Strike outs and stake outs, new Tosei strategy, staring at third base runners, base stealing, block sign, Momoe’s forecasts, and Mihashi’s riveting play in…

Ookiku Furikabutte 17 – Third Base Runner 「サードランナー」

Tajima and Suyama pat Mihashi’s back for a job well done as he struck out Tosei’s last three batters. However, Abe and Momoe both agree that the last three batters were told to observe Mihashi and his pitches. Meanwhile, on the field, Hanai comes up empty on his second time at bat. Oki is next. He hits the first foul and ends up missing the next three. With two outs, Mizutani comes to the plate. Momoe instructs him according to the data they have on Kazuki. The count reaches 2-1, and then Mizutani strikes out on Junta’s forkball, swiftly ending Nishiura’s turn at offense.

The Tosei players gather around their coach. The coach starts scolding his team for their poor performance. He then asks the players if they have anything worthy to tell. Takajima noticed that for a string of 10 pitches, the catcher did not pursue Mihashi’s pitches. Given that, he concludes that Mihashi has excellent ball control. Kazuki also voices that Nishiura’s coach might have thoroughly studied him and thereby, easily predicting his signals. Finally, Junta tops it off saying that Nishiura already knows his pitching motion. The coach concludes that Mihashi is a pitcher with quite a number of pitches, excellent ball control, but his delivery speed is low.

Batting for Tosei is Mashiba. Mashiba lays down a safety bunt and dashes his way to first. Momoe and Abe realize that Mashiba’s value as a first hitter lies in his running speed. Nishiura tries to keep Mashiba in check with a pickoff attempt. Yet, as soon as Mihashi commits to pitch, Mashiba makes a run and successfully steals second.

Mihashi shots a glance at Mashiba, now in second base, before throwing the pitch. The Tosei batter bunts it high near third. Tajima quickly retrieves it and throws to first, making it one out. Mashiba, on the other hand, safely advances to third. Abe gives the block sign to the fielders. From the mound, Mihashi gives Mashiba a blank stare. After the count goes 0-2, Shimazaki hits a single.

One out and with first and third loaded, it is Aoki’s turn to face Mihashi. Mihashi, again, gives the third base runner a look. As Mihashi pitches, Shimazaki steals second. Mihashi glances at the third base runner once more, making Mashiba uncomfortable.

Aoki hits a squeeze bunt, but it stops dead in between home base and the mound. Abe needs to make a split-second decision. He knows that Tajima, third baseman, will not be able to retrieve the ball in time. He wonders if he should retrieve the ball himself. However, doing that would allow an opening for Shimazaki to score another run. While Tajima races for the ball alongside Mashiba, he orders Mihashi, who is also making a start for the ball, to make the throw to Abe with his right-hand. As soon as Mihashi cups the ball, he flings it to Abe, who has already positioned himself at the home plate. Silence fills the stadium as everyone awaits the umpire’s decision. The umpire declares that the runner is out! The crowd and Nishiura bench goes wild with excitement! Applause and cheers fill up the stadium in appreciation to Mihashi’s excellent play.

Thoughts

The last scene was really quite a ride. I never imagined that baseball anime could be THIS exciting! Way the go Mihashi!!! \o/ \o/ \o/

The Battery

When Abe was almost frozen from indecision, Mihashi took the initiative, saving him once more. We saw Abe in a similar situation on an earlier episode against Mihoshi. He got frustrated when the Mihoshi batters were able to predict his signs. Back then, I thought the show was going to go on an emo rollercoaster ride, but it never happened. Instead, I was treated to a more determined Mihashi, who made up for Abe’s momentary lack of confidence with a burst of his own.

Seeing the stark contrast in Abe and Mihashi’s reactions here, we know that Abe also needs Mihashi’s support. It isn’t only Mihashi who depends a lot with Abe, but rather, it goes both ways.

Blocking the plate

When Mashiba was at third base, Abe gave out a “block” sign to the fielders. I am really not sure, but I think it refers to blocking the plate. Catchers block the home plate to prevent a runner from scoring. During this situation, a runner may choose to either slide home or have a head-on collision with the catcher.

I do not know the real motivation behind Abe informing the fielders that he plans to block the plate, but I have a few ideas. I am guessing that Abe needed to inform the fielders to signify that it is their first and foremost priority to stop Tosei from scoring. Also, I have read that it is illegal for any defensive player to block the plate without the ball. Thus, Abe needed to communicate his intention to the others so they can throw the ball to him as soon as possible.

If anyone wishes to share their ideas and insights regarding this, feel free to do so.

Third base runner

I found myself chuckling every time Mihashi stared at the third base runner as he was readying for the windup. The runner’s reaction and Mihashi’s blank stare proved to be a winning comical formula. I believe Mihashi was doing it unconsciously, but it seemed to be an effective way of unnerving the runners.

Tajima is still the man

Yes, yes, I know we miss his stellar batting and, even though, he has been fruitless at the plate, he still makes his presence felt. First, as a first base coach, he orchestrated Hanai’s steal to second base, which led to Nishiura’s run. Secondly, while chasing after Mashiba on the last play, he was still able to guide Mihashi on what to do.

Episode 18 – Another Run 「追加点」

Popularity: 3% [?]

No related posts.