The Tohoku Regional Qualifiers for the 49th Japan Amateur Baseball Championship kicked off on the 7th at Sendai Municipal Baseball Stadium in Sendai City, and the first round was played. JR East Tohoku, the runner-up in this summer’s Intercity Baseball Tournament, lost 3-5 to Toyota Motor East Japan and was eliminated from the qualifiers.
![[JR East Tohoku - Toyota Motor East Japan]Toyota Motor East Japan players welcome back Ryuma Negoro (second from the left), who made it home in the third inning. Photo taken by Daisuke Makino at Sendai Municipal Baseball Stadium on September 7, 2024.](https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2024/09/07/20240907k0000m050182000p/9.webp?1)
Here are some of JR East Tohoku manager Nishimura Ryo’s main comments after the match:
JR East Tohoku, Director Nishimura Ryo
(3 errors) We couldn’t get into a rhythm defensively from the beginning. It was a game we were destined to lose. Just when we thought we were gaining momentum after catching up in the eighth inning, we made some mistakes. When this happens, baseball becomes difficult.
(The opposing starting pitcher, Yusuke Nakazato) had good control and threw to both corners, so I thought it wouldn’t be easy. I wish we could have scored one or two points in the early stages. The batting line-up was not bad at all, and I was hoping to play the same baseball as usual, but they were able to get around it.
The team was in good shape, including the results of the preseason. We wanted to finish off the season in Osaka (where the Japan Championships are held). We went into the match with confidence, but if we don’t take advantage of that one chance, we end up with a result like this.
(Looking ahead to next season) Pitcher (Suzuki) Shoya still has the habit of letting the other team score first, and although it won’t be easy, I think the other players around him also need to improve their level.