Bottom of the 1st inning, Yokohama with runners on first and third. Yuto Okumura hits a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring the second run = Koshien Stadium

In the first round of the 107th National High School Baseball Championship held on the 8th at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Yokohama (representing Kanagawa, making their 21st appearance after a 3-year hiatus) defeated Tsuruga Kehi (representing Fukui, 12th appearance after 3 years) with a score of 5-0, advancing past the opening game.

Yokohama took an early 2-run lead in the first inning, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Yuto Okumura (3rd year). In the second inning, they added two more runs with a timely triple by Shoki Oda (2nd year) and a timely double by Ryota Okumura (3rd year), securing control of the game.

Starting pitcher Shoki Oda threw a complete-game shutout with 7 hits, marking his first shutout at Koshien since the Spring Tournament. Despite a rain delay in the middle of the fourth inning, he maintained focus until the end.

Yokohama will face the winner of the Kochi Chuo vs. Ayaha (Shiga) match in the second round on the 13th.

Koshien Stadium

Koshien Stadium, located in Nishinomiya, Japan, is the country’s most iconic baseball stadium, opened in 1924. It is best known as the home of the Hanshin Tigers and the annual National High School Baseball Championship, a prestigious tournament deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The stadium’s distinctive ivy-covered walls and historic significance make it a beloved symbol of Japanese baseball.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan, located south of Tokyo, known for its vibrant cultural mix and historical significance as one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1859. The city features landmarks like the iconic Yokohama Chinatown, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, and the futuristic Minato Mirai district. Its development reflects Japan’s modernization and global connections, blending traditional and contemporary influences.

Tsuruga Kehi

Tsuruga Kehi is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, believed to have been established over 1,300 years ago. It is renowned for its grand torii gate, one of the largest wooden torii in Japan, which stands at the entrance of the shrine’s sacred forest. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of safe travels and maritime safety, reflecting Tsuruga’s long history as a significant port city.

National High School Baseball Championship

The **National High School Baseball Championship**, known as *Kōshien* after the stadium where it is held, is Japan’s premier high school baseball tournament. Established in 1915, it is held twice yearly (spring and summer) and showcases the country’s top high school teams, drawing nationwide attention. The tournament is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, symbolizing perseverance, teamwork, and the emotional highs and lows of youth sports.

Kanagawa

Kanagawa is a prefecture in Japan, located south of Tokyo, known for its mix of urban and natural attractions. It is home to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, which flourished after the port opened to foreign trade in 1859. The prefecture also features historic sites like Kamakura, the former political center of medieval Japan, and scenic spots such as Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.

Fukui

Fukui is a prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. It is home to the ancient Eihei-ji Temple, a key Zen Buddhist training center founded in 1244, and the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, showcasing the region’s fossil discoveries. The area also boasts scenic coastlines, historic castles, and traditional crafts like Echizen washi (handmade paper).

Kochi Chuo

Kochi Chuo (Kōchi Chūō) is the central district of Kōchi City, the capital of Kōchi Prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island. It is known for its historical significance, including Kōchi Castle—one of Japan’s few original feudal-era castles—and the bustling **Hirome Ichiba** market, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine like **katsuo no tataki** (seared bonito). The area reflects Kōchi’s samurai heritage and vibrant modern culture, blending tradition with lively commerce.

Ayaha

“Ayaha” does not refer to a widely recognized historical or cultural site. If you meant “Ayutthaya” (Thailand), it was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom (1351–1767), known for its impressive ruins and temples, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, if referring to another location, please provide more details for accuracy.