Nishiura: Do or Die, Abe returns Kazuki the favor, Tajima’s mid-swing surprise, Sakaeguchi and Suyama hold hands, and the start of the dramatic ninth inning in…

Ookiku Furikabutte 23 – 「ゲンミツに」

• A small recap of the game thus far, highlighting the events and runs that happened culminating to the current score right now.
• The cheerers are in high spirits.
• The count goes 2-0 with Abe unable to hit Junta’s fast balls.
• Hanai is making his intentions of winning obvious at the bench with Sakaeguchi. Hanai stresses that it is vital for them to tie the score up.
• The Nishiura bench is on their feet, strongly hoping for Abe to get a base hit.
• Abe hits a line ball near third base. The throw to first is a tad late and Abe gets first base.
• Kazuki recalls the coach’s instructions in dealing with the Nishiura’s first base coach, Tajima.
• Izumi goes for a safety bunt. First baseman and Izumi race towards first, with Izumi leading only by a hair.
• Anticipating that Nishiura will try to steal third upon Tajima’s signal, Kazuki subtly adjusts his position. Tajima notices and holds out on his coaching.
• As soon as the pitch touches Kazuki’s mitt, he throws the ball to third, sending out a clear signal to Tajima that they will not allow third to be stolen.
• Sakaeguchi is struggling to get a decent bunt.
• Suyama calls timeout and talks to Sakaeguchi.
• Before ending the timeout, a nervous Sakaeguchi takes off his glove and holds Suyama’s hand. Suyama gives him a resounding encouragement that he can do it.
• Sakaeguchi sucks it up and manages to lay down a bunt, helping the runners advance to second and third, respectively.
• Suyama strikes out, missing a sinker for the last strike.
• Tajima comes in with two outs.
• Hanai, Mizuntani, and Mihashi give Tajima some serious cheering. Tajima obliges with the good guy pose, causing all three guys to blush. Shiga reminds Hanai that he needs to prepare as he is up next.
• The crowd is riled up and the chanting continues.
• The count goes 2-0. All eyes are on Tajima.
• Junta delivers a sinker. Tajima adjusts his grip midway through his swing and he sends the ball flying deep into the outfield.
• Abe runs home to score, Izumi soon follows! Nishiura get the lead!
• The Nishiura bench and crowd goes wild, praising Tajima for his incredible hit!
• Kazuki analyzes the hit, recalling how Tajima adjusted his grip. The Tosei coach also acknowledges that it was not Junta’s fault. The coach signals Kazuki to talk to Junta.
• Hanai strikes out, making it three outs.
• Possibly for the last time this tournament, Nishiura goes on the defensive.

Thoughts

This episode was riveting and gripping. It glued me to my seat and was afraid to blink, lest I miss any of the action. As Nishiura edged closer and closer to scoring, my breathing was slowly staggering.

For several times at bat, Tajima failed to hit Junta’s sinker, till that moment. The tensed atmosphere, the relentless rain, the muffled sounds of the audience, everything was carefully weaved to create that magical moment. One can only imagine how sweet that victory must have felt for Tajima. When Tajima shot his fist and roared in triumph, I was overcome with emotion.

Yokatta ne, Tajima? TT__TT

I am really looking forward to see if Mihashi will crack under the pressure. Tosei has a respectable amount of power hitters and they already have a lot of success against Mihashi’s pitches. The tables could easily turn. I haven’t spoiled myself with the manga, so I really do not know who will come out the winner.

Episode 24, HERE I COME!

Notice

This is still a work in progress. Come back soon for the final write-up.

Episode 24 – Conclusion 「決着」