furuya, too. In the second-string game, Furuya`s pitching showed meaningful progress. His emotions transfer into the ball.

An announcement is made that Miyuki will leave the team and play in the Tokyo Invitational. Seto and Okumura will play on the first string while Maezono and Kuramochi take charge of the team. Miyuki sets off for the Inashiro Industrial practice field where the invitational will be held. Well-known players from several schools arrive for the team's first meeting.

It's the Tokyo Invitational game against the Wynd Youth Academy. The starting pitcher is Shunshing Yeung from Akikawa Academy. He's known as a precise machine, but because of JHBF regulations, it's his first game in quite a while. How will Yeung's pitches fare against the American team? Meanwhile, Seido's round-robin games against Seiho and Yamamori are underway. How will Seido take on these powerhouse schools without Miyuki?

Miyuki's team in the Tokyo Invitational is having trouble batting against Wynd Youth's left-handed pitcher Conrad. The American team has the lead going into the seventh inning, when Narumiya finally takes the mound. Meanwhile, Furuya and Ono have formed a battery to take on Yamamori. Ono is quietly eager to help Furuya pitch the way he's used to, even without Miyuki.

Taking the mound in the seventh inning against the American Wynd Youth team, Narumiya strikes out their cleanup batter Carlisle, but his last swing is so hard, it goes full circle and hits catcher Inui in the head. Coach Kunitomo decides to switch catchers. As Miyuki dons the catcher's mask, he and Narumiya form a battery that should be impossible. Meanwhile, Seido is playing Yamamori Academy in a practice game. With Miyuki away, Ono is making impressive gutsy plays, until there's an accident...

It`s the final innings of the game against the Wynd Youth. Following Narumiya's masterful relief pitching, the other Inashiro players, Carlos, Shirakawa and Yamaoka have really shone. Miyuki is reminded how imposing his rival team is. Meanwhile, in Seido's practice game against Yamamori, Yui is wearing the catcher's after Ono had to leave the field. Several walks and battery errors are making the game difficult. Yui blames himself for throwing off Furuya's rhythm.

After losing Ono to an injury, the Furuya-Yui battery has trouble establishing a rhythm, repeated making errors and walking batters. Still unable to recover, they give up runs and with the team in trouble, Furuya has to leave the mound. Kaneda the relief pitcher pitches well, but he is unable to stop Yamamori Academy's momentum, and Seido's winning streak ends at nineteen games. In game 2 against Seiho High School, the beast of Aichi, Sawamura is the starting pitcher. After receiving encouragement from Coach Kataoka, Sawamura boldly takes the mound.

It`s Seido`s practive game against Seiho, the beast from Aichi. Sawamura has a great first inning, striking out two batters. They`re facing Seiho`s ace Akashi, once hailed as the super rookie when he played at Koshien Stadium as a first-year. After an injury caused his form to deteriorate, he spent a year in obscurity. Now, he has returned armed with a muscular body and powerful pitches. The Sawamura-Okumura battery must cooperate to take on Seiho`s machine-gun-like batting lineup.

The tense practice game against Seiho is tied at 0. Sawamura gets into trouble in the top of the sixth inning, but an incredible throw to home by center fielder Aso pulls the team through. In the bottom of the same inning, lead-off batter Yuki's hit arcs high. How far will it go? Meanwhile, Sawamura is feeling the weight of his responsibility to the coach and his team and continues spiraling down. His dogged determination is obvious to not only the nine fielders, or the players on the bench, but even to the fans in the stands.

On the train home after the Tokyo Invitational game, Miyuki meets Narumiya and gives him some honest advice. They promise an intense battle in the summer tournament. Meanwhile, the fierce game against Seiho on Seido's practice field has come to an end. The Seido nine reflect on their challenges to address, including those from their loss to Yamamori Academy. It's now time to decide the twenty players who will make the roster for the summer tournament.

The Seido baseball team is holding their summer training camp. The managers are working hard to prepare onigiri for them to eat. Sawamura is trying to eat natto, his least favorite food, in order to gain the stamina to pitch for nine innings without getting tired. The players are keenly interested in who will perform well in the training camp and earn a numbered jersey for the summer tournament. Will Sawamura, Furuya or Kawakami earn the right to wear the ace number?

It's the final day of the summer training camp. The batters of the Seido nine are doing all they can to prepare to face top-tier pitchers like Narumiya and Amahisa. That evening, Coach Kataoka starts fielding drills that work the players to the bone. The next day is the drawing to decide which block each school will play in for the summer tournament. What teams will Seido High School be up against?

Showing the sum total of his pre-tournament training, Sawamura pitches impressively against powerhouse school Kokonoe, holding them to two runs in eight innings. Meanwhile, Ochiai still holds esteem for Furuya who wore the ace number and still continues to improve. Will Seido's ace for this summer be Sawamura, or Furuya? What will Kataoka decide?

Seido awaits their first game of the summer tournament. Sawamura wants to get used to wearing the ace number and so begins to sleep in his uniform, earning him a teasing from his roommates. Coach Kataoka receives an stimulating call from his former mentor Coach Sasaki, the coach of Yura Sogo Engineering High School who they are about to face. Yura Sogo competes in the first round anticipating their game against the seeded Seido. What does the cunning Coach Sasaki have up his sleeve?

