Senbatsu High School Baseball is scheduled to have two semi-final games on the 30th.
The four teams that advanced to the top four made preparations for the match.
semi-final card
▽1st match Seiryo (Ishikawa) × Takasaki Health and Welfare University Takasaki (Gunma)
▽2nd match Chuo Gakuin (Chiba) × Hotoku Gakuen (Hyogo)
Seiryo High School becomes the first student from Ishikawa Prefecture to advance to the top four
Seiryo defeated Tokushima's Anamiko High School 5-0 in the quarterfinals held on the 28th, becoming the first Ishikawa Prefecture team to advance to the top four in Senbatsu.
In the semi-finals on the 30th, they are scheduled to play against Gunma's Takasaki Health and Welfare Otakasaki High School, and on the 29th, they did some light conditioning such as stretching and practice swings at the ground in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Captain Kota Ashikata said, ``The team has a great atmosphere with a strong desire to win, and personally, I'm full of excitement.I hope we can liven up Ishikawa Prefecture even a little bit with our lively play.'' ” he said enthusiastically.
In addition, ace pitcher Tsubasa Sasou said, ``When I saw pitcher Toda's pitching that got a shutout yesterday, I felt like I had to do my best as well.I want to trust the fielders and pitch in a way that doesn't give up on my emotions.'' We were talking.
Coach Tomomasa Yamashita said, ``I think our opponent is one of the top teams in the country, and we have a good pitcher, so I don't think we'll be able to score many points, but we'll keep trying. I tell the players to give their all."
Kendai Takasaki advances to the top four for the first time in 12 years
Kendai Takasaki defeated Yamanashi Gakuin 6-1 in the quarterfinals held on the 28th, advancing to the Best Four for the first time in 12 years since 2012.
In the semi-finals on the 30th, the team was scheduled to play against Seiryo High School from Ishikawa, and on the 29th, starting after 1:00 p.m., they spent about two hours making adjustments at the ground in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Most of the practice time was devoted to batting practice, and players such as captain Haruto Hakoyama, who hit a three-base hit for two points in the game on the 28th, were making sharp hits.
Additionally, pitchers Ryugetsu Sato and Genki Ishigaki, who have allowed just one run in three games in this tournament, were preparing for the 30th by stretching and playing catch.
Hakoyama said, ``Tomorrow's opponent won the Autumn Jingu Tournament and has an image of a strong defense, but with a strong desire to win, I want to win with attacks that connect my legs and tenacious defense.'' I did.
Coach Hirofumi Aoyagi said, ``In tomorrow's game, we will use our legs if we can, bunt well if it's difficult, and if possible, take the lead and use our advantage to advance the game and defend to win.''
Chuo Gakuin advances to the top 4 for the first time
In this tournament, which was their second appearance in six years, Chuo Gakuin achieved their first victory at Koshien throughout the spring and summer.In the quarterfinals on the 28th, they defeated Aomori Yamada High School 5-2 to advance to the top four.
Before their match against Hyogo's Hotoku Gakuen in the semifinals on the 30th, the Chuo Gakuin players spent about two hours adjusting at the baseball stadium in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, starting in the afternoon on the 29th.
The fielders spent most of their practice time practicing batting, and players such as No. 1 player Shogo Aoki, who was active in the quarterfinals on the 28th with 3 hits and 4 RBIs, and captain and No. 4 player Kenshin Nakamura, were hitting the ball powerfully. I did.
In addition, pitcher Yuma Usui, who started in the first and second games, went into the bullpen and made adjustments by making pitches while the catcher was seated.
Captain Nakamura said, ``The opponent's two pitchers are getting a lot of attention, and I think their strong defense is their specialty, so I think it will be difficult to score, but we played tenacious baseball using our feet and won the victory.'' I want to do my best to make it possible," he said.
Coach Koki Soma said, ``I want to fight with a fighting spirit and the pride of Chiba, and be determined to win until the very end.''
Hotoku Gakuen Top 4 for 2nd consecutive year
Hotoku Gakuen defeated Osaka Toin High School 4-1 in the quarterfinals on the 28th, advancing to the top four for the second consecutive year.
Ahead of the semi-final against Chiba's Chuo Gakuin High School, which will be held on the 30th, the players spent about two and a half hours adjusting on the 29th at their school's ground in Nishinomiya City.
The players worked up a sweat mainly during batting practice, hitting balls back toward center field and hitting balls with sharp liners.
In addition, pitcher Hiroki Asamaru, who pitched a complete game on the 28th, and pitcher Ayumu Magi, the ace and captain who started the day before, did not throw the ball due to fatigue and other factors, and did light exercises such as jogging and stretching to prepare for the 30th. I was there.
Pitcher Ayumu Maki said, ``If I'm going to pitch, I want to pitch in a way that doesn't let the opponent show off their best ability.I want to use what I learned from last year, when we lost in the finals, to attack each batter in front of me with all my might.'' I was talking.
Coach Kenji Ohsumi said, ``I have the impression that Chuo Gakuin is a team that plays casual baseball using their feet and tricks.We want to focus on tomorrow and win without thinking about the future.''
[NHK special site] Senbatsu High School Baseball 2024