It's reported that representatives from the Spiders have gone to the U.S. to acquire closer to replace Segawa. Bonda is visited by Thomas Hotpopper an American left-handed pitcher. He is worried if the Spiders hire a new foreigner he'll be let go because of the restrictions on the number of foreign players on the active roster, each team is allowed in the league. Thomas is a starter in the next game and, since the Game is in Yokohama, Bonda volunteers to escort him there by train. Thomas has to pitch against a lineup of all right-handers, starts struggling and loses control of his temper and is substituted for Bonda. Eventually, the Spiders talks in the U.S. didn't work out and it was decided to keep Segawa.