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Mihashi BANZAI! Tajima BANZAI! Izumi BANZAI! Abe BANZAI!

From the heroics of the last episode, Nishiura is finally backed into a corner, and they have to put some points in the board in order to stay in the contest or perhaps grab a lead. Despite Nishiura’s dogged determination, Tosei is playing extremely well and looks to be doing well enough to get a shutout. Who will be the winner of this intriguing game?

Episode summary

A recap of the plays that got the points was shown as the score is now Nishiura 3, Tosei 4. It is the ninth inning for Nishiura, as Abe was the next batter. Abe realized that the first pitch was much faster now as he missed the swing. Abe said that the sinker was the problem, as the ground around the pitcher provided little grip. Abe missed the second pitch, and Hanai was getting annoyed that a good ball was wasted. From Kawai’s thought, it was clear that the forkball was getting hard to throw in such rainy conditions. A bad ball was thrown and Abe hit the fourth just before the line as he ran to first base and dived through to be safe.

Tajima was now at the first base coaching, as they tried to prevent the base stealing. The first pitch was a try to catch the base stealing, but Izumi hit a nice bunt to go on first base, with Abe on second. Junta said that he did not like this, but the sheer presence and determination of Nishiura has battered the mental spirit of Tosei. Sakaeguchi was next, as Tosei tried to prevent any form of base stealing. Kawai realized that Sakaeguchi had been bunting for the previous three rounds, as Sakaeguchi was trusted for the bunts. Sakaeguchi got two foul balls from bunts, as he was intimidated by his speed.

Sakaeguchi was called over by the assistant, and he was told that forkballs would not be thrown anymore. After Sakaeguchi let off a shout, Tosei was wondering if Sakaeguchi was ready to swing, but Junta guessed correctly that it was merely encouragement. Sakaeguchi finally managed to get a sacrificial bunt, as Nishiura now had runners at second and third, and only one man out. Suyama was next for batting, as Tajima squatted in the waiting area. Suyama made two missed swings, and the third ball was a sinker as Suyama was struck out. Tajima was now next in the line, with two out. If Tajima was struck out, the game would be over.

The crowd was frenetic now, as Tajima went to the batter’s box. Junta thought if he struck Tajima out, they would have a celebration, then a post-match briefing in preparation for the next match. Tajima hit a foul ball for the first strike. Kawai felt that Tajima’s concentration was not disrupted by his consecutive outs in the two innings, and Junta’s fastball speeds might be compromised soon. Kawai decided to use the sinker and it was strike two. However, Tajima looked confident. Junta threw out a sinker, and Tajima changed his grip slightly as he managed to hit a line shot to the far left. Abe ran back quickly to level the score, and Izumi ran back with more than ample time for Nishiura to lead. Tajima was the hero as he screamed loudly in happiness.

It was now Tosei getting shocked, as Tosei’s coach said it was not Kawai’s fault but his inability to get the right play. Kawai called for a timeout and reassured Junta that he was doing well. Everyone else was celebrating Tajima’s excellent hit, and the score now was 5-4. Hanai was next in the batting zone, but he was struck out by a reassured Junta. With that, the ninth inning for Nishiura was over, and it was up to Mihashi and Abe to keep the game for Nishiura.

Thoughts

This is definitely the most exciting episode ever in Ookiku Furikabutte. I have never found myself screaming so loudly at the period where Tajima got onto the field. I mean, it is perhaps now or never since the season is about to end. It’s highly possible that Nishiura would lose this at the point where Tajima was batting and they have 2-3 episodes to wrap up the season closer after this, but now I am not too sure what will be going on. In any case, I am like hopping around so happily after watching the comeback by Nishiura!

I am really glad for Tajima, as he has been under the dumps for most of the game. I mean, as the fourth batter, he is expecting to perform clean up and get the points for his team. However, he has failed to do so, and has let his team down of sorts when they need him the most. Most of his thunder was stolen away from him, but not anymore. He finally returned in time to earn a two point in a single play to redeem himself completely. It is definitely not that easy to do that, and when he screamed in delight, I screamed along with him.

One thing I am pretty much concerned about is the way Hanai is not given any chance to shine as the team leader. He was struck out so easily, and I really feel that he is one of the better batters in the Nishiura team. Nevertheless, any doubt that he is not the team leader should be let to waste with his persistent and will to win in the anger and determination he showed in the benches. In my opinion, a team leader is one that might not be the best player in the team, but has that will to believe that they can win no matter how badly they are doing in a match. Hanai has clearly established that with his body language and words in the few episodes.

Abe is also impressive in my opinion. He really shows his determination to do anything in order to score the point. I felt that the point where he dived desperately to hit first base is one of the most eye-catching scenes in this episode (other than the Tajima hit of course). I also felt that this episode helped to show not only on the individual qualities of each member in Nishiura, but also that baseball is a team effort. For once, this is a sports anime, I repeat, that gives you the notion that there is no “I” in team.

Wonderful huh? Who do you think will win? I have a feeling it might end with Nishiura winning this time. I hope they do since they are in the lead but you never know. Tell me what you think!