With 3 prefectures left, I figure I might as well roll all of them into one post.
Shizuoka
In the first semifinal, Hamana and Shimada Shougyou each put up 5 hits. The difference was in the 6th where Hamana used those to put 2 runs together.
In the 2nd semifinal, Seisei Kougyou built a 3-0 lead against Tokoha Tachibana. Then in the 4th, in what seems to be typical Tokoha form, Tachibana erupts for 6 runs, knocking starting pitcher Oi from the game.
With the big inning done, Tachibana would have to hold on. But ace Shouji would give up 2 runs in the 7th to cut the lead to just 1. And wouldn't you know it, Seisei would tie the game in the 9th.
The game would go into extras, and 0's were put up - until the 11th. Tachibana had been successful in getting baserunners against relief pitcher Gotou, and with only 1 out the bases were loaded for SS Inazumi. He singles to center, and vaults Tokoha Tachibana to the finals.
Both teams are looking for their 1st summer appearance (Hamana did get to the spring tournament in 2003). Hamana ran through the seeded teams in their quadrant (Shimizu Nishi, Shizuoka Gakuen), and will depend on their ace Hirao to shut down Tachibana. Tokoha Tachibana will look to Shouji once again to carry them through. But it may be the Tachibana offense that will need to step to to back up their ace.
Hiroshima
Teams had a day off yeterday in preparation of the early 9:30 AM start today. And it's a fitting matchup between the last two schools to represent Hiroshima - 2-time defending champion Kouryou and 2006 winner Jyousuikan.
Outside of their 1st and last game, Kouryou has had little trouble with the opposition. Arihara has done a fine job of keeping opponents off the basepaths, throwing 2 1-hitters along the way. For Jyousuikan another tandem, Kouno and Ikeuchi, have made things easy - well, except for the semifinal game.
I don't expect the offenses to be in play here, but I could be wrong.
Osaka
The last prefecture to give it's bid, Osaka held their quarterfinal games yesterday.
Starting at Nankou Chuo, Matsumura for Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai had given up only a couple of hits to Kansai Souka, and yet found himself down 3-1. That changed in the top of the 8th when Sakai scored 8 runs against stater Sakamoto, knocking him and Kansai Souka out of the game.
The afternoon game saw Konkou Osaka fall behind to Kansaidai Hokuyou 2-0 after 2 innings. Konkou would eventually tie it up in the 7th, but a run in the 8th for Kansaidai completed the upset.
Meanwhile at Maishima Sports Island (I had Maidzuru on the brain I think from a team I had translated earlier, my bad) Riseisha scored 3 in the 1st inning and left Uenomiya Taishi behind, winning 6-0.
And finally, the matinee was a headliner between the defending summer champions Osaka Touin and this year's spring participant PL Gakuen. But when the curtain was finally raised, the show was one-sided. PL puts up runs in the first 4 innings, leading Osaka Touin 6-1. They would increase that lead to 7 before eventually winning 10-5.
So it'll be Riseisha and PL Gakuen in the first semifinal, while the university schools Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai and Kansaidai Hokuyou will do battle in the 2nd game.
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10:24 AM - Jyosuikan and Kouryou are underway. Jyousuikan scores 2 in the 3rd inning and they currently hold the lead as they bat in the top of the 5th.
PL Gakuen continues their merciless march. Riseisha's Hashimoto has given up 3 runs in the top of the 1st and they're at bat again now in the 2nd.
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10:49 AM - The Hiroshima final is in the 7th with Jyousuikan still leading 2-0.
Riseisha got on the board with a in the 2nd and they're at bat again in the 3rd.
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11:13 AM - It's the end of 8 at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium. Starter Kouno has given way to Ikeuchi for Jyousuikan and has been just as effective. Kouryou is still down 2-0 now with just 3 outs to go...
Back in Osaka, PL Gakuen and Riseisha have traded runs in the 4th.
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11:31 AM - It's a final. Kouryou scores a run in the bottom of the 9th, but that's all as Kouno comes back in to close things out. Jyousuikan returns to Koshien for the first time since 2006 with a 2-1 win.
Top 6 at Maishima. Riseisha will not say die and they come back with a run in the 5th. It's a one-run ball game!
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12:00 PM - Riseisha has equalized! They score a run in the bottom of the 7th and we have a new ball game! We're now in the bottom of the 8th and they have a chance to take the lead!!!!!
12:14 PM - Still a tie game going into the 9th inning. PL gets first shot at breaking the deadlock.
12:19 PM - Hashimoto blanks PL in the top of the 9th. Can Riseisha pull the upset?
12:28 PM - No! The game goes into extras and PL is retired quickly in the 10th...
12:33 PM - The game continues on with both teams unable to get any traction.
12:40 PM - Still nothing for PL. Game moves to the bottom of the 11th...
12:48 PM - Nanba and Hashimoto continue to throw up 0's on the board. We move to the 12th.
1:00 PM - PL breaks through! They score 2 in the 12th and the pressure's on Riseisha!!
1:07 PM - As the Shizoka final gets underway, Osaka's 1st semifinal ends. Riseisha could not mount a rally and PL Gakuen survives a scare to win 6-4 in 12.
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1:50 PM - Went to grab a bite to eat. The game is in the bottom of the 4th, and it's Hirao on the mound for Hamana and Shouji for Tokoha Tachibana. The only score in the game was a single run by Tachibana in the bottom of the 2nd. A duel as expected.
The 2nd semifinal is starting between Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai and Kandaidai Hokuyou. It's Osaka Shougyoudai's Matsumura vs. Hokuyou's Hatase.
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2:05 PM - Tachibana scores 3 more in the 4th against Hirao and could they be pulling away now?
Scoreless top of the 1st for Shougyoudai and Kansaidai comes to bat.
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2:25 PM - End of 5 and Tachibana has full control. They put another 3-spot on the board and lead 7-0 over Hamana.
End of 2 in Osaka and the university schools remain tied.
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2:38 PM - Shougyoudai gets on the board with a run in the top of the 3rd. We're in the bottom of the inning now.
Shouji throws up yet another donut in the 6th. Tachibana has 3 homeruns this game, 2 by Shouji himself and another by Inazumi.
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3:00 PM - Tachibana has just finished the bottom of the 7th and the list of homeruns grows as now both Shouji and Inazumi have hit a pair of homeruns! Tachibana tacks on another 2 runs as Hamana has gone to Yamaguchi, their 3rd pitcher of the game.
The bottom of the 5th has just ended and Kansaidai Hokuyou has tied the game up! The teams are even again as we head to the 2nd half of the game!
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3:15 PM - Just 3 outs to go before Tokoha Tachibana secures the 45th bid to Koshien. It's now 10-1.
Shougyoudai Sakai retakes the lead right after Kandaidai ties it up! We're in the bottom of the 6th, 2-2 Sakai!
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3:21 PM - Shizuoka has gone final and Tachibana with a dominating performance defeats Hamana 10-0.
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3:15 PM - Bottom 7th now for Kansadai... trailing 2-1 and the clock ticking, can they get to Matsumura?
4:02 PM - Kansaidai does it! They rally for 2 in the bottom of the 8th and take a 3-2 lead! Time is short now for Sakai! 3 outs, 1 run. Is there anything left?
4:07 PM - It's over! Kansaidai Hokuyou comes from behind to defeat Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai 3-2! They'll meet up with PL Gakuen for the final bid for Koshien!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
7.29 Prefectural Update
In the last couple of prefectures, we're quickly approaching the finals...
Shizuoka
In the first quarterfinal held yesterday, Seisei Kougyou's Oi throws a 3-hit, 11 K shutout to defeat Fujieda Meisei 3-0 and end their dream of going to their 1st Koshien.
Meanwhile, in the matinee game, Tokoha Tachibana's Shouji throws a 2-hitter striking out 10. But they were behind 1-0 to Kakegawa Nishi going into the late innings. Tokoha Tachibana fixed that with a 6-run 7th inning against Ozaki. They advance into the semis with a 6-1 win.
Osaka
In the only game of the day at Maidzuru PL Gakuen, aided by homeruns from CF Yoshikawa and a pinch-hit grand slam by Hiu, sends Ikuno Kougyou packing with a 12-1 win
Hiroshima
Jyousuikan took a 2-0 lead into the late innings against Sanyou. But then 2 runs in the top of the 8th tie the game! It goes into extras, but not for long as Jyousuikan plates the sayonara run in the 10th to advance to tomorrow's final.
Their opponent in the finals will be Kouryou. They score a run in the 2nd and 4th to take a 2-0 lead. Hiroshima Kougyou's ace Kawano tries to make up for it by hitting a homerun in the 5th inning drawing them within 1, but behind Arihara's 12 K's, Kouryou shuts down Hiroshima Shougyou to advance.
Shizuoka
In the first quarterfinal held yesterday, Seisei Kougyou's Oi throws a 3-hit, 11 K shutout to defeat Fujieda Meisei 3-0 and end their dream of going to their 1st Koshien.
Meanwhile, in the matinee game, Tokoha Tachibana's Shouji throws a 2-hitter striking out 10. But they were behind 1-0 to Kakegawa Nishi going into the late innings. Tokoha Tachibana fixed that with a 6-run 7th inning against Ozaki. They advance into the semis with a 6-1 win.
Osaka
In the only game of the day at Maidzuru PL Gakuen, aided by homeruns from CF Yoshikawa and a pinch-hit grand slam by Hiu, sends Ikuno Kougyou packing with a 12-1 win
Hiroshima
Jyousuikan took a 2-0 lead into the late innings against Sanyou. But then 2 runs in the top of the 8th tie the game! It goes into extras, but not for long as Jyousuikan plates the sayonara run in the 10th to advance to tomorrow's final.
Their opponent in the finals will be Kouryou. They score a run in the 2nd and 4th to take a 2-0 lead. Hiroshima Kougyou's ace Kawano tries to make up for it by hitting a homerun in the 5th inning drawing them within 1, but behind Arihara's 12 K's, Kouryou shuts down Hiroshima Shougyou to advance.
7.30 Prefectural Finals
Okay, semifinal games have started and we're going to run through the previews as much as possible to cover them all. After today, the only prefectures left to give their bids are Shizuoka, Osaka and Hiroshima.
The internet at my house has gone awry, prolly thanks to the stupid heatwave. I hate my ISP.
Miyagi
This on paper looks like one of the blockbuster games you'd want to see. Tohoku ace Satou hits a homerun and 4-hits the Rifu squad for a 3-1 victory.
Kesennuma Kougyou's hitters struck out 17 times against Sendai Ikuei as hey were shutout 3-0.
So it's Tohoku and Sendai Ikuei. That's one heck of a matchup to have. These two teams have represented Miyagi 8 of 9 times this decade. You want a good matchup? Head to Kleenex Stadium Miyagi and watch these teams play.
Nishi Tokyo
Hopefully the game here today won't be as cruel as Teikyou's 24-1 win over Toritsu Yukigaya...
But here is an all-Nihon affair. In this matchup though, it's the "younger" brother that has ruled the day. Nihon Dai-san has gone to Koshien 28 times (12 summer, 16 spring), while Nihon Dai-ni has been only 6 (4 summer, 2 spring).
Dai-san has just crushed the opposition... until last game when Hino gave them the biggest scare. Dai-ni has also had the same success, but the margin of victory has narrowed in recent games.
They're all part of the same family, but in this case there's a case of bragging rights to be had. More importantly perhaps, Dai-ni would like to get back some of that honor of being a school ofNihon University
Toyama
Toyama Dai-ichi looking for their 1st ever title couldn't hold up against the defending champions Takaoka Shougyou. A 2-run 3rd inning is all they needed to advance to the finals.
On the other side, Nanto Sougou Fukuno kept their dream alive. Tied 2-2 after 7, the Himi pitching staff crumbled. Fukuno scores 5 late for a 7-2 win running away.
So now, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno is at the door of Koshien, but to open it they must get past last year's champion. Can they do it?
Aichi
Like all the others who have faced Chuukyoudai Chuukyou, Aichi Keisei was thrown aside. The 10-2 win continued Chuukyou's run of double digit runs this tournament.
You could almost write in pen their 25th summer (and 54th overall) invitation to Koshien...
Their final opponent will be Kariya. They had a 3-run 6th, and Hayakawa held down the Toyota Nishi squad for a 4-2 upset. They've only been to Koshien once - back in 1978 for the spring tournament.
It's a long-shot, and the odds are stacked against Kariya. How will they face this challenge now?
Hyogo
Yashiro opened the scoring against Ikuei with a run in the 2nd. But Ikuei came back with 4 in the 3rd and went on to a 7-1 win. In the 2nd semifinal Kansai Gakuin's tandem of Arakawa and Yamasaki shut out Takigawa Dai-ni 2-0 for a spot in the finals.
Kansai Gakuin will depend on that tandem to win the title, their 1st since 1939! (They did attend the 1998 spring tournament.). Ikuei will look to it's defense to shut down Kansai for their first title since 2000.
Yamaguchi
Rained out yesterday...
Ehime
Where is all this offense coming from??! Imabari Kougyou keeps up with Saijyou in the first inning at 2-2, but then sees Saijyou score every inning thereafter for a 13-2 loss...
In the 2nd semifinal, higher seeded Imabari Nishi build a 4-0 lead early. But Saibi would not go easily. A run in the 5th and 6th against Ooto narrows the margin to 2. They would overtake them the very next inning with 3 runs in the 7th! Finally realizing the gravity of the situation, Imabari Nishi equalizes in the top of the 8th.
It comes too late... Saibi score 5 in the bottom of the 8th for a 10-5 win.
So the spring participant this year gets to face the defending champion. Not a bad matchup I'd say.
Some of you know my stance here, but for those that don't - I like Saijyou's ace Akiyama Takumi. To my untrained eye, he's a solid consistent pitcher. Not a stud per se, but definitely a horse. I'd love to see Saijyou go to Koshien to see him on the mound again.
Kochi
The semifinals were almost as expected. The top seeds Meitoku Gijyuku and Kochi advanced with ease. Meitoku beat Kochi Nishi 13-0 in 5 innings, while Kochi needed 7 to get past Kochi Ootemae.
The finals have already happened and Kochi's 2 runs in the 5th, which broke a 1-1 tie was enough to hold off Meitoku Gijyuku. They would draw within 1 with a run in the 8th, but that's all they could muster.
Kumamoto
The final Kyushu prefecture to give their bid has a good game in store. Kumamoto Kougyou has given up only 1 run the entire tournament behind the pitching of Tsukida and Ikeda. They look for their 19th summer appearance and the 5th this decade.
Their opponent is Kyushu Gakuin. While they were involved in pitching duels the first couple of rounds, the offense has carried the day late. That's not to say that they rely heavily on their ace Tsuda. Kyushu comes in for their 7th summer appearance and first since 2002.
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2:28 PM - Thanks to my ISP, all games are more than underway before I can post.
The first thing to note is that Nihon Dai-san is as in as Teikyou was yesterday... They lead Nihon Dai-ni 19-0.... Kawaiso.... It's the bottom of the 8th and Dai-san is up at bat again.
Back up to Miyagi, Tohoku scores 1 in the bottom of the 1st. Sendai Ikuei fires right back with 1 of their own in the 2nd. The score remains that way until the 5th where Tohoku regains the lead plating 2 in the 5th. 3-1 is where we stand heading into the bottom of the 6th
West to Toyama, Takaoka Shougyou scored a run in the first 2 innings to take the early lead. Nanto Sougou Fukuno halves the deficit in the top of the 5th. It's the bottom of the 6th now, and Fukuno has time, but not a whole lot.
Kariya is making a fight of things with Chuukyoudai Chuukyou. Hayakawa has given up only 3 runs so far, including a homerun to 3B Kawai. However, it's the bottom of the 7th, they only have 6 outs left, and they're facing ace Doubayashi.
We have a game in Hyogo! Arakawa has given way to partner Yamasaki, so it's Kansai Gakuin's Yamasaki vs. Ikuei's Horita. The game was scoreless until the 7th when Ikuei breaks through with a run! But Kansai Gakuin also scores a run in the 7th, leaving the score level as we head to Kansai's half of the 8th. Another extra inning game perhaps?
In Yamaguchi, it seemed over before it began, Iwakuni Shougyou's Yanagihara gives up 6 runs to Karyou in the top of the 1st. It's now 11-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th...
Yatta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saijyou opens the scoring in the 1st with one run off Saibi's ace Suzuki. Then in the 4th, they begin a 8-run blitz, interrupted by Saibi's 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th. Top 9, and Saijyou leads 9-2!!!!! I get to see Akiyama at Koshien!! *hopes he just didn't jinx them*
And back in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Kougyou takes the early lead with 2 in the 1st. Kyushu Gakuin reponds in the bottom of the 2nd with 3 to take the lead. But in the last couple of innings Kumakou has scored 5 unanswered. It's 7-3 in the top of the 6th.
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3:03 PM - This may be my final post of the night depending on my ISP...
Tohoku extends their lead to 4 now with a run in the 8th. Sendai Ikuei can't get anything going against Tohoku ace Satou and Darvish Yu's school goes to Koshien yet again.
Out of mercy perhaps, Dai-ni scores 2 runs in the top of the 9th, but it was all Dai-san 19-2.
Takaoka Shougyou has pulled away from Fukuno scoring a run in the 6th and 7th innings. Nanto Sougou Fukuno also trails by 3 going with 3 outs to go...
Chuukyoudai Chuukyou proves to be too much for Kariya. They shutout the hopefuls 5-0 and punch their ticket.
Hyogo has also gone final! Kansai Gakuin busts open with 3 in the bottom of the 8th! Ikuei can't mount a quick rally and Kansai is Koshien bound!
It's almost a formality in Yamaguchi. Karyou leads 12-1 as Iwakuni bats in the bottom of the 9th.
Saijyou puts the exclamation point on the finals with a 4-run 9th inning. Akiyama and his men are Koshien bound with a 13-2 win!
Finally, Kyushu Gakuin scores a run in the 7th, but still trail 7-4 as they bat in the bottom of the 8th. Time is running short on their dreams...
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3:24 PM - I had to stick around outside to post this...
In Toyama, Nanto Sougou Fukuno scores 4 in the top of the 9th against ace Nabeta and now leads Takaoka Shougyou 5-4!!!!! Now it's Takaoka with 3 outs to rally!!
Iwakuni scores 3 in the 9th, but it's far from enough as Karyou wins running away 12-4...
And Kyushu Gakuin will be down to their final 3 outs facing a 3-run deficit. That is assuming they can hold Kumamoto Kougyou scoreless.
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3:30 PM - It's final! Nantou Sougou Fukuno down 4-1 against the defending champions, rallies and pulls off the upset!! Fukuno will make their 1st ever trip to Koshien!!!
And they move to the bottom of the 9th in Kumamoto now...
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4:57 PM - It was about 3:47 when my laptop died where I was at. At least the internet at home works again...
Kumamoto had just gone final back then. Kyushu Gakuin did indeed mount a rally in the bottom of the 9th. They scored a run, and then another... suddenly it was a one-run game!! But Ikeda was able to record the final out and Kumamoto Kougyou hangs on for the 7-6 win!
44 down, 3 more to go...
The internet at my house has gone awry, prolly thanks to the stupid heatwave. I hate my ISP.
Miyagi
This on paper looks like one of the blockbuster games you'd want to see. Tohoku ace Satou hits a homerun and 4-hits the Rifu squad for a 3-1 victory.
Kesennuma Kougyou's hitters struck out 17 times against Sendai Ikuei as hey were shutout 3-0.
So it's Tohoku and Sendai Ikuei. That's one heck of a matchup to have. These two teams have represented Miyagi 8 of 9 times this decade. You want a good matchup? Head to Kleenex Stadium Miyagi and watch these teams play.
Nishi Tokyo
Hopefully the game here today won't be as cruel as Teikyou's 24-1 win over Toritsu Yukigaya...
But here is an all-Nihon affair. In this matchup though, it's the "younger" brother that has ruled the day. Nihon Dai-san has gone to Koshien 28 times (12 summer, 16 spring), while Nihon Dai-ni has been only 6 (4 summer, 2 spring).
Dai-san has just crushed the opposition... until last game when Hino gave them the biggest scare. Dai-ni has also had the same success, but the margin of victory has narrowed in recent games.
They're all part of the same family, but in this case there's a case of bragging rights to be had. More importantly perhaps, Dai-ni would like to get back some of that honor of being a school of
Toyama
Toyama Dai-ichi looking for their 1st ever title couldn't hold up against the defending champions Takaoka Shougyou. A 2-run 3rd inning is all they needed to advance to the finals.
On the other side, Nanto Sougou Fukuno kept their dream alive. Tied 2-2 after 7, the Himi pitching staff crumbled. Fukuno scores 5 late for a 7-2 win running away.
So now, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno is at the door of Koshien, but to open it they must get past last year's champion. Can they do it?
Aichi
Like all the others who have faced Chuukyoudai Chuukyou, Aichi Keisei was thrown aside. The 10-2 win continued Chuukyou's run of double digit runs this tournament.
You could almost write in pen their 25th summer (and 54th overall) invitation to Koshien...
Their final opponent will be Kariya. They had a 3-run 6th, and Hayakawa held down the Toyota Nishi squad for a 4-2 upset. They've only been to Koshien once - back in 1978 for the spring tournament.
It's a long-shot, and the odds are stacked against Kariya. How will they face this challenge now?
Hyogo
Yashiro opened the scoring against Ikuei with a run in the 2nd. But Ikuei came back with 4 in the 3rd and went on to a 7-1 win. In the 2nd semifinal Kansai Gakuin's tandem of Arakawa and Yamasaki shut out Takigawa Dai-ni 2-0 for a spot in the finals.
Kansai Gakuin will depend on that tandem to win the title, their 1st since 1939! (They did attend the 1998 spring tournament.). Ikuei will look to it's defense to shut down Kansai for their first title since 2000.
Yamaguchi
Rained out yesterday...
Ehime
Where is all this offense coming from??! Imabari Kougyou keeps up with Saijyou in the first inning at 2-2, but then sees Saijyou score every inning thereafter for a 13-2 loss...
In the 2nd semifinal, higher seeded Imabari Nishi build a 4-0 lead early. But Saibi would not go easily. A run in the 5th and 6th against Ooto narrows the margin to 2. They would overtake them the very next inning with 3 runs in the 7th! Finally realizing the gravity of the situation, Imabari Nishi equalizes in the top of the 8th.
It comes too late... Saibi score 5 in the bottom of the 8th for a 10-5 win.
So the spring participant this year gets to face the defending champion. Not a bad matchup I'd say.
Some of you know my stance here, but for those that don't - I like Saijyou's ace Akiyama Takumi. To my untrained eye, he's a solid consistent pitcher. Not a stud per se, but definitely a horse. I'd love to see Saijyou go to Koshien to see him on the mound again.
Kochi
The semifinals were almost as expected. The top seeds Meitoku Gijyuku and Kochi advanced with ease. Meitoku beat Kochi Nishi 13-0 in 5 innings, while Kochi needed 7 to get past Kochi Ootemae.
The finals have already happened and Kochi's 2 runs in the 5th, which broke a 1-1 tie was enough to hold off Meitoku Gijyuku. They would draw within 1 with a run in the 8th, but that's all they could muster.
Kumamoto
The final Kyushu prefecture to give their bid has a good game in store. Kumamoto Kougyou has given up only 1 run the entire tournament behind the pitching of Tsukida and Ikeda. They look for their 19th summer appearance and the 5th this decade.
Their opponent is Kyushu Gakuin. While they were involved in pitching duels the first couple of rounds, the offense has carried the day late. That's not to say that they rely heavily on their ace Tsuda. Kyushu comes in for their 7th summer appearance and first since 2002.
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2:28 PM - Thanks to my ISP, all games are more than underway before I can post.
The first thing to note is that Nihon Dai-san is as in as Teikyou was yesterday... They lead Nihon Dai-ni 19-0.... Kawaiso.... It's the bottom of the 8th and Dai-san is up at bat again.
Back up to Miyagi, Tohoku scores 1 in the bottom of the 1st. Sendai Ikuei fires right back with 1 of their own in the 2nd. The score remains that way until the 5th where Tohoku regains the lead plating 2 in the 5th. 3-1 is where we stand heading into the bottom of the 6th
West to Toyama, Takaoka Shougyou scored a run in the first 2 innings to take the early lead. Nanto Sougou Fukuno halves the deficit in the top of the 5th. It's the bottom of the 6th now, and Fukuno has time, but not a whole lot.
Kariya is making a fight of things with Chuukyoudai Chuukyou. Hayakawa has given up only 3 runs so far, including a homerun to 3B Kawai. However, it's the bottom of the 7th, they only have 6 outs left, and they're facing ace Doubayashi.
We have a game in Hyogo! Arakawa has given way to partner Yamasaki, so it's Kansai Gakuin's Yamasaki vs. Ikuei's Horita. The game was scoreless until the 7th when Ikuei breaks through with a run! But Kansai Gakuin also scores a run in the 7th, leaving the score level as we head to Kansai's half of the 8th. Another extra inning game perhaps?
In Yamaguchi, it seemed over before it began, Iwakuni Shougyou's Yanagihara gives up 6 runs to Karyou in the top of the 1st. It's now 11-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th...
Yatta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saijyou opens the scoring in the 1st with one run off Saibi's ace Suzuki. Then in the 4th, they begin a 8-run blitz, interrupted by Saibi's 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th. Top 9, and Saijyou leads 9-2!!!!! I get to see Akiyama at Koshien!! *hopes he just didn't jinx them*
And back in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Kougyou takes the early lead with 2 in the 1st. Kyushu Gakuin reponds in the bottom of the 2nd with 3 to take the lead. But in the last couple of innings Kumakou has scored 5 unanswered. It's 7-3 in the top of the 6th.
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3:03 PM - This may be my final post of the night depending on my ISP...
Tohoku extends their lead to 4 now with a run in the 8th. Sendai Ikuei can't get anything going against Tohoku ace Satou and Darvish Yu's school goes to Koshien yet again.
Out of mercy perhaps, Dai-ni scores 2 runs in the top of the 9th, but it was all Dai-san 19-2.
Takaoka Shougyou has pulled away from Fukuno scoring a run in the 6th and 7th innings. Nanto Sougou Fukuno also trails by 3 going with 3 outs to go...
Chuukyoudai Chuukyou proves to be too much for Kariya. They shutout the hopefuls 5-0 and punch their ticket.
Hyogo has also gone final! Kansai Gakuin busts open with 3 in the bottom of the 8th! Ikuei can't mount a quick rally and Kansai is Koshien bound!
It's almost a formality in Yamaguchi. Karyou leads 12-1 as Iwakuni bats in the bottom of the 9th.
Saijyou puts the exclamation point on the finals with a 4-run 9th inning. Akiyama and his men are Koshien bound with a 13-2 win!
Finally, Kyushu Gakuin scores a run in the 7th, but still trail 7-4 as they bat in the bottom of the 8th. Time is running short on their dreams...
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3:24 PM - I had to stick around outside to post this...
In Toyama, Nanto Sougou Fukuno scores 4 in the top of the 9th against ace Nabeta and now leads Takaoka Shougyou 5-4!!!!! Now it's Takaoka with 3 outs to rally!!
