In an historic match at Koshien Stadium on March 20, 2025, Ishigaki High School from Nagasaki Prefecture faced Toyo University Himeji from Hyogo Prefecture in the Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament. Although the Ishigaki team, competing under the 21st Century Rule, was poised to fulfill the local dream of a victory in their inaugural game, they ultimately fell short, losing by a score of 2-7.
The game setup promised excitement, particularly with a significant turnout from Ishigaki fans. Over 3000 supporters traveled to watch their team compete as they filled the stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere that echoed against the backdrop of Koshien, the hallowed ground of high school baseball.
The match got off to a rough start for Ishigaki, with Toyo's pitcher, the highly regarded Atsushita Tsuhata, leaving the mound abruptly after just one inning. Tsuhata, who had pitched in 12 games last fall with an impressive record of 9 completed games, faced two hit-by-pitches and allowed a timely hit, resulting in two runs for Ishigaki.
Ishigaki, led by their captain, Shuugo Ura, took advantage of this shaky beginning. In the first inning, they scored two runs, thanks to a hit from Rento Yamaguchi that drove in both runs, putting them ahead 2-0 temporarily.
However, the atmosphere shifted in the third inning. With Ishigaki 2-1 in front, it was Toyo's Shiratori who sparked the rally with a powerful double to right field. This was followed by Watanabe's timely two-base hit, allowing Toyo to equalize, and shortly thereafter, they took a decisive lead.
The key turning point came in the seventh inning when Watanabe added a sacrifice fly to the scoreboard, resulting in a five-run inning that pushed Toyo ahead 7-2, firmly in control of the game. Pitcher Kinoshita Tsubasa, coming into a challenging situation, thrived under pressure. Despite the earlier troubles, Kinoshita pitched an astounding eighth inning without allowing another run.
As the game progressed through the final innings, even with Ishigaki not conceding defeat, the local heroes could not mount a comeback. The powerful support from their enthusiastic fans, characterized by loud cheers reverberating through Koshien, spoke volumes of the community’s spirit.
After the game ended, the Ishigaki players were met with a standing ovation from their passionate supporters. The desire to witness a victory in高校野球 at Koshien remains alive in the hearts of Ishigaki fans as they expressed gratitude for the team's valiant effort.
The journey for Ishigaki High School represents more than just baseball; it resonates with the aspirations of a community eager to achieve recognition on a national stage. “The dream of winning one game at Koshien,” shared a fan, embodying the joy and pain of high school baseball. The local fans may hold onto that dream with renewed hope for future seasons.
