# 22 - Chosen
Source: [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYX0MZ58R/ace-of-the-diamond)
Translator:
Editor:
Timer:
QC:
(Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.)
**[00:04] @Miyuki**
You both need to practice
with catchers besides me.
**[00:09] @Miyuki**
Preferably a first-year.
**[00:12] @Miyuki**
On another note...
**[00:14] @Miyuki**
If you want to pitch, come see me.
**[00:17] @Miyuki**
I'll do my best to help.
**[00:25] @Sawamura**
Hey, Okumura!
**[00:28] @Sawamura**
I'm pitching for the batting drills today.
**[00:31] @Sawamura**
Wanna catch?
**[00:35] Kukki**
Wow, he came to ask in person.
**[00:38] ---**
Yeah.
**[00:40] Okumura**
No, thanks.
**[02:15] Okumura**
I haven't made the first string yet.
**[02:21] @Sawamura**
This is *practice*!
I'm here asking you to catch!
**[02:24] Okumura**
That's why I have to refuse.
**[02:26] Okumura**
I promised to catch for you
when I was on the first string.
**[02:29] @Sawamura**
You're such a pain―such a finicky guy!
**[02:33] @int_Seto**
*When did he make a promise like that?*
**[02:38] @Sawamura**
A powerful barrier!
I can't get any closer!
**[02:41] @Yui**
Sawamura-senpai.
**[02:44] @Yui**
Would you mind if I played catcher?
**[02:47] @Sawamura**
That would be great, young Yui!
**[02:49] @Yui**
Just call me Yui.
**[02:51] @Sawamura**
Are you some kind of angel?
**[02:53] @Sawamura**
Do you have wings on your back?
**[02:56] @Yui**
No.
**[02:57] @Sawamura**
Then were you an angel in a past life?
**[02:58] (Flashback) @fb_Miyuki**
You both need to practice
with catchers besides me.
**[03:03] (Flashback) @fb_Miyuki**
Preferably a first-year.
**[03:09] @Furuya**
I'm pitching in the bullpen today.
**[03:11] @Furuya**
Do you want to catch?
**[03:15] @int_Yui**
*Furuya-san...*
**[03:17] @Sawamura**
Don't, Furuya. You're asking the wrong guy.
**[03:20] @Sawamura**
I asked him to and he refused.
**[03:23] @Sawamura**
It's like trying to tame a wild wolf.
**[03:26] Okumura**
Are you okay with me catching for you?
**[03:28] @Furuya**
Sure.
**[03:31] Okumura**
Thank you.
**[03:32] @Sawamura**
Don't thank him!
**[03:34] @Sawamura**
Why did you say no to me but not to him?!
**[03:37] @Sawamura**
This makes it seem like you hate me!
Are you okay with that?!
**[03:41] Okumura**
I've never caught one of
Furuya-san's pitches yet.
**[03:45] @Sawamura**
I see!
**[03:47] Okumura**
As a catcher, I'm curious
what his pitches are like.
**[03:54] @int_Yui**
*Furuya-san...*
**[03:56] @Furuya**
I'll see you there.
**[03:57] ---**
Right.
**[03:59] @Sawamura**
Why am I so ticked off?!
**[04:02] @Maezono**
Why are those two pairing up
with first-years?
**[04:05] @Kuramochi**
Is this your doing?
**[04:08] @Miyuki**
I wanted to see how well
they can teach the first-years.
**[04:12] @Miyuki**
I didn't think they'd up
with that combination, though.
**[04:16] @Miyuki**
If it goes well, they'll improve quickly,
**[04:18] @Miyuki**
and even if it doesn't,
it's still valuable experience.
**[04:21] @Miyuki**
I'll question them about it after practice.
**[04:25] @Kuramochi**
Hey!
**[04:26] @Miyuki**
I can't wait to hear what they have to say!
**[04:32] @Kuramochi**
There's so much malice in your voice.
**[04:34] _Sign**
Seido Practice Field
**[04:34] @Kuramochi**
You're enjoying this way too much.
**[04:41] Ota**
The biggest game on the
schedule for Golden Week
**[04:45] Ota**
will be the one against Hakuryu,
who were at the Invitational.
**[04:49] Takashima**
They're one of the best
small-ball teams in the country.
**[04:53] Takashima**
This will help us prepare for the summer.
**[04:57] Ota**
The second string has a
lot of games coming up.
**[05:00] Ota**
They're all very excited.
**[05:03] Ochiai**
Have you decided who will
start the Hakuryu game?
**[05:07] @Kataoka**
Yes. Since this game was by invitation,
they'll probably be expecting Furuya.
