Waseda Edges Hosei in Tokyo Six University Baseball as Takahashi Koki Throws Complete Game

Waseda University secured a 2-1 victory over Hosei University in the third week of the Tokyo Six University Baseball spring league on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo. The win evened the series at 1-1 and kept Waseda in contention for the season’s points race.

Starting pitcher Takahashi Koki, a third-year from Sendai Ikuei High School, delivered a complete-game performance, throwing 140 pitches over nine innings while allowing just one run on nine hits with ten strikeouts. His effort marked his first complete-game victory in league play and earned praise from Waseda manager Satoru Komiyama, who compared the young right-hander to the team’s former ace.

“If you look at the result of him pitching through to the end by himself, it’s fair to say he’s a successor to Itsuki Ito,” Komiyama said, referencing the former Waseda ace who was drafted by the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Takahashi himself acknowledged the comparison, stating he had watched Ito’s back during his time with the team and aspired to pitch with similar poise.

The game remained tightly contested throughout. Waseda struck first with two early runs, but Hosei answered in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to 2-1. Takahashi then settled down, retiring the final six batters he faced to preserve the lead. His most potent weapons were a fastball that reached 151 km/h (approximately 94 mph) and a sharp split-finger fastball, which he used effectively to generate swings and misses.

Defensive support played a crucial role in the outcome. With Waseda leading 2-1 in the eighth inning and two runners on base, Hosei batter drove a hard-hit ball toward left field. Waseda outfielder Teruo made a leaping catch to deny the extra-base hit and prevent what could have been a go-ahead run. Takahashi later admitted he had feared the worst off the bat but was relieved by the play.

Hosei starter Sugai Sota, also a third-year from Nichidai Yamagata High School, took the loss despite a solid outing. He kept Waseda off the scoreboard through the first six innings before yielding the two early runs. Neither pitcher issued a walk, highlighting the duel’s efficiency and control.

The victory was Waseda’s first win of the spring league season after an opening loss to Hosei the previous day. With the series tied, the decisive third game will determine which team claims the crucial points in the standings race. Both Waseda and Hosei remain in contention, as do other teams in the league, with the points race expected to extend into the final week of play.

Takahashi’s performance continued a trend of strong early-season work from the right-hander, who entered the season with three wins from the previous fall campaign. Though initially not named the opening day starter, his strong showing in late exhibition games prompted the coaching staff to give him the ball in this pivotal matchup.

Looking ahead, both teams will prepare for the third and final game of the series, scheduled for later in the week. The winner will not only claim the series but also gain valuable momentum in the tightly contested Tokyo Six University Baseball spring league. For Waseda, the goal will be to build on Takahashi’s complete-game effort and push toward a winning record in the early season.

Fans can follow live updates and official results through the Tokyo Six University Baseball league’s official channels as the season progresses toward its conclusion.

For more coverage of college baseball and sports news from around the world, stay tuned to Archysport.