In their penultimate test before the upcoming WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS, defending champions Samurai Japan squared off against the Japan University National Team at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha on Sunday. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the U-18 squad lost 8-1 after being overpowered late in the game.
The matchup served as part of two send-off games for the U-18 team, who will represent Japan at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS from September 5 to 14 in Okinawa. For much of the game, the high schoolers kept pace, even out-hitting their university counterparts through six innings. But from the seventh inning onward, the college players’ experience and firepower proved decisive.
Manager Masayoshi Ogura praised his players’ effort, noting, “Everyone showed their true colours.”
On the mound, starter Kensin Shimoshige (Kendai Takasaki) allowed a solo homer but struck out three. Reliever Daito Nakano (Osaka Toin) battled through a tough inning, giving up two runs but also fanning three. Strong middle relief from Shota Morishita (Souseikan), Ryusa Tsuji (Riseisha), and Saku Hayase (Kamimura Gakuen) kept the score level through six.
On offence, Kaito Fujimori (Meitoku Gijuku) drove in the team’s lone run with a clutch RBI single. Yota Abe (Yokohama) and Fujimori each tallied two hits, helping the team reach seven hits by the sixth inning—more than the university squad at that point.
The turning point came in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, the university team erupted for four runs, led by Kyudo Yamagata (Rikkyo University) and Koichiro Oda (Aoyama Gakuin University).
From there, Japan’s top collegiate pitchers shut the door. Yoshihisa Arima (Ritsumeikan), Yasunari Suzuki (Aoyama Gakuin), and Gen’ei Sato (Sendai) dominated with velocity and precision. Sato ended the game in emphatic fashion, striking out the final batter with a 156 km/h fastball.
Despite the lopsided score, manager Ogura saw positives: “The pitchers were able to perform for most of their innings, and the batters adjusted well to powerful pitches. We’ve seen growth in swing trajectory since the bat standard changes.” He also emphasized the need for better control and composure with two outs.
University manager Tetsuya Horii was equally complimentary: “The U-18 team showed high batting ability and strong pitching. I hope they believe in Japanese baseball and play with confidence.”
With less than a week until the World Cup, the Japan U-18 Baseball World Cup team will continue their preparations with a practice session at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha on Monday followed by a second send-off match versus a selection from the Koshien champions Okinawa Prefectural High School on Tuesday.
AloJapan.com