**[05:13] @Kataoka**
But I'll let the pitcher who's
looking the best start the game.
**[05:29] @int_Okumura**
*He's more intense than I imagined.*
**[05:32] @int_Okumura**
* His pitches move so much,*
* they naturally go to the four corners.*
**[05:37] @int_Okumura**
*If you don't frame them right,*
**[05:40] @int_Okumura**
* pitches that paint the black*
* could be called balls.*
**[05:44] @int_Okumura**
* His pitching lays the extent of a*
* catcher's ability bare for all to see.*
**[05:50] @int_Okumura**
*That is Satoru Furuya.*
**[06:02] int_Kariba**
*He's good.*
**[06:03] int_Kariba**
* He's catching Furuya's pitches the*
* first time they're practicing together.*
**[06:08] @Okumura**
Nice pitch.
**[06:12] @Furuya**
He makes me comfortable.
**[06:17] @Furuya**
Next is a vertical breaking ball.
**[06:21] @Okumura**
Yes, sir.
***SIGN*** Practice Field A
Batting Drills
***SIGN*** Sawamura-Yui Battery
One Out, Runner on First
***SIGN*** Batter
Kominato
***SIGN*** Runner
Kuramochi
**[06:34] @Sawamura**
I won't make it easy for you to run!
**[06:34] @Sawamura**
I won't make it easy
for you to run!
**[06:36] @int_Yui**
*Different strategies depending on the count.*
**[06:38] @int_Yui**
* It's exactly what Miyuki-senpai*
* told us about yesterday.*
**[06:44] @int_Yui**
*The runner could take off at any time.*
**[06:47] @int_Yui**
*The batter is focused on the right side.*
**[06:50] @int_Yui**
* We can't look for a double play*
* or pitch carelessly to the outside.*
**[06:58] Yamaguchi**
Steal!
**[07:03] _Player**
Near-right field!
**[07:06] _Player**
The runner has advanced to third base!
**[07:09] @int_Yui**
* The pitch was inside, but he swung late*
* to hit it the other way.*
**[07:14] @int_Yui**
*What advanced bat control.*
**[07:18] @int_Kominato**
* They were worried about You-san's running,*
* so they threw more fastballs.*
**[07:23] @int_Kominato**
* It's up to the hitter after him*
* to consider how to use that advantage.*
**[07:29] @Sawamura**
Damn you, Haruichi! You tricked me!
**[07:32] @int_Tojo**
*I might be able to use that.*
***SIGN*** Two Outs, Runner on First
***SIGN*** Batter
Miyuki
***SIGN*** Runner
Tojo
**[07:38] @int_Yui**
*There are two outs.*
**[07:40] @int_Yui**
*If they take the risk and steal second,*
**[07:42] @int_Yui**
*they can try to score with the cleanup.*
**[07:44] @int_Yui**
* If they're going try it,*
* they'll do it early in the count.*
**[07:49] @int_Yui**
*Let's try some outside pitches.*
**[07:58] @int_Sawamura**
*We can't beat him just by pitching outside.*
**[08:02] @int_Sawamura**
* With two outs, we really need to*
* focus on getting the batter out.*
**[08:08] @int_Yui**
*Okay.*
**[08:10] @int_Yui**
*Make sure to check the runner.*
**[08:13] @int_Yui**
* We'll start with some aggressive*
* inside pitches, and finish on the outside.*
**[08:35] _Player**
An extra-base hit down the first base line!
**[08:38] @int_Miyuki**
* Everyone wants to throw their best pitches*
* in high-pressure situations.*
**[08:42] @int_Miyuki**
* You had inside pitch*
* written all over your face.*
**[08:46] @int_Sawamura**
*Damn it!*
**[08:49] @int_Yui**
* I thought he could only pull it foul*
* from that location,*
**[08:52] @int_Yui**
*but he hit a double in one swing.*
**[08:55] @int_Yui**
*These guys are good!*
**[08:58] Ochiai**
A battery with a first-year
is quite the interesting idea.
**[09:02] @Kataoka**
Yes.
**[09:04] @Kataoka**
Miyuki suggested it to help the pitchers
become more independent.
**[09:13] @Sawamura**
It's okay! Worry not, young Yui!
**[09:16] @Sawamura**
I have the quirks of all
these batters inside my head!
**[09:20] @Sawamura**
You're in good hands!
**[09:23] @Yui**
But wouldn't they know our quirks, too?
**[09:27] @Yui**
We're all on the same team.
**[09:30] @Sawamura**
O-Okay, let's take a breath and calm down.
