Game set. Eijun Sawamura, the pitcher of a novice junior high baseball team, meets with a bitter walk-off loss. For Sawamura, that became 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, and she is the assistant director of the prestigious Seidou High School Baseball Team. Takashima invites Sawamura to Seidou after seeing his potential, but Sawamura's reply was far from what she had expected.

Kazuya Miyuki becomes the catcher for Sawamura in a contest against Seido's dangerous clean-up batter, Kiyokuni Azuma. As Eijun tries to pitch down the middle, he finds himself tense and unable to control the ball. Kazuya immediately calls time and comes out to give him some words of encouragement. The words have the desired effect as Eijun finds more control than ever before and unveils a dangerous weapon he didn't know he had. Seeing how people like Kazuya can alter his pitching, Eijun decides to come to Seido as long as he can become the ace of the team.

Eijun is nervous about rooming with older teammates, but they make him feel a too little at home on his first night. Eijun ends up oversleeping and shows up late when it's time to meet Coach Tesshina Katoka, a former Japanese pro pitcher. Miyuki also shows up late, but he uses Sawamura as a decoy to sneak into his line. Katoka shows no mercy and says Eijun can never become a pitcher if he can't show up on time. He also makes Miyuki run laps. Sawamura is determined to prove he can be the ace though, so Coach Katoka gives him a special challenge, saying until he can complete this challenge, he can't play in a baseball game for Seidou.

同じタイプ?

Coach Katoka, or Shades as Onoda calls him, organizes a game between the first years and the non-starters on the second and third year teams. The goal is to determine who will join the starters for upcoming practice games. When Onoda comes across Katoka in the bath, the coach gives him one final chance to answer his question. After the answer is given, Onoda is allowed into the upcoming game, but when he starts as an outfielder, it could spell doom for any chance he has on the varsity team.

Thanks to the words of fellow first year Haruichi Kominato, Eijun makes it on base. Next Haruichi promises to bring him home and get the first years a run. Haruichi proves to be a brilliant batter, and thanks to his spring Eijun scores. However the first years quickly get three outs, and Coach Katoka says he will call it a game unless all the first years agree to continue. Most want to drop out, but thanks to words of encouragement from Eijun they decide to continue. Eijun is placed on the mound, and Hariuchi is placed at shortstop. The two seem to be wroking effectively together against the older students until Eijun's roommate comes to the plate. Can Eijun find a way to strike out his roommate, who is the #4 hitter for the JV team?

The game concludes, and Furuya and Masuko are promoted to varsity while Eijun and Haruichi are promoted to JV. Along with the promotion comes additional pitchers training for Furuya and Eijun. However their training can only be done with the partners that Coach Katoka assigns them. Furuya is assigned to work with Miyuki while Sawamura is assigned to work with Chris. However instead of catching Eijun's pitch, Chris continually gives him additional work that isn't pitching, making Eijun think the coach has gotten the last laugh and that he won't succeed at Seidou.

Chris continues to leave practice early and give Eijun additional workouts. Eijun believes Chris is slacking off and has given up on making the first string, but what makes him the most mad is when Chris tells him he will never be the ace as long as Furuya is on the team. Rei Takashima reveals she was the one who assigned Eijun to work with Chris because of his knowledge of the game, and when Eijun bad mouths Chris he ticks off Miyuki. Rei ends up taking Eijun to see one of Chris rehab practices and reveals he is the only man Miyuki has never beaten. Eijun realizes Chris was trying to make it where he wouldn't get hurt and begs Chris to teach him baseball.

Sawamura begins to follow Chris every where to try and learn more about baseball. He also sits out of some practices so he can learn how the communication of a team works. Chris finally gives in to Eijun's persistence and catches a few of his pitches. After catching them, Chris informs Eijun he must find his specialty if he is to be truly effective as a pitcher. At first Sawamura is confused. he knows his speed isn't the best and he can't throw breaking balls, so what could be his specialty. Eventually Sawamura decides his specialty is his control, but focusing solely on control lowers his speed and allows him to get slaughtered in weekend a game. Can Sawamura figure out what his specialty truly is before being demoted?

Chris finally tells Eijun what sets him apart is his moving fastball. He reveals all the training he's given Eijun could make him the ace if he does it regularly for one year. However Eijun wants to thank Chris personally by delivering his best pitch to him in a game. One night when he's doing secret practices, Coach Katoka catches him and threatens to split him up from Chris. When Eijun tells him his reason for practicing this way at night, he recommends Eijun start a towel exercise that will improve his flexibility and control. Now with his speed back and his movement becoming better than ever, Sawamura is ready for his final JV game. The only question is will there be a catcher available to help him and catch his moving fastball?

Eijun appears to have greater speed on his moving fast ball than ever before. However his control has gone hectic. After walking the bases loaded with no outs, Coach Katoka signals for a change. Most of the team believes it will be Eijun getting subbed out. Instead Chris is inserted into the game. He calls all the infield together and reveals a plan that he believes will turn the momentum around completely. The only question is whether or not Eijun will be able to do so with all his wild pitches

Chris has Miyuki join him and Sawamura in the bullpen as they try to master Sawamura's new pitching form and get him to start throwing strikes with it. Chris's father Animal shows up at the game and tries to get Chris to stop playing, believing his shoulder isn't yet healed and that he will only cause further damage to himself. In order to stop Seido's momentum, Naoyuki Zaizen suggests they change the target from trying to destroy Sawamura to trying to destroy Chris. This episode covers chapters 30 to 33.

To stop the attacks on Chris, Sawamura reverts back to his original pitching form while maintaining the wall against the dangerous Naoyuki Zaizen. The results not only improve Sawamura's speed, but they start putting pressure on Zaizen and reveal an injury he had earlier. With Chris and Zaizen being of equal strength now, the momentum swings back to Seido. After 3 innings Chris and Sawamura are pulled from the game. The game concludes and the Coach calls everyone together. Two players are moved up to the varsity team, and many third years have their hearts broken. While Chris isn't brought up to play, he is brought up as a manager for the varsity team.

Sawamura continues to train hard, but when Chris notices he is overworking, he has Miyuki pul lhim into the indoor training facility for some pickoff training and leg positioning training so he won't get hurt. Furuya is reminded he must trim his nails and is also forced to start pickoff training. Furuya tells Miyuki he has a twisted personality. Tanba watches his rivals and vows not to give the ace number to anyone else. As hell week begins Tanba and Kawakami are sent to the bullpen while Sawamura and Furuya are forced to work on fielding practice and base coverage scenarios. Once their coverage scenarios are done they are sent out for outfield catching. In the bullpen Tanba works on a secret pitch with Miyauchi. When the 100 yard sprints start and the night workouts increase, Sawamura realizes him and his fellow first years haven't prepared for anything like this.

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...

The practice game between Seido and Osaka Kiryu begins with Furuya determined not to give up any hits after remembering the coaches words, "go get obliterated today." The first batter nails his fastball deep to the outfield. A bases loaded walk gives Kiryu a 3-0 lead and prompts a visit to the mound by Miyuki. The visit reminds Furuya to trust in the fielders around him. Furuya begins to intentionally give up hits so his outfielders can cover for his current weakness.

Kiryu's ace, Hiromi Toshi, continues to dominate Seido's batters as his speed increases as the game goes on. Miyuki decides to play a game with Toshi and has Furuya pitch full out with the goal of striking out the ace. To show off more of his dominance, Furuya hits a homer off of Toshi in the bottom of the fifth. As the two teams appear to become even, we reach the sixth inning. Sawamura is brought in to pitch the remaining four innings while Furuya is sent to the outfield to give him fielding practice and additional at bats. Takahiro Matsumoto gets pissed, thinking his team is merely practice targets for Seido's first years. Sawamura experiences pitching problems similar to Furuya's. However because his previous team was weak, he is used to such situations and quickly begins to adjust.

