Fukuhara Delivers in the Tenth to Secure Meiji Victory
The extra-inning breakthrough came in the top of the 10th when Yuta Uchiike doubled to put the go-ahead runner in scoring position. Relief pitcher Nao Matsumoto retired Hosei in order in the bottom of the 10th to close out the win.
The hard-fought contest gave Meiji a crucial series point as the team chases the fall championship. Both sides struggled to capitalize on early scoring chances in a tense matchup at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo.
Early Lead Slips Away Before Extra-Inning Response
Hosei struck first in the bottom of the first inning by manufacturing two runs off the Meiji pitching staff. Meiji answered in the top of the third when Isshin Kishimoto drew a walk, setting the table for RBI hits by Natsuki Taguchi and Nanato Sakakibara that sparked a three-run frame and a 3-2 lead.
Meiji threatened to extend its advantage in the fifth inning after consecutive walks loaded the bases against the Hosei pitching staff. However, the opportunity dissolved when the Hosei catcher caught a Meiji runner off guard with a sharp pickoff throw.
Defensive Escapes and Late-Inning Drama
Meiji turned the tables defensively in the bottom of the sixth when Fukuhara picked off a Hosei runner to squash a potential rally.
The Meiji defense held firm under the intense stadium atmosphere, turning a vital double play to escape the jam unscathed. The lead evaporated in the bottom of the eighth when outfielder Hodaka Mitsuhiro misplayed a fly ball, allowing Hosei to tie the game at 3-3.
Matsumoto preserved the tie in the ninth by striking out the final Hosei batter looking, sending the game into the decisive 10th frame.
Next Up Against Rivals Keio
Keio stands as the only opponent that stripped Meiji of a series win during the spring campaign, denying Meiji the title.