Iwakuni scores 3 in the 9th, but it's far from enough as Karyou wins running away 12-4...
And Kyushu Gakuin will be down to their final 3 outs facing a 3-run deficit. That is assuming they can hold Kumamoto Kougyou scoreless.
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3:30 PM - It's final! Nantou Sougou Fukuno down 4-1 against the defending champions, rallies and pulls off the upset!! Fukuno will make their 1st ever trip to Koshien!!!
And they move to the bottom of the 9th in Kumamoto now...
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4:57 PM - It was about 3:47 when my laptop died where I was at. At least the internet at home works again...
Kumamoto had just gone final back then. Kyushu Gakuin did indeed mount a rally in the bottom of the 9th. They scored a run, and then another... suddenly it was a one-run game!! But Ikeda was able to record the final out and Kumamoto Kougyou hangs on for the 7-6 win!
44 down, 3 more to go...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
7.29 Prefectural Finals
26 bids have been awarded so far. 21 remain and 10 of those will be awarded today. So, let's review the upcoming matchups today!
(my internet connection died where I was at yesterday, so I was unable to update after reporting that Seibou had succeeded in securing Saitama's bid. I will update the rest of the games later today).
Ibaraki
Tsuchiura Nichidai could only manage 3 hits against Jyousou Gakuin's Ogumo. And thanks to errors by Jyousou's defense and the strength of their own staff, they were only down 2-1... until the 8th. Jyousou scored 3 runs and pulled away 5-2.
In the other semi, Mito Sakuranomaki's staff also threw a 3-hitter against Mito Kiryou as they cruised 6-1. They'll look to get their first championship against the defending champions.
Both teams have used a fair number of different pitchers to get here, although Jyousou has relied more heavily on their ace Ogumo. Both teams have done a good job in limiting their opposition's runs. Both teams have been able to score runs regardless of opponents. In that sense, it could be a good game. But looking at the history, it automatically favors Jyousou Gakuin.
Saitama
Neither offense could really put their offense together in the Seibou Gakuen-Kasukabe Higashi game. But Kasukabe's defense behind Igarashi failed him, committing 4 errors. Seeing that statistic reminded me of the errors committed by Urawa Gakuin in their game against Seibou. So under ace Satou, they reach the finals with a 3-1 win.
As for Kawaguchi Seiryou, they tried to continue their magical run against Saitama Sakae. But sadly, like most cinderella teams, they were rudely awakened. Shimano and Serizawa yield only 3 hits and 2 walks en route to a 2-0 win.
So Seibou will look for their 3rd summer appearance while Saitama Sakae will look for their 2nd.
On the surface, looking at the box scores (and Deanna's accounts), Seibou has been the benefactor of some poor plays by the defense (Holy Hopes indeed!). Saitama Sakae has had strong pitching by their tandem of pitchers, which has kept them in games - especially early on where they had close games. Given that Deanna wasn't overly impressed by Seibou (although she was rooting for Urawa ;p), I imagaine this being a pitching matchup and a low scoring affair.
That is of course, unless the (baseball) gods shine upon Seibou and Saitama Sakae starts throwing errors left and right.
Higashi Tokyo
Meiji Jingu will be home to an interesting matchup. Teikyou, whom I will remember for the absolutely crazy and unbelievable 9th inning in the quarterfinals of the 2006 Koshien against Chiben Wakayama, will look for their 4th bid this decade. Their opponent will be Yukigaya, who made their only appearance ever back in 2003.
If there's one thing I noticed, and perhaps its just because of their compeition, it's that Teikyou has thrown out on the mound a lot of different pitchers. Is it a by-product of 2006? You've got me. In fact, of the 5 runs given up by the pitching staff, 4 was given up by Takeuchi in the last inning of their opening game. He hasn't been seen since.
Yukigaya on the other hand has depended on ace Sakamoto for the entire tournament. He's managed to throw the team past Kokushikan, but is there one more game left in him?
Kanagawa
Do you believe in Yohohama Hayato? Because I do!
After Imaoka gives up a run in the top of the 1st to top seed Toukou Gakuen, he shuts the door on their offense. Meanwhile, Hayato's offense scored 3 in the bottom of the 2nd to take the lead and added 2 more in the 8th for a 5-1 win and a spot in the finals!
They'll look for their first apperance against Touin Gakuen, who was involved in a slugfest against top seed Yokohama Sougakukan. After trading a pair of runs in the first inning, Sougakukan scores 4 unanswered to take a 6-2 lead. Touin pulls within 2 in the 5th, and then down 3 in the 6th they score 4 against ace Nakajima! An insurance run in the 8th gives them a 9-7 win. The teams combined for 22 hits and 5 homeruns, 2 by leadoff batter 2B Tabata!!
Hayato will look for their 1st ever apperance, while Sougakukan will looking for their 7th summer appearance.
Gifu
Championship was rained out yesterday.
Shiga
Oumi easily clears Hieizan 7-0 in the semifinals and is poised to become a 3-time defending champion.
In the 2nd game, Shiga Gakuen got the jump on Kita Ootsu scoring 2 in the top of the 1st. But Kita Ootsu climbed back and by the 7th, they had a 3-2 lead. They looked poised to reach the finals, that is until the 9th. Shiga bookends the game with 2 runs in the 9th, and relief pitcher Miyagi closes out the the 4-3 win!
So Shiga Gakuen will join the list of schools looking for thei 1st ever prefectural championship, but like all the others will have one heck of a test ahead of them in the finals...
Mie
Championship was rained out yesterday.
Wakayama
Chiben Wakayama had one of those weird games against Kihoku Kougyou. They moved on to the finals 4-0, but their ace Okada gave up more hits than Kihoku's ace Tsujimoto (4 to 3)! The difference? Okada gave up no walks. Tsujimoto? 10.
Minabe, in the 2nd semifinal against Wakayama Shougyou score 2 in the 3rd and after Uemura gives way to Iguchi after Wakayama scores a run, they make the lead stick, winning 2-1.
So Chiben Wakayama will look for the 8th title this decade against Minabe looking for their 1st title since 1982.
It's no wonder the makers of Kokoyakyu wanted to film Chiben. Since their 1st title in 1987, they have won 16 more since then. That 16 out of a possible 23!
Okayama
Kurashiki Shougyou will have the chance to defend their title after beating Sakuyou 5-1 thanks to a 4-run 1st inning.
It looked early on that it might be an all-Kurashiki final as Kurashiki Kougyou led Tamashima Shougyou 2-0. but Tamashou scored 1 in the 3rd and 1 in the 7th to tie it up. But in the 8th, Tamashou blows Kurashiki out of the water with 6 runs and that was that.
Tamashima hopes to use the dual arms of Sasaki and Tsuda to get their first bid since 1974. Kurashiki will look to their ace Oka to push them to victory.
Yamaguchi
Sadly for Ube and Houfu Shougyou, their runs ended in the semifinals with a thud. Karyou shutout Ube 6-0, while Iwakuni Shougyou beats Houfu Shougyou 5-1.
Karyou looks for their 1st summer appearnce (they do have one spring appearance last year), while Iwakuni Shougyou hasn't been there since 1986.
Can't tell if it's the competition, but Karyou has yet to yield a run so far this tournament. Both teams have shown a good amount of offense, so it may come down to which pitcher can shut the opposition down.
Kagawa
Samukawa delivers on their top seed, scoring 3 in the 1st inning against Jinsei Gakuin en route to a 5-3 semifinal win.
Takamatsu Kougei had held a fragile 1-0 lead, but Takamatsu Shougyou tied it in the 8th. 3 innings later, they'd push through the winning run a a spot in the finals.
Interestingly enough Samukawa, with their top seed, is playing for their 1st trip to Koshien. Takamatsu Shougyou was a dominating force until the early 1980's. But they haven't been to Koshien since 1996. Samukawa has trailed for all of 2 innings in this tournament, while Takashou has had to rally from behind on multiple occasions.
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1:25 PM - In Ibaraki, Mito Sakuranomaki and Jyousou Gakuin remain scoreless after 2 innings. It's Yoshikubo vs Oguma on the mound.
Seibou Gakuin scores 3 in the 2nd inning versus Saitama Sakae. Shimano has left and Serizawa has taken the mound. The game is in the bottom of the 6th with Seibou at bat.
Teikyou has dominated the game over Yukigaya. 6 runs in the first equals no chance. Even the ace Hirahara has hit a homerun. The game is in the top of the 6th with Teikyou looking for blood.
At Baystars Stadium, teams are scoring left and right. Touin Gakuen and Yokohama Hayato traded a run in the first and Touin has scored 3 in the top of the 2nd. It's 4-1 Touin for Hayato at the bottom of the 2nd. Are they out of gas?
Yamada homers for Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou in the bottom of the 3rd and they have the 1-0 lead over Kakamigahara in the bottom of the 5th.
Shiga Gakuen jumped early on Oumi with a run in the bottom of the 1st and 3rd, and then exploded for 5 in the 4th. It's 7-0 in the top of the 5th.
In Mie, Mie has scored a run in the 1st and 2nd and they're holding the 2-0 lead as Kaisei bats in the top of the 6th.
Wakayama is already in the 9th inning. Minabe trails 3-0 to Chiben Wakayama with 3 outs to go.
Kurashiki Shougyou just scored 5 in the top of the 3rd and they lead by that score with Tamashima Shougyou batting in the bottom of the 3rd.
And in Kagawa, Samukawa scored 5 in the bottom of the 1st, but Takamatsu Shougyou has scored 3 in the 3rd to pull within 2.
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2:04 PM - Mito Sakuranomaki and Jyousou Gakuin remain tied in the middle of the 5th.
Saitama Sakae has scored a run in the 7th and 8th to make it 3-2, but they're now at their final 3 outs.
Have mercy on Yukigaya... It's the top of the 8th and it's 20-0 Teikyou...
Yokohama Hayato scores 3 in the bottom of the 3rd and ties it up against Touin Gakuen! They're up at bat in the bottom of the 4th now.
Gifu Shougyou extends the lead to 2 with a run the bottom of the 5th. They're at bat in the 6th.
The score remains 7-0 Shiga Gakuen over Oumi in the bottom of the 6th.
Kaisei has clawed back a run in the top of the 6th. Mie clings to the one-run lead in the bottom half of the inning.
It's over in Wakayama! Chiben Wakayama has indeed received their 8th bid this decade! Minabe falls 3-0!
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2:19 PM - Seibou Gakuen holds up again! Saitama Sakae's run falls short as Seibou wins 3-2!!
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So with the internet connection down, I'll just run through the remaining prefectures.
Ibaraki
The post I would have done right after had Jyousou Gakuin scoring 2 in the bottom of the 6th to break the stalemate with Mito Sakuranomaki. They added an insurance run in the 8th, and boy did they need it! Sakuranomaki finally gets to Oguma and they draw within one! But the rally would end there and Jyousou earns their 4th consecutive title and 7th this decade!
Higashi Tokyo
都立雪谷かわいそうな... (Poor Toritsu Yukigaya). It must have been great to get to get to the finals, but to lose 24-1 isn't fun no matter how you look at it. Teikyou scored in every inning except the 3rd.
Kanagawa
My post that I wasn't able to post b/c of the internet issue had Touin Gakuin pulling ahead with a run in the 5th. Things looked bleak for my Yokohama Hayato squad...
But then in the bottom of the 8th, Hayato ties the game! Neither team could score in the 9th and the game went into extras! And in the 11th, Yokohama Hayato is able to score the winning run and they indeed earn their 1st ever bid! おめでとう!!!!!
(And in looking at the pictures, I find it interesting that Touin's uniforms matched Osaka Touin, while Yokohama Hayato's uniforms and hats basically mirror the Hanshin Tigers!)
Gifu
It was the all-Yamada show in the Gifu final. He opens the scoring in the 3rd with a homerun, and throws a 5-hit shutout for Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou! They'll once again represent Gifu in less than 2 weeks!
Shiga
Oumi scores a meaningless run in the 9th as Shiga Gakuen in a dominating performance wins 7-1 for their 1st ever apperance!
Mie
Kaisei drew within 1 in the 6th inning right after I had made my last post and I thought they were going to make a game of it! Mie tried to shut the door with 2 of their own in the 6th, but once again Kaisei pulls within 1 yet again in the top of the 7th!
Mie finally pulls away thanks to a 5-run 8th inning and they get their 1st appeance since I saw them live in 2006!
Okayama
Tamashima Shougyou was just no match for Kurashiki Shougyou. Kurashiki cruises to a 10-1 win to successfully defend their title!
Yamaguchi
Karyou and Iwakuni Shougyou were washed out. No, not literally (although the weather there has been god awful).
Kagawa
Samukawa finally delivers! They pull away from Takamatsu Shougyou for an 8-4 win and they earn their 1st Koshien appearance!!
(my internet connection died where I was at yesterday, so I was unable to update after reporting that Seibou had succeeded in securing Saitama's bid. I will update the rest of the games later today).
Ibaraki
Tsuchiura Nichidai could only manage 3 hits against Jyousou Gakuin's Ogumo. And thanks to errors by Jyousou's defense and the strength of their own staff, they were only down 2-1... until the 8th. Jyousou scored 3 runs and pulled away 5-2.
In the other semi, Mito Sakuranomaki's staff also threw a 3-hitter against Mito Kiryou as they cruised 6-1. They'll look to get their first championship against the defending champions.
Both teams have used a fair number of different pitchers to get here, although Jyousou has relied more heavily on their ace Ogumo. Both teams have done a good job in limiting their opposition's runs. Both teams have been able to score runs regardless of opponents. In that sense, it could be a good game. But looking at the history, it automatically favors Jyousou Gakuin.
Saitama
Neither offense could really put their offense together in the Seibou Gakuen-Kasukabe Higashi game. But Kasukabe's defense behind Igarashi failed him, committing 4 errors. Seeing that statistic reminded me of the errors committed by Urawa Gakuin in their game against Seibou. So under ace Satou, they reach the finals with a 3-1 win.
As for Kawaguchi Seiryou, they tried to continue their magical run against Saitama Sakae. But sadly, like most cinderella teams, they were rudely awakened. Shimano and Serizawa yield only 3 hits and 2 walks en route to a 2-0 win.
So Seibou will look for their 3rd summer appearance while Saitama Sakae will look for their 2nd.
On the surface, looking at the box scores (and Deanna's accounts), Seibou has been the benefactor of some poor plays by the defense (Holy Hopes indeed!). Saitama Sakae has had strong pitching by their tandem of pitchers, which has kept them in games - especially early on where they had close games. Given that Deanna wasn't overly impressed by Seibou (although she was rooting for Urawa ;p), I imagaine this being a pitching matchup and a low scoring affair.
That is of course, unless the (baseball) gods shine upon Seibou and Saitama Sakae starts throwing errors left and right.
Higashi Tokyo
Meiji Jingu will be home to an interesting matchup. Teikyou, whom I will remember for the absolutely crazy and unbelievable 9th inning in the quarterfinals of the 2006 Koshien against Chiben Wakayama, will look for their 4th bid this decade. Their opponent will be Yukigaya, who made their only appearance ever back in 2003.
If there's one thing I noticed, and perhaps its just because of their compeition, it's that Teikyou has thrown out on the mound a lot of different pitchers. Is it a by-product of 2006? You've got me. In fact, of the 5 runs given up by the pitching staff, 4 was given up by Takeuchi in the last inning of their opening game. He hasn't been seen since.
Yukigaya on the other hand has depended on ace Sakamoto for the entire tournament. He's managed to throw the team past Kokushikan, but is there one more game left in him?
Kanagawa
Do you believe in Yohohama Hayato? Because I do!
After Imaoka gives up a run in the top of the 1st to top seed Toukou Gakuen, he shuts the door on their offense. Meanwhile, Hayato's offense scored 3 in the bottom of the 2nd to take the lead and added 2 more in the 8th for a 5-1 win and a spot in the finals!
They'll look for their first apperance against Touin Gakuen, who was involved in a slugfest against top seed Yokohama Sougakukan. After trading a pair of runs in the first inning, Sougakukan scores 4 unanswered to take a 6-2 lead. Touin pulls within 2 in the 5th, and then down 3 in the 6th they score 4 against ace Nakajima! An insurance run in the 8th gives them a 9-7 win. The teams combined for 22 hits and 5 homeruns, 2 by leadoff batter 2B Tabata!!
Hayato will look for their 1st ever apperance, while Sougakukan will looking for their 7th summer appearance.
Gifu
Championship was rained out yesterday.
Shiga
Oumi easily clears Hieizan 7-0 in the semifinals and is poised to become a 3-time defending champion.
In the 2nd game, Shiga Gakuen got the jump on Kita Ootsu scoring 2 in the top of the 1st. But Kita Ootsu climbed back and by the 7th, they had a 3-2 lead. They looked poised to reach the finals, that is until the 9th. Shiga bookends the game with 2 runs in the 9th, and relief pitcher Miyagi closes out the the 4-3 win!
So Shiga Gakuen will join the list of schools looking for thei 1st ever prefectural championship, but like all the others will have one heck of a test ahead of them in the finals...
Mie
Championship was rained out yesterday.
Wakayama
Chiben Wakayama had one of those weird games against Kihoku Kougyou. They moved on to the finals 4-0, but their ace Okada gave up more hits than Kihoku's ace Tsujimoto (4 to 3)! The difference? Okada gave up no walks. Tsujimoto? 10.
Minabe, in the 2nd semifinal against Wakayama Shougyou score 2 in the 3rd and after Uemura gives way to Iguchi after Wakayama scores a run, they make the lead stick, winning 2-1.
So Chiben Wakayama will look for the 8th title this decade against Minabe looking for their 1st title since 1982.
It's no wonder the makers of Kokoyakyu wanted to film Chiben. Since their 1st title in 1987, they have won 16 more since then. That 16 out of a possible 23!
Okayama
Kurashiki Shougyou will have the chance to defend their title after beating Sakuyou 5-1 thanks to a 4-run 1st inning.
It looked early on that it might be an all-Kurashiki final as Kurashiki Kougyou led Tamashima Shougyou 2-0. but Tamashou scored 1 in the 3rd and 1 in the 7th to tie it up. But in the 8th, Tamashou blows Kurashiki out of the water with 6 runs and that was that.
Tamashima hopes to use the dual arms of Sasaki and Tsuda to get their first bid since 1974. Kurashiki will look to their ace Oka to push them to victory.
Yamaguchi
Sadly for Ube and Houfu Shougyou, their runs ended in the semifinals with a thud. Karyou shutout Ube 6-0, while Iwakuni Shougyou beats Houfu Shougyou 5-1.
Karyou looks for their 1st summer appearnce (they do have one spring appearance last year), while Iwakuni Shougyou hasn't been there since 1986.
Can't tell if it's the competition, but Karyou has yet to yield a run so far this tournament. Both teams have shown a good amount of offense, so it may come down to which pitcher can shut the opposition down.
Kagawa
Samukawa delivers on their top seed, scoring 3 in the 1st inning against Jinsei Gakuin en route to a 5-3 semifinal win.
Takamatsu Kougei had held a fragile 1-0 lead, but Takamatsu Shougyou tied it in the 8th. 3 innings later, they'd push through the winning run a a spot in the finals.
Interestingly enough Samukawa, with their top seed, is playing for their 1st trip to Koshien. Takamatsu Shougyou was a dominating force until the early 1980's. But they haven't been to Koshien since 1996. Samukawa has trailed for all of 2 innings in this tournament, while Takashou has had to rally from behind on multiple occasions.
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1:25 PM - In Ibaraki, Mito Sakuranomaki and Jyousou Gakuin remain scoreless after 2 innings. It's Yoshikubo vs Oguma on the mound.
Seibou Gakuin scores 3 in the 2nd inning versus Saitama Sakae. Shimano has left and Serizawa has taken the mound. The game is in the bottom of the 6th with Seibou at bat.
Teikyou has dominated the game over Yukigaya. 6 runs in the first equals no chance. Even the ace Hirahara has hit a homerun. The game is in the top of the 6th with Teikyou looking for blood.
At Baystars Stadium, teams are scoring left and right. Touin Gakuen and Yokohama Hayato traded a run in the first and Touin has scored 3 in the top of the 2nd. It's 4-1 Touin for Hayato at the bottom of the 2nd. Are they out of gas?
Yamada homers for Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou in the bottom of the 3rd and they have the 1-0 lead over Kakamigahara in the bottom of the 5th.
Shiga Gakuen jumped early on Oumi with a run in the bottom of the 1st and 3rd, and then exploded for 5 in the 4th. It's 7-0 in the top of the 5th.
In Mie, Mie has scored a run in the 1st and 2nd and they're holding the 2-0 lead as Kaisei bats in the top of the 6th.
Wakayama is already in the 9th inning. Minabe trails 3-0 to Chiben Wakayama with 3 outs to go.
Kurashiki Shougyou just scored 5 in the top of the 3rd and they lead by that score with Tamashima Shougyou batting in the bottom of the 3rd.
And in Kagawa, Samukawa scored 5 in the bottom of the 1st, but Takamatsu Shougyou has scored 3 in the 3rd to pull within 2.
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2:04 PM - Mito Sakuranomaki and Jyousou Gakuin remain tied in the middle of the 5th.
Saitama Sakae has scored a run in the 7th and 8th to make it 3-2, but they're now at their final 3 outs.
Have mercy on Yukigaya... It's the top of the 8th and it's 20-0 Teikyou...
Yokohama Hayato scores 3 in the bottom of the 3rd and ties it up against Touin Gakuen! They're up at bat in the bottom of the 4th now.
Gifu Shougyou extends the lead to 2 with a run the bottom of the 5th. They're at bat in the 6th.
The score remains 7-0 Shiga Gakuen over Oumi in the bottom of the 6th.
Kaisei has clawed back a run in the top of the 6th. Mie clings to the one-run lead in the bottom half of the inning.
It's over in Wakayama! Chiben Wakayama has indeed received their 8th bid this decade! Minabe falls 3-0!
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2:19 PM - Seibou Gakuen holds up again! Saitama Sakae's run falls short as Seibou wins 3-2!!
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So with the internet connection down, I'll just run through the remaining prefectures.
Ibaraki
The post I would have done right after had Jyousou Gakuin scoring 2 in the bottom of the 6th to break the stalemate with Mito Sakuranomaki. They added an insurance run in the 8th, and boy did they need it! Sakuranomaki finally gets to Oguma and they draw within one! But the rally would end there and Jyousou earns their 4th consecutive title and 7th this decade!
Higashi Tokyo
都立雪谷かわいそうな... (Poor Toritsu Yukigaya). It must have been great to get to get to the finals, but to lose 24-1 isn't fun no matter how you look at it. Teikyou scored in every inning except the 3rd.
Kanagawa
My post that I wasn't able to post b/c of the internet issue had Touin Gakuin pulling ahead with a run in the 5th. Things looked bleak for my Yokohama Hayato squad...
But then in the bottom of the 8th, Hayato ties the game! Neither team could score in the 9th and the game went into extras! And in the 11th, Yokohama Hayato is able to score the winning run and they indeed earn their 1st ever bid! おめでとう!!!!!
(And in looking at the pictures, I find it interesting that Touin's uniforms matched Osaka Touin, while Yokohama Hayato's uniforms and hats basically mirror the Hanshin Tigers!)
Gifu
It was the all-Yamada show in the Gifu final. He opens the scoring in the 3rd with a homerun, and throws a 5-hit shutout for Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou! They'll once again represent Gifu in less than 2 weeks!
Shiga
Oumi scores a meaningless run in the 9th as Shiga Gakuen in a dominating performance wins 7-1 for their 1st ever apperance!
Mie
Kaisei drew within 1 in the 6th inning right after I had made my last post and I thought they were going to make a game of it! Mie tried to shut the door with 2 of their own in the 6th, but once again Kaisei pulls within 1 yet again in the top of the 7th!
Mie finally pulls away thanks to a 5-run 8th inning and they get their 1st appeance since I saw them live in 2006!
Okayama
Tamashima Shougyou was just no match for Kurashiki Shougyou. Kurashiki cruises to a 10-1 win to successfully defend their title!
Yamaguchi
Karyou and Iwakuni Shougyou were washed out. No, not literally (although the weather there has been god awful).
Kagawa
Samukawa finally delivers! They pull away from Takamatsu Shougyou for an 8-4 win and they earn their 1st Koshien appearance!!
7.28 Prefectural Updates
This update thankfully is getting shorter and shorter as prefectures give out their bids or arrive at the finals.
But there's still 11 more that have a little ways to go, so let's see what's going on there...
(I'm kinda busy tonight, so I'll have to catch the rest of the prefectures later)
Miyagi
Day off for rest before semifinal games.
Nishi Tokyo
As I was following the prefectural finals yesterday, I noticed that Toritsu Hino had jumped on Nihon Dai-san in the 1st inning scoring 2. When I checked it later, Nihon Dai-san has scored 2 in the 3rd to tie it up, but that was short lived when Hino regained the two-run lead in the 5th.
And I wondered if an upset was brewing...
But Yoshikawa couldn't hold off Dai-san. He was pulled for Watanabe with one down in the 5th, but before the inning was over, Dai-san had pulled to within 1. The very next inning, they scored two more and just like that they had taken the 7-6 lead. I wonder if that was deflating for Hino or if they fought on, but either way they couldn't push that tying run across. And so their Koshien dreams that once seemed attainable, fell back to the ground at the hands of Nihon Dai-san.
In the second semifinal, Nihon Dai-ni managed just 4 hits, but drew 12 walks en route to a 5-2 win over Toritsu Kodaira. Starter Yamasaki was the main culprit with 7 in his 3-1/3 innings. Yagi, who followed, gave up 3 in his 1/3 of an inning, certainly contributing to the 4-run 4th. Ichinohe fared much better, giving up just 2 the rest of the way, but by then it was too late.
So in Nishi Tokyo we have an all-Nihon final. Nihon Dai-san certainly has had more success, but I'm sure Dai-ni will have something to say about it before it's all said and done.
Toyama
Day off here before the semifinals and finals.
Shizuoka
Rainded out yesterday, the remaining quarterfinals will try to be held today.
Aichi
"These are not the quarterfinal games that you are looking for..."
Indeed. For these games looked like they could have come from the earlier rounds, not the quarterfinals.
The biggest shocker was the Chuukyoudai Chuukyou-Aikoudai Meiden game. Chuukyou scored every inning and went the minimum winning 15-0!!
Then in the 2nd game at Mizuho, Touhou had absolutely no answer to Aichi Keisei. 4 hits and 7 innings later, they were gone 0-7.
At Okazaki Municipal, Toyota Nishi trailed Kouzouji 4-0 early, but took the lead with 5 in the 4th! They'd hold that lead and win 7-5.
And finally the Kariya-Seishin game saw Seishin take a 1-0 lead in the 3rd. And then Kariya went bonkers. They had a 10-run 5th! 10! And the unseeded team reaches the semifinals with a shocking 10-1 win!
Osaka
Osaka almost finished up the round of 16 games, with the exception of PL Gakuen and Ikuno Kougyou who play today. Ikuno Kougyou pushed ahead of Koukoku yesterday with 2 runs in the top of the 9th.
