Nitta Claims First Spring Shikoku Title, Ending 20-Year Drought for Ehime Schools
In a historic victory for Ehime Prefecture, Nitta High School captured its first-ever title at the 79th Spring Shikoku Regional High School Baseball Tournament on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Nitta defeated Kochi Commercial High School with a final score of 5–3 at Mutsumi Stadium in Tokushima, marking the first time a school from Ehime has won the spring regional crown in 20 years.
The victory was anchored by a dominant performance from Nitta’s ace, Sakuya Tsukiyama. The third-year pitcher delivered a complete-game effort, weathering a late surge from Kochi Commercial to secure the win. Tsukiyama’s resilience throughout the tournament—including a pivotal 3–1 complete-game victory over Senbatsu quarterfinalists Eimei in the semifinals—proved to be the difference-maker for the Ehime champions.
Turning the Tide at Mutsumi Stadium
The final was a clash of ambitions: Nitta seeking a maiden title and a breakthrough for their prefecture, although Kochi Commercial aimed for their eighth regional title and first in 33 years. The game remained a tight contest, defined by tactical execution and defensive stability.
A critical moment occurred in the top of the third inning. With two outs and a runner on second, Nitta’s Nakano drove a clutch RBI double to left field, pushing the score to 2–1 and shifting the momentum in Nitta’s favor. While Kochi Commercial fought to close the gap, they were unable to overcome Tsukiyama’s command in the closing frames.
For Nitta, the road to the championship was an ascent of consistency. After finishing third in the previous autumn’s prefectural tournament, the team entered the spring season with a renewed focus on defensive stability and a potent core consisting of players like Tagashira, Nakano, and Kinoshita.
Breaking the 20-Year Barrier
The significance of this victory extends beyond the school’s trophy case. By securing the title, Nitta has ended a two-decade drought for schools from Ehime Prefecture in the Spring Shikoku tournament. This drought had persisted since 2006, creating a psychological hurdle for the region’s programs.
Nitta’s journey to the top was not without history. The school had previously reached the finals in the spring of 2015, where they finished as runners-up. That 11-year gap since their last final appearance added a layer of anticipation to this year’s run, which culminated in a definitive performance against one of Kochi’s powerhouse programs.
To provide some context for global readers, the Spring Shikoku tournament is a vital stepping stone in Japanese high school baseball. While the summer tournament is the most prestigious, the spring regional titles serve as a primary barometer for team strength and a critical opportunity for schools to build momentum heading into the summer qualifiers.
Key Performances and Tactical Breakdown
The victory can be attributed to two primary factors: the endurance of Sakuya Tsukiyama and a disciplined offensive approach.
- The Ace’s Endurance: Tsukiyama’s ability to pitch a complete game in the final, following a high-stress outing against Eimei, underscores his role as the cornerstone of Nitta’s rotation. His efficiency in the strike zone prevented Kochi Commercial from mounting a sustained comeback.
- Clutch Hitting: Nitta’s ability to produce runs with two outs—highlighted by Nakano’s third-inning double—demonstrated a level of mental toughness that often separates champions from runners-up in high school ball.
- Defensive Reliability: Throughout the tournament, Nitta was praised for its “shining defense,” which provided the necessary support for Tsukiyama to attack the zone aggressively.
Kochi Commercial, despite the loss, showed remarkable resilience. Having entered the final after a dramatic semifinal comeback where they overcame an eight-run deficit, they brought that same tenacity to the championship game, though they ultimately fell short of their 33-year goal.
Tournament Summary: Nitta vs. Kochi Commercial
| Category | Nitta (Ehime) | Kochi Commercial (Kochi) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 5 | 3 |
| Key Player | Sakuya Tsukiyama (Ace) | Kitazoe (Relief/Key Pitcher) |
| Achievement | First-ever title; Ehime’s first in 20 years | Runner-up |
| Venue | Mutsumi Stadium, Tokushima | |
What’s Next for Nitta?
With the Spring Shikoku title now secured, Nitta shifts its focus toward the summer season. The momentum from this victory provides a significant psychological advantage as they prepare for the prefectural qualifiers for the National High School Baseball Championship (Koshien). The eyes of Ehime will now be on Tsukiyama and his teammates to see if they can translate this regional dominance into a national stage appearance.
Official schedules for the upcoming summer qualifiers in Ehime are expected to be released by the local high school baseball federation in the coming weeks.
Do you think Nitta can carry this momentum all the way to Koshien this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