Miyuki continues to try to get Sawamura to pitch inside and gain additional control, but his motivational speeches seem to have little to no effect on Sawamura. Sawamura begins to try to trust in his infielder's, and as he does so he sees his pitching begin to improve. While many runs are given up, both Sawamura and Furuya learn the lessons the coach hoped to have them learn in the training camp. After the game Coach Matsumoto acknowledges Sawamura's ability and praises how it can be a secret weapon if it is utilized correctly, but only with a little refining.

A 3-set of matches takes place to end the training week of hell as Inashiro Industrial vs. Seido, Inashiro Industrial vs. Shuuhoku, and Shuuhoku vs. Seido on Seido's field. Kawakami pitches the game vs. Inashiro Industrial with Miyauchi while Tanba is forced to work with Miyuki. None of the starters play in the match vs. Inashiro Industrial, though Furuya is positioned in left field for the entire game. Inashiro Industrial brings out their starters for the second game, including southpaw ace Narumiya Mei. Mei already has a wicked slider, curve ball, and fast ball, but in the game he debuts a change up pitch that could make him unbeatable. Finally we start the Shuuhoku vs. Seido match. Through 6 innings Miyuki has Tanba throw nothing but curveballs and fastballs, but in the seventh inning Tanba debuts his new fork ball.

The second half of the Seido, Shuuhoku match begins with Tanba unveiling his fork ball. Combined with his fastball and his curve ball Seido seems to have a new found sense of confidence. As Tanba comes to bat however, Shuuhoku's pitcher loses control of one pitch and forces an emergency cancellation of the game and leads to something that could ruin Seido's season. As the players are feeling depressed, the summer tournament bracket is revealed. In order to play Inashiro Industrial, Seido will have to make it to the Tokyo Final. Sawamura is told to get better with his control and also told he'll debut when the time is right. Additional training is given to Sawamura and Furuya while some of the seniors are forced to start pitching training to help motivate them and prepare them should 3 pitchers not be enough.

Kanemaru helps Sawamura get ready for the exams. Until Sawamura passes all his exams, he will be ineligible to play in a game. After a few practices, he manages to get a 30, two 35's, and a 36 on his test making him eligible for the tourney. As Chris watches Sawamura pitch into the net, he secretky thinks how he can fine tune Sawamura's grip into a great weapon that no one will be able to defeat. Furuya isn't as lucky and is forced to take the makeup test. Everyone receives their numbers. The opening ceremonies are held for the Tokyo Tournament. Only two schools, those whom make the championship game, will be able to go on to the National Tournament. After the Opening Ceremony, Seido returns to their practice facility. We see Furuya and Sawamura getting used to the fielding, but Kawakami appears to be struggling. Realizing it's time to boost Kawakami's confidence, the Coach takes him aside and announces he will be their ace closer and to not worry about having to start. Furuya is named the starter. Seido opens its first match against Maimon West, who is about to see what Furuya's fastball is all about.

Seido shows Maimon West that they are underestimating anyone in the tournament. After being retired 1-2-3 in the top of the first, Seido manages to score 3 in the top of the second. Meanwhile Furuya continues to strike out batter after batter with his high fastball. Seido goes on to continue punishing Maimon West, gaining a 15-0 lead.

With a 15-0 lead in place, Seido brings in Sawamura to pitch inning 4. The game ends up being called, and Seido advances with ease. Seeing how high Furuya's ball was, Chris takes Sawamura aside and teaches him how to hold the ball and turn his pitch into a fine weapon no one will be expecting. Seido then participates in their second game of the tournament against Puplic Murata East High School.

The match between Seido and Puplic Murata East ends with Seido getting another called game, 10-0 after 5 innings. Seido sticks around to watch the next game and sees Akikawa Academy's Shunshin Yeung and his clockwork control. Yeung pitches mostly to the outside corners, and his rotation of the spots makes it hard for batters to predict where it will be. Seido begins planning immediately to combat it. Scouts and magazine writers head to Seido to watch Furuya pitch. However Miyuki realizes Furuya's body isn't used to Tokyo's heat after coming down from Hakkiado and limits him to 10 pitches. Everyone that sticks around gets to watch Sawamura work o nhis inside control with Kanmemaru in the batting circle. The next day the reporters head to Akikawa where they are shocked to see Yeung is th epitcher for the practice sessions. They also see the pitching machine turned up full throttle so Akikawa's players can get used to seeing the speed with their eyes, even if they can't hit it.

The night before the game, Coach Katoka stands in the batters box and has Sawamura pitch to him. Sawamura's pitch decides his fate for the Akikawa game. As the game begins, Furuya once again pitches full out. However Akikawa reveals a plan to wear him out through bunts and forcing more lack of control. Miyuki realizes their plan and comes up with a counterattack, but will Furuya be able to execute it?

In the top of the first, Shunshin Yeung comes to the plate and forces Furuya to throw a meat ball which he nails to left, giving Akikawa a 2-0 lead early on. With the lead Yeung heads to the mound and is able to start his precision throwing. Yeung comes up with a plan that he believes will destroy Seido if it is executed to perfection, but it requires getting one more run off of Furuya.

As the heat continues to increase, Coach Katoka declares that if Furuya even lets one batter on base, he will switch him out. At first this declaration provides Furuya the motivation he needs to get stronger, and his pitch gets faster. However Akikawa begins to use their bunt plan efficiently forcing Furuya to tire himself even more. With no other choice, a pitcher change is called for. Sawamura is called into action. After nearly throwing the ball away on a toss to first base, Miyuki calls for a four-seam fastball to the inside, the exact pitch Sawamura used against the coach the night before. We see the results of that pitch. Akikawa hesitates being unable to see his (Sawamura's) pitch due to his form, and Sawamura forces a pop out to third to get out of the 4th inning.

This episode serves as a recap of the first 27 episodes, showing how Eijun Sawamura joined the Seido High School Baseball team, his struggles with the JV, and his eventual rise to play in the tournament all while hoping to become the ace of the team.

Sawamura's moving fastball and four seamer continue to cause problems for Akikawa's batters. As Seido's batters start to get on base, Miyuki comes to the plate and is able to predict the pitches Shunshin Yeung will make. Miyuki's at bat not only helps Seido's batters improve, but Tanba is sent to the bullpen to warm-up and cause an additional scare for Akikawa's batters. Will it all be enough to reverse the score and give Seido the lead?

Ichidai continues to watch the game between Seido and Akikawa, declaring the next team to score will win in this 2-2 tie. Coach Katoka inserts Haruichi as a pinch hitter, and he responds by getting on base. Sawamura's bunt gets Haruichi to second base and brings up the lead-off batter, Kuramochi. Will Kuramochi finally be able to master Shunshin Yeung's clockwork control and get on base? Which team will score and seize control? No matter the outcome, Yeung is happy because he finally gets to play the style of Japanese baseball he grew up envying in his last summer of play in Japan.

After winning their match, Seido stays behind to watch Manaka's pitching in hopes of gaining a slight advantage in the quarterfinal game. Tanba remembers his past ties with Manaka and swears to return in that quarterfinal match. However Yakusi has made many changes to their lineup, including three first years in the 3, 4, and 5 spots. When the first of these first years arrives, Raichi Todoroki, he nails Manaka's best fastball out of the stadium to give his team the early 1-0 lead. Ichidai is forced to make an early pitching change, with Manaka moving to the outfield, and the game becomes a slugging contest. As inning 5 approaches, Manaka demands to return to the mound so his team can move on to the quarterfinals. Ichidai gives in, and Manaka returns with better control than before.

Raichi returns to the batters box for a second match against Manaka. While Manaka gets some good pitches in and appears to have the advantage, and unfortunate bounce leads to an injury to Manaka. Without Manaka the teams pitching begins to struggle. The outcome of the Yakusi/Ichidai game shocks the members of Seido as Raichi's hits decide the outcome. Now Seido must prepare for a team they have no advance data on, out of having watched one match. As Seido's first years attempt to make their way back to the bus, they come across Raichi and Raizou in the back practicing. When Raizou says there are no other pitchers that Raichi needs to worry about until they face Narumiya Mei, it gets Sawamura and Furuya's blood boiling. Kominato tells the rest of the team what happened the next day when they see Sawamura and Furuya practicing so hard, it gets the teams entire blood boiling. Tanba asks the cleanup batters to help him get ready for the next game in simulation practices as Seido's preparations start to go to work.