In the round of 16, Kansaidai Hokuyou led Naniwa 3-0 early only to have Naniwa tied the game by by the 5th. But 2 runs in the 6th would be the margin of victory. Uenomiya Taishi had no trouble with Kinkidai Fuzoku 11-1 in 6 innings. Kansai Souka held off a charging Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan 3-2. Konkou Osaka made a 3-1 lead in the 3rd inning stick as they and Kansaidai Dai-ichi scored a flurry of runs late in the game to win 7-5. Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai had a similar game against Hirakata Tsuda winning 7-6.
With the draw for the Best 8 determined, should PL win their game today they will have to face Osaka Touin next. That should be a lot of fun. The winner of that will face the Riseisha-Uenomiya Taishi game. Konkou Osaka finds themselves on the other side of the bracket facing Kansaidai Hokuyou.
Hyogo
Day off before the semifinals and finals.
Hiroshima
We had the quarterfinals yesterday.
At Shimanami, Eishin took a 2-0 lead into the late innings on Sanyou. But then Sanyou ties the game in the 8th, and wins it in the 9th! And in the 2nd game, Arihara and Fukuda combine for a 1-hitter against Gokou.
At Old Hiroshima Municipal, Jyousuikan took care of Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin 10-5. The matinee game had Seishikan leading Hiroshima Shougyou 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th when Hiroshima Shougyou scores 2 for the sayonara victory!
Ehime
None of the quarterfinal games were ever in doubt. The early game saw Saijyou with an offensive explosion beating Teikyou Dai-go 8-1. Imabari Nishi dispatched Tanbara by the same score.
In the afternoon session, Saibi had no trouble with Mishima 13-2 while Imabari Kougyou scored 6 quick runs to beat Imabari Kita 6-3.
Kochi
Day off before semifinal/finals push.
Kumamoto
Not much excitement here. Kumamoto Kougyou defeated Hitsuyuukan 3-0 while Kyushu Gakuin used a 4-run 7th inning for a 6-1 win against Kumamoto Kokufu.
But there's still 11 more that have a little ways to go, so let's see what's going on there...
(I'm kinda busy tonight, so I'll have to catch the rest of the prefectures later)
Miyagi
Day off for rest before semifinal games.
Nishi Tokyo
As I was following the prefectural finals yesterday, I noticed that Toritsu Hino had jumped on Nihon Dai-san in the 1st inning scoring 2. When I checked it later, Nihon Dai-san has scored 2 in the 3rd to tie it up, but that was short lived when Hino regained the two-run lead in the 5th.
And I wondered if an upset was brewing...
But Yoshikawa couldn't hold off Dai-san. He was pulled for Watanabe with one down in the 5th, but before the inning was over, Dai-san had pulled to within 1. The very next inning, they scored two more and just like that they had taken the 7-6 lead. I wonder if that was deflating for Hino or if they fought on, but either way they couldn't push that tying run across. And so their Koshien dreams that once seemed attainable, fell back to the ground at the hands of Nihon Dai-san.
In the second semifinal, Nihon Dai-ni managed just 4 hits, but drew 12 walks en route to a 5-2 win over Toritsu Kodaira. Starter Yamasaki was the main culprit with 7 in his 3-1/3 innings. Yagi, who followed, gave up 3 in his 1/3 of an inning, certainly contributing to the 4-run 4th. Ichinohe fared much better, giving up just 2 the rest of the way, but by then it was too late.
So in Nishi Tokyo we have an all-Nihon final. Nihon Dai-san certainly has had more success, but I'm sure Dai-ni will have something to say about it before it's all said and done.
Toyama
Day off here before the semifinals and finals.
Shizuoka
Rainded out yesterday, the remaining quarterfinals will try to be held today.
Aichi
"These are not the quarterfinal games that you are looking for..."
Indeed. For these games looked like they could have come from the earlier rounds, not the quarterfinals.
The biggest shocker was the Chuukyoudai Chuukyou-Aikoudai Meiden game. Chuukyou scored every inning and went the minimum winning 15-0!!
Then in the 2nd game at Mizuho, Touhou had absolutely no answer to Aichi Keisei. 4 hits and 7 innings later, they were gone 0-7.
At Okazaki Municipal, Toyota Nishi trailed Kouzouji 4-0 early, but took the lead with 5 in the 4th! They'd hold that lead and win 7-5.
And finally the Kariya-Seishin game saw Seishin take a 1-0 lead in the 3rd. And then Kariya went bonkers. They had a 10-run 5th! 10! And the unseeded team reaches the semifinals with a shocking 10-1 win!
Osaka
Osaka almost finished up the round of 16 games, with the exception of PL Gakuen and Ikuno Kougyou who play today. Ikuno Kougyou pushed ahead of Koukoku yesterday with 2 runs in the top of the 9th.
In the round of 16, Kansaidai Hokuyou led Naniwa 3-0 early only to have Naniwa tied the game by by the 5th. But 2 runs in the 6th would be the margin of victory. Uenomiya Taishi had no trouble with Kinkidai Fuzoku 11-1 in 6 innings. Kansai Souka held off a charging Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan 3-2. Konkou Osaka made a 3-1 lead in the 3rd inning stick as they and Kansaidai Dai-ichi scored a flurry of runs late in the game to win 7-5. Osaka Shougyoudai Sakai had a similar game against Hirakata Tsuda winning 7-6.
With the draw for the Best 8 determined, should PL win their game today they will have to face Osaka Touin next. That should be a lot of fun. The winner of that will face the Riseisha-Uenomiya Taishi game. Konkou Osaka finds themselves on the other side of the bracket facing Kansaidai Hokuyou.
Hyogo
Day off before the semifinals and finals.
Hiroshima
We had the quarterfinals yesterday.
At Shimanami, Eishin took a 2-0 lead into the late innings on Sanyou. But then Sanyou ties the game in the 8th, and wins it in the 9th! And in the 2nd game, Arihara and Fukuda combine for a 1-hitter against Gokou.
At Old Hiroshima Municipal, Jyousuikan took care of Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin 10-5. The matinee game had Seishikan leading Hiroshima Shougyou 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th when Hiroshima Shougyou scores 2 for the sayonara victory!
Ehime
None of the quarterfinal games were ever in doubt. The early game saw Saijyou with an offensive explosion beating Teikyou Dai-go 8-1. Imabari Nishi dispatched Tanbara by the same score.
In the afternoon session, Saibi had no trouble with Mishima 13-2 while Imabari Kougyou scored 6 quick runs to beat Imabari Kita 6-3.
Kochi
Day off before semifinal/finals push.
Kumamoto
Not much excitement here. Kumamoto Kougyou defeated Hitsuyuukan 3-0 while Kyushu Gakuin used a 4-run 7th inning for a 6-1 win against Kumamoto Kokufu.
One thing I've been wondering...
Is that in general each prefecture gets one school with the exception of Hokkaido (Kita/Minami) and Tokyo (Nishi/Higashi) who get 2. That makes the field of 49.
Yet last year, in celebrating the 90th summer Koshien, several other prefectures received an extra bid:
I understand the need for Hokkaido and Tokyo getting 2 bids. Tokyo, by 4 million people, has the highest population of all the prefectures. Hokkaido is so big that teams would have to travel exorbitant distances for games.
While there are times that I root for the underdog/rural schools, at the same time it seems unfair that a prefecture that has almost 9 million people in Kanagawa gets the same amount of bids that say Kagawa gets with its 1 million people.
Why not give any prefecture that has over 5 million people an extra bid? That way prefectures with a large contingent of teams would be split. There are a lot of good teams that are denied because they only have one bid. Let's look at who participated last year in those prefectures that got another bid:
Now, if we were to use the 5+ million rule, the above prefectures would receive an extra bid along with Fukuoka (although they're barely above 5 million)
So why not do it?
Yet last year, in celebrating the 90th summer Koshien, several other prefectures received an extra bid:
- Saitama (Kita/Minami)
- Chiba (Nishi/Higashi)
- Kanagawa (Kita/Minami)
- Aichi (Nishi/Higashi)
- Osaka (Kita/Minami)
- Hyogo (Nishi/Higashi)
I understand the need for Hokkaido and Tokyo getting 2 bids. Tokyo, by 4 million people, has the highest population of all the prefectures. Hokkaido is so big that teams would have to travel exorbitant distances for games.
While there are times that I root for the underdog/rural schools, at the same time it seems unfair that a prefecture that has almost 9 million people in Kanagawa gets the same amount of bids that say Kagawa gets with its 1 million people.
Why not give any prefecture that has over 5 million people an extra bid? That way prefectures with a large contingent of teams would be split. There are a lot of good teams that are denied because they only have one bid. Let's look at who participated last year in those prefectures that got another bid:
- Kita Saitama - Honjyou Dai-ichi
- Minami Saitama - Urawa Gakuin
- Nishi Chiba - Chiba Keizaidai Fuzoku
- Higashi Chiba - Kisaradzu Sougou
- Kita Kanagawa - Keiou
- Minami Kanagawa - Yokohama
- Nishi Aichi - Touhou
- Higashi Aichi - Oobu
- Kita Osaka - Osaka Touin
- Minami Osaka - Kinkidai Fuzoku
- Nishi Hyogo - Houtoku Gakuen
- Higashi Hyogo - Kakogawa Kita
Now, if we were to use the 5+ million rule, the above prefectures would receive an extra bid along with Fukuoka (although they're barely above 5 million)
So why not do it?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
7.27 Updates
We're finally starting to wind down the tournaments, so there's less and less to update. But there is still games going on, so let's go!
Ibaraki/Saitama/Nishi Tokyo/Kanagawa/Toyama/Aichi/Wakayama
All these prefectures had a day off yesterday.
Shiga
These prefectures were rained out yesterday.
Miyagi
The last set of quarterfinals saw Sendai Ikuei quickly put the game out of reach against Touyou with 7 runs in the 2nd. The final margin would be exactly that at 13-6.
Miyagi Nougyou had a 2-0 lead in the matinee game against Kesennuma Kougyou. But with 3 outs to go, ace Suzuki couldn't close the deal. Kesennuma scored two to level the score. One inning later, they would push the go-ahead run through.
And so here they sit in the Best 4 looking for their first appearance. Directly ahead of them sits the 3-time consecutive champion Sendai Ikuei. On the other side of the hill sits the 3-time consecutive champion before Sendai Ikuei's run and last years's spring participant in Tohoku, and the 21st century team this year that shocked all by making the quarterfinals - Rifu. If that's not scary, I don't know what is.
Higashi Tokyo
Teikyou's 5-hitter over Nishogakushadai Fuzoku continues their domination of the opposition.
Their opponent for the championship? Toritsu Yukigaya. They give Seiritsu Gakuen no chance in their semifinal, winning 7-1. They'll have their work cut out for them if they want to secure their 1st ever bid.
Shizuoka
The quarterfinal matinee games were rained out, but not before one semifinal was determined. And it was all surprises...
Top seed Shizuoka Gakuen spotted Hamana 4 runs in the first 3 innings, but clawed their way back with a run in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings to pull within one. But Hirao would not break and Hamana pulls off the upset!
At Shimada Stadium, there was some home cooking going on. Down 1-0 to Tokoha Kikugawa, Shimada Shougyou scores 4 in the 3rd. Fast forward to the 6th with Shimashou up 4-2 and they score 3 more runs! Panic sets in for Kikukawa and the runs start flying in. They plate 2 in the top of the 7th, but Shimashou matches that. Kikugawa continues on with 1 in the 8th, and then score 1, then 2 then 3 runs in the top of the 9th and Kikugawa is within one at 9-8!
Shimashou's kantoku had seen enough. With only one down, he lifts ace Nishimoto for Matsuura hoping to stop the onslaught. And he does just that, recording the final 2 outs without giving up a hit, and shocking the defending champions!
Osaka
Osaka almost had the round of 32 games completed yesterday, but rain at Bankoku pospotned the Koukoku-Ikuno Kougyou game. In the first game, Han-ai would use Sasaki and Nagano back in forth throughout the game against Kansaidai Hokuyou. However, Kansaidai would tack a run in the 4th and 5th for a 2-0 lead. Han-ai would come back with a run in the 6th and 7th to equalize. They couldn't push the go-ahead run across and instead watched Kansaidai score 3 in the 8th to win 5-2.
At Nankou Chuo, the Habikino/Futokorofuukan team had many baserunners against PL Gakuen, getting 11 hits and 6 walks. But even with all that, they were shut out 3-0. And in the battle of the university schools, Osaka Sangyoudai Fuzoku shuts out Osaka Shougyoudai 4-0.
Moving along to Maidzuru, the Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan-Izumi matchup was a pitcher's duel. That or a power outage of epic proportions. Both teams combined managed just 4 hits. But Ritsumeikan puts it all together in the 9th for a walkoff victory. There was no such power outage in the 2nd game as Kansaidai Dai-ichi scores 3 in the 1st and 3 in the 2nd en route to a 9-2 victory.
Hyogo
No games today, but the semifinal draw has been determined.
Ikuei, who has many Koshien appearance, but no summer ones since 2000, draws Yashiro who has one total appearance, that being the 2004 spring where they reached the semifinals (before losing to Aikoudai Meiden).
That leaves Takigawa Dai-ni, looking for their 3rd appearance versus Kansai Gakuin, who appeared in the 1998 spring Koshien, but before that was the 1939 summer Koshien!
Okayama
Quarterfinals were finally head today at Kurashiki Muscat.
Sakuyou's Hanaoka limited Okayama Kyousei to 1 run on 4 hits, but did give up 8 walks. It was enough though as Sakuyou plated the go-ahead run in the 5th for the 2-1 win.
Game 2 saw Kurashiki Shougyou's Oka and Tamano Kounan's Kataoka in a pitcher's duel (probably). Each pitcher gave up only 2 hits, but Kurashiki Shougyou made the most of their opportunites. In the 7th, Oka leads off with a single to left. After two hit batters, the bases were loaded with one down. LF Yoshioka sits a sac fly to right to break the scoreless game. And their 2nd base hit? Well, that too was by Oka... who hit a homerun in the 9th inning!
The first afternoon game was between Kurashiki Kougyou and Kanzei. After they traded a run in the 1st, Kurashiki scored 2 in the 2nd and never looked back winning 7-1.
And in the last quarterfinal, Tamashima Shougyou outdueled Konkou Osaka 3-2.
Hiroshima
They've finally started the round of 16, and it will be a grueling march as the winners will have to play 4 games in 5 days.
Shimanami was home to 4 games. Jyousuikan had no trouble with Kure Showa in the opening game winning 8-1. Even the gods of Kamichu! couldn't help Onomichi in the 2nd game as they managed only 4 hits and Nakashita fatigued late, losing 6-0 to Hiroshima Shougyou. Takeda had no reply to Sanyou's early attack falling 9-3. Finally, in the late game, Seishikan's batter struck out 10 times, but put together enough hits in the 4th to overtake Sougou Gijyutsu's 1-0 lead that they held since the 1st. They would go on to win 2-1.
Moving on to Coca Cola West, Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin scored 5 in the 1st on their way to a 7-0 win over Hiroshima Kanon. Kouryou did one better, scoring 9 in the first versus Mihara for an evenutal 10-0 victory in 5 innnings.
And finally at Old Hiroshima Municipal, Eishin dispatches Hatsukaichi Nishi 12-5 in 5 innings in the opener, while Gokou uses a 3-run first to cruise to a 6-3 win over Hiroshima Kokutaji.
Yamaguchi
The first 2 games of the quarterfinals were not close. Karyou puts up 12 against Shimonoseki Kokusai while Ube scores 10 on Kumage Minami. That will be your first semifinal.
The afternoon session began with a low scoring affair between Houfu Shougyou and Keishin. Houfu scores one in the 4th, and despite drawing 8 walks, Keishin can't take advantage and thus falls 1-0.
And lastly, Ube Kougyou hung in there early against Iwakuni Shougyou, tying the game up at 2-2 immediately after Iwakuni scored 2 in the bottom of the 1st. But 4 in the 3rd for Iwakuni would be enough as they advance 7-4.
Kagawa
The last 2 quarterfinals were finally held yesterday.
Takamatsu Kougei only managed 6 hits against Sanbonmatsu, but it was enough to plate 2 runs. Minamigawa did the rest, limiting Sanbonmatsu to just 3 hits and a 2-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Takamatsu Shougyou 4 hits Takamatsu for an 8-0 win.
Ehime
The rain finally let up for Ehime to hold their 2nd set of Sweet 16 games.
The first games at each stadium were pretty close. At Saijyou, Saibi and Uwajima Higashi traded a pair of runs in the 3rd. 2 runs in the 7th for Saibi though would make the difference.
At Bocchan, Imabari Kougyou scored a run in the 2nd to get a jump on Matsuyama Jyounan. They then added an insurance run in the 6th, but it wasn't necessary.
Kochi
Here, they wrapped up the quarterfinals. The first game was a scoreless draw between Kochi Higashi and Kochi Ootemae. That is, until the bottom of the 8th where Ootemae plated 2 runs. Higashi couldn't mount a quick rally and lost. In the 2nd game Kochi dispatched Kochi Minami 12-1.
Kumamoto
Best 8 games were held yesterday. Kumamoto Kougyou's staff throws a 2-hitter against Minimata to advance 6-0.
Shuugakukan held a 3-1 lead over Hitsuyuukan, but couldn't hold it late. Hitsuyuukan scores one in the 7th and then in the 9th to put it into extras. And then the staff just couldn't go on. Yanagida can't get out of the bottom of the 10th. He's pulled with one down for Nakamura, but it's too late. A base hit scores the winning run.
Luther Gakuin's run finally ends at the hands of Kyushu Gakuin 6-2, while Kumamoto Kokufu barely made their 4-run early lead stand against Yashiro, advancing 4-3.
Ibaraki/Saitama/Nishi Tokyo/Kanagawa/Toyama/Aichi/Wakayama
All these prefectures had a day off yesterday.
Shiga
These prefectures were rained out yesterday.
Miyagi
The last set of quarterfinals saw Sendai Ikuei quickly put the game out of reach against Touyou with 7 runs in the 2nd. The final margin would be exactly that at 13-6.
Miyagi Nougyou had a 2-0 lead in the matinee game against Kesennuma Kougyou. But with 3 outs to go, ace Suzuki couldn't close the deal. Kesennuma scored two to level the score. One inning later, they would push the go-ahead run through.
And so here they sit in the Best 4 looking for their first appearance. Directly ahead of them sits the 3-time consecutive champion Sendai Ikuei. On the other side of the hill sits the 3-time consecutive champion before Sendai Ikuei's run and last years's spring participant in Tohoku, and the 21st century team this year that shocked all by making the quarterfinals - Rifu. If that's not scary, I don't know what is.
Higashi Tokyo
Teikyou's 5-hitter over Nishogakushadai Fuzoku continues their domination of the opposition.
Their opponent for the championship? Toritsu Yukigaya. They give Seiritsu Gakuen no chance in their semifinal, winning 7-1. They'll have their work cut out for them if they want to secure their 1st ever bid.
Shizuoka
The quarterfinal matinee games were rained out, but not before one semifinal was determined. And it was all surprises...
Top seed Shizuoka Gakuen spotted Hamana 4 runs in the first 3 innings, but clawed their way back with a run in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings to pull within one. But Hirao would not break and Hamana pulls off the upset!
At Shimada Stadium, there was some home cooking going on. Down 1-0 to Tokoha Kikugawa, Shimada Shougyou scores 4 in the 3rd. Fast forward to the 6th with Shimashou up 4-2 and they score 3 more runs! Panic sets in for Kikukawa and the runs start flying in. They plate 2 in the top of the 7th, but Shimashou matches that. Kikugawa continues on with 1 in the 8th, and then score 1, then 2 then 3 runs in the top of the 9th and Kikugawa is within one at 9-8!
Shimashou's kantoku had seen enough. With only one down, he lifts ace Nishimoto for Matsuura hoping to stop the onslaught. And he does just that, recording the final 2 outs without giving up a hit, and shocking the defending champions!
Osaka
Osaka almost had the round of 32 games completed yesterday, but rain at Bankoku pospotned the Koukoku-Ikuno Kougyou game. In the first game, Han-ai would use Sasaki and Nagano back in forth throughout the game against Kansaidai Hokuyou. However, Kansaidai would tack a run in the 4th and 5th for a 2-0 lead. Han-ai would come back with a run in the 6th and 7th to equalize. They couldn't push the go-ahead run across and instead watched Kansaidai score 3 in the 8th to win 5-2.
At Nankou Chuo, the Habikino/Futokorofuukan team had many baserunners against PL Gakuen, getting 11 hits and 6 walks. But even with all that, they were shut out 3-0. And in the battle of the university schools, Osaka Sangyoudai Fuzoku shuts out Osaka Shougyoudai 4-0.
Moving along to Maidzuru, the Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan-Izumi matchup was a pitcher's duel. That or a power outage of epic proportions. Both teams combined managed just 4 hits. But Ritsumeikan puts it all together in the 9th for a walkoff victory. There was no such power outage in the 2nd game as Kansaidai Dai-ichi scores 3 in the 1st and 3 in the 2nd en route to a 9-2 victory.
Hyogo
No games today, but the semifinal draw has been determined.
Ikuei, who has many Koshien appearance, but no summer ones since 2000, draws Yashiro who has one total appearance, that being the 2004 spring where they reached the semifinals (before losing to Aikoudai Meiden).
That leaves Takigawa Dai-ni, looking for their 3rd appearance versus Kansai Gakuin, who appeared in the 1998 spring Koshien, but before that was the 1939 summer Koshien!
Okayama
Quarterfinals were finally head today at Kurashiki Muscat.
Sakuyou's Hanaoka limited Okayama Kyousei to 1 run on 4 hits, but did give up 8 walks. It was enough though as Sakuyou plated the go-ahead run in the 5th for the 2-1 win.
Game 2 saw Kurashiki Shougyou's Oka and Tamano Kounan's Kataoka in a pitcher's duel (probably). Each pitcher gave up only 2 hits, but Kurashiki Shougyou made the most of their opportunites. In the 7th, Oka leads off with a single to left. After two hit batters, the bases were loaded with one down. LF Yoshioka sits a sac fly to right to break the scoreless game. And their 2nd base hit? Well, that too was by Oka... who hit a homerun in the 9th inning!
The first afternoon game was between Kurashiki Kougyou and Kanzei. After they traded a run in the 1st, Kurashiki scored 2 in the 2nd and never looked back winning 7-1.
And in the last quarterfinal, Tamashima Shougyou outdueled Konkou Osaka 3-2.
Hiroshima
They've finally started the round of 16, and it will be a grueling march as the winners will have to play 4 games in 5 days.
Shimanami was home to 4 games. Jyousuikan had no trouble with Kure Showa in the opening game winning 8-1. Even the gods of Kamichu! couldn't help Onomichi in the 2nd game as they managed only 4 hits and Nakashita fatigued late, losing 6-0 to Hiroshima Shougyou. Takeda had no reply to Sanyou's early attack falling 9-3. Finally, in the late game, Seishikan's batter struck out 10 times, but put together enough hits in the 4th to overtake Sougou Gijyutsu's 1-0 lead that they held since the 1st. They would go on to win 2-1.
Moving on to Coca Cola West, Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin scored 5 in the 1st on their way to a 7-0 win over Hiroshima Kanon. Kouryou did one better, scoring 9 in the first versus Mihara for an evenutal 10-0 victory in 5 innnings.
And finally at Old Hiroshima Municipal, Eishin dispatches Hatsukaichi Nishi 12-5 in 5 innings in the opener, while Gokou uses a 3-run first to cruise to a 6-3 win over Hiroshima Kokutaji.
Yamaguchi
The first 2 games of the quarterfinals were not close. Karyou puts up 12 against Shimonoseki Kokusai while Ube scores 10 on Kumage Minami. That will be your first semifinal.
The afternoon session began with a low scoring affair between Houfu Shougyou and Keishin. Houfu scores one in the 4th, and despite drawing 8 walks, Keishin can't take advantage and thus falls 1-0.
And lastly, Ube Kougyou hung in there early against Iwakuni Shougyou, tying the game up at 2-2 immediately after Iwakuni scored 2 in the bottom of the 1st. But 4 in the 3rd for Iwakuni would be enough as they advance 7-4.
Kagawa
The last 2 quarterfinals were finally held yesterday.
Takamatsu Kougei only managed 6 hits against Sanbonmatsu, but it was enough to plate 2 runs. Minamigawa did the rest, limiting Sanbonmatsu to just 3 hits and a 2-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Takamatsu Shougyou 4 hits Takamatsu for an 8-0 win.
Ehime
The rain finally let up for Ehime to hold their 2nd set of Sweet 16 games.
The first games at each stadium were pretty close. At Saijyou, Saibi and Uwajima Higashi traded a pair of runs in the 3rd. 2 runs in the 7th for Saibi though would make the difference.
At Bocchan, Imabari Kougyou scored a run in the 2nd to get a jump on Matsuyama Jyounan. They then added an insurance run in the 6th, but it wasn't necessary.
Kochi
Here, they wrapped up the quarterfinals. The first game was a scoreless draw between Kochi Higashi and Kochi Ootemae. That is, until the bottom of the 8th where Ootemae plated 2 runs. Higashi couldn't mount a quick rally and lost. In the 2nd game Kochi dispatched Kochi Minami 12-1.
Kumamoto
Best 8 games were held yesterday. Kumamoto Kougyou's staff throws a 2-hitter against Minimata to advance 6-0.
Shuugakukan held a 3-1 lead over Hitsuyuukan, but couldn't hold it late. Hitsuyuukan scores one in the 7th and then in the 9th to put it into extras. And then the staff just couldn't go on. Yanagida can't get out of the bottom of the 10th. He's pulled with one down for Nakamura, but it's too late. A base hit scores the winning run.
Luther Gakuin's run finally ends at the hands of Kyushu Gakuin 6-2, while Kumamoto Kokufu barely made their 4-run early lead stand against Yashiro, advancing 4-3.
7.28 Prefectural Finals
With postponements due to rain, 13 prefectures are hoping to give out their bids today.
Aomori
Rained out yesterday.
Gunma
In the first game yesterday, Jyutoku's ace Oka strikes out 12 and throws a 3-hitter to send his team to the finals with a 2-0 shutout over Shiritsu Maebashi. They'll face Tokyo Noudai Dai-ichi as they defeat Kiryuu Minami thanks to 3B Numazawa's 3-3, 2 RBI day.
Jyutoku's only appearances were back-to-back summers in 1991-2. Tokyo Noudai Dai-ichi has had 4 summer and 3 spring appearances but hasn't been since 1994.
Ishikawa
The first semifinal was an interesting one between Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa and Nanao. Nihon Koukuu gets on Nanao's Nakajima scoring 2 runs in the top of the 1st.
Now here's an interesting tidbit. Remember Saga Kita with their dual aces, Baba and Kubo and how they used the tandem to win the title? Well, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa has not 2, but 3 pitchers they've used up until this game, Kurimoto, Hanada and Nakata.
Kurimoto pitched 3 innings of shutout ball before handing it over to Hanada. He went 2-2/3 before passing it on to Nakata. But then things go awry. Nanao, against the 3rd pitcher of the day, scores 4 runs and takes the lead!
