KIMOTO CUP 2022

The 16th KIMOTO Cup, held for the first time in three years, was held on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26.

Nine teams competed in a fierce battle

The 16th KIMOTO Cup, held for the first time in 3 years, took place on Saturday, June 25th, and Sunday, June 26th.
This year, 9 teams battled fiercely at KIMOTO Stadium and Ajoyoshi Elementary School Grounds, with the event being held with the minimum number of staff as a measure against COVID-19.

6/25 (Sat) 1st day of the tournament

In preparation for the event, the Dragonfly Inabe, which uses KIMOTO Stadium as its home ground, performed weeding and maintenance work on the field in advance.
Thanks to their efforts, we were able to hold the KIMOTO Cup on a beautifully maintained ground.

First of all, we will pick up the scenes of the heated battle on the first day!

"Haruta Sports Youth Team" vs "Sasao West Sports Youth Team"

The highlight of this match was undoubtedly the stable pitching of the captain of the Haruta Sports Boys Club. Their batting lineup connected well, allowing Haruta Sports Boys Club to take the lead from the very first inning. On the other hand, the Sasao West Sports Boys Club showed remarkable team spirit, refusing to give up despite the widening score gap.
As a result, the Haruta Sports Youth Team, with their explosive batting, advanced to the second round.

“Kanda Blue Rays” vs. “Inben Vickies”

The battle between Kanda Blue Rays, the winners of the McDonald's Tournament at the All Japan Children's Baseball Championship for the Prince Takamado Trophy, and the revenge-driven Inabe Vickies.
The result was a victory for the Inabe Vickies, who turned the tide with their solid defense. Both teams are expected to continue delivering thrilling matches in the future.

"Inabe Sports Boys' Team" vs. "Ageki Boys' Baseball Team"

From the first inning, the Ajoyoshi Baseball Youth Team's batting lineup exploded! The ace pitcher of the Ajoyoshi Youth Baseball Team shone with ample support, but the Inabe Sports Youth Team also made it a very good game, with excellent pitching from their relief pitcher, keeping the outcome uncertain until the very end.
As a result, the Agaki Baseball Boys' Team won.

“Inaben Vickies” vs. “Yamago Sports Boys Club”

In the first game, the Inabe Vickies, who had defeated the favored Kanda Blue Rays, rode their momentum again, boosting the team with a high score.
The opposing Yamago Sports Youth Team showed their determination by scoring 2 points, but the momentum of the Inabe Vickies did not stop, and they won the game.

6/26 (Sun) 2nd day of the tournament

Semifinals - First Match

"Inabe Vickies" vs "Ryuugaku Fighters"

The Ryugaku Fighters took the lead early on and continued to score, demonstrating the strength of their batting lineup.
However, the Inabe Vickies, carrying momentum from the previous day, did not lose out and hit back, turning the game around.
This closely contested match saw the Ryugaku Fighters turn the game around in the final inning, clinching victory by a one-point margin.

Final game

"Ryuugaku Fighters" vs "Haruta Sports Youth Club"

The finals are finally here.
Against the Haruta Sports Youth Team, whose strength is in their slugging, the Ryugaku Fighters steadily scored with small ball tactics, winning 6 to 0!
In addition to the pitchers' performance, the Ryugaku Fighters' strong will to hit the ball and score, using bunts among other tactics, was palpable. The scene where they skillfully hit a clearly high ball to score 2 points was impressive.
Congratulations on winning!

After the tournament...

Although we were blessed with good weather on both days, the temperature was very high, and the games were played in sweltering heat. Even under such conditions, seeing them play their hardest, calling out to and helping their teammates with loud voices, we were once again moved by the power of teamwork.

Held during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very unfortunate that we could not provide the customary shaved ice, Thanks to the cooperation of the staff and parents of each team, the tournament was completed safely without any injuries. Everyone, thank you very much for your hard work.
I look forward to seeing you at the next KIMOTO Cup.