The team alighted from the bus at the home ground for the Kanto tournament. After resting almost 2 weeks, they were raring to get on the pitch and play some baseball today.
Their opponent was Joto middle school who had blitzed through the first round against Nogi Choritsu, even keeping them scoreless in the proceedings. This was a surprise as Joto was never really known for their baseball program.
Ken sat next to Daichi in the locker room as the Coach went over the game plan and reiterated the starting line up. He tried hard to keep a neutral expression, however seeing that he had been left out once again it was tough.
Perhaps sensing his frustrations, the coach moved his gaze to him and gave him a reassuring look. Ken's spirits lifted a little seeing this, hoping that it would translate to playing time.