When Seishu wins another game in the tournament, Mizuki complains because it means putting off camping with Aoba. Because she is not feeling well, Akane does not go to work nor to the game, which worries Akaishi. Based on Aoba's coaching, Ko adjusts his pitching form during the next game, which sacrifices control but gives him a speed near 160 km/h. Despite his walking many batters, Seishu wins to advance to the quarterfinals. Ko tries to explain to reporters how Aoba is important to himself and the team, even though she cannot play in tournament games. Akane enters the hospital to be tested for an unspecified illness, which disturbs Akaishi's focus. When Aoba visits her, she is startled by Akane repeating something Wakaba once said about Ko. During the quarterfinal game, Akaishi is still distracted, but with Ko's improved control while still maintaining his speed, plus Azuma's batting, Seishu wins.
星秀学園野球部は、夏の大会地区予選を順調に勝ち進み、3回戦を突破する。光は、コントロールを犠牲にしてでも球威を上げることに拘っていた。試合を重ねるごとに球速が上がっていく、光の投球。そんな中、あかねはベスト8をかけた試合にも姿を現さなかった。そして赤石からあかねが入院していたことを知らされて…。
세이슈학원 야구부는 순조롭게 3회전을 돌파한다. 코우는 제구를 희생하면서 구위를 올리는 것에 집착하고 있었다. 매 경기 구속이 올라 상대 팀 타자들은 손도 대지 못하고 있었다. 타자들도 연습의 성과를 발휘해 팀 분위기가 오르던 와중 아카이시는 아카네가 경기를 보러 오지 않았다는 사실을 알게 되는데...
