In a thrilling match at the Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, on March 25, 2025, Seikoh Gakuin High School triumphed over Waseda Jitsugyo, clinching a 7-4 victory in the second round of the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu). This win marked Seikoh Gakuin's first advancement to the top eight since 2013.
Initially trailing by three runs, Seikoh Gakuin showcased resilience and strategic prowess. In the fourth inning, Kaito Takeuchi hit a timely two-base hit down the third base line, successfully scoring one point and igniting a comeback. Following this, Riku Ishizawa's squeeze play further closed the gap, allowing another run to score. Finally, Taiga Oyama's timely hit to center field tied the game, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
The seventh inning was pivotal, with Seikoh Gakuin pulling ahead. Takeuchi struck again with a left-field hit, bringing in Jo Hosoya to score. This was closely followed by added runs from Ishizawa and Hosoya's consecutive hits, effectively putting Seikoh Gakuin in the lead.
Seikoh Gakuin's ace pitcher, Taiga Oyama, played a critical role, turning the tide in favor of his team after the shaky start. He delivered a solid performance, tossing a complete game with 144 pitches, allowing seven hits and four runs. His ability to limit the opponents’ scoring after the fifth inning was essential to the victory.
The win not only advanced Seikoh Gakuin to the quarterfinals but also marked a significant achievement for head coach Tomoya Saito, who secured his 31st victory at Koshien, surpassing the previous record held by Toshiaki Takada. This victory places Saito atop the rankings for most wins by a coach in the Tohoku region.
Solid defensive plays by Seikoh Gakuin further contributed to the success. Leaders on the field emphasized the importance of maintaining focus during tense moments and not allowing early setbacks to deter their efforts.
"Initially, we found ourselves in a challenging situation after conceding three runs, but our persistence paid off as we were able to execute and make it back in the game," commented Coach Tomoya Saito. He praised his players for not losing hope even when the odds seemed against them.
Looking forward, Seikoh Gakuin will face Urawa Jitsugyo from Saitama in the quarterfinal matchup on March 26, 2025. Scheduled to begin at 4 PM, the team is eager to continue their journey and make a mark in this prestigious tournament.
Captain Kaito Takeuchi reflected on the game and expressed his determination for the next round: "Starting the game on the back foot was a learning moment for us. Yet, our spirit and determination shined through at the end. We need to carry this resilience into our upcoming match against Urawa Jitsugyo and play true to our style as a team."
With determination and a newfound confidence, Seikoh Gakuin leaps forward in hopes of breaking into the semi-finals—an achievement that would not only be historical for the school but a celebration of their tenacity and spirit.