The summer tournament is finally under way. Seido's first opponent, Yura Sogo led by Coach Sasaki, is preparing themselves thoroughly for the game. Narumiya starts the first game for Seido's rival, Inashiro. Even though their opponent is no match for them, Inashiro never wants to show any sign of weakness in a baseball game. In stadiums around the country, powerful schools begin their battles. And now it is time for Sawamura to take the mound for the first time as ace...

Sawamura takes the mound with the ace number for Seido's first game of the summer tournament. But the first batter gets on base which messes up his rhythm, and he gives up one run in the first inning. With another runner in scoring position, Coach Sasaki has the Yura Sogo batters aim for Sawamura's inside fastballs. Sawamura's been caught in Sasaki's cunning trap. Can they get back in the game?

Seido's first game of the summer tournament against Yura Sogo is heating up. In the first inning, Seido allowed two runs and only scored one, giving Yura Sogo the lead. Sawamura walks the lead-off batter in the top of the fourth inning and is struggling to regain his composure. Will Kataoka decide to keep Sawamura in or switch pitchers? Meanwhile, the Seido fielders rally to support their pitcher. Will Seido be able to strike back?

Seido has defeated Yura Sogo in a called game. Reflecting on their inability to establish a rhythm in the early innings, Seido begins to analyze and strategize against their next opponent, Hachiya Oji. Of particular interest is their captain, second baseman Kawabata. Kuramochi and Haruichi are fired up to face their rival fielder. Meanwhile, Kataoka calls Sawamura to his office after the coches' meeting, and tells him to make the most of his experience from the first game.

The summer tournament is in full swing and Seido is playing their second game against Hachiya Oji and their skilled second baseman Kawabata. Furuya is the starting pitcher and has recovered nicely, throwing howling fastballs in the first inning. But Hachiya Oji has been expecting them, and third batter Kawabata hits one which nearly sails into near center field, but Haruchi and Kuramochi are there to stop it!

It's the top of the seventh inning in Seido's game against Hachiya Oji. Hachiya Oji has to score this inning or else the game will be called. Kawabata fought his way to a base, but it would be Hachiya Oji's last offensive. Seido's victory is imminent. After hearing Furuya say he'd get to play next game, Sawamura watches the game from the bench, the number one on his back. The story of these two players vying for the title of ace will continue.

At the Baseball Kingdom magazine office, Mine looks back to the summer tournament. The game between Yakushi and Seido was an exciting watch. Seido played their pitcher relay in order to face Yakushi's powerful batting lineup.

Monthly Baseball Kingdom continues their recap of the Summer Tournament by reviewing the Seido, Inashiro Tokyo West regional championship game. The recap covers until Eijun heads to the mound.

Monthly Baseball Kingdom finishes their recap of the Summer Tournament by finishing the review on the Seido, Inashiro regional championship game. The recap covers all of Eijun's pitches right up until Inashiro gets the game-winning hit off of Kawakami.

Seido ends up in the fall's most competitive bracket. In order to have any chance to advance they will have to overcome regular national tournament participant Teito, a school that has advanced to nationals 27 times and won in twice. As if that weren't enough, Teito has an unrivaled first year pitcher who can see the strike zone three dimensionally. Coach Kataoka comes up with a strategy that could give Seido the ability to advance if they can pull it off, and he delivers a few words to Sawamura when Sawamura asks if he can switch to being a sidearm pitcher.

Seido and Teito begin playing in the rain. Every time Seido goes out to field the rain seems to pick up. Making things harder is Teito's pitcher is using his 3D strike zone to its fullest, keeping Seido from getting on base. As things pick up in the sixth the rain gets heavier. Furuya gets in the zone and throws his best pitches of the day. Everyone thinks Furuya will be unbeatable, but as the top of the sixth ends a pause is called for, ruining all of Furuya's focus.

The game is paused due to the rain. Mukai stretches in his dugout, Furuya looks spaced out, and Sawamura is pitching in the bullpen. The game resumes, and Miyuki immediately gets a double. However, Mukai is keeping it cool on the mound.

Sawamura makes a great relief. However, Mukai, as the self-proclaimed best pitcher his year, continues to toy the Seido batters. Kuramochi fights for a walk to first and Haruichi follows up with a hit. Can they score?

Mukai scatters his pitches offensively, but Tojo puts up a good fight and gets on base. Kuramochi follows after, and the Teito battery walks Haruichi to load the bases. It`s two outs and bases loaded at the bottom of the eighth. Immense pressure is on Maezono.

Seido beats Teito, and the team is excited to play Inashiro again. Being influenced by how Maezono swings his bat every day after dinner, many follow suit. However, some aren`t exactly on the same page.

It`s Seido vs Nanamori, and Coach Kataoka has made a big roster change. Haruichi, Furuya, Tojo, and Kanemaru — four first-years are in the starting lineup. To top it off, the starting pitcher is Sawamura. Now that he`s gained confidence in his outside pitch, Miyuki feels that Sawamura needs his inside back.