Nihon Koukuu has one more trick up its sleeve though. LF Kitadera is called in to pitch! And he shuts down the Nanao offense!
But they still trailed 4-2 going into the top of the 9th. Desparate, they put a rally together and score 4 in the top of the 9th! And Kitadera sits down the Nanao batters in the bottom of the 9th and they advance with a 6-2 victory!
So, can Nihon Koukuu's plethora of arms get them through one more game for their first ever appearance? Or can Komatsu Kougyou get their 3rd summer bid?
Fukui
Hokuriku jumped out to a 1-0 lead against Fukui Shougyou in the first semi. It stayed that way until the 6th until Fukusho blew up Takano for 3 runs. He was relieved by Takahashi who got out of the mess.
But Hokuriku would not go quietly. In the bottom half of the frame, they responded against ace Takezawa scoring 3 runs of their own, regaining the slim one-run lead.
Yoshikawa would be brought in to preserve the lead, and he does just that, sending Hokuriku to the finals with a 4-3 win.
Who would Hokuriku play in the finals?
Well, Fukui Koudai Fukui answered with a HR from 3B Nakajima in the 3rd for a 1-0 lead against Tsuruga Kehi. It would not last though as Tsuruga went ahead 2-1 in the 6th. An insurance run in the 8th sealed the finals appearance while ace Yamada struck out 10.
In terms of pitching dominance, the edge may have to go with Tsuruga Kehi and their ace Yamada. But is his arm good for one more game? Or can Hokuriku's pitch-to-contact staff rule the day?
Gifu/Mie
Rained out yesterday.
Tottori
The semifinal games were a bit anti-climactic. Yonago Shouin does get the lead with a homerun by SS Takahashi in the 2nd. But Tottori Shougyou scores 5 in the bottom of the inning and never looks back, winning 11-1 (no mercy rules here in the semis).
Tottori Jyouhoku's Nakao throws a 3 hitter in a 4-0 victory over Tottori Nishi.
So it'll be Tottori Shougyou looking for their 2nd prefecture title (their only other one was in 2004) versus Tottori Jyouhoku who tries for their 1st ever.
Shimane
The games here suffered the same fate. Taisha scored 9 unanswered runs to win 10-1 over Izumo Shougyou, while Masuda Higashi managed just 4 hits in a 4-1 loss to Risshoudai Shounan.
Taisha looks for their 9th summer appearance while Risshoudai Shounan looks for the upset and their 1st ever shot on the Koshien grounds.
Tokushima
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...
Fukuoka
Chikuyou Gakuen trailed Shuuyuukan 2-1 but continued to work the count creating multiple opportunities. Then in the 8th, they tied the game up! And 10 walks in a game is too much to give an opponent. Chikuyou pushed through the winning run just 2 innings later.
In the Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku-Jiyuugaoka game, Kokusaidai scored 2 in the 4th only to see Jiyuugaoka plate 2 of their own in the 5th. But in the 8th inning, 2 home runs capped off a 4-run 8th as Kokusaidai advances 6-2.
Saga
Imari Nourin breaks a 1-1 tie against Saga Gakuen with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a 4-1 victory. They'll look to secure their 1st ever championship, but will have to face last year's defending champion in Saga Shougyou. Against Kashima Jitsugyou they traded runs in the 1st and 3rd innings before Sasshou scored a run in the bottom of the 4th. Ooda and Kasatsugu combined to shut down Kashima for the 4-3 win.
Oita
Meihou looks to return to Koshien and take revenge on Hanamaki Higashi. Ace Noguchi shuts down the Oita offense giving up 4 hits in 8-2/3 innings for a 6-0 victory. They'll match up with the defending champions Hita Rinkou. While they only managed 6 hits, they combined that with 8 walks to defeat Tsukumi 2-0.
Miyazaki
Miyakonojyou Shougyou finally knows their opponent in the finals. It will be defending champion Miyzaki Shougyou as their ace Yoshida 3-hits Miyazaki Nichidai 2-0 to advance.
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1:52 PM - Middle of the 3rd here, and Oominato holds a 1-0 lead over Aomori Yamada! Already starting pitcher Saitou has been pulled for ace Inoue.
Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni scores a run in the 2nd, just like Oominato, and they lead Jyutoku 1-0 in the top of the 6th!
Komatsu Kougyou gets on the board first against Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa with a run in the top of 2nd, but Ishikawa scores 3 unanswered and leads 3-1 in the middle of the 4th.
Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi traded a run in the 1st inning and that is the score heading into the top of the 4th.
Gifu's final has been rained out today. Same with Mie.
Tottori Jyouhoku appears on their way to their first ever appearance! They've jumped out quickly with 2 runs in the top of the1st inning and 3 runs in the 2nd. They lead Tottori Shougyou 5-0 going into the bottom half of the 3rd.
Risshoudai Shounan exploded for 8 in the top of the 2nd against Taisha. They're on their way to securing Shimane's bid as the game enters the 4th inning.
Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita are currently in a scoreless draw going into the top of the 4th.
In Fukuoka, RF Amano and C Kouno have hit homeruns for Kyushi Kokusaidai Fuzoku as they take a 3-0 lead over Chikuyou Gakuen in the top of the 5th.
The game is in the middle of the 4th in Saga. Saga Shougyou and Imari Nourin remain scoreless.
Meihou brings out the big guns as they throw out Imamiya for the final. They take the lead in the bottom of the 3rd, but Hita Rinkou immediately tied it up in the 4th. That's where we stand heading into the 6th.
Miyakonojyou Shougyou opens the scoring in the 4th with 2 runs against Miyazaki Shougyou's ace Yoshida. That's the margin right now as they bat in the top of the 6th.
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2:52 PM - Aomori Yamada ties it up with Oominato in the bottom of the 5th! The game has just moved into the top of the 7th. Aomori Yamada though bursted for 3 runs in the 6th and the hopes for Oominato may be fading...
It's final in Gunma! Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni shuts out Jyutoku 2-0 for their 5th summer appearance!
Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa scored a run in the 5th to extend the lead to 3 runs. But Komatsu Kougyou strikes for 4 in the 7th and takes the lead! Ishikawa leveled the score in the bottom of the 7th and that's where we stand heading into Komatsu's 8th. Hamada has given way to Kurimoto for Ishikawa.
Tsuruga Kehi puts up a 3-spot in the bottom of the 4th and lead 4-1 over Hokuriku moving into the 6th.
Tottori Jyouhoku now leads 6-0 against Tottori Shougyou in the 8th inning.
Shimane's bid is all but secured. Risshoudai Shounan now leads by 11 over Taisha with 2 innings left to play.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita remain deadlocked at 0-0 moving into the 8th inning.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku is 3 outs away from their first appearance since 1982! They still lead Chikuyou Gakuen 5-0.
Imari Nourin breaks through against ace Kasatsugu! They score 1 in the bottom of the 5th and hold that lead moving into their half of the 7th.
Meihou is getting to Uratsuka late in the game! They score 2 in the 6th and 1 in the 7th. Hita Rinkou has just been retired in the 8th and they have 3 outs left to stage a rally.
Miyazaki Shougyou drew within 1 with a run in the bottom of the 6th, but gets the door slammed as Miyakonojyou Shougyou scores 3 in the 7th! The game moves to the bottom of the 8th and Miyashou is running out of time.
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3:25 PM - Games across the country are going final!
Oominato desperately tries to rally against Aomori Yamada. They draw within 1 in the 9th, but can't bring that tying run home. Aomori Yamada wins its 6th consecutive title!
Tottori Shougyou tries to mount a rally late but can only muster 3 runs. Tottori Jyouhoku can celebrate their 1st ever appearance with their 6-3 win!
Risshoudai Shounan convincingly defeats Taisha 12-3 to claim Shimane's bid and their 1st appearance at Koshien!
In Fukuoka, Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku defeats Chikuyou Gakuen 9-0! Their 27 year wait is over!
Meihou does prevail over Hita Rinkou 4-1 and successfully make the spring/summer Koshien appearance!
Miyakonojyou Shougyou will make their 2nd apperance after defeating Miyazaki Shougyou 5-1!
Komatsu Kougyou has taken the lead in the 10th against Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa! Nihon Koukuu needs one run to stay alive!
Hokuriku fights back! 3 in the top of the 7th ties the game against Tsuruga Kehi heading into the bottom of the frame!
Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita remain at 0-0 heading to the 11th!!
Saga Shougyou ties the game in the top of the 8th against Imari Nourin and they're now headed to extra innings!!
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3:39 PM - Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa finds a way to tie the game! They move to the 11th and Komatsu Kougyou has been shut down. Does Ishikawa have a run in them?
Naruto Dai-ichi breaks through in the 11th over Sakamoto and Tokushima Kita! They hold a fragile 1-run lead heading into Tokushima half of the inning!
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3:47 PM - They keep playing in Ishikawa! Nihon Koukuu can't score and we move to the 12th!
Tsuruga Kehi and Hokuriku remain tied at 4 in the 8th inning.
And in Saga, Imari Nourin's magical run may have fallen short. Saga Shougyou scores 2 in the top of the 10th and appear to have successfully defended their title.
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3:47 PM - Tokushima Kita rallies! Down that run to Naruto Dai-ichi they not only tie the game, but score the sayonara run! Tokushima Kita in dramatic fashion earns their 1st ever Koshien appearance!
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!
Sorry for the shorthand, but Saga's gone final! Imari Nourin does it! They somehow rally for 3 runs against Sasshou's Kasatsugu and they defeat Saga Shougyou 4-3!!!!!!!!
I can't believe what I just saw!
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4:07 PM - Komatsu Kougyou and Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa move to the 13th inning! Komatsu has relieved Oonishi with Murata, while Nihon Koukuu has relieved Kurimoto with Nakata.
Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi move to the 9th inning still tied at 4! Hokuriku is now on their 3rd pitcher, Takano, while Tsuruga Kehi stays with their ace Yamada.
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4:13 PM - The games move into the bottom half of the 13th and 9th respectively. Can Nihon Koukuu or Tsuruga Kehi end it here?
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4:24 PM - Komatsu Kougyou goes to their 3rd pitcher of the day in Higashide. He shuts down Nihon Koukuu and we're in the 14th. Remember, a tie game after 15 and they have to replay the entire game!!
And Tsuruga Kehi can't push a run across either! They become the 4th extra innning game today!
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4:31 PM - Nakata quickly shuts down Komatsu Kougyou. We're reaching the point where teams run up against fatigue. Either they resign to the fate of a replayed game, or one team just capitulates against the tiredness.
No more news yet about the 10th inning in Fukui.
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4:35 PM - And that's what I'm talking about! With one inning left to play, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa gets to Higashide and they score the sayonara run in the bottom of the 14th! They earn their 1st ever bid to Koshien!
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4:46 PM - Fukui is the only final left. Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi move on to the 11th still tied at 4-4!
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4:56 PM - Yamada continues to blank Hokuriku. As we head to the bottom of the 11th, how much longer can he hold out?
He doesn't have to! It goes final! Tsuruga Kehi scores a run in the bottom of the 11th! They did it! They're off to Koshien! Hokuriku try as they could fall short and their dreams of heading to Koshien are crushed...
What a day... Blowouts at first where you had to feel bad for the losing schools, followed by teams desperately trying to make a last stand, to those that just couldn't hold on any longer.
This, this is what kokoyakyu is all about.
Aomori
Rained out yesterday.
Gunma
In the first game yesterday, Jyutoku's ace Oka strikes out 12 and throws a 3-hitter to send his team to the finals with a 2-0 shutout over Shiritsu Maebashi. They'll face Tokyo Noudai Dai-ichi as they defeat Kiryuu Minami thanks to 3B Numazawa's 3-3, 2 RBI day.
Jyutoku's only appearances were back-to-back summers in 1991-2. Tokyo Noudai Dai-ichi has had 4 summer and 3 spring appearances but hasn't been since 1994.
Ishikawa
The first semifinal was an interesting one between Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa and Nanao. Nihon Koukuu gets on Nanao's Nakajima scoring 2 runs in the top of the 1st.
Now here's an interesting tidbit. Remember Saga Kita with their dual aces, Baba and Kubo and how they used the tandem to win the title? Well, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa has not 2, but 3 pitchers they've used up until this game, Kurimoto, Hanada and Nakata.
Kurimoto pitched 3 innings of shutout ball before handing it over to Hanada. He went 2-2/3 before passing it on to Nakata. But then things go awry. Nanao, against the 3rd pitcher of the day, scores 4 runs and takes the lead!
Nihon Koukuu has one more trick up its sleeve though. LF Kitadera is called in to pitch! And he shuts down the Nanao offense!
But they still trailed 4-2 going into the top of the 9th. Desparate, they put a rally together and score 4 in the top of the 9th! And Kitadera sits down the Nanao batters in the bottom of the 9th and they advance with a 6-2 victory!
So, can Nihon Koukuu's plethora of arms get them through one more game for their first ever appearance? Or can Komatsu Kougyou get their 3rd summer bid?
Fukui
Hokuriku jumped out to a 1-0 lead against Fukui Shougyou in the first semi. It stayed that way until the 6th until Fukusho blew up Takano for 3 runs. He was relieved by Takahashi who got out of the mess.
But Hokuriku would not go quietly. In the bottom half of the frame, they responded against ace Takezawa scoring 3 runs of their own, regaining the slim one-run lead.
Yoshikawa would be brought in to preserve the lead, and he does just that, sending Hokuriku to the finals with a 4-3 win.
Who would Hokuriku play in the finals?
Well, Fukui Koudai Fukui answered with a HR from 3B Nakajima in the 3rd for a 1-0 lead against Tsuruga Kehi. It would not last though as Tsuruga went ahead 2-1 in the 6th. An insurance run in the 8th sealed the finals appearance while ace Yamada struck out 10.
In terms of pitching dominance, the edge may have to go with Tsuruga Kehi and their ace Yamada. But is his arm good for one more game? Or can Hokuriku's pitch-to-contact staff rule the day?
Gifu/Mie
Rained out yesterday.
Tottori
The semifinal games were a bit anti-climactic. Yonago Shouin does get the lead with a homerun by SS Takahashi in the 2nd. But Tottori Shougyou scores 5 in the bottom of the inning and never looks back, winning 11-1 (no mercy rules here in the semis).
Tottori Jyouhoku's Nakao throws a 3 hitter in a 4-0 victory over Tottori Nishi.
So it'll be Tottori Shougyou looking for their 2nd prefecture title (their only other one was in 2004) versus Tottori Jyouhoku who tries for their 1st ever.
Shimane
The games here suffered the same fate. Taisha scored 9 unanswered runs to win 10-1 over Izumo Shougyou, while Masuda Higashi managed just 4 hits in a 4-1 loss to Risshoudai Shounan.
Taisha looks for their 9th summer appearance while Risshoudai Shounan looks for the upset and their 1st ever shot on the Koshien grounds.
Tokushima
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...
Fukuoka
Chikuyou Gakuen trailed Shuuyuukan 2-1 but continued to work the count creating multiple opportunities. Then in the 8th, they tied the game up! And 10 walks in a game is too much to give an opponent. Chikuyou pushed through the winning run just 2 innings later.
In the Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku-Jiyuugaoka game, Kokusaidai scored 2 in the 4th only to see Jiyuugaoka plate 2 of their own in the 5th. But in the 8th inning, 2 home runs capped off a 4-run 8th as Kokusaidai advances 6-2.
Saga
Imari Nourin breaks a 1-1 tie against Saga Gakuen with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a 4-1 victory. They'll look to secure their 1st ever championship, but will have to face last year's defending champion in Saga Shougyou. Against Kashima Jitsugyou they traded runs in the 1st and 3rd innings before Sasshou scored a run in the bottom of the 4th. Ooda and Kasatsugu combined to shut down Kashima for the 4-3 win.
Oita
Meihou looks to return to Koshien and take revenge on Hanamaki Higashi. Ace Noguchi shuts down the Oita offense giving up 4 hits in 8-2/3 innings for a 6-0 victory. They'll match up with the defending champions Hita Rinkou. While they only managed 6 hits, they combined that with 8 walks to defeat Tsukumi 2-0.
Miyazaki
Miyakonojyou Shougyou finally knows their opponent in the finals. It will be defending champion Miyzaki Shougyou as their ace Yoshida 3-hits Miyazaki Nichidai 2-0 to advance.
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1:52 PM - Middle of the 3rd here, and Oominato holds a 1-0 lead over Aomori Yamada! Already starting pitcher Saitou has been pulled for ace Inoue.
Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni scores a run in the 2nd, just like Oominato, and they lead Jyutoku 1-0 in the top of the 6th!
Komatsu Kougyou gets on the board first against Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa with a run in the top of 2nd, but Ishikawa scores 3 unanswered and leads 3-1 in the middle of the 4th.
Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi traded a run in the 1st inning and that is the score heading into the top of the 4th.
Gifu's final has been rained out today. Same with Mie.
Tottori Jyouhoku appears on their way to their first ever appearance! They've jumped out quickly with 2 runs in the top of the1st inning and 3 runs in the 2nd. They lead Tottori Shougyou 5-0 going into the bottom half of the 3rd.
Risshoudai Shounan exploded for 8 in the top of the 2nd against Taisha. They're on their way to securing Shimane's bid as the game enters the 4th inning.
Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita are currently in a scoreless draw going into the top of the 4th.
In Fukuoka, RF Amano and C Kouno have hit homeruns for Kyushi Kokusaidai Fuzoku as they take a 3-0 lead over Chikuyou Gakuen in the top of the 5th.
The game is in the middle of the 4th in Saga. Saga Shougyou and Imari Nourin remain scoreless.
Meihou brings out the big guns as they throw out Imamiya for the final. They take the lead in the bottom of the 3rd, but Hita Rinkou immediately tied it up in the 4th. That's where we stand heading into the 6th.
Miyakonojyou Shougyou opens the scoring in the 4th with 2 runs against Miyazaki Shougyou's ace Yoshida. That's the margin right now as they bat in the top of the 6th.
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2:52 PM - Aomori Yamada ties it up with Oominato in the bottom of the 5th! The game has just moved into the top of the 7th. Aomori Yamada though bursted for 3 runs in the 6th and the hopes for Oominato may be fading...
It's final in Gunma! Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni shuts out Jyutoku 2-0 for their 5th summer appearance!
Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa scored a run in the 5th to extend the lead to 3 runs. But Komatsu Kougyou strikes for 4 in the 7th and takes the lead! Ishikawa leveled the score in the bottom of the 7th and that's where we stand heading into Komatsu's 8th. Hamada has given way to Kurimoto for Ishikawa.
Tsuruga Kehi puts up a 3-spot in the bottom of the 4th and lead 4-1 over Hokuriku moving into the 6th.
Tottori Jyouhoku now leads 6-0 against Tottori Shougyou in the 8th inning.
Shimane's bid is all but secured. Risshoudai Shounan now leads by 11 over Taisha with 2 innings left to play.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita remain deadlocked at 0-0 moving into the 8th inning.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku is 3 outs away from their first appearance since 1982! They still lead Chikuyou Gakuen 5-0.
Imari Nourin breaks through against ace Kasatsugu! They score 1 in the bottom of the 5th and hold that lead moving into their half of the 7th.
Meihou is getting to Uratsuka late in the game! They score 2 in the 6th and 1 in the 7th. Hita Rinkou has just been retired in the 8th and they have 3 outs left to stage a rally.
Miyazaki Shougyou drew within 1 with a run in the bottom of the 6th, but gets the door slammed as Miyakonojyou Shougyou scores 3 in the 7th! The game moves to the bottom of the 8th and Miyashou is running out of time.
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3:25 PM - Games across the country are going final!
Oominato desperately tries to rally against Aomori Yamada. They draw within 1 in the 9th, but can't bring that tying run home. Aomori Yamada wins its 6th consecutive title!
Tottori Shougyou tries to mount a rally late but can only muster 3 runs. Tottori Jyouhoku can celebrate their 1st ever appearance with their 6-3 win!
Risshoudai Shounan convincingly defeats Taisha 12-3 to claim Shimane's bid and their 1st appearance at Koshien!
In Fukuoka, Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku defeats Chikuyou Gakuen 9-0! Their 27 year wait is over!
Meihou does prevail over Hita Rinkou 4-1 and successfully make the spring/summer Koshien appearance!
Miyakonojyou Shougyou will make their 2nd apperance after defeating Miyazaki Shougyou 5-1!
Komatsu Kougyou has taken the lead in the 10th against Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa! Nihon Koukuu needs one run to stay alive!
Hokuriku fights back! 3 in the top of the 7th ties the game against Tsuruga Kehi heading into the bottom of the frame!
Naruto Dai-ichi and Tokushima Kita remain at 0-0 heading to the 11th!!
Saga Shougyou ties the game in the top of the 8th against Imari Nourin and they're now headed to extra innings!!
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3:39 PM - Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa finds a way to tie the game! They move to the 11th and Komatsu Kougyou has been shut down. Does Ishikawa have a run in them?
Naruto Dai-ichi breaks through in the 11th over Sakamoto and Tokushima Kita! They hold a fragile 1-run lead heading into Tokushima half of the inning!
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3:47 PM - They keep playing in Ishikawa! Nihon Koukuu can't score and we move to the 12th!
Tsuruga Kehi and Hokuriku remain tied at 4 in the 8th inning.
And in Saga, Imari Nourin's magical run may have fallen short. Saga Shougyou scores 2 in the top of the 10th and appear to have successfully defended their title.
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3:47 PM - Tokushima Kita rallies! Down that run to Naruto Dai-ichi they not only tie the game, but score the sayonara run! Tokushima Kita in dramatic fashion earns their 1st ever Koshien appearance!
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!
Sorry for the shorthand, but Saga's gone final! Imari Nourin does it! They somehow rally for 3 runs against Sasshou's Kasatsugu and they defeat Saga Shougyou 4-3!!!!!!!!
I can't believe what I just saw!
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4:07 PM - Komatsu Kougyou and Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa move to the 13th inning! Komatsu has relieved Oonishi with Murata, while Nihon Koukuu has relieved Kurimoto with Nakata.
Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi move to the 9th inning still tied at 4! Hokuriku is now on their 3rd pitcher, Takano, while Tsuruga Kehi stays with their ace Yamada.
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4:13 PM - The games move into the bottom half of the 13th and 9th respectively. Can Nihon Koukuu or Tsuruga Kehi end it here?
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4:24 PM - Komatsu Kougyou goes to their 3rd pitcher of the day in Higashide. He shuts down Nihon Koukuu and we're in the 14th. Remember, a tie game after 15 and they have to replay the entire game!!
And Tsuruga Kehi can't push a run across either! They become the 4th extra innning game today!
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4:31 PM - Nakata quickly shuts down Komatsu Kougyou. We're reaching the point where teams run up against fatigue. Either they resign to the fate of a replayed game, or one team just capitulates against the tiredness.
No more news yet about the 10th inning in Fukui.
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4:35 PM - And that's what I'm talking about! With one inning left to play, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa gets to Higashide and they score the sayonara run in the bottom of the 14th! They earn their 1st ever bid to Koshien!
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4:46 PM - Fukui is the only final left. Hokuriku and Tsuruga Kehi move on to the 11th still tied at 4-4!
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4:56 PM - Yamada continues to blank Hokuriku. As we head to the bottom of the 11th, how much longer can he hold out?
He doesn't have to! It goes final! Tsuruga Kehi scores a run in the bottom of the 11th! They did it! They're off to Koshien! Hokuriku try as they could fall short and their dreams of heading to Koshien are crushed...
What a day... Blowouts at first where you had to feel bad for the losing schools, followed by teams desperately trying to make a last stand, to those that just couldn't hold on any longer.
This, this is what kokoyakyu is all about.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Full Hyogo Review
Since I didn't get around to reviewing Hyogo's games until I had dates included, we've missed a lot.
Today the best 4 is being determined. At Akashi Kouen, Kansai Gakuin holds off a late charge by Kobe Kouryou 3-2. The matinee game see Ikuei clear Kagaku Gijyutsu 6-1.
Over at Himeji, Yashiro beats Sumoto 5-1, while Takigawa Dai-ni broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 6th and held on to win 3-2 over Shinkou Gakuen.
But let's see how we got here...
*flashback* ~~~~~ *waves hands* ~~~~~ *makes noises* ~~~~~
Hyogo is broken up into 16 blocks with several teams having to play an extra game.
On day 1 of the tournament, Tatsuno Jitsugyou held an early and comfortable 6-0 lead. But Itamiki Kita scores 5 in the 6th to cut the margin to 1. However that's as close as they'd get, falling 6-5.
Day 2 saw Kobe Murano Kougyou take a 2-0 lead against Nishinomiya Higashi, lose the lead, only to rally back to win 4-3.
The final day of the 1st round was highlighted by extra inning games. Higashi Harima and Kobe Tousen were stuck in a 1-1 draw until the 14th where Higashi Harima sent Kobe Tousen home. Yoshikawa broke a scoreless tie in the 10th against Amagasaki Nishi. And finally Kagaku Gijyutsu and Hyoko Kougyou threw up donut holes until the bottom of the 12th where Kagaku Gijyutsu scored the sayonara run.
We finally saw the top seeds play in the 2nd round. And of those 16, 4 would fall. In block 1, Amagasaki Oda was blitzed by Miki, 10-2 in 7 innings. Block 4 saw Kenritsu Ashiya unable to overcome an early 3-run deficit against Akashi Kita. Akashi Minami couldn't make a 1-0 lead stick late as Kakogawa Minami ties it in the 7th and breaks it open with 4 in the bottom of the 8th over at Block 10.
But the biggest upset by far was in Block 13. Tied 1-1 in the 7th, Shiritsu Amagasaki scores 3 against Toyodai Himeji. While Himeji gets one back in their half of the frame, that was all they could muster. Amagasaki advanced 4-2.
In other games, Sayo and Sanda Seiryou were tied 1-1 going into extras. When Sayo scored 1 in the 11th, so did Sanda. With time running out for both teams, Sayo comes through with 2 in the 14th to which Sanda Seiryou has no answer. Sayo's next opponent would be the combined team of Kobe Nishi and Masshoufu as they defeated Hikami 2-1.
Ichikawa slid by Tadaradzuka Higashi 1-0 in 12 innings while Hamasaka cried uncle against Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku, falling 13-3. Sumoto Jitsugyou faced the same fate versus Rokko Island, losing 13-6.
And finally, my Nishinomiya Kita (home of Haruhi) lost to Kawanishi Meihou 5-1.
As the tournament moved to round 3, all those upset teams managed to continue on into the block finals, with the exception of Miki. But they didn't go down without a fight. Against Amagasaki Sangyou they held the 4-2 lead. But Amagasaki was able to equalize in the 9th, and win in the 11th.
The Kobe Nishi/Masshoufu team moved on in the matchup against Sayo, blanking them 3-0.
After that rough start Kagaku Gijyutsu has quietly contines on its way, this time beating Kita Suma 5-3.
The top seeds continue to march to the block finals, although some had a little bit of a bump including Akou needed 10 to defeat Akashi Shougyou, Sanda Gakuen slid by Takigawa 2-1 and Itamiki Nishi who went 13 against Tsuna.
