Ep 7. Sucker for a Pretty Face

In Cross Game season 1 episode 7, titled "Sucker for a Pretty Face," the episode opens with Ko and Aoba meeting a female student named Akane Takigawa, who asks them for directions. Aoba recognizes Akane as a girl who previously attended Seikyo Academy, where her father was a teacher.

After school, Akane approaches Ko and invites him to a movie. Aoba, who has feelings for Ko, becomes jealous and wonders why Akane would pick him over her. However, when Akane shows up to the movie with two other boys, Ko realizes that he was simply used as a way to make the other boys jealous.

Meanwhile, the Seishu baseball team is set to play against Miki Daisuke, a strong pitcher from another school. However, the team is nervous about facing him and starts to doubt their abilities. To help them overcome their fear, Coach Daimon has them do a practice where they swing at non-existent balls, forcing them to use their imagination and trust their instincts.

During the game, Miki proves to be a formidable opponent, striking out several of Seishu's batters. However, during his turn at bat, Ko manages to hit one of Miki's pitches, surprising both teams. The game continues to be intense, with both teams giving it their all.

Back at the movie theater, Aoba and Akane run into each other in the bathroom and Akane reveals that she transferred schools because her father was accused of having an affair with a student. Aoba sympathizes with her and encourages her to stay strong.

In the end, Seishu manages to win the game against Miki's team, much to everyone's surprise. Ko's hit proved to be the turning point in the game, boosting the team's morale and helping them to secure their victory. The episode ends with the Seishu team celebrating their win, while Aoba looks on from afar, unsure of her feelings for Ko.

Overall, "Sucker for a Pretty Face" is a thrilling and emotional episode that highlights the importance of perseverance, imagination, and trust. Through their various challenges, the characters learn the value of trusting in themselves and their team-mates, and overcome their fears to achieve their goals. It's a heartwarming and engaging episode that fans of sports anime and coming-of-age stories will surely enjoy.