The exhilarating action continued on the second day of the Senbatsu tournament, where spectators witnessed awe-inspiring displays of talent and skill from some of Japan’s most promising young pitchers. Among the standout moments were the remarkable feats achieved by individuals weighing over 140kg, demonstrating the sheer power and precision of their throws.
In a remarkable turn of events, three pitchers weighing over 140kg made their mark on the tournament, bringing the total count of such pitchers to eight. The exceptional prowess displayed by these athletes left spectators in awe and served as a testament to their dedication and hard work.
The first game of the day saw Anami Hikaru, the ace pitcher from Toyokawa, delivering a stellar performance on the mound. Despite the frigid temperatures at Koshien Stadium, Anami showcased his formidable pitching skills, clocking in at an impressive 143km/h. His mastery of various pitching techniques, including the two-seam ball and fork ball, contributed to his team’s victory, securing a complete game against their opponents.
In the subsequent game, Meiho’s Koushi Noda took center stage, delivering a standout performance that culminated in a walk-off victory for his team. With tenacious pitching and unwavering determination, Noda demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most, earning accolades from fans and teammates alike.
However, it was Genki Ishigaki of Kendai Takasaki who stole the show with his exceptional display of speed and precision. Weighing in at 150kg, Ishigaki stunned spectators by reaching an astonishing speed of 147km/h, making him the fastest pitcher in the tournament. Despite his remarkable performance, Ishigaki remained humble, acknowledging the areas in which he could improve and expressing his determination to make corrections before the next match.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches, with three more pitchers weighing over 140kg set to take the mound. With each pitch and every inning, these young athletes continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their remarkable talent and unwavering determination.
List of Pitcher Speeds:
- Kendai Takasaki (2nd year) – Genki Ishigaki: Fastest speed – 147km/h, Average ball speed – 141.26km/h
- Kanto number one (3rd year) – Ryo Sakai: Fastest speed – 146km/h, Average ball speed – 140.13km/h
- Hachinohe Gakuin Kosei (3rd year) – Hiro Senpei: Fastest speed – 142km/h, Average ball speed – 133.68km/h
- Anami Hikaru (3rd year) – Atsushi Yoshioka: Fastest speed – 143km/h, Average ball speed – 135.21km/h
- Star Ridge (2nd year) – Keisei Toda: Fastest speed – 142km/h
- Meiho (3rd year) – Koushi Noda: Fastest speed – 142km/h
- Hachinohe Gakuin Kosei (3rd year) – Ryusho Okamoto: Fastest speed – 140km/h, Average ball speed – 137.66km/h
- Tanabe (3rd year) – Kunisuke Teranishi: Fastest speed – 140km/h