Chapter 144

Short Summary
The Lycaons continue to bat well against the Mariners’ Yoshida. Tokuchi explains the purpose of his 10-million-yen dead ball bet to Kojima.

Long Summary
Even Kondoh is surprised at himself for hitting the home run. Tokuchi repeats Yoshida was never an amazing pitcher. The next batter, Nishimura, swings and hits a second home run. The next two batters get on base, then Fujita gets the third home run hit. The Lycaons now have five runs, tying with the Mariners.

Kojima looks shocked, not understanding why everyone’s getting hits all of a sudden. Tokuchi reveals the purpose of his deal. Opponents always have two reactions to Yoshida; they hesitate because his pitching style is unfamiliar and try to dodge when his pitches get too close. Fear of the ball makes the batters unconsciously open their shoulders up as they try to discern its path, resulting in weaker swings. Tokuchi’s 10 million yen bet has made the entire team eager to be hit, erasing their fear of the ball and preventing them from opening their shoulders in this way.

Kojima asks why Tokuchi didn’t just explain this to everyone, and he replies knowing it consciously isn’t enough. Now that they’ve improved without knowing why, their confidence in themselves has increased and they assume Yoshida isn’t as tough an opponent as they thought.

After the Lycaons have scored seven points, Yoshida steps down. Nonetheless, the Lycaons continue to get hit after hit. Though the Mariners bat well too, the game ends with the Lycaons winning 15-11.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Kojima
 * Kondoh
 * Yoshida
 * Nishimura
 * Fujita