Four quarterfinal games will be held on the 18th of the summer national high school baseball, and the best four will be decided.
[1st match Aiko Daimeiden (Aichi) vs Sendai Ikuei (Miyagi)]
In the first match, Aichi Meiden High School will face Sendai Ikuei High School in Miyagi.
Aiko Daimeiden, which has advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 41 years, has scored 25 points in three games so far and has a strong batting lineup.
On the other hand, Sendai Ikuei has five pitchers who throw straight balls in the 140kg range, and has won two games so far with repeat pitching.
Attention will be paid to the confrontation between the Aiko Daimyo Dentai and the Sendai Ikuei pitchers.
〈Director Kurano and Captain Arima, Aiko Daimei Den, talks〉
Director Mitsuo Kurano said, “I was able to practice in the usual flow of knocking, pitching, and batting. I want them to play their best without being too conscious of it."
Ace pitcher and captain Arima Kahisa commented, "I gained confidence after winning three games, and I'm getting used to Koshien. There were two days between games, so I had time to prepare my condition and study my opponent. I said.
On top of that, he enthusiastically said, ``Sendai Ikuei has many good pitchers, so I think it will be difficult to score a lot.
〈Sendai Ikuei Director Sue and Captain Sato's statement〉
Manager Sue Wataru talked about his ideal game development, saying, “I hope we can play a game in the second half by tenaciously defending the pitchers.”
On top of that, regarding Aiko Daimeiden, he said, "I think the pitchers are strong, centered on the ace pitcher Arima. I think the team has no holes in the batting line and there are few openings."
Captain Yuto Sato commented, "It's important to win the match in front of us, but our goal is to be number one in Japan, so I think it's just a passing point. We'll have even tougher battles ahead of us. , I want to raise my tension and face the game with a positive feeling," he said enthusiastically.
[Second match Takamatsusho (Kagawa) vs. Omi (Shiga)]
In the second match between Kagawa's Takamatsu Commercial and Shiga's Omi High School, the captains of both teams will be the focus of attention.
Shogo Asano, the captain of Takamatsu Commercial, hit two home runs in a row in the first game, increasing the total number of home runs in high school to 66.
In addition, he is also known for his fast pace of 50 meters, 5.9 seconds, and as the first batter, he aims to "all at bats on base."
Omi captain Yosho Yamada has pitched 24 innings in three games so far, striking out 34.
Furthermore, as the fourth batter, he hit a bases-loaded home run in the third round and led the team.
The highlight of this tournament is the confrontation between the two players who are the focus of the tournament.
〈Takamatsusho Director Nagao and Captain Asano talk〉
Manager Kenji Nagao said, "The team doesn't get tired much. Omi High School has pitcher Yamada, who is the main pillar of the team, so I think the key to victory is for Takamatsu Shogyo's battery to get through with the fewest runs." talked.
Captain Shogo Asano said, "Today, we worked out in the lodgings and adjusted our body. The team is full of motivation for the quarterfinals."
After that, he enthusiastically said, ``I want to create a rhythm with a solid defense like Takamatsu Shogyo.
<Discussion between Director Omi Taga and Captain Yamada>
Manager Akihito Taga said, “I think the key point will be how we can stop the momentum of Asano, who is the first batter. I think it's going to be a game that holds the title," he said.
The captain, pitcher Yoto Yamada, said, "I've started in three games so far, so it was a day that really relieved my fatigue. As I've scored in the last three games, today's batting practice was overall good. I was able to swing the bat, and I was able to practice in a very good atmosphere, so I think it will lead to tomorrow's game."
On top of that, regarding Takamatsu Shogyo, he said, “In addition to the strong batting lineup led by Asano, who is a wonderful batter, there are also two left-handed pitchers, and I have the impression that they are a well-balanced team. I want to keep in mind to keep the first three innings clean," he said enthusiastically.
[Third match Osaka Toin (Osaka) vs. Shimonoseki International (Yamaguchi)]
The third match will be between Osaka Toin High School and Shimonoseki International High School in Yamaguchi.
Osaka Toin, who are aiming for their third consecutive spring/summer title, struggled in the first round, allowing the opening goal, but in the second round, the batting line showed a fierce attack with 19 points, and in the third round, pitcher Tsugutaka Kawahara, who wore the number 1 jersey, made a hit. He has shown a fulfilling fighting style in both pitching and hitting, such as shutting out with 6 runs.
