(18th, 108th National High School Baseball Championship Quarterfinals Kumamoto/Ariake 0-1 Gunma/Kendai Takasaki)
Ariake, who was participating for the first time, lost in the quarterfinals to Kendai Takasaki in a walk-off after a 10-inning tie-break. Although they missed out on making it to the top four, the ``Ariake whirlwind'' they created at Koshien received a big round of applause from the stands. I spoke to the players after the game.
① Ryotaro Saito (3rd year)
"There were times when I thought of quitting because the training was so tough, but I decided to become an ace and come to Koshien, so I'm glad I didn't give up. I have no regrets, I gave it my all. I was able to make it to the top eight, and I think I gave courage to the people of Kumamoto."
②Kyotaro Nishiyama (3rd year)
"I was distributing pitches with the sole intention of getting them out one by one. It was a situation where I couldn't score any points, and I didn't think I could score a single point. Saito pitched the best I've ever pitched. He's the center of the team. Without Saito, I couldn't have made it this far. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, the pitch he struck out gave me goosebumps. Today's best fastball came exactly where I needed it most. I want to say thank you."
③Ryo Shintani (2nd year)
"I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to play to help the team win. This was my first time at Koshien, and the cheers and the number of spectators were completely different from the local tournaments. It's not an easy place to come to, but I'll come back next year and aim to surpass my seniors and make it to the top four."
④ Haruki Nagata (3rd year)
"(Regarding the third steal in the first inning) I tried to create a flow with my feet and was conscious of getting to the next base as much as possible. I was encouraged by the cheering that got louder each time we faced a decisive situation in the 9th and 10th inning. (In the bottom of the 10th inning, it was decided to be a walk-off loss) On the other hand, the fielder's position and grip on the throw to home plate was poor. I should have gotten an out with the throw to second base. I'm disappointed that I couldn't deliver victory to the Kumamoto players. I was happy that I was able to steal a base and hit a hit at the end of Koshien.
⑤ Ayaki Jumonji (3rd year)
``Koshien is a place where you can play beyond what you have, and the bond between the team grew stronger with every game.The most memorable thing was Nagata's come-from-behind hit in the first game.From then on, the whole stadium started cheering for us.I'm glad to be on this stage with my friends.We were a great team that got along well, came together as one, and persevered until the very end.''
⑥Captain Satoshi Sanita (3rd year)
"We were able to do everything we could and do everything we could. We want to go back to Kumamoto with our hearts held high. When the team started a year ago, everyone was apart, but as we came together from the beginning, each and every one of us was able to work towards victory. I'm glad that we had the support of so many people, won three times at Koshien, and did our best until the very end."
⑦ Akira Eii (3rd year)
``Even though we lost in the end, it was a game where we were able to embody our goal of ``tenacious baseball.'' Although the conditions weren't the best, we did our best to keep our spirits up.In both the third round and the quarterfinals, Kogyo's battalion I borrowed a batting glove and stood at bat. When I made a hit, I was happy as if it were my own. I had a lot of troubles and things that didn't go well in this tournament, but in the end I'm glad I was able to do my best for the team."
⑧Haruki Takahashi (3rd year)
"For two and a half years, we have been calling out to each other as a team even when things were tough. This summer, when there was an earthquake, we went to the games with the hope that we could be the source of smiles. In fact, we received a lot of support from everyone on the team and the local people, which gave us strength. It's really frustrating that we couldn't make a run in the tiebreaker, but we're filled with gratitude."
⑨Akito Yamazaki (2nd year)
"It's frustrating, but I did it. I have nothing but gratitude to the third years. The reason I was able to have so much fun is because my seniors made up for my mistakes. Before the game, they told me, ``You guys are going to be okay,'' so I was able to step up to bat easily. Next year, I want to lead the team with Shintani, who played with me, and I want to do my best to definitely come back here during the selection and summer."
⑩Shuya Kogyo (3rd year)
``I'm disappointed that I caused trouble for the team with my injury.However, Koshien is the stage of my dreams, and it taught me that if I don't give up until the end, I can turn things around.Today was the best cheering I've had in a long time.It was tough at times, but I'm glad I aimed for Koshien.''
⑪Tomotaka Kanekiyo (2nd year)
``I was on the bench, but in the end I relied on Saito (Ryotaro) alone. I'm disappointed that I couldn't do anything. I think it's important to have the ability to finish by yourself and the ability to take advantage of close games. I want to do my best from now on so that I can do that on this stage next year.''
⑫Sakutaro Osako (3rd year)
"(As a messenger), I've been conscious of making it easier for everyone to play by calling out to them when they're having a hard time. I've been able to get this far because everyone has worked hard. I've always said that I'll encourage (the people watching), but even more than that, I was supported by the audience. It was an experience like no other."
⑬Takuma Yanawaki (3rd year)
"I'm glad we were able to achieve our goal of making it to the top eight. To be honest, I didn't think we could win this far. We won this much at Koshien, so we finished with no regrets. (Saito and Takumi) were reliable sources from the prefectural tournament onwards. I'm grateful."
⑭Shodai Sakaguchi (3rd year)
"I think it was a result of both my team and the opposing team giving their all. I've always admired (Saito and Takumi) and wanted to catch up to them. I want to do my best in college and be able to stand on that mound next time."
⑮Ryotaro Hirosawa (3rd year)
"Before I knew it, the ball was coming at me. (Kendai Takasaki) was a really high-level team with strong pitchers and batters. I was able to create chances for myself, but I was disappointed that I ended them with my own mistakes."
⑯Yuto Ando (3rd year)
"(Standing on the field as a third base coach) was something I had dreamed of doing since I was little, so it was really fun. The past two and a half years have been very difficult, but I think it has paid off tremendously."
⑰Takasho Matsutori (3rd year)
"I didn't know until the very end, so I wanted to win no matter what. I didn't have a chance to play in Koshien, so I want to aim for the top in college. Everyone encouraged me, so next time I want to play to encourage everyone."
⑱Akahiro Wakasugi (3rd year)
"We made it to the top eight, which was our goal, so I feel like we really worked hard. Koshien has become a place of youth for me. If you keep working hard, results will come naturally. I'm going to keep working hard in college as well."
⑲ Daiai Sorami (3rd year)
"(My teammates) looked great, and I'm really grateful to the members who were participating in the game. I'm really proud of them. Baseball is over, and I'm going to get a job to fulfill my filial obligation to my parents. I've made friends and made good friends, and I'm really glad I played baseball."
⑳Ichigo Takahashi (3rd year)
``Right now, I'm very disappointed, but I feel like we accomplished what we did. We've never been supported so much, and it felt really good to be able to do it at Koshien.It was the best and most memorable summer I've had so far.''
Recorder Souki Nishida (3rd year)
``I'm starting to feel like I've accomplished something. I'm very happy to have received such cheers for my first appearance.I want to express my gratitude to the audience and the people in front of the TV as well.''
