Koshien, Hyogo - The 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament reached a thrilling second round on March 23, 2025, at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. In a nail-biting match, Kencho Takasaki from Gunma prefecture clinched a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Tsuruga Kehi from Fukui with a narrow score of 4-3, marking their second consecutive year reaching the top 8.
Kencho Takasaki set the tone early in the game with a crucial play. In the first inning, with one out and the bases loaded, Kurihara Tomoki delivered a timely hit that scored two runs, putting Kencho Takasaki ahead. The momentum continued when Sugiyama Shota followed up with a timely double down the left-field line, pushing the lead to 4-0 as they added two more runs.
The team's starting pitcher, Shimoshige Keisuke, had a strong showing, pitching five innings without allowing a hit. However, the sixth inning turned tense when a walk and an error allowed Tsuruga Kehi to battle back, scoring three runs and narrowing the gap.
In a dramatic ninth inning, with two outs, Ishiizaka Motoki made his tournament debut on the mound. Known for his velocity, he delivered pitches clocking in the 150 km/h range. He managed to retire the final batter, securing the victory for Kencho Takasaki.
"The team executed our game plan well, especially in the first few innings," said head coach Hidetoshi Iwasaki. "But we need to remain focused as we head into the next match."
Looking forward, Kencho Takasaki will face Hanamaki Higashi from Iwate in the upcoming quarterfinals on March 26, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:30 AM (JST). This matchup is highly anticipated as both teams are known for their strong performances throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, the tournament also featured other exciting games. Notably, Yokohama High School emerged victorious against Okinawa Shosei in a close contest, winning 8-7. This marked Yokohama's return to the quarterfinals for the first time in 13 years, a significant achievement for the school.
The tournament, which showcases Japan's top high school baseball talent, has gathered thousands of fans, filling Koshien Stadium with cheers and excitement. The atmosphere is electric as teams battle for the prestigious title.
As the competition progresses, Kencho Takasaki remains a fan favorite, emphasizing teamwork and mutual support among players. The coach hopes that this will carry them further into the tournament. "Unity is our strength, and we aim to be more cohesive as we go deeper into the competition," added Iwasaki.
The next few days will be pivotal in determining who advances towards the semifinals and ultimately the championship game. Fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of this storied tournament, which has come to symbolize high school baseball excellence in Japan.
