The 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament reached a thrilling climax on March 28, 2025, as Chiben Wakayama and Yokohama secured their places in the finals at Koshien Stadium. Chiben Wakayama, making their first final appearance in seven years, delivered a dominant performance against Urawa Jitsugyo, winning 5-0. Meanwhile, Yokohama, who last reached the final 19 years ago, triumphed over Ken University Takasaki with a score of 5-1.
Chiben Wakayama's victory was marked by an impressive offensive display, racking up 12 hits throughout the game. They established an early lead, scoring five runs by the third inning, thanks to a series of well-placed hits and aggressive base running. The team's two pitchers combined to shut out Urawa Jitsugyo, showcasing a strong defensive effort that left their opponents scoreless.
In the first inning, Chiben Wakayama's leadoff batter, Fujita Kazuki, set the tone with a swift left-field double. Following up, Fukumoto Seiya delivered a timely hit to bring Fujita home, establishing a 1-0 lead early on. Fujita's performance was pivotal, as he ended the game with four hits and even stole a base, proving to be a key player in Chiben Wakayama's offensive strategy.
As the game progressed, Chiben Wakayama's offense continued to shine. In the third inning, they exploded for three runs, highlighted by a sequence of five consecutive hits. This surge put them firmly in control, and by the end of the fourth inning, they had reached double-digit hits, demonstrating their dominance on the field.
Fujita's mother, Chie, expressed her relief and pride in her son's performance, noting the pressure he felt after a no-hit game in the previous match. "I get nervous every time he steps up to the plate, but today he really delivered," she said, reflecting the mixed emotions of a parent watching their child compete at such a high level.
Chiben Wakayama's cheering squad also played a crucial role in energizing the players. With approximately 2,000 supporters filling the stands, including students and alumni, the atmosphere at Koshien was electric. Sakaue Toshihide, the advisor for the cheering squad, remarked on the growing familiarity and enthusiasm of the crowd: "As we advance, the support from the stands becomes more robust. It feels like we've finally returned to normal after the pandemic. We want to push the players forward with our cheers."
Looking ahead to the finals, Fukumoto expressed determination, stating, "We know the opponent is strong, but we want to stick to our style of baseball until the end." This resolve is shared among the players, as they prepare to face Yokohama, a team with a storied history in high school baseball.
Yokohama's path to the finals was equally impressive. They defeated Ken University Takasaki, who aimed for a spring title, with a solid 5-1 victory. This win marks a significant achievement for Yokohama, who have previously claimed the championship three times before 2006. The team is looking to add to their legacy with another title, while Chiben Wakayama seeks their second championship since 1994.
As the players and fans gear up for the final showdown on March 30, 2025, the excitement is palpable. Both teams have shown exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be a thrilling encounter.
In preparation for the final, Chiben Wakayama's Yamashita Kohei noted the importance of focus against Yokohama's fast pitches. "I’ve heard that high pitches can feel faster, so I’m concentrating on not getting overwhelmed," he said, emphasizing the mental aspect of the game. Yamashita, who has adopted the number 10 for this tournament—a number worn by some of the school's past greats—feels the weight of tradition and is eager to contribute to the team's success.
The stage is set for an exhilarating final, with both teams poised to make their mark in the history of high school baseball. As the countdown to the championship game begins, fans are left wondering which team will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title.