In the block finals, only one seeded team fell, and that was in block 11. Kakogawa Kita held a 3-2 lead over Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku, but then found themselves behind as Kobe scored 3 in the late innings to go ahead 5-3. Down to the final 3 outs, Kakogawa Kita rallies to tie the game! But the rally may have been too much as Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku scored in the bottom of the 10th to send the defending champions packing.
But many seeded teams had difficulties. Houtoku Gakuen scored the only run in the game against Kounan in the 7th. Ikuei and Kobe Kouryou followed the same blueprint against Ikawadani and Touban Kougyou. Itamiki Nishi needed 14 innings this time to win, this time against the combined Kobe Nishi/Masshoufu team. Akou needed all nine innings as they said sayonara to Awaji 3-2.
And Kagaku Gijyutsu, who almost didn't even make it past the first round, defeated Akashi Kita 7-0 to win block 4.
That brings us to the draw for the round of 16 and Best 8. And boy were there some interesting games.
Kagaku Gijyutsu continued its cinderella run, defeating Kakogawa Minami 1-0 in 13 innings. In a major upset, Kansai Gakuin held on to beat Houtoku Gakuen 5-4. Akou's run finally ran out of gas as Ikuei shut them out 3-0.
And all the other non-seeded teams remaining were weeded out. Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku had no answer to Yashiro losing 4-0. Shouyou held tough against Kobe Kouryou, but too were shut out 2-0. The best challenge was held by Shiritsu Amagasaki against Sumoto. Sumoto took an early 3-0 lead before Amagaski scored 4 in the 2nd to take the advantage. Sumoto ripped that right back with 5 in the 4th. Amagasaki wouldn't give in though, and tied it up 8-8 with 4 of their own in the 5th. But Sumoto would prove to be too much, scoring 4 in the 7th for a 12-8 victory.
And that brought us to today. Whoo hoo!
Today the best 4 is being determined. At Akashi Kouen, Kansai Gakuin holds off a late charge by Kobe Kouryou 3-2. The matinee game see Ikuei clear Kagaku Gijyutsu 6-1.
Over at Himeji, Yashiro beats Sumoto 5-1, while Takigawa Dai-ni broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 6th and held on to win 3-2 over Shinkou Gakuen.
But let's see how we got here...
*flashback* ~~~~~ *waves hands* ~~~~~ *makes noises* ~~~~~
Hyogo is broken up into 16 blocks with several teams having to play an extra game.
On day 1 of the tournament, Tatsuno Jitsugyou held an early and comfortable 6-0 lead. But Itamiki Kita scores 5 in the 6th to cut the margin to 1. However that's as close as they'd get, falling 6-5.
Day 2 saw Kobe Murano Kougyou take a 2-0 lead against Nishinomiya Higashi, lose the lead, only to rally back to win 4-3.
The final day of the 1st round was highlighted by extra inning games. Higashi Harima and Kobe Tousen were stuck in a 1-1 draw until the 14th where Higashi Harima sent Kobe Tousen home. Yoshikawa broke a scoreless tie in the 10th against Amagasaki Nishi. And finally Kagaku Gijyutsu and Hyoko Kougyou threw up donut holes until the bottom of the 12th where Kagaku Gijyutsu scored the sayonara run.
We finally saw the top seeds play in the 2nd round. And of those 16, 4 would fall. In block 1, Amagasaki Oda was blitzed by Miki, 10-2 in 7 innings. Block 4 saw Kenritsu Ashiya unable to overcome an early 3-run deficit against Akashi Kita. Akashi Minami couldn't make a 1-0 lead stick late as Kakogawa Minami ties it in the 7th and breaks it open with 4 in the bottom of the 8th over at Block 10.
But the biggest upset by far was in Block 13. Tied 1-1 in the 7th, Shiritsu Amagasaki scores 3 against Toyodai Himeji. While Himeji gets one back in their half of the frame, that was all they could muster. Amagasaki advanced 4-2.
In other games, Sayo and Sanda Seiryou were tied 1-1 going into extras. When Sayo scored 1 in the 11th, so did Sanda. With time running out for both teams, Sayo comes through with 2 in the 14th to which Sanda Seiryou has no answer. Sayo's next opponent would be the combined team of Kobe Nishi and Masshoufu as they defeated Hikami 2-1.
Ichikawa slid by Tadaradzuka Higashi 1-0 in 12 innings while Hamasaka cried uncle against Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku, falling 13-3. Sumoto Jitsugyou faced the same fate versus Rokko Island, losing 13-6.
And finally, my Nishinomiya Kita (home of Haruhi) lost to Kawanishi Meihou 5-1.
As the tournament moved to round 3, all those upset teams managed to continue on into the block finals, with the exception of Miki. But they didn't go down without a fight. Against Amagasaki Sangyou they held the 4-2 lead. But Amagasaki was able to equalize in the 9th, and win in the 11th.
The Kobe Nishi/Masshoufu team moved on in the matchup against Sayo, blanking them 3-0.
After that rough start Kagaku Gijyutsu has quietly contines on its way, this time beating Kita Suma 5-3.
The top seeds continue to march to the block finals, although some had a little bit of a bump including Akou needed 10 to defeat Akashi Shougyou, Sanda Gakuen slid by Takigawa 2-1 and Itamiki Nishi who went 13 against Tsuna.
In the block finals, only one seeded team fell, and that was in block 11. Kakogawa Kita held a 3-2 lead over Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku, but then found themselves behind as Kobe scored 3 in the late innings to go ahead 5-3. Down to the final 3 outs, Kakogawa Kita rallies to tie the game! But the rally may have been too much as Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku scored in the bottom of the 10th to send the defending champions packing.
But many seeded teams had difficulties. Houtoku Gakuen scored the only run in the game against Kounan in the 7th. Ikuei and Kobe Kouryou followed the same blueprint against Ikawadani and Touban Kougyou. Itamiki Nishi needed 14 innings this time to win, this time against the combined Kobe Nishi/Masshoufu team. Akou needed all nine innings as they said sayonara to Awaji 3-2.
And Kagaku Gijyutsu, who almost didn't even make it past the first round, defeated Akashi Kita 7-0 to win block 4.
That brings us to the draw for the round of 16 and Best 8. And boy were there some interesting games.
Kagaku Gijyutsu continued its cinderella run, defeating Kakogawa Minami 1-0 in 13 innings. In a major upset, Kansai Gakuin held on to beat Houtoku Gakuen 5-4. Akou's run finally ran out of gas as Ikuei shut them out 3-0.
And all the other non-seeded teams remaining were weeded out. Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku had no answer to Yashiro losing 4-0. Shouyou held tough against Kobe Kouryou, but too were shut out 2-0. The best challenge was held by Shiritsu Amagasaki against Sumoto. Sumoto took an early 3-0 lead before Amagaski scored 4 in the 2nd to take the advantage. Sumoto ripped that right back with 5 in the 4th. Amagasaki wouldn't give in though, and tied it up 8-8 with 4 of their own in the 5th. But Sumoto would prove to be too much, scoring 4 in the 7th for a 12-8 victory.
And that brought us to today. Whoo hoo!
7.26 Update
So, having covered those with finals today, let's go around the rest of the nation...
Miyagi
Well, the 2nd two semifinals were rained out. The Touyou-Sendai Ikuei game was tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the 5th. They'll try to get them in today. Tohoku and Rifu will have to wait for one more day.
Gunma
Semifinals are today!
Ibaraki
Well, Shimotsuma Dai-ni did indeed fall to Mito Kiryou 5-2. That really opens it up for Jyousou Gakuin who scored 2 in the bottom of the 8th to advance over Oota Dai-ichi 3-1. Jyousou's semifinal opponent will be Tsuchiura Nichidai, who had no trouble with Tsukuba Shuuei 7-2.
It will be a battle of Mito's as the aforementioned Mito Kiryou is Mito Sakuranomaki who mercy ruled Meishuu Hitachi 10-3 in 7 innings. Both teams are looking for their 1st appearance.
But today is a day of rest.
Saitama
Kawaguchi Seiryou's Nogawa throws a 4-hitter against Urawa Jitsugyou as they advance to the semifinals and a date with Saitama Sakae.
Seibou Gakuen and Kasukabe Higashi will be in the first semifinal tomorrow. The teams will get a chance to rest today before the final push.
Nishi/Higashi Tokyo
At Meiji Jingu Stadium #2, Toritsu Hino finished the job against Toritsu Komae, winning 15-5 in 6 innings.
At Meiji Jingu, Nihon Dai-ni joins its bretheren in the Best 4 upsetting Hachiouji 7-3 while in the late game Toritsu Kodaira makes an early 7-1 lead stick, beating Koku Gakuin Kugayama 9-7.
Nishi Tokyo gives Meiji Jingu over to Higashi Tokyo for their semifinals today.
Kanagawa
So we know of Yokohama Hayato's upset of Yokohama, but what about the other games?
Well, the 2nd game at Baystars Stadium saw Toukou Gakuen have no trouble with Tourei Fujisawa 12-2.
Over at Hodogaya Stadium, Yokohama Sougakukan made a 3-run 1st inning stick as they beat Koujyou 6-4. In the matinee game, Touin Gakuen scores 2 runs in every inning, blanking Yokohama Shoudai 10-0 in 5 innings.
There's a day off today before the winners at each stadium yesterday face off in the semifinals.
Toyama
Well, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno did go on to defeat Sakurai 5-4, but the matinee games were rained out and will be played today.
Ishikawa
Day off for Ishikawa yesterday with semifinals being played today:
Fukui
Semifinal games rained out yesterday hope to be played today:
Shizuoka
Fujieda Meisei kept that slim one run margin stand, beating Shizuoka Shiritsu 2-1. Quarterfinal games will be held today.
Aichi
In that Block H final, Toyota Nishi pulled away from Atsumi Nougyou to win 8-1 in 8 innings.
With that, the draw for the block winners was done and boy are there some Best 8 games to be had! And the brackets are about as lopsided as you can get.
On one side has Chuukyoudai Chuukyou facing Aikoudai Meiden. And the winner of that game has Touhou facing Aichi Keisei. So that means that all 3 experienced teams are on the same side of the bracket!
The other side sees Toyota Nishi vs Kouzouji and Kariya vs Seishin. Of those 4 schools, Toyota Nishi and Kariya have reached Koshien, and each only once.
It can be said that the winner of the left side of the bracket will be the eventual winner of Aichi's bid.
However, it'll have to wait another day as games today have been postponed due to rain.
Shiga
Same here. Games are postponed yet again due to rain.
Osaka
Round of 32's rained out games yesterday hope to be played today.
Tottori
Rained out semifinal games yesterday are scheduled to play today:
Okayama
With the rain washing out games the past 2 days, all 4 quarterfinals games are being played today.
Shimane
Semifinal games are being held today:
Hiroshima
Round of 16 games are being held today.
Yamaguchi
Round of 8 games are to be held today.
Kagawa
Turns out that 2 quarterfinals were held yesterday before the rain won out.
Samukawa and Jinsei Gakuin cruised through their games and will meet up in one semifinal. The other semi will be between the Sanbonmatsu-Takamatsu Kougyou, Takamatsu Shougyou-Takamatsu winners.
Ehime
Ehime is finally playing their 2nd half of Sweet 16 games today.
Kochi
The first half of the quarterfinals were finally held yesterday. Meitoku Gijuku soundly defeated Susaki 7-0 while Kochi Nishi used a 3-run first inning to hold off Shimizu 7-5.
Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Oita Miyazaki
All games rained out yesterday are on schedule for today.
Miyagi
Well, the 2nd two semifinals were rained out. The Touyou-Sendai Ikuei game was tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the 5th. They'll try to get them in today. Tohoku and Rifu will have to wait for one more day.
Gunma
Semifinals are today!
- Jyutoku vs. Shiritsu Maebashi
- Tokyo Noudai Dai-ichi vs. Kiryuu Minami
Ibaraki
Well, Shimotsuma Dai-ni did indeed fall to Mito Kiryou 5-2. That really opens it up for Jyousou Gakuin who scored 2 in the bottom of the 8th to advance over Oota Dai-ichi 3-1. Jyousou's semifinal opponent will be Tsuchiura Nichidai, who had no trouble with Tsukuba Shuuei 7-2.
It will be a battle of Mito's as the aforementioned Mito Kiryou is Mito Sakuranomaki who mercy ruled Meishuu Hitachi 10-3 in 7 innings. Both teams are looking for their 1st appearance.
But today is a day of rest.
Saitama
Kawaguchi Seiryou's Nogawa throws a 4-hitter against Urawa Jitsugyou as they advance to the semifinals and a date with Saitama Sakae.
Seibou Gakuen and Kasukabe Higashi will be in the first semifinal tomorrow. The teams will get a chance to rest today before the final push.
Nishi/Higashi Tokyo
At Meiji Jingu Stadium #2, Toritsu Hino finished the job against Toritsu Komae, winning 15-5 in 6 innings.
At Meiji Jingu, Nihon Dai-ni joins its bretheren in the Best 4 upsetting Hachiouji 7-3 while in the late game Toritsu Kodaira makes an early 7-1 lead stick, beating Koku Gakuin Kugayama 9-7.
Nishi Tokyo gives Meiji Jingu over to Higashi Tokyo for their semifinals today.
- Teikyou vs. Nishogakushadai Fuzoku
- Seiritsu Gakuen vs. Toritsu Yukigaya
Kanagawa
So we know of Yokohama Hayato's upset of Yokohama, but what about the other games?
Well, the 2nd game at Baystars Stadium saw Toukou Gakuen have no trouble with Tourei Fujisawa 12-2.
Over at Hodogaya Stadium, Yokohama Sougakukan made a 3-run 1st inning stick as they beat Koujyou 6-4. In the matinee game, Touin Gakuen scores 2 runs in every inning, blanking Yokohama Shoudai 10-0 in 5 innings.
There's a day off today before the winners at each stadium yesterday face off in the semifinals.
Toyama
Well, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno did go on to defeat Sakurai 5-4, but the matinee games were rained out and will be played today.
Ishikawa
Day off for Ishikawa yesterday with semifinals being played today:
- Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa vs. Nanao
- Komatsu Kougyou vs. Seiryou
Fukui
Semifinal games rained out yesterday hope to be played today:
- Hokuriku vs. Fukui Shougyou
- Fukui Koudai Fukui vs. Tsuruga Kehi
Shizuoka
Fujieda Meisei kept that slim one run margin stand, beating Shizuoka Shiritsu 2-1. Quarterfinal games will be held today.
Aichi
In that Block H final, Toyota Nishi pulled away from Atsumi Nougyou to win 8-1 in 8 innings.
With that, the draw for the block winners was done and boy are there some Best 8 games to be had! And the brackets are about as lopsided as you can get.
On one side has Chuukyoudai Chuukyou facing Aikoudai Meiden. And the winner of that game has Touhou facing Aichi Keisei. So that means that all 3 experienced teams are on the same side of the bracket!
The other side sees Toyota Nishi vs Kouzouji and Kariya vs Seishin. Of those 4 schools, Toyota Nishi and Kariya have reached Koshien, and each only once.
It can be said that the winner of the left side of the bracket will be the eventual winner of Aichi's bid.
However, it'll have to wait another day as games today have been postponed due to rain.
Shiga
Same here. Games are postponed yet again due to rain.
Osaka
Round of 32's rained out games yesterday hope to be played today.
Tottori
Rained out semifinal games yesterday are scheduled to play today:
- Tottori Shougyou vs Yonago Shouin
- Tottori Nishi vs. Tottori Jyouhoku
Okayama
With the rain washing out games the past 2 days, all 4 quarterfinals games are being played today.
- Sakuyou vs. Okayama Kyousei
- Tamano Kounan vs. Kurashiki Sougyou
- Kurashiki Kougyou vs. Kanzei
- Tamashima Shougyou vs. Konkou Gakuen
Shimane
Semifinal games are being held today:
- Izumo Shougyou vs. Taisha
- Masuda Higashi vs. Risshoudai Shounan
Hiroshima
Round of 16 games are being held today.
Yamaguchi
Round of 8 games are to be held today.
Kagawa
Turns out that 2 quarterfinals were held yesterday before the rain won out.
Samukawa and Jinsei Gakuin cruised through their games and will meet up in one semifinal. The other semi will be between the Sanbonmatsu-Takamatsu Kougyou, Takamatsu Shougyou-Takamatsu winners.
Ehime
Ehime is finally playing their 2nd half of Sweet 16 games today.
Kochi
The first half of the quarterfinals were finally held yesterday. Meitoku Gijuku soundly defeated Susaki 7-0 while Kochi Nishi used a 3-run first inning to hold off Shimizu 7-5.
Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Oita Miyazaki
All games rained out yesterday are on schedule for today.
7.27 Prefectural Finals!
Well, there are supposed to be 7 bids up for grabs today, weather permitting. The Chubu, Hokushinetsu and Kanto regions are slated for rain I think later, so perhaps they'll get the games in.
Anyways, here are the recaps and finals matchups for today:
Aomori
As mentioned before, Aomori Yamada finds themselves in familiar territory looking for their 6th straight summer appearance and 10th summer overall. On the other side sits Oominato, looking for their first ever.
Sadly, one has to think that this is a one-sided affair. Outside of the 2-0 win over ②Seiai, their smallest margin of victory was 6 in the semis against Misawa. The pitching staff has given up all of 3 runs in 6 games.
Oominato has some good games behind them, but had to survive some close games against Hachinohe Kita, Aomori and Aomori Minami.
So can David slay Goliath?
Niigata
In the 2nd semifinal Gosen, looking for their first ever appearance, broke a 3-3 tie with Chuuetsu in the 5th with a run. That lead would last, until the bottom of the 8th. That was when Chuuetsu scores 2 to take the 5-4 lead. Toujyou shuts the door and they advance to the finals!
Their opponent will be Nihon Bunri, who have made their fair share of appearances (both spring and summer). And their run has been equally as impressive as Aomori Yamada - a margin of victory of at least 7, and only 1 run given up in 30 innings (a lot of mercy games).
On the other hand, outside of their first game, they've been involved in close low-scoring affairs.
The difference is that both teams have experience. Nihon Bunri has 4 summer and 3 spring appearances, with their last summer appearance when I saw them live in 2006. Chuuetsu has 8 prior summer appearances with the last one being in 2003.
Gifu
In the 2nd semifinal yesterday, Chuukyou scored to in the top of the 8th for a 2-1 lead over Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou. But then in the bottom of the 9th, Gifu scores 2 for the heart-crushing loss for Chuukyou.
So Kakamigahara will be looking for their 1st ever bid, but it's up against Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou who has appeared 26 times in the summer Koshien and 27 in the spring.
Neither team, at least according to the scores, have been dominating. This could be an interesting matchup, but by experience alone the advantage has to go to Kenristu Gifu Shougyou.
Mie
In the 2nd semifinal, Mie had no problems with Kogakkan, winning 7-0 in 7, setting up a finals matchup with Kaisei.
Kaisei (11 summer, 2 spring, last summer apperance in 1998), had some trouble with Hisai and Kuwana Nishi in their first games of the tournament, but have since cruised since then. Mie (9 summer, 9 spring, last summer appearance in 2006) also had a rought 2 game stretch against Inabe and Kinkidai Tousen.
Hard to say who will advance here. Finally, what appears to be an equal matchup.
Kyoto
While Kyoto Gaidai Nishi scored the 1st run in the semifinal, Fukuchiyama Seibi scored two immediately in the top of the 4th. And when Gaidai Nishi pulled within one in the bottom of the 8th, Seibi shut the door with 3 runs in the 9th for the 6-2 win.
And so it will be (Ryuukokudai) Heian, who's appeared more times than I can count (28 summer, 36 spring, last summer appearance 2003) versus Fukuchiyama Seibi (3 summer, 1 spring, defending champion)
Heian has dominated their half of the bracket, while Seibi has been dealing in close pitching matches. You have to figure this to be a low scoring affair, but who knows?
Tokushima
Tokushima Kita shocks Naruto Kougyou in the 1st semifinal responding to Naruto's runs with more of their own! They outslug them to win 10-6 and advance to the finals! The matinee game sees Ogata pitch a 2-hitter for Naruto Dai-ichi as they beat Komatsushima Nishi 2-0.
And so at Oronamin C Stadium we have Tokushima Kita looking for their first bid versus Naruto Dai-ichi, looking for their 2nd overall (their only other summer appearance being in 2004, though they had 4 other spring appearances prior).
Nagasaki
Nagasaki Nichidai vs. Souseikan. They should get their game in today. You can refer to yesterday's post for info.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:35 AM - Mie's finals have been postponed due to rain.
11:41 AM - Gifu's finals have also been postponed.
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12:37 PM - Tokushima's finals have been postponed.
Niigata's finals are underway, and it may be over before it starts. Nihon Bunri scores 7 in the 1st and are in the top of the 2nd. Not good for Chuuetsu.
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1:27 PM - Aomori joins the list of those that have been postponed.
Looks like rain delayed proceedings at Niigata as the game is only at the top of the 4th and the score is 8-1 Nihon Bunri over Chuuetsu.
Fukuchiyama Seibi scores 2 in the top of the 1st inning over Ryuukokudai Heian. But Heian scores 2 in the bottom of the 2nd to tie it, and one in the 4th to take the 3-2 lead. The game moves to the top of the 6th.
Nagasaki Nichidai jumps all over Souseikan in the top of the 1st inning, scoring 4 runs. We're in the bottom of the 1st.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2:07 PM - Chuuetsu gets a run back in the 5th, but they still trail 8-4 as they bat in the top of the 7th.
In Kyoto, Seibi turns the tables! They score a run in the top of the 6th and another in the 8th for a 4-3 lead! Heian has 6 more outs to try and rally!
Nagasaki Nichidai extends their lead to 6-2. The game goes into the top of the 4th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2:28 PM - Nihon Bunri scores one more in the bottom of the 7th and it's 9-4 in their favor.
Fukuchiyama Seibi is 3 outs away from securing Kyoto's bid! They still lead 4-3 over Ryuukokudai Heian!
Nagasaki Nichidai leads 6-2 over Souseikan in the middle of the 5th.
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2:44 PM - It's over in Kyoto! Somehow, someway, Heian scores 2 in the bottom of the 9th and defeats Fukuchiyama Seibi 5-4!!
In Niigata, Nihon Bunri scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th and it's 12-4 over Chuuetsu.
Souseikan gets one run in the 5th and it's now 6-3 Nagasaki Nichidai.
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3:06 PM - Nihon Bunri finally seals the deal defeating Chuuetsu 12-4 for Niigata's bid.
Souseikan gets another run back in the bottom of the 7th and trail 6-4 as they head to the top of the 8th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3:34 PM - Nagasaki Nichidai gets back the run in the top of the 8th and go on to win 7-4 over Souseikan.
And that's it for bids today!
Anyways, here are the recaps and finals matchups for today:
Aomori
As mentioned before, Aomori Yamada finds themselves in familiar territory looking for their 6th straight summer appearance and 10th summer overall. On the other side sits Oominato, looking for their first ever.
Sadly, one has to think that this is a one-sided affair. Outside of the 2-0 win over ②Seiai, their smallest margin of victory was 6 in the semis against Misawa. The pitching staff has given up all of 3 runs in 6 games.
Oominato has some good games behind them, but had to survive some close games against Hachinohe Kita, Aomori and Aomori Minami.
So can David slay Goliath?
Niigata
In the 2nd semifinal Gosen, looking for their first ever appearance, broke a 3-3 tie with Chuuetsu in the 5th with a run. That lead would last, until the bottom of the 8th. That was when Chuuetsu scores 2 to take the 5-4 lead. Toujyou shuts the door and they advance to the finals!
Their opponent will be Nihon Bunri, who have made their fair share of appearances (both spring and summer). And their run has been equally as impressive as Aomori Yamada - a margin of victory of at least 7, and only 1 run given up in 30 innings (a lot of mercy games).
On the other hand, outside of their first game, they've been involved in close low-scoring affairs.
The difference is that both teams have experience. Nihon Bunri has 4 summer and 3 spring appearances, with their last summer appearance when I saw them live in 2006. Chuuetsu has 8 prior summer appearances with the last one being in 2003.
Gifu
In the 2nd semifinal yesterday, Chuukyou scored to in the top of the 8th for a 2-1 lead over Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou. But then in the bottom of the 9th, Gifu scores 2 for the heart-crushing loss for Chuukyou.
So Kakamigahara will be looking for their 1st ever bid, but it's up against Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou who has appeared 26 times in the summer Koshien and 27 in the spring.
Neither team, at least according to the scores, have been dominating. This could be an interesting matchup, but by experience alone the advantage has to go to Kenristu Gifu Shougyou.
Mie
In the 2nd semifinal, Mie had no problems with Kogakkan, winning 7-0 in 7, setting up a finals matchup with Kaisei.
Kaisei (11 summer, 2 spring, last summer apperance in 1998), had some trouble with Hisai and Kuwana Nishi in their first games of the tournament, but have since cruised since then. Mie (9 summer, 9 spring, last summer appearance in 2006) also had a rought 2 game stretch against Inabe and Kinkidai Tousen.
Hard to say who will advance here. Finally, what appears to be an equal matchup.
Kyoto
While Kyoto Gaidai Nishi scored the 1st run in the semifinal, Fukuchiyama Seibi scored two immediately in the top of the 4th. And when Gaidai Nishi pulled within one in the bottom of the 8th, Seibi shut the door with 3 runs in the 9th for the 6-2 win.
And so it will be (Ryuukokudai) Heian, who's appeared more times than I can count (28 summer, 36 spring, last summer appearance 2003) versus Fukuchiyama Seibi (3 summer, 1 spring, defending champion)
Heian has dominated their half of the bracket, while Seibi has been dealing in close pitching matches. You have to figure this to be a low scoring affair, but who knows?
Tokushima
Tokushima Kita shocks Naruto Kougyou in the 1st semifinal responding to Naruto's runs with more of their own! They outslug them to win 10-6 and advance to the finals! The matinee game sees Ogata pitch a 2-hitter for Naruto Dai-ichi as they beat Komatsushima Nishi 2-0.
And so at Oronamin C Stadium we have Tokushima Kita looking for their first bid versus Naruto Dai-ichi, looking for their 2nd overall (their only other summer appearance being in 2004, though they had 4 other spring appearances prior).
Nagasaki
Nagasaki Nichidai vs. Souseikan. They should get their game in today. You can refer to yesterday's post for info.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:35 AM - Mie's finals have been postponed due to rain.
11:41 AM - Gifu's finals have also been postponed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:37 PM - Tokushima's finals have been postponed.
Niigata's finals are underway, and it may be over before it starts. Nihon Bunri scores 7 in the 1st and are in the top of the 2nd. Not good for Chuuetsu.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:27 PM - Aomori joins the list of those that have been postponed.
Looks like rain delayed proceedings at Niigata as the game is only at the top of the 4th and the score is 8-1 Nihon Bunri over Chuuetsu.
Fukuchiyama Seibi scores 2 in the top of the 1st inning over Ryuukokudai Heian. But Heian scores 2 in the bottom of the 2nd to tie it, and one in the 4th to take the 3-2 lead. The game moves to the top of the 6th.