Sawamura overcomes the yips and shows off an impressive pitching job against Nanamori Academy. "You can be in contention for the ace position now," says Miyuki. Inashiro and Ugumori are playing at Ota Stadium, and Inashiro`s victory might be in danger.

Inashiro vs Ugumori. At the bottom of the seventh, Tadano and Narumiya are having a difficult time seeing eye to eye against the highly offensive Ugumori batters. Umemiya hits a big one and Ugumori turns the game around with two runs! The runner-up team at nationals is cornered.

Ugumori's team celebrates their win over Inashiro Industrial while at Seidou, there is a fallout between Miyuki and Maezono. On the day of the match, Sawamura, Furuya, and Haruichi encounter Umemiya in the washroom.

The third round of the fall tournament begin. There is an air of tension in Seidou's dugout after the fallout between Miyuki and Maezono the night before. Miyuki however, is quick to remind the team to focus on beating the opponent and they agree. At game time, Furuya recalls what Umemiya had told him in the washroom just before their match, and disobeys Miyuki's lead.

Umemiya pitches a power curveball to finish off Miyuki, but Miyuki manages to react quickly, thanks to Watanabe`s scouting, and hits an RBI into the center field. Maezono follows up with a nice long hit along the left foul line to match Miyuki`s RBI for a second run to Seido.

Seidou High continue to expand their lead. But despite being down by five, Ugumori's team however, remain unperturbed and cheerful. Finding inspiration from Matsubara's strong will he's continued to show the team, and the cheering crowd behind them, Ugumori's batters attack relentlessly with no plans of stopping.

After Seidou's failed attempt for a double play, the team is in a pinch with bases loaded and no outs. Yet Seidou decides to face Ugumori's momentum head on. Ugumori however, doesn't back down and manage to scale down Seidou's lead to one. Kataoka decides to leave the eighth inning to Furuya, then have Sawamura pitch in the ninth.

Sawamura replaces Furuya on the ninth but feels overwhelmed by the cheering crowd, and Umemiya's fighting spirit. Aware of Sawamura's state of mind but at full count, Miyuki takes the time to decide what pitch to call. He thinks of Kataoka's strategy before their defense, but Miyuki calls for a pitch to the inside to strike Umemiya out.

Seidou pulls off a double play to beat Ugumori High. In a different stadium, Shunshin decides to face Raichi head-on at the bottom of the eighth. He corners him but Raichi eventually hits a home run. The Ugumori team reflects on the last pitch and remain optimistic for the summer. At Seidou, Miyuki and Zono are still at odds and later, Furuya's injury is found out.

With Miyuki and Maezono still at odds, Isashiki talks to Maezono while Miyuki seeks Yuuki's advice. Kataoka informs the team of Furuya's condition and Sawamura feels the fate of the team is now in his hands. During practice, Nabe tells Maezono that he is satisfied with how things are, while Ochiai observes the players then thinks of his future coaching plans.

Days before the quarter finals, the Ouya and Seidou baseball teams prepare for their up coming match-up. At Ouya, the team practice seemingly in a hurry, while at Seidou, Ochiai expresses his disappointment in Miyuki and teaches Sawamura a breaking ball.

Sawamura is able to throw his own unique changeup. At game time, Miyuki calls for the change-up after Sawamura strikes out Ouya's first and second hole. Will Sawamura be able to throw it successfully in a real game?

Ouya High scores two runs at the bottom of the first and seems to have Seidou all figured out. Sawamura however, does a good job keeping Ouya to two runs. On top of the sixth and thanks to Nabe's scouting talent, Seidou have a plan to use against Ouya.

Aided by Nabe's keen observation on Ouya's plays, Seidou scores two runs on top of the sixth. Coach Araki is quick to notice Seidou's strategy and comes up with a counter.

Sawamura successfully throws the changeup and the pitch combined with Miyuki's clever game calling makes it difficult for Ouya's batters to focus on a pitch. At the bottom of the ninth, with Ouya failing to turn the game around, Seidou takes the win.

Following Seidou's win against Ouya, Seiko Academy wins against Sensen Academy. Meanwhile, Inashiro Industrial have a scrimmage against Kokaidai Sagara.

Sawamura receives praise from the coaching staff and his teammates for his performance the last match, and motivates Furuya who asks Ochiai to teach him a breaking ball. Kawakami meanwhile, wants to keep up and thinks of throwing sinkers again. At practice, seeing that the non regulars try their best to earn a regular spot, Kataoka proposes an intra-squad match between the first string and the second string.

The intra-squad match begins with Sawamura pitching for Team B. Ochiai, in charge of Team A, makes Haruichi use a metal bat instead of his signature wooden bat and then instructs the team to go for Eijun's high change-ups.

The intra-squad game continues. Kataoka's former coach, Sakaki Eijirou arrives and observes the team. He joins Haruno and Club President Oota in the staff room and tells the story of Kataoka when he was just 15 years old and was then called "Demon Child".

The top four teams of the Fall Tokyo Tournament: Seiko High, Yakushi High, Sankou, and Seidou High make their preparations for the semi-final match-ups.

