After just losing an exhibition match, Masayoshi, who is a little downhearted about not being in the starting lineup, feels that both he and the team need to change to make it to the nationals. Minami makes some suggestions to Masayoshi after reading about 'Innovation' in her book, before being harshly reminded about the promises she made to the other clubs who approached her. After talking with fellow teammate Jun Hoshide, Masayoshi decides to join the management team. Later, the team works on joint exercises with some of the other clubs Minami helped out with to mutual benefit. Later, as Masayoshi discusses innovation to the other managers, Minami suggests that Makoto aim to revolutionize high school baseball like other coaches before him. As an exhibition is being set up, Makoto reveals his innovative idea; the "no-bunt, no-ball" strategy.

みなみを中心とするマネジメントチームが作った新たな練習方法に、実戦を積む中で確かな手ごたえを感じる程高野球部のナインたち。だがその中で、練習すればするほど他の部員たちとの差が開いていくことを実感せずにはいられなかった補欠の二階は、ある一大決心をする。一方、みなみは野球部とそれを取り巻く現状とが変ろうとしていく中で甲子園への壁という現実を見据え、今こそ大胆な手を打つチャンスにしようとしていた。