Nagasaki Nichidai jumps all over Souseikan in the top of the 1st inning, scoring 4 runs. We're in the bottom of the 1st.
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2:07 PM - Chuuetsu gets a run back in the 5th, but they still trail 8-4 as they bat in the top of the 7th.
In Kyoto, Seibi turns the tables! They score a run in the top of the 6th and another in the 8th for a 4-3 lead! Heian has 6 more outs to try and rally!
Nagasaki Nichidai extends their lead to 6-2. The game goes into the top of the 4th.
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2:28 PM - Nihon Bunri scores one more in the bottom of the 7th and it's 9-4 in their favor.
Fukuchiyama Seibi is 3 outs away from securing Kyoto's bid! They still lead 4-3 over Ryuukokudai Heian!
Nagasaki Nichidai leads 6-2 over Souseikan in the middle of the 5th.
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2:44 PM - It's over in Kyoto! Somehow, someway, Heian scores 2 in the bottom of the 9th and defeats Fukuchiyama Seibi 5-4!!
In Niigata, Nihon Bunri scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th and it's 12-4 over Chuuetsu.
Souseikan gets one run in the 5th and it's now 6-3 Nagasaki Nichidai.
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3:06 PM - Nihon Bunri finally seals the deal defeating Chuuetsu 12-4 for Niigata's bid.
Souseikan gets another run back in the bottom of the 7th and trail 6-4 as they head to the top of the 8th.
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3:34 PM - Nagasaki Nichidai gets back the run in the top of the 8th and go on to win 7-4 over Souseikan.
And that's it for bids today!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
There be an upset brewing!!
In Kanagawa Prefecture, through 3½ innings Yokohama Hayato leads Yokohama 8-3!! Hayato scores 4 runs in the 1st and 2nd innings, including a homerun by RF Yamaguchi!
The panic button has been pressed by Yokohama's kantoku. They're already at their 3rd pitcher of the game...
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1:12 PM - Middle of the 7th now, and Hayato has added a run! It's 9-3 Yokohama Hayato!!
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2:13 PM - Ken beats me to the punch! Perhaps it's nerves, but Yokohama scores 2 in the 8th and 4 in the 9th, and just like that the game is tied going into extras!!!!!
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2:21 PM - Imaoka shuts down the Yokohama express in the 10th, but can Yokohama Hayato push through the winning run?
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2:41 PM - Yokohama Hayato does it! They plate a run in the bottom of the 10th and complete the upset! Yokohama will not be Koshien bound!!!
The panic button has been pressed by Yokohama's kantoku. They're already at their 3rd pitcher of the game...
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1:12 PM - Middle of the 7th now, and Hayato has added a run! It's 9-3 Yokohama Hayato!!
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2:13 PM - Ken beats me to the punch! Perhaps it's nerves, but Yokohama scores 2 in the 8th and 4 in the 9th, and just like that the game is tied going into extras!!!!!
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2:21 PM - Imaoka shuts down the Yokohama express in the 10th, but can Yokohama Hayato push through the winning run?
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2:41 PM - Yokohama Hayato does it! They plate a run in the bottom of the 10th and complete the upset! Yokohama will not be Koshien bound!!!
5 more bids! Maybe...
Today will have 5 bids possibly given out. Possibly I say because weather has canceled games in Fukuoka and Saga, which means Nagasaki's final may be in jeopardy today.
(UPDATE - Nagasaki's final has been postponed due to rain)
These are technically spoilers (except for Nagasaki) since I haven't gone around to reviewing the semifinal games.
The finals are:
Tochigi
Chiba (Why Narashino, why???)
Nagano
Gifu
Nagasaki
1:40 PM - Games are just underway or in the late stages...
In Tochigi, Sakushin Gakuin leads Utsunomiya Kougyou 4-0 after 7 innings.
To Chiba and Yachiyo Chiba jumps out with 4 runs in the top of the 1st. Takushoku Kouryou gets one back in the 2nd and that's where we sit going into the top of the 3rd.
Nagano Nichidai looks to cruise after scoring 7 runs in the first 2 innings. Matsumoto Dai-ichi's Yamada has been pulled for Aoyanagi, and they got a run back in the 3rd, but still trail 7-1 going into the 4th.
Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku scores a run in the bottom of the 1st to take the lead over Koufu Kougyou and that is the only run scored going into the bottom of the 3rd.
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2:23 PM - We have a winner in Tochigi! Sakushin Gakuin defeats Utsunomiya Kougyou 5-0!
Takushoku Kouryou has clawed back in it in Chiba! They've tied the game in the 5th inning!
Nagano Nichidai scores 2 more in the 4th and hold a commanding 9-1 lead after 7 innings.
Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku scores 2 in the 3rd and has that 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the 5th.
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2:48 PM - We have the 2nd bid of the day! Nagani Nichidai piles on 2 more in the 8th for an 11-1 win over Matsumoto Dai-ichi. They successfully defend their title and look to go farther than the quarterfinals this year!
The game remain tied at 4 going into the 8th inning at the Chiba prefecural final.
Koufu Kougyou cannot put a rally together and remains down 3 to Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku.
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3:10 PM - Yachiyo Higashi just takes the 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th! Ace Murakami hopes to hold off Takushoku Kouryou!
Koufu Kougyou finally gets on the board with a run in the 8th, but they too are in their final 3 outs in the top of the 9th.
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3:24 PM - Yachiyo Higashi does it! They close the door on Takushoku Kouryou and secure their 1st ever Koshien appearance with that go-ahead run in the 9th!
And Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku closes out the 3-1 win over Koufu Kougyou and secure Yamanashi's bid!
(UPDATE - Nagasaki's final has been postponed due to rain)
These are technically spoilers (except for Nagasaki) since I haven't gone around to reviewing the semifinal games.
The finals are:
Tochigi
- Sakushin Gakuin (5 summer, 8 spring, last summer appearance 1978) vs. Utsunomiya Kougyou (4 summer, 5 spring, last summer appearance 1986)
Chiba (Why Narashino, why???)
- Yachiyo Higashi (no appearances) vs. Takushokudai Kouryou (5 summer, 4 spring, last summer appearance 2002)
Nagano
- Matsumoto Dai-ichi (no appearances) vs. Nagano Nichidai (1st appearance was last year)
Gifu
- Gifu Kougyou (8 summer, 5 spring, last summer appearance 2006) vs. Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku (3 summer, 1 spring, last summer appearance 2000)
Nagasaki
- Nagasaki Nichidai (7 summer, 2 spring, last summer apperance 2007) vs. Souseikan (no appearances)
1:40 PM - Games are just underway or in the late stages...
In Tochigi, Sakushin Gakuin leads Utsunomiya Kougyou 4-0 after 7 innings.
To Chiba and Yachiyo Chiba jumps out with 4 runs in the top of the 1st. Takushoku Kouryou gets one back in the 2nd and that's where we sit going into the top of the 3rd.
Nagano Nichidai looks to cruise after scoring 7 runs in the first 2 innings. Matsumoto Dai-ichi's Yamada has been pulled for Aoyanagi, and they got a run back in the 3rd, but still trail 7-1 going into the 4th.
Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku scores a run in the bottom of the 1st to take the lead over Koufu Kougyou and that is the only run scored going into the bottom of the 3rd.
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2:23 PM - We have a winner in Tochigi! Sakushin Gakuin defeats Utsunomiya Kougyou 5-0!
Takushoku Kouryou has clawed back in it in Chiba! They've tied the game in the 5th inning!
Nagano Nichidai scores 2 more in the 4th and hold a commanding 9-1 lead after 7 innings.
Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku scores 2 in the 3rd and has that 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the 5th.
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2:48 PM - We have the 2nd bid of the day! Nagani Nichidai piles on 2 more in the 8th for an 11-1 win over Matsumoto Dai-ichi. They successfully defend their title and look to go farther than the quarterfinals this year!
The game remain tied at 4 going into the 8th inning at the Chiba prefecural final.
Koufu Kougyou cannot put a rally together and remains down 3 to Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku.
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3:10 PM - Yachiyo Higashi just takes the 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th! Ace Murakami hopes to hold off Takushoku Kouryou!
Koufu Kougyou finally gets on the board with a run in the 8th, but they too are in their final 3 outs in the top of the 9th.
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3:24 PM - Yachiyo Higashi does it! They close the door on Takushoku Kouryou and secure their 1st ever Koshien appearance with that go-ahead run in the 9th!
And Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku closes out the 3-1 win over Koufu Kougyou and secure Yamanashi's bid!
7/26 Rainouts...
The summer rains have canceled games again for 7/26 in the following prefectures:
- Tottori
- Yamaguchi
- Ehime
- Fukuoka
- Saga
- Kumamoto
- Okayama
- Nagasaki
- Oita
7.25 Update - Osaka westward, and back around if we can!
Before I start with Osaka, I have to cry again. Narashino lost in the semifinals... うわぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁぁ～～～～
Osaka
Oy, rain has officially pushed back the end of the tournament to August 1. Any more and it might delay the start of the Koshien tournament.
Of the games that were played, Osaka Gakuei fell to Naniwa 5-0 while Kansai Souka sends another Waseda school home, Waseda Setsuryou, 5-4. Up 3-0, Waseda rallies for 4 in the 8th to take the lead. However, ace Yamaguchi could not hold the lead as Kansai would score 2 in the bottom half of the frame to retake the advantage.
Wakayama
The draw has been determined for the Best 4, although the participants have not yet.
The A Block winner, well known to all, Chiben Wakayama will face the C Block winner, Kihoku Kougyou who is looking for their 1st appearance.
The other semifinal will have the home of Binchou-tan, Minabe (who is looking for their 1st summer appearance since 1982), versus the winner of the Tanabe - Wakayama Shougyou game to be played today.
(I'm skipping Hyogo for now until I get the brackets totally updated, including dates)
Tottori
It's almost an all-Tottori semifinal. And for those wondering, yes this is Tottori-ken, but I'm referring to Tottori-shi.
The defending champion, Tottori Nishi, will play in the 2nd semifinal against top seed Tottori Jyouhoku, who is looking for their 1st appearance.
The opening semifinal will see the other top seed Tottori Shougyou, whose only appearance was in 2004, face Yonago Shouin, looking for their 3rd summer appearance and 1st since 2000.
Okayama
Okayama has reached the semifinal stage.
Top seeds Sakuyou and Konkou Gakuen are still alive, as well as other past participants such as the hard luck Kanzei squad and Kurashiki Shougyou.
Shimane
There will be a new winner in Shimane. Well, at least a winner that hasn't appeared at Koshien since 2000.
The possible favorite in this prefecture, Iwamichisuikan (aka Gonokawa), was upset byt Izumo Shougyou 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
So, semifinal #1 will have Izumo Shougyou, whose only summer appearance was in 1989, face Taisha - who has made 8 prior appearances, but none since 1992.
Semifinal #2 has the most recent participant, Masuda Higashi (3 appearances, last in 2000) squaring up against Risshoudai Shounan looking for their 1st ever.
Interestingly enough, of the 4, Risshoudai Shounan has had the dominating performances. But in a prefecture such as Shimane, one has to take into account the level of competition as well.
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima
Games were rained out yesterday, so no new updates.
Ehime
Same here, but there was games on the 24th to update.
Saijyou advances to the Best 8 with a 3-0 win over Matsuyama Chuo. Their next opponent will be Teikyou Dai-go - who in the spirit of their Tokyo team, has offense for days. Saijyou has not been known for their offense, which puts even more pressure on their ace Akiyama Takumi.
Imabari Nishi has no trouble against the combined Ehime Noudai Fuzoku Nougyou/Ehimedai Fuzoku squad and will face Tanbara next.
Assuming they can get games in, Saibi will play today.
Kochi
Same here for Kochi as Ehime. The Sweet 16 games concluded on the 24th.
The only close game of the 6 was Kochi Minami vs. Tosa as Kochi Minami scores the sayonara run in the bottom of the 9th.
Hopefully they can get the games in today, but here are the quarterfinal matchups:
25th
Saga, Kumamoto
Games were rained out yesterday, so no new updates.
Nagasaki
The semifinals were on the 24th, and I'm still sad. Nagasaki Nihon handled a late charge by Keihou to win 3-2.
Hasami held a 2 run lead against Souseikan, even after trading a run in the bottom of the 6th and top of the 7th. But Souseikan tied it up in the bottom of the 7th. The game remained tied until the bottom of the 9th where Souseikan scored a run to send Hasami home.
Oita
Best 8 games were held on the 24th...
It's almost all chalk for Oita now in the Best 4. Meihou, Hita Rinkou and Oita made it, while Oita Uenogaoka's replacement Tsukumi joins them.
Miyazaki
The last prefecture before we head back up to Aomori, weather cancelled the 2nd semifinal. However, Miyakonojyou Shougyou denied Miyazaki Nougyou a chance for the finals. Tied 2-2, Miyanou scored a run in the 7th to take the lead. Matsuyama could not hold the lead however, and subsequently gave up 5 runs in the 8th to fall 7-3.
Miyazaki Shougyou and Miyazaki Nichidai hope to get their game in today...
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Aomori
Well, the story is going as planned for Aomori Yamada. They defeat Misawa soundly 7-1 to advance to tomorrow's final. Their opponent is Oominato, who defeated ⑧Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi 10-1 in 7 innings.
Oominato has a chance for their 1st ever appearance, but the vaunted Aomori Yamada stands in their way.
Miyagi
Miyagi will be holding its Best 8 games today at Kleenex Stadium Miyagi, home to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
④Rifu advances with a 7-4 win over Tohoku Seikatsu Bunkadai, but ③Shiroishi Kougyou can't overcome a 3-run first inning by Miyagi Nougyou and falls 3-2.
1st quartfinal game has been played, and Rifu advances with a 6-3 win over Ichihasama Shougyou.
Gunma
Day off in Gunma today. We've reached the Best 4 with the 2nd set of quarterfinals finally played on the 25th.
Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni breaks a 1-1 tie in the top of the 9th with two runs to beat Kiryuu. And in the other quarterfinal, Shiritsu Maebashi's 2 runs in the 1st are enough as they shutout Oota 2-0.
So tomorrow, Jyutoku will play Shiritsu Maebashi in the first semi, while Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni matches up with Kiryuu Minami in the second.
Tochigi
Sakushin Gakuin and Utsunomiya Kougyou will meet up in the finals. Sakushin shuts out Seiran Taito 3-0 on 9 hits, while Utsunomiya Kougyou needed 2 in the 8th to beat Sano Nihon.
Whomever wins will have waited a long time for this.
Ibaraki
Quarterfinal games are happening today. In the round of 16, Tsuchiura Nihon and upstart Ushiku are tied 1-1 until the bottom of the 8th where Tsuchiura scores the go-ahead run to win 2-1. Oota Dai-ichi outlasts Tokiwadai to win 2-1 in 13 innings.
This while seeded Jyousou Gakuin, Shimotsuma Dai-ni and Mito Sakuranomaki advance as well.
In the first set of quarterfinals, Shimotsuma Dai-ni looks to be in trouble down 4-1 after 5½ to Mito Kiryou. Meanwhile, Oota Dai-ichi is holding it's own against Jyousou Gakuin tied 1-1 after 6½.
Saitama
One semifinal is set with the other to be determined today. Both Seibou Gakuen and Kasukabe Higashi survive 4-3 games to meet up in one semifinal. The other will be between the winners of the Saitama Sakae-Kasukabe Kyouei and Urawa Jitsugyou-Kawaguchi Seiryou.
--Saitama Sakae has just beaten Kasukabe Kyouei 2-1--
Nishi Tokyo
They've started the quarterfinals with a bang as Nihon Dai-san annihilated Toua Gakuen 13-1 in 5 innnings. Toritsu Komae trails Toritsu Hino 10-5 after 5½.
Higashi Tokyo
They have the day off today as Nishi Tokyo takes over Meiji Jingu.
In the quarterfinals yesterday, Teikyou cruised over Komaba Gakuen 6-1. Nishogakudai Fuzoku sent home Toritsu Sougou Kouka in the bottom of the 9th scoring a sayonara run to win 4-3. They meet up in the first semi.
On the other half of the bracket, Seiritsu Gakuen holds off a late innnigs rally by Koyamadai to advance 3-2. And in a shocker, Toritsu Yukigaya down 3-1 early, score 5 unanswered en route to a 7-5 win over Kokushikan!
Chiba
You already know one outcome. Narashino had no answer to Takushokudai Kouryou, scoring a meaningless run in the 9th to fall 4-1.
*sighs*
In the other semifinal, Ryuukeidai Kashiwa held a 3 run over Yachiyo Higashi lead going into the 8th. With 2 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th, Yachiyo ties the game! It stays tied until the 11th where Yachiyo pushes the go-ahead run across.
So it's a Yachiyo Higashi-Takushokudai Kouryou final.
*sighs*
Kanagawa
The second half of the round of 16 happened yesterday with little excitement. Yokohama Sougakukan, Koujyou and Touin Gakuen all advance easily.
There was one upset. Yokohama Shoudai upsets Yokohama Kita 9-4 via a 5 run 6th inning.
Niigata
Day off for Niigata yesterday, with semifinal games being held today. Nihon Bunri quickly dispatched Niigata Kenou Kougyou 10-0 in 5 innnings. The 2nd semi should be starting shortly.
Nagano
Semifinals were held yesterday, with Matsumoto Dai-ichi having to trouble with Iiyama, beating them 7-1. Nagano Nichidai never trailed in its game against Chikyuu Kankyou, although when they scored 3 in the top of the 8th to go up 6-1, Chukyuu scored 3 of their own.
Toyama
2nd set of Sweet 16 games were held yesterday.
Nanto Sougou Fukuno pulls away with 3 runs in the 8th to defeat Daimon 4-1. Toyama Dai-ichi shuts out Toyama Kokusaidai Fuzoku 3-0. Isurugi does the same to Toyama by a score of 5-0, and finally Takaoka Shougyou dispatches Shin-Minato 16-4.
The first quarterfinals are wrapping up as we speak. Toyama Dai-ichi sends Fujikoshi Kougyou 8-1 in 8 innings.
And in a shocker, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno leads top seed Sakurai 5-4 going into the bottom of the 9th!
Ishikawa
In the matinee games, Komatsu Kougyou scores 2 in the 1st and makes it stick, beating Komatsu Shougyou 2-1 while Seiryou scores runs late in the game to beat Hakui Kougyou 5-1.
Fukui
Semifinal games were to be held today, but with the game scoreless after 5 between Fukui Shougyou and Hokuriku, the game was called due to rain. That can't help either school in their efforts to claim Fukui's bid.
Yamanashi
Minobu almost realized their dream, leading Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku 3-1. But in the bottom of the 8th, Yamanashi scored 3 runs to take the 4-3 lead. Ace Yamada made the lead stick and Yamanashi advances to face Koufu Kougyou.
Shizuoka
All Sweet 16 games were to be held yesterday, but games were rained out at Numadzu Ashitaka and postopned until today.
In yesterday's games, Shizuoka Gakuen and Seisei Kougyou advance at Kusanagi Stadium. Over at Shimada, the Tokoha schools both mercy ruled their opponents. And finally at Hamamatsu, Shimada Shougyou and Kakegawa Nishi handle their opponents with relative ease.
Hamana has already advanced today with an 8-0 win over Hamamatsu Nishi while Fujieda Meisei has a slim 1-0 lead over Shizuoka Shiritsu.
Gifu
The draws were set and in semfinal #1 today, Kakamigahara and Gifu Jyouhoku clashed. Kakamigahara took the quick 1-0 lead, only to see Gifu Jyouhoku score 3 in the bottom of the 2nd. But Kakamigahara would come right back in the 3rd with 3 of their own. That 4-3 score would be the final margin.
They look to claim their first ever Koshien appearance, but their opponent is not yet determined. Chuukyou and Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou remain scoreless after 4.
Aichi
In the matinee games, Seishin shuts out Meijyoudai Fuzoku 3-0 to win C Block.
Block D saw Touhou beat Kyouei with a 3-run sayonara homerun in the bottom of the 10th inning.
And in an upset, Kouzouji upsets Aichi Sangyoudai Mikawa 3-1 to win Block G.
In today's games, Aikoudai Meiden wins Block E comfortably with a 6-3 victory over Seishou while in Block H, Toyota Nishi has the early 1-0 lead over Atsumi Nougyou after 3.
Shiga
They tried to get the semifinal games in today, but they wound up being rained out.
Mie
Komono had nothing for Kaisei in the first semifinal as their run ends with a 6-1 loss. Mie is having equal ease with Kogakkan, leading 6-0 after 5.
Kyoto
Ryuukokudai Heian continues to prove its dominance in Kyoto, defeating Toba 9-2 in 8 innings!
In the other semi, it's a pitchers' duel between Fukuchiyama Seibi's Nagaoka and Kyoto Gaidai Nishi's Mitsuzono. Kyoto Gaidai Nishi opens the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd for a 1-0 lead going into the 4th inning.
Osaka
And to complete the circle, here's a recap of games going on today in the round of 32.
There have been a ton of shutouts:
Osaka
Oy, rain has officially pushed back the end of the tournament to August 1. Any more and it might delay the start of the Koshien tournament.
Of the games that were played, Osaka Gakuei fell to Naniwa 5-0 while Kansai Souka sends another Waseda school home, Waseda Setsuryou, 5-4. Up 3-0, Waseda rallies for 4 in the 8th to take the lead. However, ace Yamaguchi could not hold the lead as Kansai would score 2 in the bottom half of the frame to retake the advantage.
Wakayama
The draw has been determined for the Best 4, although the participants have not yet.
The A Block winner, well known to all, Chiben Wakayama will face the C Block winner, Kihoku Kougyou who is looking for their 1st appearance.
The other semifinal will have the home of Binchou-tan, Minabe (who is looking for their 1st summer appearance since 1982), versus the winner of the Tanabe - Wakayama Shougyou game to be played today.
(I'm skipping Hyogo for now until I get the brackets totally updated, including dates)
Tottori
It's almost an all-Tottori semifinal. And for those wondering, yes this is Tottori-ken, but I'm referring to Tottori-shi.
The defending champion, Tottori Nishi, will play in the 2nd semifinal against top seed Tottori Jyouhoku, who is looking for their 1st appearance.
The opening semifinal will see the other top seed Tottori Shougyou, whose only appearance was in 2004, face Yonago Shouin, looking for their 3rd summer appearance and 1st since 2000.
Okayama
Okayama has reached the semifinal stage.
Top seeds Sakuyou and Konkou Gakuen are still alive, as well as other past participants such as the hard luck Kanzei squad and Kurashiki Shougyou.
- Sakuyou vs. Okayama Kyousei
- Tamano Kounan vs. Kurashiki Shougyou
- Kurashiki Kougyou vs. Kanzei
- Tamashima Shougyou vs. Konkou Gakuen
Shimane
There will be a new winner in Shimane. Well, at least a winner that hasn't appeared at Koshien since 2000.
The possible favorite in this prefecture, Iwamichisuikan (aka Gonokawa), was upset byt Izumo Shougyou 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
So, semifinal #1 will have Izumo Shougyou, whose only summer appearance was in 1989, face Taisha - who has made 8 prior appearances, but none since 1992.
Semifinal #2 has the most recent participant, Masuda Higashi (3 appearances, last in 2000) squaring up against Risshoudai Shounan looking for their 1st ever.
Interestingly enough, of the 4, Risshoudai Shounan has had the dominating performances. But in a prefecture such as Shimane, one has to take into account the level of competition as well.
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima
Games were rained out yesterday, so no new updates.
Ehime
Same here, but there was games on the 24th to update.
Saijyou advances to the Best 8 with a 3-0 win over Matsuyama Chuo. Their next opponent will be Teikyou Dai-go - who in the spirit of their Tokyo team, has offense for days. Saijyou has not been known for their offense, which puts even more pressure on their ace Akiyama Takumi.
Imabari Nishi has no trouble against the combined Ehime Noudai Fuzoku Nougyou/Ehimedai Fuzoku squad and will face Tanbara next.
Assuming they can get games in, Saibi will play today.
Kochi
Same here for Kochi as Ehime. The Sweet 16 games concluded on the 24th.
The only close game of the 6 was Kochi Minami vs. Tosa as Kochi Minami scores the sayonara run in the bottom of the 9th.
Hopefully they can get the games in today, but here are the quarterfinal matchups:
25th
- Meitoku Gijuku vs. Susaki
- Kochi Nishi vs. Shimizu
- Kochi vs. Kochi Minami
- Kochi Higashi vs. Kochi Ootemae
Saga, Kumamoto
Games were rained out yesterday, so no new updates.
Nagasaki
The semifinals were on the 24th, and I'm still sad. Nagasaki Nihon handled a late charge by Keihou to win 3-2.
Hasami held a 2 run lead against Souseikan, even after trading a run in the bottom of the 6th and top of the 7th. But Souseikan tied it up in the bottom of the 7th. The game remained tied until the bottom of the 9th where Souseikan scored a run to send Hasami home.
Oita
Best 8 games were held on the 24th...
It's almost all chalk for Oita now in the Best 4. Meihou, Hita Rinkou and Oita made it, while Oita Uenogaoka's replacement Tsukumi joins them.
Miyazaki
The last prefecture before we head back up to Aomori, weather cancelled the 2nd semifinal. However, Miyakonojyou Shougyou denied Miyazaki Nougyou a chance for the finals. Tied 2-2, Miyanou scored a run in the 7th to take the lead. Matsuyama could not hold the lead however, and subsequently gave up 5 runs in the 8th to fall 7-3.
Miyazaki Shougyou and Miyazaki Nichidai hope to get their game in today...
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Aomori
Well, the story is going as planned for Aomori Yamada. They defeat Misawa soundly 7-1 to advance to tomorrow's final. Their opponent is Oominato, who defeated ⑧Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi 10-1 in 7 innings.
Oominato has a chance for their 1st ever appearance, but the vaunted Aomori Yamada stands in their way.
Miyagi
Miyagi will be holding its Best 8 games today at Kleenex Stadium Miyagi, home to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
④Rifu advances with a 7-4 win over Tohoku Seikatsu Bunkadai, but ③Shiroishi Kougyou can't overcome a 3-run first inning by Miyagi Nougyou and falls 3-2.
1st quartfinal game has been played, and Rifu advances with a 6-3 win over Ichihasama Shougyou.
Gunma
Day off in Gunma today. We've reached the Best 4 with the 2nd set of quarterfinals finally played on the 25th.
Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni breaks a 1-1 tie in the top of the 9th with two runs to beat Kiryuu. And in the other quarterfinal, Shiritsu Maebashi's 2 runs in the 1st are enough as they shutout Oota 2-0.
So tomorrow, Jyutoku will play Shiritsu Maebashi in the first semi, while Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni matches up with Kiryuu Minami in the second.
Tochigi
Sakushin Gakuin and Utsunomiya Kougyou will meet up in the finals. Sakushin shuts out Seiran Taito 3-0 on 9 hits, while Utsunomiya Kougyou needed 2 in the 8th to beat Sano Nihon.
Whomever wins will have waited a long time for this.
