In a valiant effort that ultimately fell short, Tokaidai Sapporo faced Urawa Jitsugyo in the second round of the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament on March 25, 2025, at the legendary Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Despite a strong start and a temporary tying of the score, Tokaidai Sapporo succumbed to Urawa Jitsugyo's offense, resulting in a decisive 2-8 loss and elimination from the tournament.
The match began on a promising note for Tokaidai Sapporo, who managed to tie the game after an early setback. The team's second-year right-handed pitcher, Sandada, demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a new personal best by pitching 139 kilometers per hour on his first pitch, and eventually surpassing that with pitches clocking in at 141 and 142 kilometers per hour. His impressive fastball had the crowd roaring with enthusiasm. However, even with such performance, the team’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities diminished as the game progressed.
Suzuki, a third-year player, set the tone in the second inning with a double to create scoring momentum. Following that, Ito, also in his third year and playing in his debut at Koshien, made a spectacular appearance by hitting a tie-making single. Celebrating this crucial moment, Ito's father, Ken, expressed his astonishment, “I was surprised because he is not a long hitter, but he hit a surprising shot.” This moment brought hope to the Tokaidai Sapporo supporters, who filled the stands, cheering fervently for their young athletes.
However, the third inning proved challenging for Sandada as the Urawa Jitsugyo batters managed to take him down, and defensive errors only compounded the troubles, leading to two runs for the opponents. While Tokaidai Sapporo quickly answered back, closing the gap again, the tide ultimately turned in the eighth inning. The Urawa Jitsugyo batting line unleashed a ferocious onslaught, scoring five runs as Tokaidai's defense crumbled under pressure. Not even Yazuki, one of the team’s captains, who took the mound, could stem the tide of scoring. The fans who had earlier cheered were now left in a solemn hush as the game concluded, and the reality of elimination set in.
Reflecting on the match, Yazuki, who has played a vital role as a dual captain, mentioned his frustration and determination, stating, “I want to come back in summer to take the championship.” His words resonated with many teammates, evoking a sense of shared resolve to return stronger. The team had great expectations but left feeling like they had not yet met their potential.
A shining point in this tournament experience was the spirited support from Tokaidai Sapporo's cheerleading squad, who had learned cheerleading moves within a mere three weeks to boost the baseball team’s morale. Under the leadership of Kurumi Aoki, these dedicated members, usually focused on hip-hop, put their hearts into the new performance. “I was disappointed. We wanted to support the baseball team by showing good cheer,” Aoki shared, reflecting the sentiments felt throughout the cheer squad following the defeat. Their efforts brought energy to the stands, reminding everyone of the power of community support.
Third baseman Yuto Yamada also showcased growth during the tournament, emerging as a player to watch. He was determined to prove himself and had indeed made significant strides from the previous autumn when he only earned a place in the lineup after considerable effort. Yamada noted, “I trained until the end and worked hard to improve my swing.” His resolve displays a passionate commitment to personal and team growth, even amid disappointment.
This year’s Koshien experience will be one that stays with Tokaidai Sapporo's athletes as they process the loss and use it as motivation for future competitions. Yamada, in particular, carried a sentiment that resonated with all players: “If there is even a 1% chance, we must give it our all.” That mantra underscored not only their approach on the field but also their mindset for training ahead of future tournaments.
As Tokaidai Sapporo exits the tournament, the atmosphere remains one of hope and resilience. With steadfast community backing and a thirst for improvement, the young baseball team looks toward a brighter future. Their journey at Koshien might have ended in defeat, but their aspirations live on, eyes set on the national championship in the summer ahead.
