Kuriha Youth Baseball Club Wins Kumano Baseball Fest Championship

The 19th Kumano Baseball Fest youth soft‑ball tournament was held on 25 August 2026 at Kumano Stadium in Arima‑cho, Kumano City. Thirty‑two teams entered the competition, which began with first‑round matches on 11–12 August. In the semifinals, Kumano MAX Jr. defeated the Take‑Toy Club 7‑4, while Kuriha Youth Baseball Club from Tsū City beat the Mizuno Baseball Youth Group 8‑0 to advance.

In the final, Kuriha took an early lead and extended it to 6‑0 before Kumano MAX Jr. rallied with a three‑run triple by Hamamoto Tora‑me. Kuriha held on, finishing with a 6‑3 victory and securing the tournament title.