The game begins. Seidou scores early in the game and expands their lead, prompting Seiko to switch their ace with Tsunematsu. Tsunematsu prevents Seidou from scoring more than five runs and at the bottom of the third, Seiko's batters swing strongly affecting Furuya's pitching.

Seidou successfully prevents Seiko from scoring on top of the fourth with a double play. Furuya's injury however seem to be hurting which Kudo notices. Kataoka wants to switch him out but Furuya is determined to continue pitching.

Seiko Academy scores another run on top of the seventh. At the bottom, Seiko's battery continue to strategically walk Miyuki. The next inning, Nagata hits a two-run home run off Sawamura. Will the home run affect Sawamura's confidence?

Sawamura manages to prevent Seiko from scoring additional runs. And at the bottom of the eighth, Seidou fails to score. The next inning, Tsune runs straight to the plate and tackles Miyuki, shocking everyone.

Seiko Academy and Seidou High's match reach its conclusion. Seiko Academy is defeated and Seidou High advances to the finals.

The second match of the semifinals is a rematch between Yakushi High and Ichidaisan High. With Ichidaisan's returnee and new ace, Amahisa Kosei, can the team avenge their bitter Summer loss?

With Ichidaisan on the lead and a confident Amahisa on the mound, Yakushi sends Sanada to pitch, and the score is put to a standstill. On top of the eighth, runners on base and Raichi at-bat, can Yakushi turn the game around?

Amahisa strikes out Raichi but Sanada changes the flow of the game. Amahisa is switched out and despite Ichidaisan's efforts, they lose to Yakushi High for the second time.

The Seidou High players looks forward to the finals match against Yakushi High. While Furuya is determined to play, Kataoka leaves it to the doctors opinion. At Yakushi High, the players share their goals to the third years.

Kuramochi talks to Shirasu about Miyuki's injury, while the coaching staff talks about the possibility of Furuya not playing, and the pitcher order: Kawakami will start then Sawamura. On the day of the finals, Kuramochi confronts Miyuki.

The finals match begin with Seidou's offense. Kuramochi shows his prowess as Seidou's lead-off but despite making it to third, Seidou doesn't score. At the bottom, Kawakami starts for Seidou and Miyuki calls for the sinker.

Seidou scores the first run of the game with Maezono's bat while Kawakami pitches strongly at the bottom. On top of the third, Seidou on scoring position and Miyuki at-bat, Raizou makes his move sending in Raichi to the mound to face Miyuki.

Kawakami continues to hold Yakushi's batters down. At the bottom, at-bat, he face off against Raichi. Kawakami hits but the strength of Raichi's pitch numbs his hand. Will this affect Kawakami's pitching?

Kawakami gives up a home run to Raichi and a hit to Sanada. Kuramochi and Haruichi gets a double play in order to back Kawakami up. However, Kawakami loses control of the ball and gives up a base on balls and a hit by pitch.

Maezono's pressure overwhelms Raichi and hits a fly allowing Kuramochi to come home and tie the game. Raichi comes to realization of what it means to stand on the mound. Coach Todoroki notices Raichi's change in attitude and quickly puts Sanada on the mound.

It's the bottom of the fifth, and Yakushi is up to bat. Mishima stands in the batter's box ready to hit but falls short before Sawamura's four-seamer. Sawamura surprises the crowd by striking out Mishima. Next up is Raichi Todoroki, Yakushi's cleanup. Can Sawamura keep him down?

Miyuki gets his ribs checked out. In the bottom of the sixth, Sawamura shows a strong performance going three for three. With the sides retired, Haruichi stands in the batter's box with a wooden bat, and Sanada looks confident.

Sawamura strikes out Raichi three for three! He also strikes out Sanada! Sawamura and Miyuki put up a strong fight against Yakushi's heart of the order, and the crowd goes wild. Shirasu starts in the top of the eighth. Will Seido turn around the one-run deficit?

The Tokyo Fall Tournament Final is nearing its end. With Yakushi leading 3-4, we go into the top of the ninth inning. Kuramochi hits a fast hit, but Yakushi's all-in defense stops it. Next up is Tojo. The Seido supporters in the crowd are cheering as loud as they can.

At the top of the ninth, Seido is behind 3-4. Haruichi gets a base hit, and Miyuki follows up with one as well. Next up is Maezono. He stands in the batter's box with a mission. Swing and miss. Swing and miss. With two strikes, his back's on the wall.

It's the bottom of the ninth, and Seido leads 5-4. Furuya stands on the mound putting fear into Yakushi's batters with his pitch. This is the final moment. Seido is looking energetic with victory within reach. Coach Kataoka can't stay quiet either. Can Seido take the game?

Eijun Sawamura, the pitcher of a novice junior high baseball team, meets with a bitter walk-off loss. For Sawamura the loss becomes his last game in junior high, so he sets a new goal of going to the nationals in high school with his teammates. As he begins his hard quest on studying, a guest arrives unannounced. Her name is Rei Takashima. Rei had been watching his last game and believes Sawamura has a gift. She is the assistant director of the prestigious Seidou High School Baseball Team, and she invites Sawamura to Seido after seeing his potential. Sawamura's reply shocks her, but Takashima refuses to give up and tricks Sawamura into a visit.

