Last Chance Glory: Can the Yoshiyasu Generation Seize Victory in the Tokyo Big 6 Autumn League Opener
Tokyo Big Six Baseball 2024 Fall League vs. Rikkyo University
The 47th Emperor’s Cup after nine seasons. The “final challenge” of the ”Yoshiyasu generation” who have never won a championship since entering the university begins. The Tokyo Big 6 Autumn League started on September 14th, and Hosei University will start tomorrow in the second week and play against Rikkyo University.
This Season’s League Schedule and Standings (as of the end of the first week)
Rikkyo Match Outlook
Although they have taken points from Rikkyo University for three consecutive seasons, in recent years they have not been a good match for them. The last time they had points before last spring was in the fall of 2019, and it was the first time they had won points in consecutive spring and fall games in 11 years since 2012.
Will Rikkyo University Ace Isshin Obata Get His Revenge?
The core of the pitching staff are ace pitcher Obata, who allowed 6 hits and 7 strikeouts in a shutout performance in the opening game of this spring, 132 pitches in 9 innings, and Ogoshi Rei (3rd year, Tochigi), who is expected to start in the second game.
Can They Take the Lead with Their Ironclad Pitching Staff?
The outcome of the game will depend on the performance of the four fourth-year pitchers, whom Coach Oshima Koichi calls ”our flagship pitchers.” Kentaro Shinoki (4th year, Business Administration, Kisarazu Sogo) is likely to be the opening pitcher.
Also, Shohei Yoshitsuru (4th year, Kisarazu Sogo), who was in full swing as a starter in the spring like Shinoki, has been working on improving his fastball and base plate strength.
In addition, Sota Adachi (4th year, Business Administration, Toko Gakuen High School) is trusted by the management as a relief ace, just like in the spring, and Kotaro Yamashiro (4th year, Captain, Fukuoka University Ohori High School) has been working hard this summer with the regret of only pitching in three games in the spring.
It would be ideal to win two games in a row and gain points, but the opening match against a rising opponent will be tough. It is also important to think about how to win two of the three matches. If we lose the opening match, our chances of winning the championship will suddenly drop significantly, so we want to accumulate points at all costs.