Chapter 111

Short Summary
Sugadaira gets hit by the pitch and scores an RBI, and the Fingers' Coach accuses him of getting hit on purpose.

Long Summary
Sugadaira has scored an RBI. The Secretary shows Saikawa the replay. The third pitch was a brush-back, thrown high and on the inside. The replay shows Sugadaira start to recoil away before suddenly moving in the way of ball’s path, getting hit by the pitch.

Kojima watches the injured Sugadaira being led away in shock, and Tokuchi reveals he knew this would happen. Before going on, Tokuchi had told Sugadaira about his and Kojima’s match in Okinawa. Kojima told Tokuchi that Sugadaira had more spirit than any other player, so Tokuchi hoped telling him the story would inspire him in some way. A pinch runner gets sent on for Sugadaira.

On his way past, Sugadaira tells Tokuchi he knows it was dirty but to please let him keep playing baseball. Tokuchi assures him that this was his win.

Saikawa shouts that being hit by a pitch can’t possibly be an RBI, but the Secretary confirms it with the rulebook. Saikawa points out he got hit intentionally and the Secretary says the Fingers’ Coach is currently trying to dispute it.

The Fingers’ Coach is in a fury, claiming the batter got hit on purpose, but the umpire doesn’t seem to agree. The Coach accuses the Lycaons of playing dirty and ‘giving a batter that can’t hit a suicide mission.’ Tokuchi asks him why they would take the risk of injuring a player when they already have a huge lead, unless he’s suggesting his pitcher’s throw isn’t powerful enough to be scared of. When the Coach replies ‘no,’ Tokuchi shouts at him to stop complaining then, as a brush-back pitch always carries the risk of injuring the opponent. He tells him those who don’t want to take the risk shouldn’t throw them. The Coach falls to the ground, overwhelmed by his shouting, and the commentators state their shock at seeing a rookie pitcher look down on a man who’s been in Pro baseball for 40 years. The Coach returns to the bench and gives up on his dispute. The Lycaons keep the point. Tokuchi laughs and the commentators call him arrogant, questioning whether there’s ever been a more ‘impudent rookie’.

The audience buzzes with excitement, even as poor-hitter Kurai goes up to bat next. Tokuchi is described as ‘watching the buzz coldly.’ He laughs to himself at the Coach’s lenience and remarks, ‘if you’re too lenient you’ll die.’ With the opponent’s guard down, Kurai bunts the ball and gets a squeeze play.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Kojima
 * Sugadaira
 * Saikawa: Owner of the Lycaons
 * The Secretary
 * The Fingers' Coach
 * Kurai