Ibaraki
Quarterfinal games are happening today. In the round of 16, Tsuchiura Nihon and upstart Ushiku are tied 1-1 until the bottom of the 8th where Tsuchiura scores the go-ahead run to win 2-1. Oota Dai-ichi outlasts Tokiwadai to win 2-1 in 13 innings.
This while seeded Jyousou Gakuin, Shimotsuma Dai-ni and Mito Sakuranomaki advance as well.
In the first set of quarterfinals, Shimotsuma Dai-ni looks to be in trouble down 4-1 after 5½ to Mito Kiryou. Meanwhile, Oota Dai-ichi is holding it's own against Jyousou Gakuin tied 1-1 after 6½.
Saitama
One semifinal is set with the other to be determined today. Both Seibou Gakuen and Kasukabe Higashi survive 4-3 games to meet up in one semifinal. The other will be between the winners of the Saitama Sakae-Kasukabe Kyouei and Urawa Jitsugyou-Kawaguchi Seiryou.
--Saitama Sakae has just beaten Kasukabe Kyouei 2-1--
Nishi Tokyo
They've started the quarterfinals with a bang as Nihon Dai-san annihilated Toua Gakuen 13-1 in 5 innnings. Toritsu Komae trails Toritsu Hino 10-5 after 5½.
Higashi Tokyo
They have the day off today as Nishi Tokyo takes over Meiji Jingu.
In the quarterfinals yesterday, Teikyou cruised over Komaba Gakuen 6-1. Nishogakudai Fuzoku sent home Toritsu Sougou Kouka in the bottom of the 9th scoring a sayonara run to win 4-3. They meet up in the first semi.
On the other half of the bracket, Seiritsu Gakuen holds off a late innnigs rally by Koyamadai to advance 3-2. And in a shocker, Toritsu Yukigaya down 3-1 early, score 5 unanswered en route to a 7-5 win over Kokushikan!
Chiba
You already know one outcome. Narashino had no answer to Takushokudai Kouryou, scoring a meaningless run in the 9th to fall 4-1.
*sighs*
In the other semifinal, Ryuukeidai Kashiwa held a 3 run over Yachiyo Higashi lead going into the 8th. With 2 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th, Yachiyo ties the game! It stays tied until the 11th where Yachiyo pushes the go-ahead run across.
So it's a Yachiyo Higashi-Takushokudai Kouryou final.
*sighs*
Kanagawa
The second half of the round of 16 happened yesterday with little excitement. Yokohama Sougakukan, Koujyou and Touin Gakuen all advance easily.
There was one upset. Yokohama Shoudai upsets Yokohama Kita 9-4 via a 5 run 6th inning.
Niigata
Day off for Niigata yesterday, with semifinal games being held today. Nihon Bunri quickly dispatched Niigata Kenou Kougyou 10-0 in 5 innnings. The 2nd semi should be starting shortly.
Nagano
Semifinals were held yesterday, with Matsumoto Dai-ichi having to trouble with Iiyama, beating them 7-1. Nagano Nichidai never trailed in its game against Chikyuu Kankyou, although when they scored 3 in the top of the 8th to go up 6-1, Chukyuu scored 3 of their own.
Toyama
2nd set of Sweet 16 games were held yesterday.
Nanto Sougou Fukuno pulls away with 3 runs in the 8th to defeat Daimon 4-1. Toyama Dai-ichi shuts out Toyama Kokusaidai Fuzoku 3-0. Isurugi does the same to Toyama by a score of 5-0, and finally Takaoka Shougyou dispatches Shin-Minato 16-4.
The first quarterfinals are wrapping up as we speak. Toyama Dai-ichi sends Fujikoshi Kougyou 8-1 in 8 innings.
And in a shocker, Nanto Sougyou Fukuno leads top seed Sakurai 5-4 going into the bottom of the 9th!
Ishikawa
In the matinee games, Komatsu Kougyou scores 2 in the 1st and makes it stick, beating Komatsu Shougyou 2-1 while Seiryou scores runs late in the game to beat Hakui Kougyou 5-1.
Fukui
Semifinal games were to be held today, but with the game scoreless after 5 between Fukui Shougyou and Hokuriku, the game was called due to rain. That can't help either school in their efforts to claim Fukui's bid.
Yamanashi
Minobu almost realized their dream, leading Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku 3-1. But in the bottom of the 8th, Yamanashi scored 3 runs to take the 4-3 lead. Ace Yamada made the lead stick and Yamanashi advances to face Koufu Kougyou.
Shizuoka
All Sweet 16 games were to be held yesterday, but games were rained out at Numadzu Ashitaka and postopned until today.
In yesterday's games, Shizuoka Gakuen and Seisei Kougyou advance at Kusanagi Stadium. Over at Shimada, the Tokoha schools both mercy ruled their opponents. And finally at Hamamatsu, Shimada Shougyou and Kakegawa Nishi handle their opponents with relative ease.
Hamana has already advanced today with an 8-0 win over Hamamatsu Nishi while Fujieda Meisei has a slim 1-0 lead over Shizuoka Shiritsu.
Gifu
The draws were set and in semfinal #1 today, Kakamigahara and Gifu Jyouhoku clashed. Kakamigahara took the quick 1-0 lead, only to see Gifu Jyouhoku score 3 in the bottom of the 2nd. But Kakamigahara would come right back in the 3rd with 3 of their own. That 4-3 score would be the final margin.
They look to claim their first ever Koshien appearance, but their opponent is not yet determined. Chuukyou and Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou remain scoreless after 4.
Aichi
In the matinee games, Seishin shuts out Meijyoudai Fuzoku 3-0 to win C Block.
Block D saw Touhou beat Kyouei with a 3-run sayonara homerun in the bottom of the 10th inning.
And in an upset, Kouzouji upsets Aichi Sangyoudai Mikawa 3-1 to win Block G.
In today's games, Aikoudai Meiden wins Block E comfortably with a 6-3 victory over Seishou while in Block H, Toyota Nishi has the early 1-0 lead over Atsumi Nougyou after 3.
Shiga
They tried to get the semifinal games in today, but they wound up being rained out.
Mie
Komono had nothing for Kaisei in the first semifinal as their run ends with a 6-1 loss. Mie is having equal ease with Kogakkan, leading 6-0 after 5.
Kyoto
Ryuukokudai Heian continues to prove its dominance in Kyoto, defeating Toba 9-2 in 8 innings!
In the other semi, it's a pitchers' duel between Fukuchiyama Seibi's Nagaoka and Kyoto Gaidai Nishi's Mitsuzono. Kyoto Gaidai Nishi opens the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd for a 1-0 lead going into the 4th inning.
Osaka
And to complete the circle, here's a recap of games going on today in the round of 32.
There have been a ton of shutouts:
- Riseisha blanks Taisei Gakuindai 3-0.
- Osaka Touin brushes off Toneyama 10-0 in 8 innings.
- Konkou Osaka slides by Toyonaka 2-0.
- Uenomiya Taishi scores late to beat Miyakojima Kougyou 7-0.
- Kitano and Ibaraki carried a 1-1 tie into extras. But then Ibaraki scores 3 in the 11th to advance.
- Hirakata Tsuda and Ikuno each scored a run in the 6th and went to the 10th before Hirakata scored the sayonara run.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wahoo!!
Or わふっ！ as Noumi would say.
Tenri's offense highlighted by a home run by 1B Nishikawa, defeats Kooriyama 7-2 to make their 24th summer koshien appearance and 43rd overall (I think).
While in a somewhat rural prefecture in Nara, they've generally done well (although when I was there in 2006 they didn't... boo).
So I hope this year's team can make a good run at it! がんばれ天理高校！！
P.S. - Please look below for the reviews of the prefectural qualifiers. I'm up to Osaka and will continue tomorrow.
Tenri's offense highlighted by a home run by 1B Nishikawa, defeats Kooriyama 7-2 to make their 24th summer koshien appearance and 43rd overall (I think).
While in a somewhat rural prefecture in Nara, they've generally done well (although when I was there in 2006 they didn't... boo).
So I hope this year's team can make a good run at it! がんばれ天理高校！！
P.S. - Please look below for the reviews of the prefectural qualifiers. I'm up to Osaka and will continue tomorrow.
No luck for the first timers...
Fukushima's prefectural qualifying is complete!
Seikou Gakuin successfully defends their title against Higashi Nippondai Shouhei winning by a score of 5-3!
As mentioned in the updates, Seikou's 2 runs in the 3rd inning prove to be the margin. For as much as Shouhei would score a run to close the margin, Seikou would come right back and keep the lead at 2. This is their 6th summer appearance.
Last year, they made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Yokohama 15-1. Let's hope they receive a better fate.
Seikou Gakuin successfully defends their title against Higashi Nippondai Shouhei winning by a score of 5-3!
As mentioned in the updates, Seikou's 2 runs in the 3rd inning prove to be the margin. For as much as Shouhei would score a run to close the margin, Seikou would come right back and keep the lead at 2. This is their 6th summer appearance.
Last year, they made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Yokohama 15-1. Let's hope they receive a better fate.
Ouch....
No one likes to see a blowout. It's never fun for either team...
And unfortunately, we saw one in Yamagata-ken.
Sakata Minami, already up 4-0, scores 3 in the 5th, 4 in the 6th and 5 in the 7th. One more in the 8th and they win 17-0 over Shinjyou Higashi.
Hopefully the team from Shinjyou will take the positives in the experience of making it to the finals rather than the championship game itself.
But it's Sakata Minami who will represent Yamagata.
And unfortunately, we saw one in Yamagata-ken.
Sakata Minami, already up 4-0, scores 3 in the 5th, 4 in the 6th and 5 in the 7th. One more in the 8th and they win 17-0 over Shinjyou Higashi.
Hopefully the team from Shinjyou will take the positives in the experience of making it to the finals rather than the championship game itself.
But it's Sakata Minami who will represent Yamagata.
Congratulations to Asahigawadai!
Kita Hokkaido's bid has been claimed and it goes to Asahigawadai! They defeat Obihiro Ootani 5-1 and will make their 7th appearance at Koshien! This is their 1st appearance since 2003.
Obihiro Ootani made a great run, but it just wasn't enough to make their first ever appearance. Hopefully this won't be their only shot.
Obihiro Ootani made a great run, but it just wasn't enough to make their first ever appearance. Hopefully this won't be their only shot.
7.24 (and some 7.25) Update (Part 2)
Ishikawa
Ishikawa is holding their Best 8 games today.
With Kanazawa outsed early, the other potential leaders for Ishikawa's bid gain some momentum. Yuugakukan and Seiryou both face an easier road to the final.
That isn't to say there aren't challenges. Kanazawa's ouster, Komatsu Shougyou, is still in the field. And there are other folders such as Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa and Hakui Kougyou.
As of the writing of this section, Nanao leads Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi 1-0 going into the bottom of the 9th. Yuugakukan leads Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa 1-0 after 6 innings.
Fukui
It's official. The brackets have now ended up chalk. Hokuyou and Fukui Shougyou will be in semi-final #1 and Fukui Koudai Fukui and Tsuruga Kehi will play in the other semi.
Tsuruga Kehi though almost didn't make it. Up 3-1 over Tsuruga, they let them equalize in the 8th, and then fell behind 4-3 going into the bottom of the 9th. With one out and cleanup batter Yamada on 2nd, Nakao hits a double to tie the game. And then a misplay on a hard grounder by Watanabe allows Nakao to score from 2nd, winning the game.
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SCORE ALERT -- In Ishikawa, Nanao has held on to defeat Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi 1-0. Meanwhile, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa down 1-0 in the 9th, ties the score and they go into extras!
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Yamanashi
Yamanashi already today has half of their final determined. The Best 4 could have created an all university school matchup in the finals as Toukaidai Koufu was matched up against Koufu Kougyou, while surprise team Minobu squared off against Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku.
However in the first semi today, Koufu Shougyou squashed that idea by beating Toukaidai 10-3 in 7 innings. Minobu would love the chance to do the same to Yamanashi Gakuindai and have a chance at their first ever Koshien appearance.
Shizuoka
They are having their Sweet 16 games today. The top 4 seeds are still around - Shizuoka Gakuen, Kakegawa Nishi, Seisei Kougyou and Hamamatsu Shiritsu. The Tokoha schools - Tokoha Kikugawa and Tachibana are still in it too, and you can never sleep on them either.
Gifu
Gifu has reached their Best 4, but there is a draw to determine semifinal matchups. In Block A, Chuukyou had no trouble with Toki Shougyou winning 7-1. Block B saw Gifu Jyouhoku defeat Oogaki Higashi 9-2. Kakamigahara, who upsed seeded Oogaki Nishi mercies Mizunami to move out of Block C, and finally Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou beat Nagara 6-2 in Block D.
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SCORE ALERT -- Back to Ishikawa and Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa's momemtum was too much for Yuugakukan and they wave sayonara to them 2-1!!
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Aichi
Block play would end today... if rain didn't was out games at Toyohashi Municipal for the 2nd time in 3 days. But we will have 6 of our Best 8 participants determined today.
In Block A, Chuukyoudai Chuukyou cruised over Sakuragaoka 13-3 in 6 innings.
Block B, seeded Aichi Keisei beats Shigakukan 5-3 to advance.
And in the first game at Okazaki Municipal seeys Kariya upset Tokyaku 3-1 to take F Block.
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SCORE ALERT -- The 4 prefectural finals are underway!
In Kita Hokkaido, Asahigawadai and Obihiro Ootani are scoreless after 2½. Kakita and Sugiura are throwing respectively for their teams.
Moving to Yamagata, Shinjyou Higashi's ace Kasahara gives up 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st to Sakata Minami. Yasui on the other hand has kept Shinjyou's offense off the board. 2-0 moving to the bottom of the 3rd.
Seikou Gakuin and Higashi Nippondai Shouhei are scorless after 2 innings. Yokoyama and Kubo are keeping the offenses at bay.
Finally to the Kinki region and Nara-ken, Kooriyama gets to Tenri's Nakayama in the top of the 1st to lead 1-0. But the score's been stuck at 1-0 going to the bottom of the 1st for a while now. Did Tenri immediately retaliate against Kooriyama's ace Ooe?
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Shiga
Oumi remains as the only seeded team left in the Best 4, but they're not alone. Their semifinal opponent Hieizan is no slouch, but they haven't seen Koshien since 1999.
Kita Ootsu resides in the other semifinal and they've come strong in recent years. They meet up with the Cinderella Shiga Gakuen who defeated seeded Ayaha.
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SCORE ALERT -- Okay, I've been a bit distracted by the TV... so the game have progressed quite a bit.
We're in the middle of the 6th now in Kita Hokkaido, and Obihiro Ootani looks like they'll have to wait for another year. Asahigawadai scored 1 in the 4th and 4 in the 5th to take a 5-0 lead.
It looks like 0-2 for teams making their first bid. That 2 run lead for Sakata Minami in Yamagata has turned into 7 after 5½ innings - partially thanks to a homerun by LF Kudou. Shinjyou Higashi too will fall short.
Seikou Gakuin gets on the board 2-0 in the 3rd. They trade a run in the 5th and Higashi Nippondai Shouhei trails by 2 going into the top of the 6th.
Kooriyama and Tenri's game is stuck in the bottom of the 1st. I don't know what's going on anymore.
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Mie
It's just about chalk here in Mie's Best 4. Top seeded Kaisei had an early scare against Kuwana Nishi but has cruised since. They clash with Komono, who has had to play 2 "games" in 2 days. Up 6-2 against Yokkaichi Kougyou in the quarterfinals, the game gets called after 5½ due to rain. Then in the replay, down 1-0, they tie the game in the 8th. It goes to the 14th inning where Yokkaichi scores 1. This late, a run like that could be fatal. But not for Komono. They comeback with 2 to win. But you have to think they might be worn out now.
In the other semi, Mie looks to reach the final, but there's a hungry Kogakkan looking to get their first bid.
Kyoto
Kyoto is in their Best 4. And even with the number of teams here, 4 seeded teams made the finals. And it's an interesting 4 teams at that.
The first semifinal features Toba and Ryuukokudai Heian.
Toba has the honor of being the first team to win the natsu Koshien tournament back in 1915. They made another appearance in the summer 1946 and spring 1947 tournaments, and made the finals in 1946. And then came back once again in 2000-2001, making the semifinals in the spring 2000 tournament. Perhaps if they win, they'll make another deep run. For their sake, I think they'd like to make the tournament more than a couple of times in several decades.
Ryuukokudai Heian is probably more known as Heian. And they've been to Koshien so many times, I can't make a good count right now. And when they do go, they generally make it to the semifinals. Scary good.
The second semifinal has Kyoto Gaidai Nishi and Fukuchiyama Seibi.
I remember Kyoto Gaidai Nishi for their "closer" #10 Honda Takuto. It was him that made me root for the school. Even when they faced Komadai Tomakomai back in 2005 for the title. Well, they're back and ready to take on all comers.
Fukuchiyama Seibi was an interesting team. I knew nothing of them when I saw them live in 2006. And I remember in their semifinal game against Kagoshima Kougyou. I sat next to a husband and wife behind home plate and we discussed how he was a fan of Fukuchiyama Seibi. They looked good throughout the tournament, and it seems like they were here to stay. And while they haven't made deep runs since, they have proven to be a new power to be reckoned with.
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SCORE ALERT -- And we're got 2 more to go.
Try as they might, Higashi Nippondai Shouhei cannot make up any ground against Seikou Gakuin. The 2 runs in the 3rd remain the difference, and they're down to their last 3 outs.
Kooriyama and Tenri's game back online. My guess is a rain delay. In the game, Tenri continues to put runs up each inning and now lead 6-1 going into the 5th inning.
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Osaka
For a big prefectural tournament such as Osaka, rain is not their friend. And it continues to plague the qualifiers. They are only in the round of 32 right now.
And it appears that the Osaka qualifiers are a bit moire detailed than I thought.
1st Level is regional block play at specific stadiums. 32 teams emerge from this level.
Teams then draw for the 2nd Level, which is another "block play" to get the Best 8.
I have to assume from here that they draw for the Best 8 brackets, but I can't be sure.
I need some sleep, but I'll post the brackets first thing tomorrow and begin the review once again with Osaka.
Ishikawa is holding their Best 8 games today.
With Kanazawa outsed early, the other potential leaders for Ishikawa's bid gain some momentum. Yuugakukan and Seiryou both face an easier road to the final.
That isn't to say there aren't challenges. Kanazawa's ouster, Komatsu Shougyou, is still in the field. And there are other folders such as Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa and Hakui Kougyou.
As of the writing of this section, Nanao leads Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi 1-0 going into the bottom of the 9th. Yuugakukan leads Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa 1-0 after 6 innings.
Fukui
It's official. The brackets have now ended up chalk. Hokuyou and Fukui Shougyou will be in semi-final #1 and Fukui Koudai Fukui and Tsuruga Kehi will play in the other semi.
Tsuruga Kehi though almost didn't make it. Up 3-1 over Tsuruga, they let them equalize in the 8th, and then fell behind 4-3 going into the bottom of the 9th. With one out and cleanup batter Yamada on 2nd, Nakao hits a double to tie the game. And then a misplay on a hard grounder by Watanabe allows Nakao to score from 2nd, winning the game.
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SCORE ALERT -- In Ishikawa, Nanao has held on to defeat Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi 1-0. Meanwhile, Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa down 1-0 in the 9th, ties the score and they go into extras!
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Yamanashi
Yamanashi already today has half of their final determined. The Best 4 could have created an all university school matchup in the finals as Toukaidai Koufu was matched up against Koufu Kougyou, while surprise team Minobu squared off against Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku.
However in the first semi today, Koufu Shougyou squashed that idea by beating Toukaidai 10-3 in 7 innings. Minobu would love the chance to do the same to Yamanashi Gakuindai and have a chance at their first ever Koshien appearance.
Shizuoka
They are having their Sweet 16 games today. The top 4 seeds are still around - Shizuoka Gakuen, Kakegawa Nishi, Seisei Kougyou and Hamamatsu Shiritsu. The Tokoha schools - Tokoha Kikugawa and Tachibana are still in it too, and you can never sleep on them either.
Gifu
Gifu has reached their Best 4, but there is a draw to determine semifinal matchups. In Block A, Chuukyou had no trouble with Toki Shougyou winning 7-1. Block B saw Gifu Jyouhoku defeat Oogaki Higashi 9-2. Kakamigahara, who upsed seeded Oogaki Nishi mercies Mizunami to move out of Block C, and finally Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou beat Nagara 6-2 in Block D.
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SCORE ALERT -- Back to Ishikawa and Nihon Koukuu Ishikawa's momemtum was too much for Yuugakukan and they wave sayonara to them 2-1!!
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Aichi
Block play would end today... if rain didn't was out games at Toyohashi Municipal for the 2nd time in 3 days. But we will have 6 of our Best 8 participants determined today.
In Block A, Chuukyoudai Chuukyou cruised over Sakuragaoka 13-3 in 6 innings.
Block B, seeded Aichi Keisei beats Shigakukan 5-3 to advance.
And in the first game at Okazaki Municipal seeys Kariya upset Tokyaku 3-1 to take F Block.
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SCORE ALERT -- The 4 prefectural finals are underway!
In Kita Hokkaido, Asahigawadai and Obihiro Ootani are scoreless after 2½. Kakita and Sugiura are throwing respectively for their teams.
Moving to Yamagata, Shinjyou Higashi's ace Kasahara gives up 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st to Sakata Minami. Yasui on the other hand has kept Shinjyou's offense off the board. 2-0 moving to the bottom of the 3rd.
Seikou Gakuin and Higashi Nippondai Shouhei are scorless after 2 innings. Yokoyama and Kubo are keeping the offenses at bay.
Finally to the Kinki region and Nara-ken, Kooriyama gets to Tenri's Nakayama in the top of the 1st to lead 1-0. But the score's been stuck at 1-0 going to the bottom of the 1st for a while now. Did Tenri immediately retaliate against Kooriyama's ace Ooe?
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Shiga
Oumi remains as the only seeded team left in the Best 4, but they're not alone. Their semifinal opponent Hieizan is no slouch, but they haven't seen Koshien since 1999.
Kita Ootsu resides in the other semifinal and they've come strong in recent years. They meet up with the Cinderella Shiga Gakuen who defeated seeded Ayaha.
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SCORE ALERT -- Okay, I've been a bit distracted by the TV... so the game have progressed quite a bit.
We're in the middle of the 6th now in Kita Hokkaido, and Obihiro Ootani looks like they'll have to wait for another year. Asahigawadai scored 1 in the 4th and 4 in the 5th to take a 5-0 lead.
It looks like 0-2 for teams making their first bid. That 2 run lead for Sakata Minami in Yamagata has turned into 7 after 5½ innings - partially thanks to a homerun by LF Kudou. Shinjyou Higashi too will fall short.
Seikou Gakuin gets on the board 2-0 in the 3rd. They trade a run in the 5th and Higashi Nippondai Shouhei trails by 2 going into the top of the 6th.
Kooriyama and Tenri's game is stuck in the bottom of the 1st. I don't know what's going on anymore.
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Mie
It's just about chalk here in Mie's Best 4. Top seeded Kaisei had an early scare against Kuwana Nishi but has cruised since. They clash with Komono, who has had to play 2 "games" in 2 days. Up 6-2 against Yokkaichi Kougyou in the quarterfinals, the game gets called after 5½ due to rain. Then in the replay, down 1-0, they tie the game in the 8th. It goes to the 14th inning where Yokkaichi scores 1. This late, a run like that could be fatal. But not for Komono. They comeback with 2 to win. But you have to think they might be worn out now.
In the other semi, Mie looks to reach the final, but there's a hungry Kogakkan looking to get their first bid.
Kyoto
Kyoto is in their Best 4. And even with the number of teams here, 4 seeded teams made the finals. And it's an interesting 4 teams at that.
The first semifinal features Toba and Ryuukokudai Heian.
Toba has the honor of being the first team to win the natsu Koshien tournament back in 1915. They made another appearance in the summer 1946 and spring 1947 tournaments, and made the finals in 1946. And then came back once again in 2000-2001, making the semifinals in the spring 2000 tournament. Perhaps if they win, they'll make another deep run. For their sake, I think they'd like to make the tournament more than a couple of times in several decades.
Ryuukokudai Heian is probably more known as Heian. And they've been to Koshien so many times, I can't make a good count right now. And when they do go, they generally make it to the semifinals. Scary good.
The second semifinal has Kyoto Gaidai Nishi and Fukuchiyama Seibi.
I remember Kyoto Gaidai Nishi for their "closer" #10 Honda Takuto. It was him that made me root for the school. Even when they faced Komadai Tomakomai back in 2005 for the title. Well, they're back and ready to take on all comers.
Fukuchiyama Seibi was an interesting team. I knew nothing of them when I saw them live in 2006. And I remember in their semifinal game against Kagoshima Kougyou. I sat next to a husband and wife behind home plate and we discussed how he was a fan of Fukuchiyama Seibi. They looked good throughout the tournament, and it seems like they were here to stay. And while they haven't made deep runs since, they have proven to be a new power to be reckoned with.
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SCORE ALERT -- And we're got 2 more to go.
Try as they might, Higashi Nippondai Shouhei cannot make up any ground against Seikou Gakuin. The 2 runs in the 3rd remain the difference, and they're down to their last 3 outs.
Kooriyama and Tenri's game back online. My guess is a rain delay. In the game, Tenri continues to put runs up each inning and now lead 6-1 going into the 5th inning.
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Osaka
For a big prefectural tournament such as Osaka, rain is not their friend. And it continues to plague the qualifiers. They are only in the round of 32 right now.
And it appears that the Osaka qualifiers are a bit moire detailed than I thought.
1st Level is regional block play at specific stadiums. 32 teams emerge from this level.
Teams then draw for the 2nd Level, which is another "block play" to get the Best 8.
I have to assume from here that they draw for the Best 8 brackets, but I can't be sure.
I need some sleep, but I'll post the brackets first thing tomorrow and begin the review once again with Osaka.
7.24 Update! (Part 1)
As mentioned before, we're rapidy wrapping things up everywhere. So let's take a spin around the country shall we?
Aomori
Aomori Yamada had no trouble against Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi. And their road got much easier as ⑧Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi upset ①Kousei Gakuin in 11 innings! Kousei seemed to have things wrapped up with a 2-run lead in the 9th, but Noheji roared back to tie the game!
Only Aomori Yamada's next opponent, Misawa, has been to Koshien before - and that was back in 1969! Oominato and the others will have to put a near perfect game together if they want to make it.
Miyagi
Inclimate weather at Natori Sports Park continues to push back proceedings here. ①Tohoku though continues to steamroll into the Best 8, while ②Sendai Ikuei had a bit of trouble against Ishimaki Kougyou.
Gunma
Half of the Best 4 are set as weather again delays things yesterday. Jyutoku takes down another seeded team sending Takasaki Kenkoufukushi with their tails between their legs 10-3.
That leaves Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni as the last seeded team left, and they hope to play their Best 8 game today against Kiryuu.
Joining Jyutoku was Kiryuu Minami, who tied the game 4-4 with 2 runs in the 8th before plating the sayonara run in the 10th.
