In a thrilling match at the 97th Invitational High School Baseball Tournament on March 26, 2025, at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya City, Ken University Takasaki from Gunma Prefecture displayed their dominance by defeating Hanamaki Higashi from Iwate Prefecture with a score of 9-1. This victory secured their spot in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
From the first inning, Ken University Takasaki made their intentions clear. Juri Akiyama, the team's third batter, delivered a timely hit that contributed to two quick runs on the scoreboard. The team continued to score steadily throughout the game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
In the fourth inning, Akiyama struck again with another timely hit, driving in two more runs and extending their lead to five. This strong start set the tone for the match, allowing Ken University Takasaki to build a commanding position against their opponents.
On the mound, starting pitcher Yuta Yamada was exceptional, allowing only one run in five innings. He was supported by Taito Shimada, who maintained the pressure on Hanamaki Higashi in the following innings. However, the highlight of the game came in the eighth inning when Kenta Ishizue, the ace pitcher, took the mound. Ishizue marked an impressive milestone by throwing the fastest pitch of the tournament at 155 km/h, tying the fastest pitch recorded at Koshien. This achievement added to the excitement of the match and underscored Ishizue's potential as a formidable player.
Ishizue was reflective about his performance, stating, "I aimed to reach 155 km/h, tying for the top speed." His determination and talent have garnered attention throughout the tournament. Before the match, he had set a goal for himself to match 155 km/h, a target he successfully achieved, showcasing his impressive capabilities on the mound.
The Ken University Takasaki lineup continued their offensive surge in the eighth inning, highlighted by Kato Daisei's three-run timely triple. This not only cemented their lead but also demonstrated the depth of talent within the team. As the innings progressed, Hanamaki Higashi managed to score one run thanks to a timely two-base hit by Sato Taketo in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to threaten Ken University Takasaki's command of the game.
With this solid performance, Ken University Takasaki has now advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the upcoming match between Yokohama (Kanagawa) and Nishinippon Institute of Technology High School (Fukuoka) on March 28, 2025.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Ken University Takasaki, who are not only the defending champions but also seeking a repeat as they have made it to the semi-finals for the third time in the last eleven years. Their strong batting lineup combined with impressive pitching has set them on a promising path as the tournament progresses.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming semi-finals, all eyes are on Ken University Takasaki to see if they can retain their title and continue their dominance in high school baseball. With players like Kenta Ishizue leading the way, the future looks bright for this powerhouse team.
