Tendo is demoted from being the closer for Japan and is replaced by Goro. Tendo is upset that he has been replaced, but both Goro and the Japanese manager realize Tendo has an arm injury that hasn't healed and can place him in danger. Still, the manager is determined to show his trust in Tendo and places him into the game against Korea as the set-up man. Will Tendo willingly end the game on his own and acknowledge his injury, or will Tendo's pride knock Team Japan into an elimination game against the Dominican Republic?
베네수엘라전을 승리로 장식했지만 힘겹게 이겼다는 사실은 변함없었다.
특히 일본 국가대표의 마무리 에이스인 텐도는 자기를 등판시키지 않고 끝까지 고로가 마운드를 지킨 데에 불만을 표한다.
그런데 사사키 감독은 한술 더 떠 고로를 마무리로 삼고 텐도를 중간계투로 보직을 변경시키는데…
