Ep. 8: Aoba pitches for Ko while Momiji’s resemblance to Wakaba unsettles Akaishi.

8

Akaishi is startled by Momiji’s resemblance to Wakaba, who died at Momiji’s current age. Ichiyo reminds Aoba that she resented how Ko monopolized Wakaba's time, and both friends note that Aoba and Ko share competitive traits. In the park, Momiji plays catch with an old man who frequents Akaishi's family liquor store. Daimon informs Shido that an upcoming scrimmage between varsity and prefab teams will highlight the varsity players' superiority. Rumors that strong prefab players might be promoted drive the third-years to train intensely. Before the game, Ko has Aoba catch his pitches since he lacks real-game experience. She calls them okay, which pleases him as the best compliment she can give. He bets he will hold the varsity team to ten runs, but she changes it to five after inspecting her bruised hand. Upon arriving, Momiji’s friend reveals Shido ordered the audience to cheer only for the varsity side.