Sawamura gets himself into a baseball match against the 12th grade batter, Kiyokuni Azuma. Sawamura forms a battery with Kazuya Miyuki, the catcher carrying high hopes for Seidou. Sawamura loses confidence against Azuma, an opponent he`s never faced, but Miyuki`s lead slowly pulls out Sawamura`s full potential. And then he throws his last pitch. After returning from Tokyo, Sawamaura is lost about his future, unable to forget his pitching with Miyuki. He wants to test his strength in Tokyo, but he can`t betray his junior high teammates and leave them behind. Bewildered, his teammates approach him.

Sawamura is nervous being roomed with his older baseball teammates. However, their unexpectedly warm welcome makes him feel right at home. Next day, he feels too much at home, and ends up sleeping in for his first practice! There, he reunites with Miyuki who also overslept. Unfortunately, Miyuki`s advice on resolving the situation only makes it worse. The head coach himself tells Sawamura that using him as a player is out of the question. However, recalling the messages from his teammates back home, he declares to the coach, "I came here to become the ace of this team!" So the head coach gives him a challenge.

Seidou High School faces off against Ichidai Third High School, the school that beat them last year. While their top-level offense rakes in runs, the ace Tanba isn`t doing too hot. The game turns into a batting game. On the other hand, Sawamura is back at school, training by himself. During his training, Furuya, another first-year pitcher approaches him. Showing sympathy to Sawamura`s peculiar training method, Furuya offers to play catch with him. Sawamura is in a cheery mood with Furuya`s kindness, but the speed of Furuya`s throws far exceeds his expectations.

A game between the first-years and the second and third-years is being held. While Sawamura worries about whether or not he can play, he chances upon the Head Coach in the bath. "I don`t want to see anyone but me standing on the mound." The Head Coach gives Sawamura one more chance in response to his statement. On the day of the game, the second and third-years are playing with everything they have. The first-year team looks pale, but Sawamura is pumped for his first game. Sawamura seems to be full of energy, but perhaps it isn`t being put to good use...

The scrim continues. Sawamura has finally based. It was thanks to the advice from Haruichi Kominato. As he steps into the batter`s box, he declares to score a run. His batting turns out to be amazing. To answer the call, Sawamura sprints and makes it back to the plate. The first-year team gains momentum, but the Head Coach is ending the game mid way. However, he will let the game continue if the entire first-year team wants to keep playing. How will they respond?

Sawamura and Furuya are called to the bench. They are to incorporate the pitchers` training menu into their practice. Sawamura is excited by this addition, but unfortunately, Miyuki is partnered up with Furuya. While Sawamura is showing discontent that he isn`t Miyuki`s partner, a suspicious looking man there stands with a cold look. He is the other catcher, Chris. "Nice to meet you, poor pitcher," mutters Chris with a gloomy voice. Sawamura senses something eerie.

"You won`t ever be the ace." Sawamura receives a grim statement from Chris after seeing Furuya`s performance in a game. Chris leaves Sawamura with a difficult training menu and leaves before anyone else. All Sawamura sees in him is a man who has given up. However, the moment he makes that comment out loud, Miyuki loses his cool. What ticked him off? What is Chris hiding?

After learning the truth about Chris, Sawamura follows him around to get him to teach Sawamura baseball. Chris finally gives in to Sawamura`s persistence and decides catch his pitches. The pitch Sawamura decides to throw is the fastest pitch he can. But in response, Chris asks, "What is your specialty?" Sawamura can`t throw breaking balls or amazing fastballs. What kind of pitch should he throw? He asks around his teammates for help, and he arrives at an answer.

Chris tells Sawamura to improve on his specialty. While Sawamura started this relationship being an arrogant prick, Chris has been a catcher to him from the start; the training menu Chris gave him was a menu specifically for him. Sawamura puts in the effort to improve because he wants Chris to see his growth before Chris graduates from the team. At the first-string try-out game, Sawamura asks Chris for a favor. What will Chris say?

What Sawamura throws from the mound is an amazing moving fastball. However, his control`s going haywire. When it looks like he might be getting replaced, the man who comes in is Chris. What is the "plan" that Chris takes when it appears all is lost?

Chris`s father Animal comes to watch the game. He tries to stop his son from pushing himself to play. However, watching Chris make dangerous plays sends him back to the days he was a pro, and...

Sawamura`s opponent batter Zaizen makes an unexpected play. However, Sawamura fixes his pitching and avoids the worst. Being on a roll, Sawamura throws his final pitch. What of the ball that Sawamura throws with everything he wants to tell Chris?

Sawamura keeps training hard. However, it was obvious to everyone that he was overworking himself. Chris calls Sawamura over to give him a warning—the best thing Chris could do out of concern for Sawamura`s body. As the training camp of hell begins, Sawamura...

The training camp continues. The first-years can barely keep up with the harsh training. As Sawamura improves little by little, he is called to Miyuki`s room for some reason. There, he found his upperclassmen waiting, and...

With fatigue from the camp, no one is playing well in the practice game against Osaka Kiryu. Even Furuya gives up 11 runs in just four innings. And finally, he calls for a time out. When everyone assumes he`s raising the white flag, he makes a statement expressing his fortitude.

