In a thrilling semi-final matchup at the 97th Selection High School Baseball Tournament, Ken University Takasaki faced off against Yokohama at Koshien Stadium on March 28, 2025. The game was highly anticipated, especially with Ken University Takasaki's ace pitcher, Ishizue Genki, taking the mound. Ishizue, a top draft prospect known for his blazing fastball, entered the game in the fourth inning with a runner on second base and one out, trailing by two runs.
Ishizue, who has consistently impressed with his speed, recorded pitches in the 150 km/h range, showcasing his talent and determination. He struck out the first batter he faced, Esaki, with an outside slider and followed it up by fanning Orida with a high fastball. The crowd erupted as Ishizue delivered fastballs all clocked over 150 km/h, with his fastest pitch reaching 154 km/h. This was a slight dip from his tournament-best of 155 km/h, which he set in the quarter-finals.
Despite his strong performance in the fourth inning, the fifth proved to be a challenging one for Ishizue. After allowing consecutive hits and a stolen base, he found himself in a tight situation with runners on second and third and no outs. Ishizue conceded a timely hit to Yokohama's captain, Abubu Yota, which brought in a run. The pressure mounted as he then allowed another timely hit to Koyo Ozuno, followed by a bases-loaded walk, resulting in a total of three runs in the inning.
Yokohama's manager, Murata, expressed pride in his team's ability to overcome the formidable Ishizue, stating, "Pride was discarded," as they executed their game plan effectively. This victory marked Yokohama's first final appearance in 19 years, a significant achievement for the team as they aim for consecutive spring championships.
Earlier in the tournament, Ishizue had caught the attention of scouts, including the Giants' scouting director, who praised his potential as a draft pick. Ishizue himself had expressed a desire to surpass his previous speed records, demonstrating his ambition on the mound.
Meanwhile, in the same tournament, fellow competitors were also making headlines. For instance, Hanasaki Tokuharu's pitcher, Asari, faced a disappointing outing, yielding two hits and two runs in just one-third of an inning, reflecting the pressure of high-stakes games.
As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight also shines on Shohei Ohtani, who has been making waves in Major League Baseball. On March 28, 2025, Ohtani hit his second home run in as many games during the U.S. opening game, leaving fans and commentators in awe. His ability to hit a powerful shot in the opposite direction astonished both Japanese and American audiences, with projections suggesting he could be on pace for an astounding 108 home runs this season.
Commentators marveled at Ohtani's talent, with one stating, "It’s unbelievable how he can hit it like that." The excitement surrounding Ohtani's performance has generated significant buzz, especially after his recent home run in the Tokyo series, which had already set the stage for his U.S. debut.
In addition to Ohtani's exploits, the baseball world is abuzz with various stories, including the return of Yu Arakaki from the Dragons, who, after overcoming an injury, made his comeback batting fifth in the lineup. However, the game did not go as planned, as an unexpected pitching situation led to a major defeat for the Angels, with Kikuchi giving up eight runs.
Amidst these thrilling narratives, the baseball community is also grappling with off-field controversies. A scandal involving a young female golfer and a married man has raised eyebrows, highlighting the complexities of sports and personal lives intersecting.
As the high school baseball tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Ishizue and his performance, alongside the electrifying plays from Ohtani in the MLB. The excitement of the Koshien stage and the ongoing Major League season promises a thrilling spectacle for sports fans everywhere.
The semi-finals showcased not just the talent of young athletes like Ishizue but also the rich tapestry of stories that make baseball a beloved sport. With the finals on the horizon, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.