The episode begins with Chris coaching the team on Yakusi's batting power and their true ace, Sanada, who comes out of the bullpen and throws a shootball. Seeing their methods, Katoka decides to take action. Kataoka calls Sawamura, Furuya, and Kawakami into his office and tells them that Tanba isn't ready to pitch in the next game. Instead he decides they will go with Furuya for innings 1-3, Sawamura for 4-6, and Kawakami for 7-9. After he leaves them he approaches Tanba and tells him to start getting ready in the bullpen in inning 5 and that he will likely play in the game. As game day arrives the entire Seido team stares down Yakusi, mostly focusing their stares on Raichi Todoroki. When the lineups are revealed though, coach Raizou Todoroki has made some adjustments. Raichi has been moved and is now the first batter.

Raichi faces Furuya and manages to get a double. The next batter hits a single allowing Raichi to score and give Yasuki a 1-0 lead. Miyuki quickly reminds Furuya that he has reliable teammates behind him, and after a marvelous caught steal on Yasuki, Miyuki gives Seido the confidence it needs. Seido responds in the bottom of the first, and thanks to a 2-run homer by Masuko Seido takes a 3-1 lead. Seeing that his careful planning won't be enough, Raizou prepares to insert Sanada in the lineup earlier than usual and plans to have Raichi crush Furuya on his second at bat.

Furuya comes up to bat in the 7-spot and hits a solo homerun to make it 4-1 in the top of the 3rd. In the bottom of the third inning Coach Katoka decides to make his move and bring in Sawamura while Furuya moves out to left field. At first Sawamura pitches the ball straight down the middle, but a throwback from Miyuki makes Sawamura remember it is a team game and not a one-on-one contest. Sawamura is able to trick Raichi and get him behind with some outside pitches into a 1-2 count. Finally Sawamura unleashes his 4-seam fastball to the inside and gets Raichi to pop out. As Seido comes to bat in the top of the fourth a double from the captain gives them a 5-1 lead. Seeing that they can't fall behind any more, Raizou calls for a pitches change and brings in Sanada.

Sanada comes on and reveals he has a dangerous cutter, shutting down Seido's batting strength. Chris tries to figure out why Sanada isn't being used from the start of games. Ichidai players continue to slowly join in and are shocked to see that Seido has shut down Yakusi so far and leads 5-1. Tanba starts warming up in the 5th inning in the bullpen, giving Seido an additional threat. Yakusi's batters are unable to figure out the timing of Sawamura's pitch. Seeing no other choice, Raizou recommends they each get two strikes to get used to the speed of his pitch before swinging. The #8 man gets on base. Then the #9 batter calls for a bunt, the first bunt Yakusi has made in the tournament. Raichi now comes up for his third at bat. A homerun will make it 5-3 and could ruin Seido's momentum. People in the stands begin to wonder if Sawamura will be switched out. As Raichi comes to bat, a mysterious foot comes out of the dugout. Is Sawamura's day over?

Sawamura is given the role of pitching one more inning. After two outside pitches to Raichi, Sawamura finds himself up in the count. Miyuki calls for a high, inside four-seam fastball to get Raichi out, but Raichi sends it out of the park and cuts the lead down to 5-3. After walking the next two batters, Sawamura is pulled from the game. Yakusi's batters manage to connect Kawakami's pitches and score one more run. However a dramatic catch by Masuko leads to a dramatic double play and Seido gets out of the inning with a 5-4 lead. Sanada is ased to continue on through the end game to give Yakusi a fighting chance. In the bullpen Tanba continues to warmup, and Miyauchi thinks to himself that it is the best Tanba has pitched since getting back.

After the captain hits a home run off Sanada, Seido once again leads by two runs. We reach the bottom of the eighth inning, and Kawakami is struggling. He insists on connecting to Tanba in the next game, but when Raichi is walked and manages to steal second base he finds himself in a pinch. Kawakami is able to get two outs, but Raichi scores, making it 6-5, and Yakusi has runners on first and third. Kataoka steps up and calls for a pitching change. In comes Tanba with two outs for his first appearance for an ace vs. ace showdown.

Tanba takes to the mound. After two fastballs Tanba has an 0-2 count lead. Miyuki calls for a curveball, but the curve proves to be low and inside, coming close to a past ball. Miyuki makes a dramatic save, keeping the one-run lead for Seido. Seeing that Tanba had the pitch, even though he didn't have the control, Miyuki calls for another curve and gets Sanada to strike out. In the top half of the ninth Seido manages to score two runs, going up 8-5. After Furuya grounds into a double play, Kataoka decides to gamble. Furuya is pulled from the game. Tanba is left to face the bottom of the order with a 3-run lead. If even one runner gets on board though, Tanba will have to face off with Raichi. Will Tanba manage to hold on? This episode covers chapters 113 to 115.

The top of the ninth takes place as the battle between Seido and Yakusi reaches its climax with a battle between Tanba and Raichi. Tanba makes the count 2-2 when Miyuki finally calls for the forkball to make its debut. Will Raichi have success against the forkball, or will the pressure get to him? The winner advances to the semifinals as the loser ponders how they can improve for next season. This episode covers chapters 116 to 120.

The results of the quarterfinals are shown. Seido learns they will be facing a giant who is a curve ball specialist in the semifinals. Furuya is informed he won't pitch in the semifinal. Instead they hope he recovers from his fatigue. The team only has 1 day to prepare for the semifinal match. In an effort to help the team advance, the seniors raise the mound and the coach acts as the pitcher for a special batting practice. As the morning of gameday arrives, one of Seido's players accidentally shaves his head bald. Sawamura also learns his friends from home will be attending the semifinal to root for him. Meanwhile Haruchi's brother reveals only 18 players can move on to nationals, and he reveals if he doesn't make it to nationals, he will retire from baseball. This episode covers chapters 121 to 123.

The battle between Sensen and Seishun gets underway. Sawamura's friends arrive in the fourth inning to see that Seido trails 1-0. In the fourth Seido begins to make contact with Hino's curve ball. Seido manages to load the bases, but a dramatic double play fly out, tag out at home keeps Seishun locked at zero. As we reach the sixth inning Ryousan gets on base. Haruchi is told to start warming up his batting skills, and Sawamura is told to warm up in the bullpen. Ryousan manages to steal home on a ground ball to third, tying the score at 1 a piece. This episode covers chapters 124 to 127.

Haruchi replaces Tanba in the batting lineup with the bases loaded in a 1-1 game in the top of the sixth. Haruchi falls behind 0-2, but Hino gets greedy and throws a curve ball which Haruchi smacks into left center field for a 3 RBI double, giving Seido a 4-1 lead. Sawamura replaces Tanba as the pitcher and walks the leadoff batter. A quick short field hit gets over Ryousan's head, giving Sensen two runners on. Seido sacrifices a run, making it 4-2, to get the first out, but now Hino comes to the plate with runners and second and third and only one out. After a quirky relay message is sent to Sawamura, all the players relax and Sawamura vows he will never let Miyuki say some words to him again that were shared after the last game. This episode will covers the second half of chapter 127 and go through the first half of 131.

Sawamura faces off with Hino in a match-up that come determine the end result of the game. In the showdown Sawamura develops a new pitch, the crossfire pitch. Seido advances with an 8-3 win after Nori gives up an additional run. Sawamura gets to meet briefly with his friends before the team heads inside to watch the other semifinal match. This episode covers the second half of chapter 131 through the first half of 134.

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.

As Seido finish reviewing Narumiya's pitching, Yuki talks about the confidence he has toward the final. His words were backed by the hard work everyone has put in. At Inashiro, they are also carefully preparing for the Seido game.

The day before the final, Sawamura says he wants to learn a breaking ball to overcome his weakness. Azuma, an alumnus of the team stops by with great timing to show his support. Sawamura begins to practice the cutter with Azuma in the batter's box.

