However, while Sato pitched well against Tokoha Gakuen Kikugawa High School in the first round (now as a senior) on 23 March, striking out 14 while allowing just two runs and clocking 150 kmph , "Koshien Round One" Baseball Japan his team was held to just one run in a disappointing 2–1 loss and first-round exit (Tokoha Gakuen Kikugawa High went on to become the tournament champions).