noun
straight ball; fastball
Baseball term for a pitch thrown directly at the batter without breaking. Often contrasted with 変化球 (breaking ball).
See also: 変化球
彼は150キロの直球で三振を奪った。
He struck the batter out with a 150 km/h fastball.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
direct; blunt; straightforward
Figurative use describing a question, remark, or approach that is frank and without evasion. Often used with 質問, 言い方, or 表現.
直球の質問に彼は一瞬言葉を詰まらせた。
He faltered for a moment at the direct question.
彼女の直球な言い方が時に誤解を招く。
Her blunt way of speaking sometimes causes misunderstandings.