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First Waseda win in six seasons

Waseda triumphed over Keio University at the annual Waseda-Keio baseball game held this year on May 30. Spectators packed Meiji Jingu Stadium and cheered with delight as they witnessed center fielder Shoto Nakazawa catch the final ball of the game.

Unfazed by the energy surrounding the long-standing rivalry between the two universities, pitcher Kotaro Otake made it difficult for Keio batters to get comfortable by varying the tempo of his pitches. Although Keio managed two safe hits in the final inning, Waseda remained calm and put out the remaining players to clutch victory.

Waseda’s batting line up struggled against Keio pitcher Takuya Kato’s strong fast balls. In the fourth inning, Waseda loaded all the bases and scored two points thanks to team captain Ukyo Kawahara’s two-base hit. Waseda scored another two points in the eighth inning, cementing its victory.

With few experienced players, Waseda has faced a series of dispiriting losses against Keio in the past six seasons. This year’s team has overcome the disappointments of these past defeats. “We reached our target and achieved a flawless victory to become the best university team in Japan,” said Kawahara.