Seido and Kiryu begin playing neck and neck, and then Sawamura is called to the mound with Miyuki as his batterymate. "Let`s have fun," says Miyuki, but Sawamura doesn`t know what this game means for him.

"At least pitch to the inside." Miyuki tries to motivate Sawamura, who goes out with just his moving fastball and little experience. But Sawamura is unable to throw well. So Miyuki gives Sawamura another word of advice. This time to believe the fielders and throw with spirit. Is Miyuki trying to encourage him or put pressure on him? But it reminds Sawamura why he came to Seido. And the pitch he throws next...

Seido, Inashiro Vocational, and Shuhoku are having a three-way round-robin. Game two of the round-robin is Inashiro vs Shuhoku, and the ace of Inashiro, Mei Narumiya, is pitching this game. He`s the one who shut out Seido`s batters at the last summer tournament semi-final. To make matters worse, Narumiya shows off a new weapon he didn`t have last year. The pitch lights a fire under Seido`s ace, Tanba. He too has a new weapon he`s been working on.

Miyuki and Tanba`s opinions clash mid-game. However, Tanba claims that what he wants to do is necessary for him to become a true ace. As Tanba gets closer and closer to becoming a true ace, something terrible happens.

Many rivals gather at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Qualifiers, and only two schools can make national. Seido`s summer to bring glory back to their name begins with a game against Maimon West High School. Seido`s starting pitcher is...

Maimon West High School`s starting pitcher isn`t who Seido were expecting. The Seido team struggle against a player with no data and finish their first attack without scoring. However, Furuya isn`t doing any less as the starting pitcher.

With the first game done, each player focuses on cleaning up his techniques. Chris teaches Sawamura how to hold the ball for a four-seam fastball. It should be a powerful weapon for Sawamura down the line.

The opponent in the fourth round is Akikawa Academy. Their pitcher, Shunshin Yeung, has been called "clockwork" due to his impeccable pitch control. "This won`t be like the previous games." The Seido team shift their gears.

Furuya starts in the Akikawa game, and he hammers them with his fastballs. However, it was Akikawa`s plan to tire him out by increasing his pitch count from his lack of control. Miyuki realizes their plan and makes a comeback move.

Top of the first, Shunshin Yeung stands in the batter`s box. His overflowing determination forces Furuya to throw a meatball and takes a long hit into the left, giving Akikawa the first two runs of the game. Akikawa takes up the reins of the game, and...

Furuya grows weak under the hot weather, but Akikawa makes the move to exhaust him even more using bunts. In order to avoid telling the world about Furuya`s weakness before the Ichidai game, Coach Kataoka decides to use Sawamura. What does the coach see in him?

An unexpected guest showed up before Sawamura fter he lost his final game in junior high. She was a scout from the prestigious Seido High School. From their life-changing meeting to the summer tournament, his story thus far is told once more.

Sawamura finally comes out to play, and he magnificently takes out the Akikawa batters. To reciprocate, the Seido batters commence their counterattack. As Miyuki stands at bat, he thinks, "If I were calling plays for this pitcher..." Will he get it right?

Coach Kataoka uses Haruichi as a pinch hitter. Haruichi answers with a beautiful hit. Sawamura and Kuramochi follow up. Then Ryosuke steps up to the plate. In this huge chance to score, he makes a squeeze play!

Seido stays to watch Ichidai`s game to prepare for the upcoming quarterfinal. Ichidai`s opponent is Yakushi, a nameless school. Yakushi`s clean-ups were completely different from their previous games and were played by first-years. Ichidai scores in the first inning making it look like an easy win, but...

Manaka, the ace of Ichidai, is back in top shape on the mound. However, Raichi, the cleanup of Yakushi hits the ball right into Manaka, which forces him to step down. Even without the ace, Ichidai put up a good fight but are unable to secure a win. Seido are shocked by the outcome of the game.

In preparation for the Yakushi game, Coach Kataoka speaks to the pitchers. Sawamura, Furuya, and Kawakami are told that Tanba won`t be pitching, but Tanba is told to be ready to go. The coach wants to play with everyone as a team. The quarter-final begins, and Yakushi`s lineup is...

Raichi takes the fight between him and Furuya in the first inning. On that note, Yakushi scores the leading run. However, Miyuki`s throw to second and encouragement of, "you have many reliable teammates behind you" takes some pressure off Furuya. On top of that, Furuya...

Furuya wants to keep pitching, but Coach Kataoka switches him out. Sawamura is up next and he faces off against Raichi. Raichi gets excited about Sawamura`s moving fastball seeing how much potential it has. What`s the outcome of this fight?

Yakushi finally brings out their ace, Sanada. Miyuki falls prey to Sanada`s cutter. Sawamura pitches aggressively to match Sanada`s pitching, but Yakushi aren`t going to sit by and watch.

Sawamura and Raichi face off for the second time. Sawamura is fired up with Coach Kataoka`s encouraging words. However, the hit he thought he jammed turns into a homerun and devastates Sawamura. Then, he gets switched out.