The current third-years were called "the hopeless year" when they joined. Their upperclassmen had lost all hope for them, but they diligently practiced, continuously encouraging each other. Their hard work changed their rivalry for each other into trust.

Sakai is shocked from being taken off the starting roster for the final, and Coach Kataoka gives him some words of encouragement. Being one victory away from going to nationals, everyone at Seido can't seem to hold down their excitement.

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, it's still a close final. 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 then realizes Narumiya is only going all out for Yuki and the team takes a mental blow.

In the top of the fifth, Furuya gets a hit off Narumiya. It's the perfect chance to tie the game, and Shirasu, batting ninth, hits Narumiya's fastball. Will Shirasu make first base? And in the bottom of the fifth, the ace, Tanba, takes the mound.

When Inashiro has two outs with the bases loaded, Tanba pulls through to get Seido going. However, Narumiya and Harada change their pitching pattern to keep Seido away from the bases. As the innings change and the Seido players walk out to the field, Kuramochi stops Ryosuke.

Seido's loss seems imminent against the mighty Inashiro. To make things worse, Tanba's leg cramps at the bottom of the seventh. Coach Kataoka decides to switch him out and puts Sawamura on the mound. The next batter is Narumiya!

Sawamura strikes out Narumiya with three pitches. Miyuki's bold strategy and Sawamura's strong heart lift the tension in the air. Seido High School is back in their usual offensive attitude. Furuya is up to bat, and Narumiya throws a powerful crossfire pitch!

Seido scores a run. Haruichi stands in the batter's box in place of Ryosuke as a pinch hitter. Seido has high expectations for the lucky kid. On the other hand, Inashiro can't give anything up. Narumiya grows furiuos seeing Haruichi's wooden bat. Can Haruichi connect to the next batter?

It's Yuki versus Narumiya. Yuki hits Narumiya's changeup with his unparalleled concentration, and Seido turns the game around! Tanba finds himself tearing up at Yuki's hit, while Narumiya can't keep his cool. Going into the bottom of the eighth, Sawamura continues to pitch.

At the top of the ninth, Inashiro is behind by a run. "I can't picture us losing," says Narumiya as he reflects on the loss at nationals and the hardships he's overcome. The Inashiro team goes back to fielding, entrusting everything to their perfectionist ace.

The unique experience of pitching in the last inning of a tournament final pressures Sawamura like never before. Carlos stands crouched over the plate, trying to get hit by a pitch. Can Sawamura resist his overwhelming determination to win?

With a runner in a scoring position, Inashiro's cleanup, Harada, stands at bat. Victory is one step away, but the challenge of a lifetime stands in its way. Using the last available time out, the ace goes to the field to relay a message. Can they defend the run and make nationals? The game finally comes to a close.

An unbelievable turn of events happens at the bottom of the ninth. Inashiro's ace, Narumiya, turns the game around with his bat. Seido players fall to their knees. They were one step short of making nationals. Alas, their summer comes to an end.

After losing the final, things are looking grim at Seido. Haruichi has locked himself in his room. "Somewhere in my heart, I was waiting for this day." Maezono tells him how he feels. After Maezono's eye-opening remark, Haruichi rises and grabs a bat.

As the new captain, Miyuki tells the team his will, "I want to be greedy about winning." The second-years who were overshadowed before by the third-years show their potentials for the new team. However, Kawakami is still stuck in the past.

The night before the national final, Narumiya lowers his head to his teammates and surprises everyone. Next day, Narumiya walks on to the Koshien mound, motivating Sawamura to practice harder as he watches it on TV. Later, an unfamiliar man comes to observe Seido's practice.

The new team at Seido isn't meshing well just yet. The result of the practice games has been 8 wins and 4 losses with no explosiveness from the batters. Coach Kataoka accepts the practice game Yakushi requested in hopes of raising the team's morale. Sawamura is fired up, but Miyuki isn't happy with his lack of control.

To everyone's surprise, the game against Yakushi is a pitcher's game. Furuya takes Raichi out going three for three that inning, and the Seido team sees Furuya's growth. In the bullpen, Sawamura feels threatened as Furuya's growth shines on the mound.

Furuya closes six innings without conceding any runs, and the crowd is excited to see the making of a true ace at Seido. Yakushi brings out their ace, Sanada, to the mound, and his presence overwhelms Seido. After seeing them both pitch, Sawamura can't hold himself back.

After conceding three runs without getting any outs, Sawamura is switched out of the game. "If I walk off here, I'll never..." Memories of the summer final resurface. Contrary to Furuya putting on a show on the mound, Sawamura sits in the dugout like a corpse.

Sawamura isn't himself anymore with the yips, but everyone still has faith in him that he'll be back. While the team is worried for him, he continues his running exercises on his own, and slowly but surely, he's regaining his zeal.

Coach Ochiai and Coach Kataoka have conflicting opinions, but the fall tournament is going well for the team. While Sawamura continues to struggle with the yips, Chris shows up like a knight in shining armor. "Practice the low and away." Sawamura's motivation is renewed.

The third years are left speechless hearing about the resignation of the coach. Coach Kataoka puts the current team through the off-season training menu, and 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 first and second-years find out about Coach Kataoka's resignation, and they are flustered. Isashiki doesn't feel any pressure from their plays, so he gives them a piece of his mind.

Maezono hits a home run at the top of the ninth, evening out the game at 3-3, and at the bottom of the ninth, Sawamura finally gets his chance on the mound. From the third-year team, Chris walks out as a pinch hitter to face Sawamura. Can Sawamura show his mentor the pitching of his life?

月間野球王国編集部。峰は試合写真を見ながら地区予選を思い返す。市大を破ったダークホース薬師高校と、６年ぶりの甲子園出場を狙う青道高校。継投で繋ぐ青道を、強打者軍団の市大打線が攻め立て――。

稲実は絶対的エース・成宮を中心とした王者の風格で、青道の前へ立ちふさがる。対する青道の武器はキャプテン・結城を中心とした攻撃力と、多彩な４投手による継投。１年生投手の降谷・沢村の存在が試合を大きく動かす。

決勝戦終盤、丹波がまさかの戦線離脱。７回裏、マウンドに立った沢村は好投を続ける。そして８回表、結城が成宮からヒットを打ち青道は逆転！迎えた８回裏、きわどい球を投げながらも２アウトを取る沢村だが――。

トーナメントで死のブロックに入る青道だが、キャプテン・御幸は秋大会優勝を宣言する。初戦相手の帝東は、１年生で甲子園デビューを果たしたエース・向井と強健強打のキャプテン・乾がバッテリーを組み、全国制覇を狙う

帝東と青道の強豪校同士の戦い。江戸川区球場には多くの観客が集まる。１回表、降谷は４番キャッチャー・乾を討ち取った。対する帝東の１年生投手・向井は甲子園経験者。巧みなコーナーワークで青道打線を翻弄する！

雨で長引く中断。ストレッチを行う向井、どこかボーっとしている降谷、そしてブルペンで投球練習をする沢村。試合再開後、御幸がヒットを打ち青道にチャンス到来！しかしマウンドの向井は不敵な笑み浮かべる。

沢村は完璧なリリーフを見せる！しかし向井は世代ナンバーワンピッチャーの自負のもと、青道打線を翻弄し続ける。冷静に球を見極めた倉持がフォアボールで出塁。続く春市は一転初球攻撃でチャンスを広げる！

強気に球を散らす向井。しぶとく粘った東条が出塁し、青道にチャンス再来か！？倉持も塁に出ると、帝東バッテリーは春市を敬遠し、満塁作で前園を迎える。８回裏ツーアウト満塁、かつてないプレッシャーが前園を襲う。

帝東に勝利した青道。夕食後もバッティング練習に勤しむ前園の姿に触発され、自主的にバットを振る青道メンバー。稲実戦に向け士気の高まる新チーム。しかしその雰囲気についていけない者たちもいて――

青道対七森学園。片岡監督は初戦と大きくオーダーを変える。春市、降谷、東条、金丸と１年生４人がスタメン入り。そして先発投手は沢村。御幸は、アウトコースを覚えた沢村には今こそインコース球も必要だと感じ――

