: 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. Diamond no Ace Episode 70
: The catcher, who recognizes Sawamura's psychological trauma and discusses the path forward with the coach. : 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. : His rival, who steps up as the
: The protagonist, who reaches his lowest point as he realizes he can no longer throw his signature inside pitches.
: His rival, who steps up as the primary force on the mound, highlighting the widening gap between them.
This episode serves as the transition from the "Summer of Heartbreak" to the beginning of Sawamura’s long road to recovery.