In a thrilling semi-final showdown at the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, Chiben Wakayama secured their place in the finals by defeating Urawa Jitsugyo 5-0 at the iconic Hanshin Koshien Stadium on March 28, 2025. This victory marks their return to the final for the first time in seven years, having last reached this stage in 2018.
Chiben Wakayama's performance was nothing short of dominant, showcasing a powerful offense and a stellar pitching display. The team jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning, thanks to timely hits from Fukumoto and Arai. This early scoring set the tone for the game, as they continued to apply pressure on Urawa Jitsugyo's pitching.
Watanabe Hayato, who started on the mound for Chiben Wakayama, pitched five innings of shutout baseball, allowing only three hits. His performance was complemented by Miyamuchi Ryuto, who took over pitching duties in the sixth inning and maintained the shutout. "I would rate today's performance at about 20 out of 100," Watanabe reflected on his outing, suggesting that despite the win, there is room for improvement.
Urawa Jitsugyo, making their first appearance at the Senbatsu since 2009, had high hopes but fell short of advancing to the finals. Their ace, Ishido, who had previously pitched 18 consecutive scoreless innings in the tournament, struggled against the relentless Chiben Wakayama lineup. The team’s aggressive approach at the plate was evident as they capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
Looking ahead, Chiben Wakayama is set to face Yokohama in the final on March 30, 2025. This matchup is particularly significant as it presents Chiben Wakayama with a chance to claim their second championship title at the Senbatsu, their first since 1994. Coach Nakaya expressed confidence in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, stating, "We plan to face Yokohama head-on, treating it as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow."
Yokohama, who defeated Kenko Takasaki 5-1 in their semi-final match, will pose a formidable challenge. Their ace, Oda, pitched seven scoreless innings, showcasing the depth and talent of their pitching staff. The Yokohama hitters also displayed impressive skill, managing to connect with fastballs exceeding 150 km/h, a feat that will require Chiben Wakayama to adapt quickly.
As the excitement builds for the final, both teams are aware of the stakes. Chiben Wakayama's players have expressed determination, with standout player Fukumoto stating, "We are ready to give it our all and aim for that championship. It’s been a long time coming, and we are focused on making the most of this opportunity." The anticipation for this clash of titans is palpable, and fans are eager to see if Chiben Wakayama can clinch their long-awaited title.
In summary, the road to the final has been a testament to Chiben Wakayama's resilience and skill. After a seven-year wait, they are on the brink of glory, with a chance to etch their name in the history books once more. With the final just around the corner, all eyes will be on Hanshin Koshien Stadium as these two powerhouse teams vie for the championship.