**[09:34] @Yui**
A breath?
**[09:36] @Sawamura**
It's the best thing to do in a pinch!
**[09:38] @Sawamura**
In...
**[09:40] @Yui**
In...
**[09:41] @Sawamura**
and out...
**[09:42] @Yui**
and out...
***SIGN*** May 1st
***SIGN*** Practice Field A
Batting Drills
***SIGN*** Kawakami-Ono
One Out, Runner on First
***SIGN*** Batter
Kanemaru
***SIGN*** Runner
Aso
**[09:57] (Flashback) @fb_Kataoka**
I'd like you to pitch outside to the batters
**[10:00] (Flashback) @fb_Kataoka**
who have a hard time
hitting the ball the other way.
**[10:03] (Flashback) @fb_Kataoka**
It can be any pitch you like.
**[10:06] (Flashback) @fb_Kataoka**
Throw whatever you think
would be hard to hit.
**[10:09] int_Kawakami**
*Only to the outside.*
**[10:12] int_Ono**
* It's a tall order, but let's use*
* as many variations as we can.*
**[10:22] _Umpire**
Strike!
**[10:24] @Sawamura**
What's wrong, batter?
**[10:26] @Sawamura**
If you let strikes go by,
the runner can't advance!
**[10:30] int_Aso**
*That makes the count 2–2.*
**[10:32] int_Aso**
* If they're gonna try to finish*
* it with a breaking ball...*
**[10:35] Yamaguchi**
Steal!
**[10:40] _Player**
Oh, yeah! A strike-out double play!
**[10:42] _Player**
Way to get the out after he ran like that!
**[10:45] @Sawamura**
That was a ball!
**[10:47] @Sawamura**
If you're gonna swing, you'd better
make contact at least!
**[10:51] Kanemaru**
I can't say he's wrong.
**[10:54] @Sawamura**
Nori-senpai, nice pitch!
**[10:56] @Sawamura**
Ono-senpai, that was awesome!
**[10:58] @int_Yui**
* Wow, even though they're*
* limited to outside pitches,*
**[11:03] @int_Yui**
*they stay just inside the strike zone.*
**[11:05] @int_Yui**
*After they had two strikes,*
**[11:07] @int_Yui**
* they used a slider wide of*
* the strike zone as a ball.*
**[11:10] @int_Yui**
* They used fastballs and breaking balls*
* to get the better of the batter.*
**[11:14] @int_Yui**
*That's what a battery of third-years can do.*
**[11:17] Ono**
One out, runners on first and second!
**[11:20] Ochiai**
Kawakami is looking good.
**[11:22] Ochiai**
This is good practice for the batters, too.
***SIGN*** Runner
Seki
***SIGN*** Batter
Maezono
**[11:31] _Umpire**
Ball!
**[11:36] @int_Yui**
*Unlike free batting,*
**[11:41] @int_Yui**
* live practice shows who*
* has real batting prowess.*
**[11:48] @int_Yuki**
* Team-oriented batting*
* that can adapt to any situation,*
**[11:51] @int_Yuki**
* the perseverance to draw an at-bat out*
* to create a chance,*
**[11:54] @int_Yuki**
* and the ability to pressurize*
* the opposition pitcher.*
**[11:57] @int_Yui**
* That's what it takes to*
* bat on the first string.*
**[12:02] _Umpire**
Ball four!
**[12:03] Kishima**
Yeah!
**[12:05] Ono**
One out, runners on first and second!
***SIGN*** Batter
Takatsu
**[12:10] @Sawamura**
Okay, I'm gonna run! Here I go!
***SIGN*** Runner
Sawamura
**[12:15] @int_Takatsu**
*To stay on the first string,*
**[12:19] @int_Takatsu**
*I need the team to rely on me!*
**[12:24] @Sawamura**
Nice, Takatsu!
**[12:25] @Takatsu**
Yeah!
**[12:26] _Player**
Near-center field!
**[12:28] Ochiai**
That was a bold step-in.
**[12:31] Ochiai**
He may have more guts that
I gave him credit for.
**[12:35] @Kuramochi**
Takatsu, eh? It felt good
to watch that swing.
**[12:40] @Takatsu**
Yeah!
**[12:42] @Tojo**
Takatsu is trying to stand out.
**[12:46] Ono**
Runner on first!
***SIGN*** Fielders Switched
***SIGN*** Furuya-Ono Battery
**[12:56] Ochiai**
Did you tell him to pitch
to the outside, too?
