Chapter 89

Short Summary
Tokuchi is noticeably tired in the final Eagle’s game. He pitches until the seventh inning, then tells Mihara to put Kurai on.

Long Summary
Before the final game against the Eagles, Oikawa approaches Tokuchi and asks him how he’s doing. Tokuchi says it’s tough and pitching today means he won’t be able to pitch tomorrow. Oikawa tells him the new contract is a mistake and suggests he compromise with the Owner while he still has some winnings. He offers to work hard to persuade Saikawa to contract him for a few million, but Tokuchi asks him why he would give up winning billions. Oikawa explains to him that Saikawa will raise the rate whenever he sits out to rest and he can’t pitch every game without wearing himself out. Tokuchi laughs and says there’s another option that Oikawa and the Owner can’t see and the game will continue.

Sugadaira is Tokuchi’s other starter this match. When the game starts, the commentators remark on the surprising move to have Tokuchi pitch for a third time. The Owner has kept the rate as it is. Watching the game on TV, he tells Tokuchi to ‘struggle and die’.

After the first two innings, Tokuchi has struck out three of the batters and walked the others. The commentators note how visibly tired he is and call his performance sub-par. Sugadaira walks on to bat and the audience members scoff at him. He’s determined to show off his ability this time but gets struck out.

At the bottom of the fourth, neither team have scored. Despite his fatigue, Tokuchi manages to strike out all the batters. Sugadaira bats again in the fifth inning and still can’t hit the ball, but Kojima finally gets a home-run in the seventh. Tokuchi tells Manager Mihara to have someone else pitch now, who says there’s no one available to relieve him but Tokuchi reminds him they have another pitcher.

A pitching change is announced and Kurai walks on. He trips on his way to the mound, getting a bloody nose.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Oikawa
 * Saikawa: Manager of the Lycaons
 * Sugadaira
 * Kojima
 * Manager Mihara
 * Kurai