対七森学園戦。初先発で快投を続ける沢村。「ようやくエース争いのスタートラインに立てたな」と、沢村に声をかける御幸。一方、太田スタジアムでは稲城対鵜久森戦の雲行きが怪しくなってきて――。

稲実対鵜久森戦。７回裏、攻撃的な鵜久森打線を前に、多田野と成宮のバッテ リーは全くかみ合わない。 梅宮が大きな当たりを見せる！！甲子園準優勝チームの稲実が、まさかの窮地に 立たされ――。

稲実敗北――。打倒稲実を目標にしていた青道ナインは、動揺を隠せない。そして渡辺への態度を巡り、御幸と前園の間に亀裂が入る。その頃沢村は、工藤たちにマエケン体操を教わり、鵜久森戦での投球に備えていた。

鵜久森対青道戦。四番・梅宮を打席に迎えた降谷は、梅宮の挑発を思い出し、思わず勝負球を投げてしまう。「俺の言うことが聞けないなら今すぐマウンドを降りろ！」と、御幸は厳しい口調で降谷を諌め――。

梅宮対御幸。パワーカーブへ咄嗟にバットを合わせた御幸は、ボールをセンターへ！渡辺が撮ったビデオに救われるかたちになった御幸。続く前園も力強いバッティングでレフト線長打コース。青道、連続タイムリー！

７回裏、東条がツーベースヒット。続く樋笠のヒットで、青道はダメ押しの２点タイムリー。５点差で鵜久森を引き離す！だが、鵜久森ナインは妙に明るい。そんな鵜久森を応援する声が、次第に観客席からあがり始め――。

ゲッツーコースの球が、春市の目の前で跳ねる。勢いを味方にする鵜久森は、まさかのノーアウト満塁。対して青道は、前進守備で強気の姿勢を見せる。だが、上位打線に入った鵜久森の勢いは止まることがなく――。

８回裏、ツーアウトランナー３塁。梅宮対御幸のエース対決。御幸は大きな当たりを出すもフェンス手前。ついに試合は最終イニングへ。勝負の最終回、片岡監督は気持ちの強さを買い、ついに沢村を登板させる――！

９回表、打席には梅宮。沢村は感覚を研ぎ澄ます。「逃げてたまるか！」沢村のカットボールは梅宮の懐に食い込む。スイングする梅宮。だが、打球はワンバウンドして沢村の前へ。沢村は梅宮からアウトを取れるのか――。

青道高校ついにベスト８入り！結城は、キャプテンの立場を重く感じる御幸へ「お前がキャプテンになればチームは強くなると思った」と背中を押す。一方その頃、王谷高校のエース若林は、降谷の故障を見抜いていた。

「部を辞めるつもりはない」と言い切る渡辺。御幸と前園がぶつかりつつも、２年生は着実に結束を固めていた。春市は、兄・亮介の壁を感じつつも練習に励む。そして王谷戦のメンバー発表、先発投手はなんと沢村！！

青道高校室内練習場、沢村は変化球習得を試みる。苦戦する不器用な沢村。だが落合コーチが重心移動のアドバイスをした途端、チェンジアップに成功！ついに沢村はムービングの進化系に到達しようとしていた……！？

大きくリードをとる１塁ランナー。沢村が牽制球を投げようとした瞬間、３塁走者が走る！思わず投球動作を止めてしまう沢村。すると審判の「ボーク！」の声が！王谷高校は、頭脳戦で１年生投手から先制点を決める！！

沢村は５回裏も３人でシャットアウト！攻守交替後、王谷は初球攻撃で倉持に出塁を許し、続く白州にもヒットを打たれる。細かな情報収集から分析を尽くす戦法の王谷、若林のテンポよい投球で挽回を狙えるか！？

王谷の攻撃回で１アウトランナー１・２塁、バッターボックスには４番・春日が立つ。中盤のこの展開に気が昂ぶる沢村。「堂々と投げたらええ」、前園が励ます。そして試合再会。御幸はアウトローにミットを構える。

沢村堂々の完投！青道高校ベスト４進出を決める！！結果を出した沢村の姿にクリスも微笑む。そして仙泉対成孔の試合が始まる。好投を続ける真木。しかし体躯のよい成孔選手にじわじわと追い詰められていき……。

故障から回復した降谷。沢村が絶好調のピッチングを見せたことで、降谷の闘志も燃える。一方黙々と練習を重ねる川上。ミーティングに集まった部員の間では、沢村に変化球を教えたのは落合コーチだという話が広まる。

片岡監督は、控え選手とレギュラー陣による紅白戦いを行い、士気高揚を狙う。レギュラーチームの先発投手は降谷。沢村は控えチーム先発としてマウンドに登る。一方春市は金属バットを使うことになり――！？

紅白戦を眺める初老の男性。その正体は、名将・榊英二郎だった。彼こそが、青道を全国常連校へ育て、また高校生の片岡を熱心に指導した人物であった！「悪童だったお前がなぁ」榊は当時を懐かしく思い返す……。

薬師高校のグラウンドに金属バットの音が響く。エース・真田はひときわ的確なバッティングを見せていた。その後ろには、一心不乱に素振りを繰り返す雷市の姿も。一方、市大三高の天久もまた、汗だくで練習していた。

成孔学園対青道の試合が始まる。打席に立つのはキャッチャー・枡！切り込み隊長であり、チームのキーマンでもある枡を警戒する御幸。試合の主導権を握るためにも枡を打ち取りたい青道、降谷の立ち上がりは――！？

４回表、５点を追う成孔。打順はチームの主砲、４番・長田。長田の気迫に押される降谷。御幸はすかさずタイムを取り、流れを呼び戻す。だが、ゲッツー狙いの送球を受けた瞬間、降谷の右足に激しい痛みが走り――！？

成孔が１点を返すも、青道は追加点を与えない。そして小川もまた青道の追加点を許さない。限界が危ぶまれるなか、身を挺して球を止める降谷。緊迫の試合模様――。沢村は降谷の闘志を引き継ぎマウンドにあがる！！

８回表、成孔・長田の同点ツーランにより試合はふりだしに！動揺する沢村。成孔・玉木が沢村のムービングボールに驚き振り遅れるも、金丸のエラーでランナーが1塁へ！沢村、試練のピッチング！

ラフプレーともとれる小川の本塁突入を、身を挺してブロックした御幸。小川のプレーを諌めつつも心意気をかう枡。試合は５対５同点のまま延長戦に突入！いよいよ成孔戦の正念場！決勝戦へ駒を進めるのはどっちだ！？

延長10回裏、御幸が打席に立つ。インコース胸元の球を狙い澄ましたようにフルスイングする御幸。堂々のサヨナラホームラン！青道ついに決勝進出！！そして準決勝第２試合、薬師対市大の試合が始まる。

轟監督は３回裏、早くもエース真田を投入。ピッチャー天久を警戒する。そして６回表、雷市の打順に、薬師ベンチの期待が高まる。自分ならどう雷市を押さえ込むか――、スタンドの沢村も固唾を呑んで試合を見守る。

８回表、三島への投球で、天久まさかのデッドボール。思わず「でかした！」と喜ぶ轟監督。薬師はランナー１、２塁のチャンス！打席に立つのは轟雷市。市大はエース天久に勝負を託す！！果たして試合の結果は――！？

明日はいよいよ薬師との地区予選決勝戦。部員もマネージャーもいつになく気合が入る。そんななか、降谷にドクターストップがかかる。「うちのエースだからな」という片岡監督の言葉に自尊心をくすぶられ、出場判断を片岡に委ねる。先発投手は川上、控えは沢村。「勝って甲子園に行こう！」キャプテン御幸のアツい言葉に青道メンバーは吼える！

決勝前夜、３年生が応援にかけつける。沢村はツーシームの練習をクリスに見てもらう。変化球を投げ分ける沢村に、成長を感じる３年生。一方、倉持は白州を呼び出し「御幸がどこか痛めているかもしれない」と告げる。