**[12:59] @Kataoka**
Yes. If he can learn to direct
his potent pitches,
**[13:03] @Kataoka**
that alone will prove an asset.
**[13:05] Ochiai**
I see.
**[13:07] int_Ochiai**
*Still, though, he's very tense.*
**[13:11] @int_Okumura**
*He's forcing it more than in the bullpen.*
**[13:14] @int_Miyuki**
*His balance is off in the stretch, too.*
**[13:17] @int_Miyuki**
*His weight isn't where it needs to be.*
**[13:24] @Furuya**
One out.
**[13:29] @Furuya**
One out!
**[13:32] Ono**
Furuya...
**[13:34] @int_Yui**
*Furuya-san...*
**[13:35] @Sawamura**
Say it louder!
**[13:37] @Sawamura**
One out!
**[13:39] @int_Furuya**
*I'll do what I can, one thing at a time.*
**[13:46] Yamaguchi**
Steal!
**[13:57] Ono**
Nice pitch, Furuya!
**[13:59] int_Ono**
* Limiting where the pitches*
* go keeps things simple.*
**[14:04] Ono**
Two outs, runners on first and second!
**[14:10] @int_Miyuki**
* When he's good, his pitches are untouchable,*
* but otherwise they're terrible.*
**[14:15] @int_Miyuki**
* That kind of inconsistency*
* is deadly in a tournament.*
**[14:21] @int_Miyuki**
* The ace is the one who pitches to win,*
* even if he's off his game.*
**[14:29] @int_Miyuki**
* It's a challenge he'll have to*
* overcome to become a true ace.*
**[14:42] @Maezono**
He doesn't normally practice batting with us.
**[14:47] @Kominato**
Yeah.
**[14:57] @Okumura**
Want to call it a day?
**[14:59] @Furuya**
Thanks.
**[15:01] @Okumura**
You really are pitching better in the bullpen.
**[15:04] @Furuya**
Yeah.
**[15:11] Kukki**
This team sure practices a lot.
**[15:14] Asada**
Yeah.
**[15:15] Asada**
The third-years always stay until the end.
**[15:25] @Sawamura**
My day's not complete until I run with this!
**[15:31] Kukki**
A floating ring?! No, it's...
**[15:34] Asada**
A-A tire!
**[15:36] @Sawamura**
Hey, Yui, catch for me when I
pitch in the bullpen tomorrow.
**[15:41] @Yui**
Yes, sir!
**[15:43] @Yui**
Is everyone going to Miyuki-senpai's
room again tonight?
**[15:46] @Sawamura**
No, it's his night to help me practice!
**[15:51] @Yui**
You look quite happy about it.
**[15:54] @Sawamura**
The captain almost never
willingly practices with others!
**[16:21] @Miyuki**
Can you wait a little
longer while I clean up?
**[16:29] @Miyuki**
Sorry to keep you waiting, Sawamura.
**[16:32] @Miyuki**
Let's get to it.
**[16:34] @Miyuki**
The sun's down, so we'll use
the indoor practice field, okay?
**[16:40] @Sawamura**
Are you sure about this?
**[16:42] @Miyuki**
About what?
**[16:45] @Sawamura**
They're still practicing.
**[16:52] @Miyuki**
What's that? You don't
want to throw the numbers?
**[16:55] @Sawamura**
Of course I do!
**[16:57] @Miyuki**
There's your answer! So...
**[16:59] @Sawamura**
I mean, you were practicing hard for once.
**[17:02] @Miyuki**
What the heck?
**[17:05] @Miyuki**
I was planning to go all-out with the signs
during the Golden Week practice games.
**[17:12] @Miyuki**
We need to use them in a real game.
**[17:15] @Miyuki**
I want to know which pitches
are good enough to use.
**[17:19] @Sawamura**
In that case, let's do it!
**[17:20] @Miyuki**
Seriously, what is with you tonight?
**[17:23] @Miyuki**
What number do you want to go up to?
**[17:24] @Sawamura**
All of them, if possible!
**[17:25] @Miyuki**
How ambitious.
**[17:27] @Sawamura**
Please!
**[17:29] @Kominato**
They're going to practice the numbers.
**[17:33] @Kominato**
Miyuki-senpai sure is busy.
He's got his own practice, too.
**[17:39] (Flashback) @fb_Miyuki**
We can't let him outshine us like this.
**[17:42] @Maezono**
That's not it.
**[17:44] @Maezono**
He's steeled his resolve, too.
**[17:48] @Sawamura**
You shook your head a little
too much at Yui's signs.
**[17:51] @Sawamura**
Huh? Did I?
**[17:53] @Miyuki**
Yeah, you did.
