Overview

• Yamanashi Gakuin routed Kyoto International 11–4 to reach its first-ever semifinal in its 11th appearance.
• Gifu Commercial edged spring champion Yokohama 8–7 in an 11-inning tiebreak, tying it in the 10th on Ryoya Koyari’s bases-loaded three-run double before a walk-off by Sakaguchi in the 11th.
• Nichidai San beat Kanto Daiichi 5–3, ending Kanto Daiichi’s attempt at back-to-back semifinal trips and capping pitcher Shintaro Sakamoto’s emotional tournament.
• The victory sends Gifu Commercial to the last four for the first time in 16 years, with the tournament resuming on August 21 after a scheduled rest day.
• Player health remains a concern in extreme heat, with coaches leaning on rotations and shorter stints as Yokohama’s captain Yota Abe, pitcher Yorito Okumura, and manager Hiroaki Murata reflected on pressure and narrow margins.