秋季東京都大会決勝戦！初の甲子園を狙う薬師。対する青道は７年ぶりに王者復活なるか！？ついに戦いの火蓋が切って落とされた！自分の役目は突破口を開きチャンスを作ること――その一心で倉持は塁に出る！

１回裏、薬師の攻撃はツーアウト１・２塁。川上が薬師のエース真田に打たれてピンチを迎えるも、白州のファインプレーで青道はピンチを切り抜ける。そしてお互い無得点のまま、２回表・青道の攻撃。ついに青道に先制点のチャンスが！！

マウンドに立つ雷市。1球ごとに球速が増す雷市のボールを捉えきれず、前園は空振り三振……！そして試合は３回裏、薬師の攻撃へ。雷市の好投が打線に火をつけたか好調な薬師。しかし川上も厳しく攻め点を与えない！

川上は、雷市にホームラン、続く真田にも初球を打たれてしまう。そんな川上をフォローするように、倉持・春市の二遊間コンビはゲッツーを取る。だが川上は、フォアボールついにデッドボールを出してしまい……！！

前園の気迫に押される雷市。前園が打ち上げ、倉持が見事にホームイン！青道はついに同点に追いついた！！。マウンドがどういう場所か気づいてしまった雷市。その動揺を見てとった轟監督は真田へと投手交代を宣言！

５回裏、薬師の攻撃。三島は咆哮をあげ勝負を挑む。しかし沢村は動じることなくフォーシームを投げ込む。空振り三振で打ち取る沢村に驚く観客席。続く打者は薬師の主砲、轟雷市！沢村は雷市を抑え込めるのか――！？

痛めた脇腹の診察を受ける御幸。試合では、沢村が６回裏もピシャリ３人でシャットアウト！攻守交替後、木製バットを構える春市へ、強気な表情を見せる真田。真田のカミナリシュートは木製バットをへし折り――！！

沢村は雷市を三球三振に！続く真田も三振に！！薬師のクリーンナップに一歩も引かない沢村と御幸のバッテリー。会心のピッチングに観客席も沸く！８回表、打順は白州から！１点を追う青道は逆転なるか――！？

秋大決勝戦、いよいよ大詰め。３対４と薬師１点リードのまま９回表へ。倉持は鋭い当たりを飛ばすも、薬師の前進守備に打ち取られてしまう。続くバッターは２番・東条。青道応援団の必死な声援が球場に響く――！！

９回表、３対４と青道が１点を追う展開。春市が出塁すると、続くキャプテン御幸も希望をつなぐ内野安打！そして打順は前園へ。凄まじい気迫で打席に立つ前園。しかし空振りが続き、２ストライクと後がない……。

９回裏、５対４と１点リードの青道。マウンドに立つのはエース・降谷。降谷の剛速球に唖然とする薬師。試合はいよいよ大詰め。勝利を目前にして叫ぶ青道部員！片岡監督も吠える！！青道、ついに優勝なるか！？

センバツへの出場を決めた青道野球部。高校野球の聖地・甲子園球場のマウンドに、ついに沢村が立つ！　全国制覇を目指す青道の前に立ちはだかるのは、昨年夏の大会優勝校・巨摩大藤巻と、その絶対的エース・本郷正宗。はたして青道は巨摩大に勝利することができるのか？　高校球児たちの熱い闘いが再び幕を開ける！

センバツ2回戦、青道の対戦相手は日本庄野。1回戦、150km超の剛速球で相手打線を封じた降谷は一躍マスコミの寵児となり球場では記者やファンの注目の的となる。2回戦を勝ち上がりベスト8に駒を進めるのはどちらか？同じく東京から初出場の轟雷市擁する薬師は？夏大優勝の巨摩大藤巻は？ベスト8が出揃う。

センバツ９日目第４試合、いよいよ始まった巨摩大藤巻戦。巨摩大藤巻のエース・本郷正宗が満を持して初先発。 150キロを超えるストレートと切れ味鋭いスプリットを武器に未だ無失点の本郷を青道打線は攻略出来るのか？一方の青道は降谷が先発。巨摩大藤巻打線を相手に、降谷の立ち上がりは...？

巨摩大藤巻との準々決勝はいよいよ終盤に突入。青道打線は巨摩大藤巻の本郷に対しここまで7回に御幸が放ったヒット1本のみにおさえられる。しかし青道先発の降谷も本郷に呼応するかのように尻上がりに調子を上げていく。果たして青道はここから本郷を攻略しベスト4進出を決めることが出来るのか？そして沢村の登板機会は…⁉

巨摩大藤巻に敗れ青道のセンバツは終わった。本郷との投げ合いで降谷は何を感じたのか？甲子園での激闘の余韻に浸る暇もなく、再び走り出す青道ナイン。新1年生も合流し、新しいチームがスタートを切る。それぞれに夏の大会まで残された時間の少なさを噛みしめる部員たち。そんな中、春市にはある変化が......。

春のセンバツでの戦いを終えた青道は休む間もなく春季東京都大会に挑む。青道初戦の相手は永源高校。先発は川上。甲子園で一躍名をあげた降谷の登板を期待する観客たち。果たして降谷の登板はあるのか。一方甲子園で悔しい気持ちと降谷の存在を改めて感じた沢村の登板は？

春季東京都大会3回戦で注目の対戦が実現した。昨年夏の大会の覇者、世代ナンバーワンサウスポー成宮鳴擁する稲城実業対センバツベスト4、豪打轟雷市擁する薬師の対戦。冬のトレーニングとセンバツでの経験を経て一回りも二回りも成長した薬師真田と稲実打線の戦いは？そして成宮は秋の敗戦から立ち直れたのか？注目の一戦の幕が上がる！

神宮第二球場。稲実と薬師の火花を散らす一戦にいよいよ決着がつく。一方、青道高校では、奥村ら新１年生が高校野球の厳しさに悪戦苦闘していた。春季大会のベンチ入りメンバーは本来20人だが、青道の登録は現在18人。片岡監督が敢えて空けた２人分の枠をめぐって、最後の夏の大会を目指す3年生たちを筆頭に2年生、さらには新入生１年も交えた選手たちの切磋琢磨が激しさを増す──。

春季東京都大会4回戦を迎える青道高校。また東西東京地区の分別が無い春季大会ならではの対戦が実現した。甲子園常連校で東東京の雄、帝東高校と戦うのは昨年秋の大会で王者稲城実業を下し、一躍注目を集めた鵜久森高校の対戦だ。この試合の勝者が稲城実業と5回戦で当たることになる。注目の一戦だ！

奥村に反発されたことを御幸に話す沢村。かつて先輩と衝突した過去、クリスの事情を知らず暴言を吐いたことを思い出す。春季大会は帝東対鵜久森に決着がつき、青道は準々決勝で春日一高と対戦。その先発は降谷か、沢村か？　市大三高の天久や奥村ら新１年生が見つめる中、「勝ちにいくと」宣言した片岡がマウンドに上げたのは──。

春季大会準々決勝、春日一高戦。3回裏に3番・小湊春市のタイムリーで先制した青道高校は、4番・キャプテンの御幸が続く。先発の沢村を御幸のバットで楽にすることができるのか？沢村は５回この試合最大のピンチを迎える。果たして沢村はこのピンチを抑えられるか？試合の行方は？ 一方、甲子園での投球の記憶は降谷に大きな影響を与えていた。エースへの思いを一層強くする降谷。彼がその視線の先に見ているものとは……。

一年生ながらベンチ入りメンバーに加わり、いきなり結果を出した結城将司。奥村、由井、浅田なども徐々にチームに慣れ始め、それぞれがいろいろな思いを抱きながら練習に励む。チームは次戦の市大三高戦を控え、練習に熱がこもる。そんな中、降谷との練習を優先する御幸に焦りを募らせる沢村。奥村は沢村と衝突したことを御幸にたしなめられ、沢村のキャッチャーを自ら申し出る。