In the top of the eighth, Kawakami relieves Sawamura from the mound and faces Raichi. Kawakami and Miyuki choose to walk him. At a glance, Seido apear to be cornered, but Kawakami regains his confidence from giving Raichi the walk.

It`s the top of the eighth with two outs and runners on first and third, and Tanba takes the mound. Following the efforts of Furuya, Sawamura, and Kawakami, Tanba takes the ball. His first batter is Sanada, the ace of Yakushi. Coach Todoroki`s orders are to hit Tanba`s first pitch and shut him down.

The top of the ninth is Yakushi`s last chance to score. Raichi comes up to bat at two outs and a runner on first. Yakushi`s dugout is cheering loudly for Raichi. "I don`t want to let my team down." Raichi makes his resolve. Tanba`s third pitch goes in a little soft and Seido lose all their hope.

For the semifinal, Seido High School go up against Sensen Academy`s Maki, the giant. As the veteran of the match up, Coach Ukai tells the reporters that Seido`s weakness is Coach Kataoka`s lack of experience. At Seido High School, Sawamura is still blue from being taken off the mound in the Yakushi game.

Under Coach Ukai`s definitive command, Maki throws his huge curveballs. Tanba begins to show signs of fatigue. Will Sawamura be called to the mound? Eijun`s junior high friends came all the way out to cheer. Some members of Inashiro are also watching from the stands.

Haruichi comes onto the field as a pinch hitter for Tanba. Maki pitches emotionally against Haruichi. After two strikes, Haruichi gently meets Maki`s curveball and hits it to the outfield. At the bottom of the sixth, Sawamura walks on.

Maki hits powerful fouls off Sawamura. As Maki stands with intensity in the batter`s box, Coach Ukai tells him to smash the wall of the top three schools with his bat. Sawamura throws a crossfire pitch under Wakana`s and his fellow teammates` watch.

After defeating Sensen Academy, Sawamura enjoys his time with his junior high friends. The second game of the semifinals is between the tournament favorite, Inashiro Vocational High, and a dark horse, Sakurazawa High. Coach Kikukawa exclaims, "It`s time to make history!" And the game sets off to an unexpected start.

As Nagao takes on Inashiro with his knuckle ball, Sakurazawa wait for their chance to score. However, Sakurazawa slowly lose their cool experiencing Narumiya`s untouchable fastball. Their calm defense evaporates and errors inevitably follow. Unfortunately, Inashiro`s next batter is their cleanup, Harada.

After the game, Narumiya bumps into Miyuki. "Remember the last time all of us got together?" Carlos asks, as everyone Narumiya invited to Inashiro was present. That is of course, Miyuki included.

Seidou returns to their dorms where each player comes up with his own conditioning and training to take place over the three days leading up to the championship.

Kiyokuni Azuma returns to force Seidou into some fielding practice against strong hitters. Little does he know that a rematch with Sawamura is on the horizon, and Azuma comes to realize that this version of Seidou could be the strongest in the history of the school.

After the intense practice with Azuma, the coach sends the first years off the field and forces the infielders into their own brutal training with him. Rei Takashima takes this opportunity to teach the first years and Kawakami what the third years were like in their first season at Seidou. At the end of the episode the starting lineups for the game against Inashiro are revealed.

Seidou battles Inashiro for the right to go to Nationals. Mei overthinks his opening battle with Kuromichi and walks him. Kuromichi steals second base standing up, a sacrifice bunt from Kominato moves him to third, and a base hit from Isashiki gives Seido a 1-0 lead. Seeing nothing to lose, Mei decides to battle Yuuki one-on-one as the rest of Seidou watches wondering if Mei is losing it.

Narumiya strikes out Yuki, and Seido is reminded of Narumiya`s strength. Furuya takes the mound in the bottom and starts off with three consecutive strikeouts. Narumiya matches Furuya`s performance with three strikeouts as well. It`s going to be a pitching game.

After three innings the game remains close. Next up is the cleanup, Yuki, and Narumiya changes his gears. Baiting with the changeup, he strikes out Yuki with a fastball, creating momentum for Inashiro. Seido realizes Narumiya is only going all out for Yuki, but will this lead to them having a mental blow or lead to them being more determined than ever to defeat Narumiya?

In the top of the fifth Furuya gets a hit off of Narumiya, leading to a chance to tie the game with Shirasu. The only problem- Shirasu bats ninth. Will Shirasu make it on base, and what will Inashiro do when Tanba takes the mound in the bottom of the fifth?

Inashiro manages to load the bases with two outs against Tanba, but Tanba pulls through to get Seido going. To counter Seido's potential momentum Narumiya and Harada change their pitching pattern frequently, confusing Seido's batters. As the innings change and the Seido players walk out to the field, Kuramochi stops Ryosuke to ask him about his injury and whether or not he can go on.

Inashiro continues to get hits off of Tanba and put Seido in tight spots. Most of the spectators think the game is all but decided. In the bottom of the seventh Tanba's leg begins to cramp. Feeling there is no other possibility if they are to have a chance to win, Coach Kataoka puts Sawamura out on the mound to face off with Narumiya!

