NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo Pref. (Kyodo) Third baseman Hiroshi Soejima hit a grand slam in a five-run eighth-inning rally as surprise finalist Saga Kita pulled off a dramatic 5-4 win over Koryo in the final of the National High School Baseball Championship on Wednesday.
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| "Oendan" (supporters) for Saga Kita High School celebrate the team's five-run attack in the bottom of the eighth inning during Wednesday's final of the National High School Championship against Koryo High School of Hiroshima at Koshien Stadium. Saga Kita won 5-4, clinching its first national title. KYODO PHOTO |
Soejima took a slider from Koryo right-hander Yusuke Nomura into the left-field stands after shortstop Kazuma Ide drew a bases-loaded walk, helping Saga Kita to its first national crown in its second appearance in the annual championship at Koshien Stadium.