Shimonoseki International has managed to concede only three goals in two games so far, led by left-handed pitcher Yasunari Koga, and has scored the first goal in both games.
The key to the game will be which team will score the first goal, and how Shimonoseki International's pitchers will pitch against the Osaka Toin batting line.
〈Osaka Toin, Director Nishitani and Captain Hoshiko’s conversation〉
Coach Nishitani Koichi said, “I think we are doing what we want to do with our theme of playing tenaciously and tenaciously.
Regarding Shimonoseki Kokusai High School, who will face them in the quarterfinals, he said, "They have good pitchers, and they are solid in both offense and defense. I think it's going to be a tenacious match, so I'll try not to lose."
Captain HOSHIKO Tenma commented on their progress so far, saying, “I think this match was a big deal for us as we were able to come back from a disadvantage in the first match.
Regarding Shimonoseki International, he said, "I hear that two pitchers on the left and right are good. I have the impression that there are many players who play calmly and calmly, and I think it's a cohesive team." .
On top of that, he enthusiastically said, "Since the summer tournament is a one-shot game, I think it would be good if we could get even one more point than our opponent at the end. I think each of us should do what we can."
〈Shimonoseki International Director Sakahara and Captain Yamashita talks〉
Manager Hidenao Sakahara said, “The players are excited to be able to play baseball on the same stage as their seniors four years ago in the quarterfinals. I would like to set it up with all my heart," he said.
The captain, Seiko Yamashita, said, "We made an error when we came to Koshien, and if we don't eliminate it, there is a possibility that we will concede unnecessary points against the team that has a high hitting power in the future. I'd like to fix it in the center and face tomorrow's match."
On top of that, regarding Osaka Toin, he enthusiastically said, ``The team has a higher level of pitching and batting than us, so we will cherish the beginning of the game, and we want to attack both defense and offense from the first inning.''
[4th match Seiko Gakuin (Fukushima) vs. Kyushu Gakuin (Kumamoto)]
The fourth match will be between Seiko Gakuin from Fukushima and Kyushu Gakuin from Kumamoto.
Seiko Gakuin, aiming to advance to the best 4 for the first time, has beaten teams that have won Koshien so far.
Ace pitcher Mirai Sayama, who was out of form at the Fukushima tournament, has pitched more than 20 innings in three games since coming to Koshien, conceding three goals, and is recovering. .
Keita Murakami, the younger brother of Yakult's Munetaka Murakami, a professional baseball player who hits No. 4, hit two extra-base hits in the second round and scored a preemptive timely hit in the third round.
Attention will be paid to the confrontation between Seiko Gakuin's defense centered on Sayama and Kyushu Gakuin's batting order led by Murakami.
〈Seiko Gakuin Director Saito and Captain Akahori talk〉
Manager Tomoya Saito was cautious about Kyushu Gakuin, saying, "I think they're riding the wave with the performances of Naoe, who pitches with high precision, and Murakami, who is a power hitter."
On top of that, he expressed his expectations, saying, "Our players concentrate on every moment and are very reliable. I want them to keep up with the challenger spirit and play baseball with more than one point tomorrow."
Captain Akahori Hayate said, "I think there will be more situations where it's a one-point game, so I want to put pressure on the runners and attack them aggressively. When the match starts, who is more determined not to lose?" I think the game will be decided by this. We will not betray our baseball, and we will fight so that we will not lose tomorrow.”
〈Kyushu Gakuin Director Hirai and Captain Sonomura talks〉
Coach Hirai Seiya looked back on the third round and said, "I think it's a good thing that we were able to defend well in defense and score a goal in offense."
Regarding Seiko Gakuin, he said, "I have a strong impression that the defense is solid, centering on the pitcher, and I think that the offense is versatile, such as getting involved in the legs. I want to keep the game within 3 points tomorrow."
The captain, Keito Sonomura, said, "I'm tired, but I've practiced with that in mind, so it's not a problem. I think errors and other mistakes will lead to a loss, so I want to do my best at the basics." was talking
Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, he enthusiastically said, "I am grateful to be able to play at Koshien, and I want to win and advance to the semifinals."