: Though largely in a mentorship role now, his presence remains vital as fans anticipate him helping Sawamura rebuild from this slump.
: His rival, who steps up as the primary force on the mound, highlighting the widening gap between them.
: During a game, Sawamura struggles immensely, conceding three runs without recording a single out. His usually aggressive inside pitches are wide and erratic. Diamond no Ace Episode 70
: While Furuya excels, Sawamura sits in the dugout "like a corpse," haunted by memories of the summer final.
: Miyuki explains to the coach that Sawamura’s fear of hitting batters again has compromised his pitching form, a condition often referred to as the "yips". Key Characters in Episode 70 : Though largely in a mentorship role now,
Following the crushing loss to Inashiro Industrial, the team begins preparing for the Fall Tournament. However, Sawamura is deeply scarred by the "deadball" (hit-by-pitch) he threw during the finals.
: Coach Kataoka notices Sawamura's distress and pulls him from the game. Furuya takes the mound, bluntly telling Sawamura that there is "no need for two pitchers on the mound," further deepening Eijun's sense of failure. His usually aggressive inside pitches are wide and erratic
: The protagonist, who reaches his lowest point as he realizes he can no longer throw his signature inside pitches.