**[17:54] @Sawamura**
Did it look that way?
**[17:56] @Miyuki**
Yui volunteered to catch for you, you know?
**[18:00] @Miyuki**
Did you explain the reason to him?
**[18:01] @Sawamura**
Of course I did!
**[18:02] @Miyuki**
Are you sure?
**[19:05] @Miyuki**
Too wide!
**[19:07] @Miyuki**
No one's gonna swing at that!
**[19:10] @Miyuki**
Number 6 next!
**[19:18] @Kataoka**
Continue.
**[19:22] @Sawamura**
Yes, boss!
**[19:24] @Miyuki**
Number 6!
**[19:26] @Sawamura**
Yes, sir!
**[19:31] @Miyuki**
Number 11!
**[19:36] @Miyuki**
He's got up to Number 7
pretty well under control.
**[19:40] @Miyuki**
Any higher and he gets less consistent.
**[19:46] @Miyuki**
There are a lot of incomplete numbers,
**[19:49] @Miyuki**
but what Sawamura showed off most
in the last game
**[19:54] @Miyuki**
were his concentration on the mound
and his increased ball control.
**[19:59] @Miyuki**
In order to pitch deep into the game,
**[20:01] @Miyuki**
he needs breaking balls
that can alter the hitters' eyeline.
**[20:06] @Miyuki**
I'm not sure how much he can do
with just the pitches up to Number 7.
**[20:11] @Miyuki**
I'd like to try them out on
a nationally-ranked team.
**[20:21] @Miyuki**
Number 7 next! The improved cutter!
**[20:32] @int_Sawamura**
* Bore a hole into the*
* right-handed batter's chest!*
**[20:46] int_Ono**
* It breaks that much*
* at the same speed as a fastball.*
**[20:50] int_Ono**
*That pitch is crazy.*
**[20:53] int_Ono**
*If he can throw that anytime he wants...*
**[20:57] @Kataoka**
That's enough for today.
**[20:59] @Sawamura**
Huh?
**[21:00] @Sawamura**
We were just getting started!
**[21:02] @Sawamura**
Boss, please watch some more of my pitches!
**[21:05] @Kataoka**
I've seen enough.
**[21:08] @Kataoka**
You're starting for the practice game
against Hakuryu in three days,
**[21:13] @Kataoka**
Sawamura.
**[21:19] @Sawamura**
Wait, in three days?
**[21:21] @Sawamura**
Golden Week starts in two days, right?
**[21:23] @Sawamura**
Don't I get to pitch that day?
**[21:26] @Sawamura**
We have a doubleheader that day, don't we?
**[21:28] @Kataoka**
You won't be playing the first day.
**[21:30] @Sawamura**
Why? Why do I have to wait three days?!
**[21:33] @Sawamura**
What am I gonna do for three days?!
**[21:35] @int_Miyuki**
* He's chosen Sawamura*
* to start against Hakuryu,*
**[21:39] @int_Miyuki**
* the strongest team out of*
* all our practice games?*
**[21:45] @Kataoka**
A number of press outlets will be there.
**[21:48] @Kataoka**
Make sure you condition yourself and
take the mound in the best shape possible.
**[22:00] @Sawamura**
Hakuryu? Hakuryu...
**[22:02] @Sawamura**
Where is Hakuryu from again?
**[22:04] @Miyuki**
Hakuryu's from Gunma.
They were in the Invitational.
**[22:06] @Sawamura**
Huh? The Invitational?
**[22:08] @Miyuki**
You shouldn't be surprised by that!
**[22:10] @Sawamura**
In three days?!
***SIGN*** "Chosen"
**[22:16] @Miyuki**
"Chosen."
**[23:49] @Maezono**
We'll score enough runs that you
pitchers won't have to worry.
**[23:53] @Miyuki**
Hakuryu is the strongest team we play
during the Golden Week away series.
**[23:57] @Miyuki**
Just the fact that you're starting that game
shows they have high hopes in you.
**[24:02] @Miyuki**
Tomorrow, I'm only gonna focus on
helping you pitch your best.
**[24:07] @Sawamura**
I've wanted his acknowledgment...
**[24:09] @Sawamura**
Wanted to make him acknowledge me!
**[24:11] @Sawamura**
On the next episode of
*Ace of the Diamond Act II*:
**[24:14] @Sawamura**
"One Pitch, One Second."
***SIGN*** Next Time
***SIGN*** "One Pitch, One Second"
**[24:16] @Sawamura**
Let's win the national title!
***SIGN*** Illustration / Yuji Terajima