春大準決勝、市大三高戦を翌日に控えた青道の夜間練習。沢村とキャッチボールをする奥村光舟。どんな距離でもしっかり胸元に投げ込んでくる沢村に驚きを隠せない。さらに御幸から沢村のナンバーズを受けてみろといわれる奥村。その変化の多彩さ、キレの良さ、投手としての沢村を身体で感じ取る奥村。翌日、ついに開始される市大三高戦。青道の先発投手は？　そしてこの試合の行方は──？

遂に始まった春大準決勝、市大三高戦。先攻をとった青道は、市大三高のエース・天久光聖の立ち上がりを攻める！　ワンアウトランナー3塁で迎えるは、小湊春市から始まる青道のクリーンナップ。御幸が先攻を取った思惑通り先制なるか？一方、青道先発の降谷はセンバツで感じた自らの思いを胸にマウンドに上がる。そして序盤の攻防が熱く繰り広げられる。

春大準決勝市大三高戦。２対０とリードした５回、市大の反撃を受ける青道先発・降谷。なかなか制球が定まらず、乗り切れないピッチングが続く。御幸はそんな降谷のエースとしての自覚を信じ必死にリードする。しかしこの回３つ目のフォアボールを出したところで落合から助言を受け片岡はようやくある決断をする。その決断とは──。

春大準決勝・市大戦。前の回、チームのピンチを救う完ぺきなリリーフを見せた沢村。青道6回表の攻撃はその沢村からの打席。沢村自ら出塁し反撃の糸口となることが出来るか？対する市大三高・天久は2回以降青道打線に得点を与えない好投を続ける。青道打線は沢村を援護し逆転することが出来るのか？決勝進出をかけたこの試合の行方は──。

準決勝の市大三高を戦い終えた青道ナインが見守るなか、同じく準決勝で激突する稲実と帝東。共に1年生から甲子園を経験し、2年生から名門校のエースナンバーを背負う成宮と向井の投げ合いはどちらに軍配が上がるのか。一方、青道高校は片岡監督を中心に今回の市大三高戦の分析を行っていた。また、御幸には「ある思い」が心の中に去来し…。

春大の結果を受けて、青道の選手たちは皆「自分たちに足りないものは何か」を考え、行動するようになっていた。なかでも沢村はひときわ強い向上心を示し、その思いは最後の夏を控える3年生にも伝播していった。一方、春大はいよいよ決勝戦。神宮第二球場には御幸と、甲子園以降、プレッシャーに悩まされる降谷の姿があった――。

片岡監督から１年生と上級生の紅白戦を行うことが告げられ、ざわつく青道グラウンド。二軍入りへのアピールになると意気上がる１年生たち。しかしそれは一軍入りを目指す上級生たちも同じ。沢村たちレギュラー組が見守る中、先発として登板する１年・九鬼。圧倒的な気迫を見せる上級生に対し、奥村、瀬戸ら1年生たちはどう戦うのか──？

１年生と上級生チームによる紅白戦。３回から登場した浅田と奥村のバッテリーが上級生チームに立ち向かう。浅田は奥村と瀬戸が見せたアグレッシブな姿勢に勇気づけられ、「奥村の期待に答えたい、最高のボールをミットに投げ込みたい」と意気込む。浅田の投球は上級生に通用するのか？ かたやベンチ入り返り咲きを狙って気迫のこもった投球を続ける上級生チームの川島。奥村や瀬戸のバッティングは鬼気迫る上級生に通用するのか？

紅白戦が終わり、片岡は一軍に合流させるメンバーを選抜する。その結果に一喜一憂する一年生と当落線上の上級生たち。一方、教室で倉持とチームのことについて話す御幸は、いつになく饒舌になっていた。「正直、いくら時間があっても足りねーよ」口ではそう言いながら楽しそうな御幸の様子を倉持は意外に感じるのだった──。

練習では一年生捕手と組むよう御幸から命じられた沢村と降谷。二人は後輩をどうリードするのか、そして御幸の期待に応えられるのか。夜間練習でようやく御幸に受けてもらえると喜ぶ沢村。そこに現れる片岡。沢村は御幸を相手にナンバーズを投げて見せる。投球を見た片岡は沢村にあることを告げた──。

5月の大型連休に入り、全国各地で夏の大会に向けて練習試合を繰り広げる強豪校。大阪では大阪桐生対北海道巨摩大藤巻。愛知では稲実対西邦高校。熊本では徳島の好永と昇学館。宮城では山梨の山守対郁栄。そして埼玉では青道と山雅が対決。お互いに凌ぎを削る強豪チーム。そしていよいよ沢村がセンバツベスト4の強豪群馬白龍高校戦のマウンドへ──。

ついに始まった白龍戦。白龍は3番美馬を中心に全国屈指の機動力を誇るチーム。初回、いきなりピンチを迎える沢村。果たして沢村のピッチングは白龍打線に通用するのか？一方の青道も春の大会での敗戦を経て打順を変更、攻撃的なオーダーに組み替えてこの試合に挑む。試合の行方は──?

強豪・白龍高校を相手に力投する沢村。センバツで好投した降谷の登板を期待していた群馬の高校野球ファンも、次第にその実力を認めざるをえなくなる。一方、レフトで先発出場した降谷はマウンドに立ちたいという思いが空回り。集中力を欠いたプレーをみせる降谷に片岡が下した決断とは──。一方沢村は美馬との三度目の対決を迎える！

センバツベスト4の強豪・群馬、白龍高校との練習試合もついに決着を迎える。沢村は全国屈指の強豪校との試合で何を感じ、何を得たのか。この試合登板機会の無かった降谷は沢村のピッチングに何を感じ、何を得たのか。沢村と降谷、二人の様々な感情が交錯する。一方、白龍高校の美馬は、プロも注目する御幸を意識していた…。

大型連休の遠征も終わり、青心寮に帰ってくる一軍メンバー。中でも、沢村がセンバツベスト４の白龍に勝利した試合はメディアでも高く評価され、ネット記事には青道に黄金時代到来かの文字が躍る。夏の足音が近づく中、沢村の野球ノートには片岡からの言葉が記されていた──。

練習試合で好成績を収め、夏の大会に向けて練習に熱が籠もる青道ナイン。片岡の言葉に刺激され張り切る沢村は、早朝からベッドを抜け出し活動を始める。一方、沢村の充実ぶりを目の当たりにした降谷もシートバッティングでアピールする。二人のライバル関係がお互いにいい影響をもたらしているかに見えた、その時──。

夏大に向けて練習にも熱が入る青道野球部。そんな中、女子マネージャーたちはノートにスクラップしてきた新聞や雑誌の記事を見ながらセンバツ出場から現在までのことををふり返っていた。記事から蘇る試合の記憶、積み重ねられてきた沢村や降谷の熱い想い。春夏連続甲子園出場を目指して、彼らはさらに前へと進んでいく──。

沢村の先発で始まった千葉の強豪・鳴田工業との練習試合。左投手（ルビ：サウスポー）キラーと呼ばれるクリーンナップを相手に、沢村のピッチングはどこまで通用するのか。ここのところ大きな試合を任されてる沢村に、新たな試練が降りかかる。一方、鳴田工業と倉持の間には知られざる因縁があった。果たしてその因縁とはーー？

夏の大会での不測の事態に備え、選手たちに複数のポジションを守らせる片岡監督。沢村はレフトで練習試合に出場し、降谷は内野ノックを受けさせられる。一軍入りした一年生由井にも片岡監督は複数ポジションを守れるかと問う。捕手一筋の野球人生を歩んできた由井の答えはーー？ 一方、二軍でブルペン捕手を務める奥村は、沢村の球を受けろと監督に指示される。奥村の思わぬ回答に周囲はざわめき立つ。

故障から復帰し二軍の練習試合で先発する降谷。一軍の試合で活躍する沢村を見ながら、野球ノートに書かれた片岡の言葉を噛みしめる。一方、山梨で行われている春季関東大会では薬師、市大三高、稲実ら、青道のライバルチームが激しい戦いを演じていた。着実に力をつけているライバルチームの姿に闘志を燃やす沢村たち──。

