: During a game, Sawamura struggles immensely, conceding three runs without recording a single out. His usually aggressive inside pitches are wide and erratic.
: Though largely in a mentorship role now, his presence remains vital as fans anticipate him helping Sawamura rebuild from this slump.
: Miyuki explains to the coach that Sawamura’s fear of hitting batters again has compromised his pitching form, a condition often referred to as the "yips". Key Characters in Episode 70 Diamond no Ace Episode 70
: Coach Kataoka notices Sawamura's distress and pulls him from the game. Furuya takes the mound, bluntly telling Sawamura that there is "no need for two pitchers on the mound," further deepening Eijun's sense of failure.
: The protagonist, who reaches his lowest point as he realizes he can no longer throw his signature inside pitches. : During a game, Sawamura struggles immensely, conceding
: While Furuya excels, Sawamura sits in the dugout "like a corpse," haunted by memories of the summer final.
Following the crushing loss to Inashiro Industrial, the team begins preparing for the Fall Tournament. However, Sawamura is deeply scarred by the "deadball" (hit-by-pitch) he threw during the finals. : Miyuki explains to the coach that Sawamura’s
In of Diamond no Ace (titled "Next Stage"), the story focuses on the emotional and physical aftermath of the Summer Finals, where Eijun Sawamura hits a psychological breaking point . The Core Story: Facing the "Yips"