In the opening match of the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, Jishukan High School from Aichi faced Energy Sports from Okinawa on March 21, 2025, at Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Despite a promising start, Jishukan suffered a harsh defeat, losing 0-8 and failing to secure their first victory at this prestigious venue.
With approximately 1,000 enthusiastic supporters in the stands, the atmosphere was electric as the team took to the field. Second-year pitcher Ozeki Haruma was the first on the mound, delivering a solid performance in the opening inning, maintaining a scoreless game. Jishukan entered the match with a track record of scoring first in all prior games during the autumn tournament, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
However, it was Energy Sports that struck first. In the second inning, they capitalized on a series of hits, drawing walks, and executing a successful sacrifice hit, bringing one run home. Jishukan’s defense struggled to regain control as the game progressed. They later conceded additional runs, putting them at a considerable disadvantage.
Jishukan’s first real offensive display came in the third inning when Nishikawa Kazuki, a second-year student, forged the team's first hit with a powerful line drive to center field. Following him, Takefuji Shun struck with a stellar double to left-center, yet the momentum fizzled as the remaining batters failed to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.
Ozeki continued to pitch impressively, achieving three consecutive scoreless innings in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, exceeding 100 pitches for the first time in his career. Despite the mounting pressure, his mother, Ando Rina, watched nervously from the stands, smiling while clenching a protective charm. However, in the seventh inning, Ozeki was moved to right field, and coach Suzuki Kenji opted to change pitchers, a decision that proved detrimental.
As Energy Sports came alive, the new pitcher, Kashima Kyona, struggled to find his footing, allowing walks that led to runs. Left-handed pitcher Kato Iori also faltered under the intense pressure. Meanwhile, Ozeki was called back to the mound after the defensive shift, managing to strike out a batter with his fastest pitch of 135 km/h, but it was too late. The damage was done as Jishukan trailed significantly.
In the eighth inning, Jishukan attempted to mount a comeback. Murai Yuto, another second-year player, hit a two-bagger into left center, bringing a glimmer of hope while showcasing his determination. Regrettably, Jishukan couldn't translate these efforts into points.
After the game, Captain Funabashi Kota expressed his disappointment, stating, "自分たちの『いつも通り』を実践できなかった" ("We couldn't implement our 'usual plays')." The results highlighted the challenges they faced against a formidable opponent like Energy Sports. All team members acknowledged that they felt the pressure of competing at Koshien.
In a remarkable narrative intertwined with loss, third-year student Ando Sora played a vital role in the background. Despite having to recover from a head injury sustained the previous summer, Sora garnered the respect of his teammates by stepping up as a scorekeeper, demonstrating resilience as he contributed in whatever way possible. He reflected, "頭部を打ったのも運命なのかなと。それだったら、与えられた役割を果たそうと今は思っています" ("I think it was fate that I got hit in the head. If so, I now want to fulfill the role given to me."). Sora’s journey personified the spirit of teamwork and commitment that Jishukan aimed to embody.
As the tournament progresses, coach Suzuki Kenji plans to take the lessons learned from this defeat into practice. Jishukan might not have secured the win they sought so desperately, but the experience provided invaluable insights and set the stage for growth as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
