[based on translation by narwhaltortellini]

SUMMARY:

The bottom of the second inning starts with both teams having yet to score a run. On the mound, Kaguyama remembers what Ooi told the team before. Last fall Musashino beat Kaskabe in a game 2 to 3, so he believes if they keep Kasukabe to 2 runs they should be able to win.

Kaguyama pitches to Kasukabe's fifth batter, Shiba. He gets a hit and runs to first base. The batter notes that though Kaguyama's speed has improved and he has decent control, the rotation is still weak, so it's still just as easy to hit as it was in the fall.

The sixth batter makes a successful bunt, one out and bringing Shiba to second. As Ryou comes up to bat, Shiba notices how much care Kaguyama is putting into each pitch. Knowing this will make Kagyuama's set take longer he tries to steal third. Kaguyama throws a ball which Machida begins to throw to third, but he is too late. Shiba makes it to third, still with Kasukabe only at one out.

With Ryou in bunting position, Musashino pitches a ball to avoid a squeeze play. Ryou doesn't go for the pitch, and with the count at 0-2, Machida figures they'll have to throw a strike. Ryou figures as much as well, and also predicts the pitch will be a fastball on the outside since the catcher won't want to chance missing the ball. He swings at the next pitch, gets a solid hit and bringing Shiba home for Kasukabe's first run .

Kaguyama begins to look down with worry, but Haruna calls encouragement to him from the outfield, and Kaguyama realizes he needs to keep his head up. He resolves that he will keep Kasukabe to as few runs as possible. He pitches to Kasukabe's eighth batter, who bunts, pops up and is caught, leaving Kasukabe with two outs and Ryou still on firstbase.

Though the out decreases the chance Kasukabe will be able to score again, Kasukabe's third base coach Yuushou thinks they still have a chance. Aoi is up to bat, and the twins tend to react faster when working together. Ryou will likely understand what his brother is doing and be able to start running sooner than usual, resulting in what Yuushou calls a “natural hit and run.”

Aoi correctly predicts that Musashino will pitch a strike, and his brother reaches the same conclusion and knows Aoi will swing at it. Ryou begins to run, and Aoi makes a long hit to right field. Ryou makes it to third base, and Yuushou figure's he's made good time and signals him on towards home. However, Haruna is in right field, and he makes a powerful throw back toward home, getting Ryou out before he is able to score, and ending the second inning.

Kasukabe's coach speaks with Yuushou about why he told Ryuu to keep running. He does not think the choice was bad generally speaking, but reminds Yuushou that he should be aware of the fact that Haruna is in right field. The coach observes that it's a rare thing to see a player that can make his presence felt so much in a game despite the fact he only pitches after the fourth inning.

At the top of the third inning, all three of Musashino's batters hit grounders and are thrown out at first, quickly ending their chance to score in the third inning. Ooi encourages the team, telling them their chance will surely come in the second half. Kaguyama notes that he only has one inning left to pitch.

For the first at-bat, Kaguyama throws four balls. He notes he got a little too fired up and lost his control. The next batter makes a successful bunt, for one out and a runner on second.

Kasukabe's third batter, Katou comes up next. He hit well on his last at-bat but his ball was caught, and now he wants to do better. He makes a good hit, putting Kasukabe at one out with runners on first and third.

Kasukabe's cleanup Takahashi comes up to bat. He hits it long, bringing in Kasukabe's second run. Kaguyama notes that he still isn't being relieved, therefore Ooi must be waiting till three runs before he calls in Haruna. Kaguyama thinks that though they've yet to try it, Haruna will probably go above his 80 pitch limit if the seniors ask him, and he thinks the rest of the team is under the same impression. He figures Ooi just waits till the last minute to relieve him for the sake of Haruna's prospects and his (Kaguyama's) feelings.

The fifth batter comes up with runners on second and third. Kaguyama ends up again pitching four balls. The bases are now loaded, still with only one out. Musashino prepares for a squeeze play. Ooi notes that they have to defend well, or else they will reach the three point limit. Kaguyama pitches, and the batter bunts. He's thrown out at first, but the runner is brought home.

Ooi comes up to Kaguyama and tells him he's being relieved. Haruna is called up, and Ryou is happy to be the first to face him. Ryou closely observes all of Haruna's pitches (first a breaking ball, then two fastballs), but he does not swing at any. Ryou is out in three, and Kagyuama thinks Haruna is very cool.