練習試合で確かな成長を見せ、周囲を刮目させる沢村。その心中には、白龍戦で自分が演じた熱いピッチングがあった。沢村の投球への情熱は降谷にも伝播する。二軍戦で奥村とバッテリーを組み、内容のあるピッチングを目指す降谷。降谷の想いはボールに乗りうつって──。

東京選抜チームに参加するため御幸がチームを離れることになり、瀬戸とともに奥村の一軍合流が発表される。一方、前園、倉持らにチームを託し、東京選抜の練習会場となった稲城実業グラウンドに向かう御幸。各校の注目選手たちもグラウンドに続々と集結、ここに東京選抜として一堂に会する。

アメリカのウインドユースアカデミーチームと対戦する東京選抜。先発は秋川学園の右腕 楊舜臣。精密機械と呼ばれる楊だが高野連規定により久しぶりの実戦登板となる。果たして楊のピッチングはアメリカチームに通用するのか？一方青道グラウンドでは西邦、山守という強豪校を向かえ、三つ巴の練習試合が始まっていた。御幸を欠いた青道はこの手強い相手とどう戦うのか──。

御幸が参加する東京選抜は、アメリカ・ウインドユースの長身左腕コンラッドを捉えられずにいた。そしてアメリカリードのまま迎えた７回、ついに成宮が登板する。一方、青道グラウンドの青道対山守戦は降谷が小野とバッテリーを組む。御幸不在の時こそ、降谷らしい投球をさせたいと小野は静かに闘志を燃やす──。

7回から登板した成宮は、アメリカ・ウインドユースの4番打者・カーライルをストレートで空振り三振に打ち取った。だが、豪快に空を切ったバットはキャッチャー・乾の頭に当たってしまう。国友監督は乾の交代を決断。代わりにマスクを被った御幸と成宮という、禁断のバッテリーが誕生する。一方、山守学院と練習試合を行っていた青道高校でも、御幸の不在を埋めるべく気迫のプレイを続けていた小野をアクシデントが襲う──。

対ウインドユース戦もいよいよ終盤。完璧なリリーフを披露する成宮をはじめ、カルロスや白河、山岡などの稲実勢が大活躍。御幸はライバルの強さを改めて実感する。同じ頃、山守と練習試合を行う青道は、離脱した小野に代わり由井がマスクを被る。ところが、四球やバッテリーエラーが重なり大苦戦。降谷のリズムを狂わせたと由井は自らを責めるが──。

負傷した小野に代わってマスクを被る由井とバッテリーを組んだ降谷は、エラーと度重なる四球でリズムを乱してしまう。持ち直すことなく失点を許し、さらなるピンチを招いたところで降谷は降板。後を引き継いだ金田は粘り強く投げ抜くも、山守学院の勢いは止められず、青道の連勝記録は19で止まってしまう。続く第2試合では、愛知の雄・西邦高校相手に沢村が先発。片岡監督からの檄に、沢村は心を震え立たせマウンドへ向かう。

愛知の雄・西邦高校との練習試合。先発・沢村は初回から二つの三振を奪うなど好調をアピール。対する西邦のエース・明石は、かつて甲子園でスーパー一年生と騒がれた注目選手だった。怪我で調子を崩し、長い雌伏の時を経てようやく一線に復帰したばかりの明石は、全身にまとった筋肉の鎧と力強い投球で見る者を圧倒する。一方、沢村と奥村バッテリーは、マシンガン打線と呼ばれる西邦相手に協力して立ち向かっていく−—。

0-0の緊迫した投手戦が続く西邦との練習試合。6回表、沢村はピンチを招くものの、センター麻生の神返球で窮地を切り抜ける。その裏、先頭バッターの一年・将司が放った打球は高い放物線を描いていく。果たしてボールの行方は−—。一方の沢村は、監督の、そしてチームの皆の期待を背負い、気迫のピッチングを続ける。闘志あふれるその姿に、ナインやベンチメンバーだけではなく、スタンドにいる観客にまで熱い気持ちが伝播していく。

東京選抜の試合からの帰路、御幸は電車で一緒になった成宮にあることを打ち明ける。夏大での熱い戦いを誓って別れる御幸と成宮。一方、青道グラウンドでは西邦との激闘が終了。山守学院に敗戦したことを含め、夏への課題を再確認する青道ナイン。そんな中、夏大でベンチ入りを許される20人の選手が決まろうとしていた。

夏合宿を行う青道野球部。マネージャーたちは補助食となるおにぎり作りに精を出す。沢村は９回投げてもバテないスタミナを付けるため苦手な納豆に挑戦していた。そして選手たちの興味は合宿も含めた今後の成果によって決まる夏大での背番号に。沢村、降谷、川上……注目のエースナンバーは果たして誰が付けるのか？

夏合宿最終日。成宮や天久ら強敵がひしめく夏大会に向けて打撃練習に精を出す青道ナイン。さらに夕刻から片岡監督の鬼のノックが選手たちを追い込んでゆく──。合宿明けに開催される夏大会の抽選会。くじ引きによってそれぞれのブロックに振り分けられていく参加校。果たして青道高校の初戦の相手となるチームは──。

夏大前の総決算となる強豪・九重との試合、沢村は堂々としたピッチングで８回を２失点に抑え、結果を出した。一方、落合は、新チームからエースナンバーを背負い、エースとしてのプレッシャーの中で今も成長を続けている降谷を評価する。この夏、青道のエースナンバーを背負うのは、沢村か、降谷か。片岡の決断は──？

夏大の初戦を待つ青道。沢村はエースナンバーを身体に馴染ませようと、ユニフォームを着たまま眠って倉持らにからかわれる。片岡のもとには、初戦の相手となる片岡の恩師、由良総合工科監督・榊から激励の電話が入っていた。シードである青道に先んじて１回戦を行う由良総合工科。老獪な榊監督が見せる野球とは──。

いよいよ始まった夏大。青道の初戦の相手となる由良総合・榊監督は手ぐすねを引いて試合の日を待つ。ライバルである稲実・成宮も初戦に登板。格下の相手といえど隙を作らない稲実野球の姿勢を示す。各地の球場で一斉に戦いの火蓋を切る地区の有力校。そしてついに、沢村がエースとしてマウンドに上がる日がやってきた──！

エースナンバーを背負い夏大初戦のマウンドに登った沢村。しかし先頭バッターに出塁を許してリズムを崩し、初回から1点を失ってしまう。なおも得点圏にランナーを置いての攻撃で、由良総合・榊監督は、沢村が最も得意とするインコースの直球を狙わせる。老獪な榊の術中に嵌まっていく沢村。果たして試合の行方は──？

夏大初戦の由良総合戦。初回に2点を先制され、その裏に１点を返したものの、依然リードを許す青道。沢村は４回表の先頭打者にフォアボールを与え、その調子は上がってこない。継投か、沢村のまま試合を進めるのか、片岡に決断の時が迫る。一方投手を援護しようと打線の意気が上がる。果たして青道の反撃はなるか──？

コールド勝ちで由良総合を下した青道。序盤、相手チームにリズムを掴まれた反省もそこそこに、次戦の相手となる八弥王子の分析と対策を始める。要注意人物はキャプテンでセカンドの川端。名手との対決にライバル心を燃やす倉持と春市。一方片岡はミーティングの後沢村を監督室に呼び、初戦の経験を大事にしろと告げる──。

ついに始まった夏大、青道の２戦目の相手は内野の名手・川端を擁する八弥王子。青道の先発は復調を遂げつつある降谷。初回からその豪速球が唸りを上げる。しかし八弥王子もまた、降谷の速球にしっかりと目標を定めていた。振り抜いた３番・川端の打球はセンター前に抜けるかという当たり。だが春市＆倉持の二遊間コンビがそれを阻む──！

青道−八弥王子の試合は７回表、この回得点しなければコールド負けという八弥王子の攻撃。執念で出塁した川端を塁上に置き、最後の反撃に出る八弥王子打線──。青道の勝利は目前。試合前に自ら「繋ぐ」と宣言した降谷の好投を、背番号「１」を背負いながらベンチから見守る沢村。エースを巡る二人の物語は続いてゆく──。