Aomori Yamada High School, representing Aomori, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the National High School Baseball Championship for the first time in 25 years, winning 5-0 against Tochigi’s Ishibashi High School in the third game on the 10th day of the tournament, on the 16th.
Aomori Yamada took the lead in the first inning when their cleanup hitter, Junki Harada, hit a home run to center field with two outs and a runner on second base, scoring two runs.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, with a chance of two outs and runners on first and third, Takaki Sato, batting second, hit a single to left field, adding another run and steadily increasing the score difference.
On the mound, the three-pitcher relay, led by starting pitcher Hiroaki Shimoyama, kept the opposing batting lineup scoreless, allowing Aomori Yamada to win 5-0 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in 25 years.
This is Aomori Yamada’s second consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals following the spring Senbatsu tournament.
The last time they reached the summer quarterfinals was in 1999, which was their best record to date.
Harada stated, “Since I was little, it has been my dream to hit a home run at Koshien, so I am very happy. With the goal of winning, I want our team to work hard to reach the semifinals first.”
Coach Takuro Kabutomori remarked, “We struggled against the opponent’s excellent pitching, but even amidst that, our batting lineup connected, and everyone’s efforts led to this result.”
If the schedule progresses smoothly, Aomori Yamada’s next match will be on the 19th, where they will face the winner of the match between Kashimaura High School from Ibaraki and Shiga Gakuen, competing for a spot in the semifinals for the first time.
Reflecting on the game, Aomori Yamada’s coach Takuro Kabutomori said, “We had a hard time against the amazing pitching of the opponent’s player, Irie. Even so, our batting lineup connected well, and the pitching staff held on, leading to a result that showcased everyone’s strength.”
Regarding Junki Harada, who hit a two-run home run for the first hit of this tournament, he said, “Before the game, I told them, ‘Let’s go with confidence as usual,’ and our cleanup hitter delivered in the first inning. It was a wonderful hit that gave the team courage.”
Starting pitcher Hiroaki Shimoyama, who maintained a scoreless streak until the sixth, commented, “I was nervous when I found out I would be starting two nights ago and being entrusted with such an important game, but once I was on the mound, I was able to pitch joyfully. I communicated well with catcher Hashiba, which helped me get through some tough spots, so I’m glad about that.”
He added, “If I get another chance to pitch, I will strive to execute better than today and make sure to start with a strike to keep the lead batters in check.”
Junki Harada, who had his first hit of the tournament as a two-run home run, mentioned, “I hadn’t been able to hit in our first match, but the top of the lineup created the opportunity, and I stepped up to the plate with the intent to repay them as the cleanup hitter. I felt I connected well with the sweet spot of the bat, so I thought it would go into the stands. Since I was little, hitting a home run at Koshien has been my dream, so I am very happy.”
Looking forward to the next match, he expressed, “Pitching a shutout and winning today has given me confidence. With the goal of winning, I want our entire team to work hard to reach the semifinals first.”