In episode 10, we can see the contrast between Kou and Azuma. Despite his talent and secret training with Akaishi, Kou is still inexperienced and unstable, whereas Azuma is very talented and is able to hit 3 homeruns off Kou's pitches.Episode 11 is the conclusion of the game. This episode is more about the third year members. All thanks to Coach Maeno's lies and motivation, the third year members manage to regain confidence and motivation to play their 'last' formal match. Though in the end, the Prefab team loses, everyone seems happy. Kou is happy because he finally manages to strike Azuma out. The third year members are happy as they know that they play their game well. Azuma also seems happy to have met a competitor (comrade?) like Kou. The unhappiest person must be Coach Daimon. I don't think he's a good coach. He only knows how to recruit good players but he doesn't know how to spot them. It's obvious that Kou is a promising player but Coach Daimon is too prideful to admit. If Coach Daimon is really that good, he wouldn't let his stupid pride impair his judgment.
What's Hot?First team's manager tried to suck up to Azuma but she got insulted instead. - Good job, Azuma!
Due to Azuma's influence, everyone in the First team tried to aim for homeruns and that really p'ssed Kou off.
It was getting increasingly tiring for Kou and he could no longer pitch with both speed and control. He asked Akaishi to choose one and Akaishi opted for speed. - Kou's control is still unstable but his speed is unbeatable!
After Azuma hit another homerun, Akaishi told him the third pitch was weak because this was Kou's first real game. Azuma responded by asking Akaishi not to joke around. - Azuma finally understands why Kou is so unstable.
The Prefab team's manager told Makihara that Coach Maeno injured himself when he was pleading Coach Daimon to allow the third year members to join the First team. Makihara was very touched and started playing better. However, it all turned out to be a lie and Coach Maeno was the mastermind. - I never expect Coach Maeno to lie. Nonetheless, it's a good one as I totally didn't see it coming.
In the top of the ninth inning, the Prefab team had runners on first and second bases with no outs, and Makihara advances them with a sacrifice bunt. - Coach Maeno's lie really works wonders.
Kou made a cycle hit (hitting a single, double, triple and a homerun in the same game in any order).
Kou finally struck Azuma out. - Is this the beginning of rivalry or friendship? I hope to see them play together and I think it's very likely since they study in the same school. However, before that can happen, they need to get rid of Coach Daimon.
After the game, Kou visited Wakaba's grave to tell her about his debut, only to find out from the gardener that Aoba had been there first. - Kou and Aoba are indeed alike.
What's Not?In episode 10, the third year prefab team members tried too hard to show off their skills even though they had none. - They are freaking irritating in episode 10.