A little league coach is dazzled by Goro's raw talent and teaches him to throw breaking balls. But Shigeharu, fearing injury, won't let him play.

Gibson, now back in MLB, invites Goro to see him play in San Francisco. Though put off at first, Goro wants to see top-level baseball, so he accepts.

After Mifune loses a practice game to Kuki Little in part because he can't bring himself to pitch inside, Goro asks Yokohama Little for a game.

Ryoko, the girl Goro just met, is a pitcher for Yokohama Little. He invites her to play ping-pong, upsetting Shimizu and keeping her up all night.

In round two, Mifune faces Totsuka-Nishi Little, led by ace Kyuta Usami. Goro spots Momoko out with Shigeno and is consumed with dread.

Mifune is on the ropes; Goro suddenly gives up a home run, and they can't hit Kyuta's pitch. To make matters worse, Komori sprains his wrist.

Mifune draws Yokohama Little in the quarters, but Komori's injury is worse than they thought. With the team needing a new catcher, Shimizu volunteers.

Toshiya gets Goro to hit into a double play. In the top of the 3rd, as Goro gets shelled again, he uncorks his secret weapon on cleanup hitter Majima.

Ryoko and Toshiya defy their coach and pitch to Goro. Ryoko puts all her might into her pitch, and Goro musters his last ounce of strength to swing.