The 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament final took place on March 30, 2025, at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, where Yokohama (Kanagawa) faced off against Chiben Wakayama (Wakayama). In a thrilling match, Yokohama emerged victorious with an 11-4 score, marking their 4th championship win in 19 years since their last title in 2006.
Yokohama's victory was a significant achievement, as they also secured the 'Autumn Spring Consecutive Championship,' winning 20 consecutive official matches since last autumn, including the prestigious Meiji Jingu Tournament. This accomplishment is their first consecutive championship since Osaka Toin in 22 years and their second since 1998, when they were led by the legendary pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
The final match showcased Yokohama's impressive performance, particularly in the third inning when they took a 3-1 lead with a timely two-run double from Hayata Abe. The team continued to dominate in the sixth inning, adding six runs, thanks to a combination of seven hits and some errors from their opponents. They capped off their scoring with two additional runs in the seventh inning, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Starting pitcher Tsubasa Orida played a crucial role, allowing only one run over six innings, while the Yokohama bullpen maintained the momentum. This win not only solidified their standing in high school baseball history but also brought their total Koshien tournament victories to six, surpassing notable teams like Tokai University Sagami and Toho.
For Chiben Wakayama, the loss was disheartening as they aimed for their second championship title in 31 years. Despite a strong start, they struggled to keep up with Yokohama's relentless offense, particularly in the sixth inning when their starting pitcher, Watanabe, faltered.
Yokohama's coach, Hiroaki Murata, reflected on the victory, saying, "With the support of so many people, the players were able to play actively. I really felt the bond of Yokohama High School." Murata, who once played in the finals himself in 2003, expressed immense pride in leading his alma mater back to glory.
Captain Hayata Abe, who had a standout performance with four hits and three RBIs, shared his excitement, stating, "I’m filled with happiness to win with the support of so many people. Spring is just a stepping stone, but the efforts we put in since last autumn have paid off tremendously." His defensive skills were also on display, as he made a diving catch in the sixth inning to save a potential run.
Orida expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, "I’m really happy we could win here. I believe this victory comes from the support of my family, coaches, and fans." He acknowledged the importance of a strong start in the first inning, which allowed the team to play with confidence.
Yokohama's ace and fourth batter, Junto Okumura, who contributed to the scoring with a timely hit in the first inning, acknowledged the need for personal improvement despite the team’s success. He stated, "While I’m happy about the team’s victory, I still have a long way to go, especially in my pitching. To win in the summer, I need to step up my game."
The atmosphere at Koshien was electric as both teams entered the stadium at 10:30 AM, with coaches Murata and Nakatani shaking hands before the match. Murata emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan, stating, "We want to play our usual style and make this a match that leads into the summer." Nakatani, on the other hand, expressed excitement about his team's potential, saying, "I’m eager to see how they will perform under pressure. Regardless of the situation, we want to keep fighting."
As the game progressed, Yokohama’s strategy proved effective. They started strong with Okumura’s timely hit, followed by Abe’s crucial double that shifted the momentum in their favor. Chiben Wakayama managed to tie the game in the second inning with a safety squeeze from Yuria Otani, but Yokohama quickly regained control.
In the sixth inning, Yokohama's offensive explosion saw them score six runs, a decisive moment that left Chiben Wakayama scrambling to catch up. Despite their efforts, including a few solid hits, they could not capitalize on their chances, leading to their defeat.
Yokohama's victory is a remarkable chapter in their storied history, tying them for the second-most championships in Senbatsu history alongside Chukyo University Chukyo and Osaka Toin. Their six total victories in spring and summer tournaments place them sixth overall, a testament to their enduring legacy in high school baseball.
As the tournament concludes, both teams look ahead to the upcoming summer championship. Murata’s focus remains on building a cohesive team, aiming for continued success. He stated, "This spring is just a checkpoint; we want to return with a fully prepared team for the summer."
In summary, Yokohama's triumph at the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also sets the stage for an exciting summer season ahead. With a blend of experience, talent, and determination, they are poised to make waves in the world of high school baseball once again.