As Seidos's players continue to get confused by Narumiya's pitches, Coach Katoka comes up with a dangerous plan. He tells his batters to give up on the change-up. Seido begins their rally with the underclassmen. Furuya gets on base, Eijun moves him to second, and Kuramochi gets on bringing Ryosuke to bat. Inashiro's defense begins to shift for the threat, but they are all shocked when Ryousuke asks Katoka to replace with a pinch hitter.

Haruichi replaces his brother to bat and gets on base, scoring Furuya. Narumiya then walks Isashiki to load the bases. Yuki. comes to bat with a chance to change the game with one swing, but with Narumiya going all out against him everyone realizes this could decide the game.

Yuki and Narumiya faceoff to determine who has the superior strength in what could be the game's final determining showdown. Will Seido be able to take their first lead and change the pace of the game?

After giving up the lead, Narumiya remembers how he cost Inashiro's at last year's Koshien. With renewed confidence, Narumiya decides to show seido what a true ace is composed of.

After shutting down Seido, Inashiro decides to go all out and put the pressure on Eijun. Eijun continues to get out most of Inashiro's batters, but when the top of the order comes around Eijun participates in an event that could cost his team the game.

A hit batter shakes Eijun's confidence, and he begins to walk Inashiro's hitters. Coach Katoka and Miyuki realize Eijun is in no condition to continue, and Kawakami is sent to the mound. Kawakami gets down to the final out. Which team will triumph, and which team will face defeat?

The long 2 hours and 53 minutes of desperate struggles ends. Inashiro celebrates whilst Seido laments. Seido thanks their fans for supporting them, but in the locker room the 3rd years let their true feelings finally be shown.

Sawamura and Furuya try to move on from the loss, but Kawakami struggles. Only a few weeks are left before the spring tournament. The seniors are forced to retire and focus on their studies. Miyuki is chosen as the new Captain with Kuramochi and Maezono as the new Vice-captains. Kataoka submits his resignation, but asks to stay on until the seniors graduate.

Seido begins practice games to get their new roster made before the spring tournament. Inashiro shuts down their opposition and reaches the Koshien finals, only having given up runs to Seido. The upperclassmen try to ignore what is going on with Inashiro to avoid getting more depressed.

Inashiro loses by 1 at the Koshien Finals, but the game still doesn't deliver the excitement of the Seido, Inashiro showdown. At Seido, an outsider observes many of their practices before approaching Coach Katoka. Many players begin to wonder who this gentleman is and if he could possibly be a spy.

Only two games remain before the final drawings for the spring tournament will occur, but when Yakushi calls Coach Katoka and asks for a practice game Katoka realizes he needs to make his team realize how far they need to grow if they are to have any chance of winning the spring tournament. An unexpected double header is made for the final day of practice games.

Yakushi and Seido battle again, this time in a practice game. Furuya strikes Raichi out to hold Yakushi scoreless. Sawamura gets impatient and asks permission from Kataoka to pitch, but Kataoka declines, calling Sawamura a relief pitcher and admitting that this game will determine whom the teams ace will be for the spring.

After pitching 5 innings instead of three Furuya is sent to left field and Sawamura is brought in to pitch. Sawamura has his regular amount of power but he appears to have lost what little control he had. Katoka and Miyuki realize Sawamura has the yips.

Sawamura concedes 3 runs and gets 0 outs, giving the lead up to Yakushi. Sawamura begins to feel he will never be able to pitch again and wonders what has happened to his control and his confidence.

Instead of letting Sawamura pitch with the ball, Katoka sends him out to another field to focus on running during their practices. Sawamura continues to act like a zombie and a hindrance to the team. Miyuki, Haruichi, and many of Sawamura's friends from the team have the faith that he will return, but instead of trying to figure out how they can help him they focus on strengthening their own chances of being on the spring tourney roster.

Miyuki continues to watch Sawamura fall into a state of endless depression. He approaches Chris with a solution and asks Chris to present it to Sawamura. Chris agrees and teaches Sawamura how to pitch low and outside, giving him a new weapon that will drive batters crazy if it is used correctly.

Yuki learns of Kataoka's pending resignation and shares the news with the third years. The third years come up with a plan that could change Kataoka's mind if it's executed correctly. As Kataoka puts the team through the newest version of hell week Maezono gives words of wisdom to the players who are slacking. Miyuki is impressed with how dependable Maezono has become and wonders why Coach Kataoka seems to be keeping a secret.

The seniors convince Coach Kataoka to let them have their graduation game before the upcoming tournament and before the tourney drawings take place. Kataoka asks them if they are just impatient, but Yuki tells him this final game is the only way to give the new team the strength they will need to move on. Kataoka realizes the seniors have one final lesson to share, and the game begins. Sawamura wonders if he will be able to pitch.

The game remains close at 3-1. In the bottom of the eighth the 1st & 2nd year players manage to tie the game up. Miyuki brings in Sawamura to play in the ninth inning. Sawamura's first opponent ends up being none other than the subbing in Chris. Sawamura pitches to his best ability as a thanks to Chris for teaching him all he knows. The two teams remain tied at 3 at the end of 9. Kataoka calls for the game to continue until all the seniors have played, allowing Sawamura the chance to master his new pitch during the seniors final game.