Tochigi
The semifinalists here all have had some experience, although Seiran Taito has only been there once in 1990. Sakushin Gakuin, Sano Nihon and Utsunomiya Kougyou all have been at Koshien at some point this decade.
Seiran Taito and Sano Nihon have played mostly low scoring affairs while their semi opponents, Sakushin Gakuin and Utsunomiya Kougyou have offensively dominated. It looks to be an interesting set of semifinals.
Ibaraki
Sweet 16 play gets underway today. Top seeds Jyousou Gakuin and Shimotsuma Dai-ni have cruised through their first 2 games. Mito Sakuranomaki also has done well as a 3-4 seed.
Other teams that have had strong showings include Mito Tankidai Fuzoku, Tsuchiura Kohoku, Tsuchiura Nihon and Ushiku (who upset Fujishiro).
Nishi Tokyo
By a stroke of bad luck, one of the well-known teams falls in the round of 16.
On the 23rd, Waseda Jitsugyou faced off against Toua Gakuen. Waseda and their P Suzuki dominated the Toua batters while the offense put crooked numbers up in the first 4 innings. Commanding an 8-3 lead in the middle of the 5th, the game was called due to rain. The teams would have to play again the next day.
The game was scoreless until the 5th inning when the Toua offense got to ace Onoda putting 3 on the board. And in the 6th, the wheels just fell off. Toua Gakuen scores 7 runs and ends the game right then and there.
So Sojitsu is gone, and I'm sure no one left in the field is shedding a tear - especially top-seeded Nihon Dai-san who gets to face Toua Gakuen next.
In other games, Hachiouji survived a late scoring battle against Nihon Tsurugaoka to win 8-7. And with the exception of Toritsu Komae who defeated Torisu Higashi-Yamato 3-0, all the other games were blowouts.
Higashi Tokyo
The Best 8 is set with games to start today.
Nishogakushadai Fuzoku continues to punish their opponents and looks to do the same against Toritsu Sougou Kouka. Toritsu Yukigaya needed 11 to beat Toritsu Adachi Shinden 3-2.
So our matchups are as follows:
Chiba
Chiba have reached their semifinals. Narashino advances with a 4-1 win over Chiba Reimei, and will meet Takushokudai Kouryou, who last appeared in the spring Koshien in 2004, and defeated Kisaradzu Sougou 8-3 with 6 runs late in the game.
The other semi guarantees a team looking for their first bid. Ryuukeidai Kashiwa has had to play from the furthest depths of the brackets, and played 41 straight innings before giving up a run in the 3rd inning to Seibudai Chiba, but advances 6-2.
Yachiyo Higashi, like Ryuukeidai has had to battle from the ends of the bracket, but has had many close games throughout:
Kanagawa
Rain cancels half of the games yesterday.
For those games that did get played, Yokohama takes a 12-0 lead over Toukaidai Sagami after 4½ innings, only to see Sagami come back with 9 runs of their own over the next 3 innings. Luckily for Yokohama, that's all they were able to muster. Their next opponent will be Yokohama Hayato who took care of Totsuka 13-6 in 8.
Toukou Gakuen and Tourei Fujisawa will make up the other quarterfinal as both breezed through their games.
Niigata
Nihon Bunri has had to trouble with the opposition so far, as they have practically strolled into the Best 4. However, their semifinal will be against the defending champion, Niigata Kenou Kougyou, who needed 13 innings to defeat seeded Niigata Shougyou 7-4. Kenou will be looking for their 2nd ever appearance.
The 2nd semifinal will be between newcomer Gosen and 7-time particiapnt Chuuetsu.
Nagano
The semifinals are set here, and boy were they doozies. Maruko Shuugakukan and Chikyuu Kankyou traded runs early with Maruko taking a slim 4-3 lead. That is until the 7th when Chikyuu scored 3 to take the lead for good.
But the game of the day was the 2nd quarterfinal between Matsumoto Dai-ichi and Matsushou Gakuen. Matsushou takes an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st only to see Dai-ichi tie it right back up. Then in the 5th and 6th innings, Dai-ichi goes on a 7-1 run to take a 11-5 lead! After Matsushou gets one back in the 7th, Dai-ichi extends that lead to 13-6 with 2 in the 8th.
So down 7 and facing the mercy rule, Matsushou does the only thing it could do - score 7 runs in the 8th and tie the game!!!!! It's 13-13!
The game goes into extras, and Dai-ichi looks to put the game away again with a run in the 10th. Undeterred, Matsushou scores one right back to continue the game. And it does, with both teams scoreless for the longest period - 3 innings. Then in the 14th, Dai-ichi breaks through against Itou (who was in his 9th inning of work), for 2 runs. And Yamada shuts the door on Matsushou once and for all, sending Dai-ichi into the semifinals, 16-14!
And with that game, we have 4 participants who have one Koshien appearance between them. That would be Nagano Nichidai... who is the defending champion (and made the quarterfinals!).
So we have:
Toyama
Sweet 16 play has started... and it wasn't good for Toyama Shougyou. Fujikoshi Kougyou ties a 4-3 game in the 8th, scores 3 in the 9th, and holds off a Toyama Shougyou rally in the 9th to win 7-6!
Namerikawa also was upset by Tonami Kougyou 4-3, meaning that the left side of the brackets open up for Takaoka Shougyou. Also, for teams like Sakurai and Himi on the right side, it takes out a potential finals opponent.
I'll continue with updates later on today.
Aomori
Aomori Yamada had no trouble against Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi. And their road got much easier as ⑧Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi upset ①Kousei Gakuin in 11 innings! Kousei seemed to have things wrapped up with a 2-run lead in the 9th, but Noheji roared back to tie the game!
Only Aomori Yamada's next opponent, Misawa, has been to Koshien before - and that was back in 1969! Oominato and the others will have to put a near perfect game together if they want to make it.
Miyagi
Inclimate weather at Natori Sports Park continues to push back proceedings here. ①Tohoku though continues to steamroll into the Best 8, while ②Sendai Ikuei had a bit of trouble against Ishimaki Kougyou.
Gunma
Half of the Best 4 are set as weather again delays things yesterday. Jyutoku takes down another seeded team sending Takasaki Kenkoufukushi with their tails between their legs 10-3.
That leaves Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni as the last seeded team left, and they hope to play their Best 8 game today against Kiryuu.
Joining Jyutoku was Kiryuu Minami, who tied the game 4-4 with 2 runs in the 8th before plating the sayonara run in the 10th.
Tochigi
The semifinalists here all have had some experience, although Seiran Taito has only been there once in 1990. Sakushin Gakuin, Sano Nihon and Utsunomiya Kougyou all have been at Koshien at some point this decade.
Seiran Taito and Sano Nihon have played mostly low scoring affairs while their semi opponents, Sakushin Gakuin and Utsunomiya Kougyou have offensively dominated. It looks to be an interesting set of semifinals.
Ibaraki
Sweet 16 play gets underway today. Top seeds Jyousou Gakuin and Shimotsuma Dai-ni have cruised through their first 2 games. Mito Sakuranomaki also has done well as a 3-4 seed.
Other teams that have had strong showings include Mito Tankidai Fuzoku, Tsuchiura Kohoku, Tsuchiura Nihon and Ushiku (who upset Fujishiro).
Nishi Tokyo
By a stroke of bad luck, one of the well-known teams falls in the round of 16.
On the 23rd, Waseda Jitsugyou faced off against Toua Gakuen. Waseda and their P Suzuki dominated the Toua batters while the offense put crooked numbers up in the first 4 innings. Commanding an 8-3 lead in the middle of the 5th, the game was called due to rain. The teams would have to play again the next day.
The game was scoreless until the 5th inning when the Toua offense got to ace Onoda putting 3 on the board. And in the 6th, the wheels just fell off. Toua Gakuen scores 7 runs and ends the game right then and there.
So Sojitsu is gone, and I'm sure no one left in the field is shedding a tear - especially top-seeded Nihon Dai-san who gets to face Toua Gakuen next.
In other games, Hachiouji survived a late scoring battle against Nihon Tsurugaoka to win 8-7. And with the exception of Toritsu Komae who defeated Torisu Higashi-Yamato 3-0, all the other games were blowouts.
Higashi Tokyo
The Best 8 is set with games to start today.
Nishogakushadai Fuzoku continues to punish their opponents and looks to do the same against Toritsu Sougou Kouka. Toritsu Yukigaya needed 11 to beat Toritsu Adachi Shinden 3-2.
So our matchups are as follows:
- Teikyou vs. Komaba Gakuen
- Toritsu Koyamadai vs. Seiritsu Gakuen
- Nishogakushadai Fuzoku vs. Toritsu Sougou Kouka
- Toritsu Yukigaya vs. Kokushikan
Chiba
Chiba have reached their semifinals. Narashino advances with a 4-1 win over Chiba Reimei, and will meet Takushokudai Kouryou, who last appeared in the spring Koshien in 2004, and defeated Kisaradzu Sougou 8-3 with 6 runs late in the game.
The other semi guarantees a team looking for their first bid. Ryuukeidai Kashiwa has had to play from the furthest depths of the brackets, and played 41 straight innings before giving up a run in the 3rd inning to Seibudai Chiba, but advances 6-2.
Yachiyo Higashi, like Ryuukeidai has had to battle from the ends of the bracket, but has had many close games throughout:
- 1st Round - vs. Shiritsu Inage - 2x-1 in 14 innings.
- 2nd Round - vs. Noda Chuo - 5-0
- 3rd Round - va. Awa - 3-2 (Up 3-0, Awa scores one in the 8th and another in the 9th, but according to the Asahi website, weather stopped the potential rally.)
- 4th Round - vs. Toukaidai Bouyou - 3-2 in 12 innings. (Down 2-0 in the 9th, Yachiyo scores 2 to tie the game)
- Round of 16 - vs. Tateyama Sougou - 4-2 (Breaks a scoreless draw with 3 in the 8th, and holds off a late rally after Tateyama scores 2 in the 9th.)
- Quarterfinals - vs. Keiai Gakuen - 3-2 (A 3-run 6th is enough to beat the seeded Keiai).
Kanagawa
Rain cancels half of the games yesterday.
For those games that did get played, Yokohama takes a 12-0 lead over Toukaidai Sagami after 4½ innings, only to see Sagami come back with 9 runs of their own over the next 3 innings. Luckily for Yokohama, that's all they were able to muster. Their next opponent will be Yokohama Hayato who took care of Totsuka 13-6 in 8.
Toukou Gakuen and Tourei Fujisawa will make up the other quarterfinal as both breezed through their games.
Niigata
Nihon Bunri has had to trouble with the opposition so far, as they have practically strolled into the Best 4. However, their semifinal will be against the defending champion, Niigata Kenou Kougyou, who needed 13 innings to defeat seeded Niigata Shougyou 7-4. Kenou will be looking for their 2nd ever appearance.
The 2nd semifinal will be between newcomer Gosen and 7-time particiapnt Chuuetsu.
Nagano
The semifinals are set here, and boy were they doozies. Maruko Shuugakukan and Chikyuu Kankyou traded runs early with Maruko taking a slim 4-3 lead. That is until the 7th when Chikyuu scored 3 to take the lead for good.
But the game of the day was the 2nd quarterfinal between Matsumoto Dai-ichi and Matsushou Gakuen. Matsushou takes an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st only to see Dai-ichi tie it right back up. Then in the 5th and 6th innings, Dai-ichi goes on a 7-1 run to take a 11-5 lead! After Matsushou gets one back in the 7th, Dai-ichi extends that lead to 13-6 with 2 in the 8th.
So down 7 and facing the mercy rule, Matsushou does the only thing it could do - score 7 runs in the 8th and tie the game!!!!! It's 13-13!
The game goes into extras, and Dai-ichi looks to put the game away again with a run in the 10th. Undeterred, Matsushou scores one right back to continue the game. And it does, with both teams scoreless for the longest period - 3 innings. Then in the 14th, Dai-ichi breaks through against Itou (who was in his 9th inning of work), for 2 runs. And Yamada shuts the door on Matsushou once and for all, sending Dai-ichi into the semifinals, 16-14!
And with that game, we have 4 participants who have one Koshien appearance between them. That would be Nagano Nichidai... who is the defending champion (and made the quarterfinals!).
So we have:
- Iiyama vs. Matsumoto Dai-ichi
- Chikyuu Kankyou vs. Nagano Nichidai
Toyama
Sweet 16 play has started... and it wasn't good for Toyama Shougyou. Fujikoshi Kougyou ties a 4-3 game in the 8th, scores 3 in the 9th, and holds off a Toyama Shougyou rally in the 9th to win 7-6!
Namerikawa also was upset by Tonami Kougyou 4-3, meaning that the left side of the brackets open up for Takaoka Shougyou. Also, for teams like Sakurai and Himi on the right side, it takes out a potential finals opponent.
I'll continue with updates later on today.
4 bids up for grabs!
We're now in the home stretch for most if not all the prefectural qualifiers. 5 are in and 4 more will be determined today.
So let's go over the 4 prefectures:
Kita Hokkaido
Obihiro Ootani will be looking for their 1st ever Koshien bid as they face Asashigawadai in the finals. It should shape up for a good finals matchup.
Yamagata
Sakata Minami shuts down Nihon Yamagata 2-0 and is the favorite to take the bid. Shinjyou Higashi continues to take the momentum from defeating Haguro using a 4-run 4th to upset Yonezawa Chuo, and hopes to secure their 1st ever appearance.
Fukushima
Seikou Gakuin looks to secure its 5th bid in 6 years as they face Higashi Nippon Kokusaidai Shouhei. They may have an added benefit as Higashi Nippon needed 12 innings to defeat Nihon Tohoku 6-5 yesterday. But like many finalists, Higashi Nippon is also looking for their 1st appearance ever.
Nara
Tenri held a slim 2-1 lead against Ichijyou when Numata gives up 3 runs in the 6th inning. Numata gives way to Nakayama who stops the bleeding. And in the 7th Tenri scores 2 to tie it up! Nakayama can't hold the lead though as Ichijyou retakes the lead 5-4.
Running out of time, Tenri breaks through against Kaminaka and scores 4 in the 8th! Katayama relieves Kaminaka, but the damage is done. Nakayama shuts down Ichijyou in the 9th and Tenri advances to the finals!
Their opponent is no pushover though. Kooriyama ranks 3rd in number of appearances (although interestingly enough there have been only 5 different schools from Nara to go). This will be an interesting matchup for sure.
So let's go over the 4 prefectures:
Kita Hokkaido
Obihiro Ootani will be looking for their 1st ever Koshien bid as they face Asashigawadai in the finals. It should shape up for a good finals matchup.
Yamagata
Sakata Minami shuts down Nihon Yamagata 2-0 and is the favorite to take the bid. Shinjyou Higashi continues to take the momentum from defeating Haguro using a 4-run 4th to upset Yonezawa Chuo, and hopes to secure their 1st ever appearance.
Fukushima
Seikou Gakuin looks to secure its 5th bid in 6 years as they face Higashi Nippon Kokusaidai Shouhei. They may have an added benefit as Higashi Nippon needed 12 innings to defeat Nihon Tohoku 6-5 yesterday. But like many finalists, Higashi Nippon is also looking for their 1st appearance ever.
Nara
Tenri held a slim 2-1 lead against Ichijyou when Numata gives up 3 runs in the 6th inning. Numata gives way to Nakayama who stops the bleeding. And in the 7th Tenri scores 2 to tie it up! Nakayama can't hold the lead though as Ichijyou retakes the lead 5-4.
Running out of time, Tenri breaks through against Kaminaka and scores 4 in the 8th! Katayama relieves Kaminaka, but the damage is done. Nakayama shuts down Ichijyou in the 9th and Tenri advances to the finals!
Their opponent is no pushover though. Kooriyama ranks 3rd in number of appearances (although interestingly enough there have been only 5 different schools from Nara to go). This will be an interesting matchup for sure.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Am I good or what?
How's that for being prescient?
Kikuchi Tatsuo for Morioka Dai-ichi versus Kikuchi Yuusei from Hanamaki Higashi.
And in the 4th, it is Morioka that breaks through with a run!
Tatsuo continues to hold off the Hanamaki offense... and time was running out.
Then in the 7th, Hanamaki breaks through! I wish I had details on it, but somehow they score 2 to take the lead, 2-1!
And Yuusei would not let this 2nd chance slip away. He shuts down Morioka Dai-ichi and Hanamaki Higashi wins by the same score! Kikuchi Yuusei will indeed return to Koshien!
Kikuchi Tatsuo for Morioka Dai-ichi versus Kikuchi Yuusei from Hanamaki Higashi.
And in the 4th, it is Morioka that breaks through with a run!
Tatsuo continues to hold off the Hanamaki offense... and time was running out.
Then in the 7th, Hanamaki breaks through! I wish I had details on it, but somehow they score 2 to take the lead, 2-1!
And Yuusei would not let this 2nd chance slip away. He shuts down Morioka Dai-ichi and Hanamaki Higashi wins by the same score! Kikuchi Yuusei will indeed return to Koshien!
Hanamaki Higashi on the edge...
No, they're not losing, but they are on the edge of taking Iwate's bid. The final is today versus Morioka Dai-ichi, who shutout Moriokadai Fuzoku 1-0. It will be an all-Kikuchi affair as each will send their ace to the mound.
Needless to say, it'll be a shocker if we don't see Yuusei's team on top when all is said and done.
Needless to say, it'll be a shocker if we don't see Yuusei's team on top when all is said and done.
It's never easy... (Part 3)
Back to finish the recaps. These will include games concluded on 7.23
Shimane
I though Shimane is would be wide open now since Kaisei was upset earlier in the tournament. But it turns out that many past participants are still in the Best 8. Masuda Higashi and Hamada are playing each other.
And I was looking around for Gonokawa, but couldn't find them. That is until I noticed that Gonokawa changed their name to Iwamichisuikan. And to top it all off, they were the ones that upset Kaisei!
Hiroshima
Oy. Not a good round for seeded teams. 3 of the top 4 seeded teams did not make it past the round of 32.
Onomichi upset Hiroshima Kougyou 2-0...
Eishin outlasts Soutoku 8-6 in 14 innings...
Gokou ties the game up in the 9th inning and scores 3 in the 1ith to defeat Setouchi 7-5.
The only top seeded team left is Jyousuikan, who got by Onomichi Higashi 2-0. And the only seeded team left along with Jyousuikan is Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin - and they're on a collision course with Jyousuikan.
Kouryou finds themselves on the other side of the bracket and with a clear path to the finals. First step will be against Mihara in the round of 16.
Yamaguchi
Boy, the Chuugoku region is full of upsets the last couple of days...
Ube Koujyou? Lost to Ube Kougyou 3-0 in its first game.
Iwakuni? Lost to Kumage Minami 3-2 in its 2nd game.
Shimonoseki Shougyou? Shimonoseki Kokusai pulled away in the late innings to win 9-3.
Nanyou Kougyou, the spring participant who made a deep run? Houfu Shougyou uses a 4-run 5th to defeat them 5-4.
The immediate beneficiaries are Iwakuni Shougyou and Karyou. But the Best 8 field is still wide open.
Kagawa
Kagawa Nishi won't be returning to Koshien this year. Top seeded Samukawa held on to beat them 5-4.
Jinsei Gakuen joins Samukawa in the Best 8 with a 4-0 win over Sakaide and will now meet hopeful Tonoshou. Marugame Jyousei faces Takamatsu today for a ticket to the Best 8.
Tokushima
We've reached the Best 4. Naruto Kougyou remains as the only top seeded team left and appears to be the front-runner to Koshien. Tokushima Kita beat Komatsushima 5-2 and now faces that same Naruto Kougyou. Komatsushima Nishi exacts revenge by upsetting Seikou Gakuin 5-3. But don't forget Naruto Dai-ichi - they've gone through the brackets with relative ease.
Ehime
Rain has slowed play down here in Ehime. They've just reached the Sweet 16. Seeded teams have only played one game so far and Akiyama's Saijyou - as well as Saibi and Imabari Nishi cruised throught their first game.
Kochi
After 2 days of rainouts, the 1st round finally concluded (and subsequently the 2nd round has started).
Kochi Kougyou and Kochi Shougyou were shown the door in the first round, both on sayonara runs in the 9th inning. Ootemae scoring 3 to defeat Shougyou, and Shimizu rallying from 3 down, scoring the winning run in the 9th.
So now the eyes are turned to Meitoku Gijuku, who dominated the early part of the decade and Kochi, who have gone in recent years. Kochi won their game 10-0 in 5 over Kochi Odzu. Meitoku, the only team with a 1st round bye, finally got their game in, defeating Kochi Chuo 4-0.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka has gone from the 18 block winners down to the Best 4.
And out of the 4 participants, they have a combined 4 Koshien appearances. I wondered about how random the representatives have been given how big of a prefecture it is. At least there should be one or two teams that have some dominance - and I suppose Yanagigawa might count, but it either speaks to the parity or weakness of the prefecture.
And our semi's are:
Saga
Saga too is in their final 4. The magic of Saga Kita seems to be short-lived. But it was one heck of a run nonetheless.
Saga Shougyou has shown up once again and is making a good bid for the title. Saga Gakuen is looking for their 6th appearance.
But here too there are 2 schools looking for their first bid - Imari Nourin and Kashima Jitsugyou. Imari was a top 4 seed and has played well, Kashima defeated top 4 Ogi and has played consistently as well.
Nagasaki
Do I have to go here? After I saw that Seihou lost to Nagasaki Nichidai?
Oh, all right...
If there was one prefecture that seemed to get the top teams right, it might be here in Nagasaki. The Best 4 teams were all seeded teams.
Nagasaki Nichidai has played good defensive ball winning low scoring affairs.
Keihou has had to survive a couple of game, especially one against Kaisei where they blew a 4-0 lead in the 8th only to score 2 in the 9th. This would be their first appearance since 1991.
Souseikan had a scare against Nagasaki Nishi but has had no trouble otherwise. They're playing for their first appeance ever.
Finally, Hasami is looking for its 3rd appearance and first since 2001. They've shown a lot of offensive output so far in the tournament.
Kumamoto
Kumamoto is running a bit slower than the rest here, finishing up the Sweet 16 matchups.
Last year's participant and one of the top seeds Jyouhoku was put to shame by Hitsuyuukan 7-0. Kumamoto Kougyou, Shuugakukan and Kyushu Gakuin are still alive. Luther Gakuin has proven their worth as a top seed. And Minamata, who upset Yatsushiro Higashi, continues to plug along their part of the bracket (although they face Kumamoto Kougyou next).
Oita
Oita is in the Best 8. Meihou and P/3B Imamiya survived a 1-0 game against Oita Tousen to make it. Hita Rinkou continues it's title defense. Tsukumi, who dominated Oita from the 60's-80's looks to make their first appearance since 1988. Yoshikan, who made it into the Best 8 just 2 years ago looks to return to make another run.
Miyazaki
And finally, there's Miyazaki. They are in a day off before the semifinals begin.
All 4 teams that remain were seeded by the committee.
St. Ursula's run finally ends at the hands of top seed Miyakonojyou Shougyou. They're looking for their 2nd ever apperance. Their only other one was in 1981.
Miyazaki Nougyou has never made it to Koshien and looks to be an agricultural school to make it.
Miyazaki Shougyou, riding on the back of Akagawa's success, looks to defend its title.
And Miyazaki Nichidai is trying to make their 2nd appearance. They last came in 1997.
And you're caught up! Well, kinda. But at least you have coverage on all the prefectures! Brackets should be updated in the next hour.
Shimane
I though Shimane is would be wide open now since Kaisei was upset earlier in the tournament. But it turns out that many past participants are still in the Best 8. Masuda Higashi and Hamada are playing each other.
And I was looking around for Gonokawa, but couldn't find them. That is until I noticed that Gonokawa changed their name to Iwamichisuikan. And to top it all off, they were the ones that upset Kaisei!
Hiroshima
Oy. Not a good round for seeded teams. 3 of the top 4 seeded teams did not make it past the round of 32.
Onomichi upset Hiroshima Kougyou 2-0...
Eishin outlasts Soutoku 8-6 in 14 innings...
Gokou ties the game up in the 9th inning and scores 3 in the 1ith to defeat Setouchi 7-5.
The only top seeded team left is Jyousuikan, who got by Onomichi Higashi 2-0. And the only seeded team left along with Jyousuikan is Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin - and they're on a collision course with Jyousuikan.
Kouryou finds themselves on the other side of the bracket and with a clear path to the finals. First step will be against Mihara in the round of 16.
Yamaguchi
Boy, the Chuugoku region is full of upsets the last couple of days...
Ube Koujyou? Lost to Ube Kougyou 3-0 in its first game.
Iwakuni? Lost to Kumage Minami 3-2 in its 2nd game.
Shimonoseki Shougyou? Shimonoseki Kokusai pulled away in the late innings to win 9-3.
Nanyou Kougyou, the spring participant who made a deep run? Houfu Shougyou uses a 4-run 5th to defeat them 5-4.
The immediate beneficiaries are Iwakuni Shougyou and Karyou. But the Best 8 field is still wide open.
Kagawa
Kagawa Nishi won't be returning to Koshien this year. Top seeded Samukawa held on to beat them 5-4.
Jinsei Gakuen joins Samukawa in the Best 8 with a 4-0 win over Sakaide and will now meet hopeful Tonoshou. Marugame Jyousei faces Takamatsu today for a ticket to the Best 8.
Tokushima
We've reached the Best 4. Naruto Kougyou remains as the only top seeded team left and appears to be the front-runner to Koshien. Tokushima Kita beat Komatsushima 5-2 and now faces that same Naruto Kougyou. Komatsushima Nishi exacts revenge by upsetting Seikou Gakuin 5-3. But don't forget Naruto Dai-ichi - they've gone through the brackets with relative ease.
Ehime
Rain has slowed play down here in Ehime. They've just reached the Sweet 16. Seeded teams have only played one game so far and Akiyama's Saijyou - as well as Saibi and Imabari Nishi cruised throught their first game.
Kochi
After 2 days of rainouts, the 1st round finally concluded (and subsequently the 2nd round has started).
Kochi Kougyou and Kochi Shougyou were shown the door in the first round, both on sayonara runs in the 9th inning. Ootemae scoring 3 to defeat Shougyou, and Shimizu rallying from 3 down, scoring the winning run in the 9th.
So now the eyes are turned to Meitoku Gijuku, who dominated the early part of the decade and Kochi, who have gone in recent years. Kochi won their game 10-0 in 5 over Kochi Odzu. Meitoku, the only team with a 1st round bye, finally got their game in, defeating Kochi Chuo 4-0.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka has gone from the 18 block winners down to the Best 4.
And out of the 4 participants, they have a combined 4 Koshien appearances. I wondered about how random the representatives have been given how big of a prefecture it is. At least there should be one or two teams that have some dominance - and I suppose Yanagigawa might count, but it either speaks to the parity or weakness of the prefecture.
And our semi's are:
- Chikuyou Gakuen (1 summer appearance, 2005 - lost in 1st round to Tohoku... and Darvish!) vs. Shuuyuukan (no apperances)
- Jiyuugaoka (no appearances) vs. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (2 summer, 1 spring, last appearance in 1982)
Saga
Saga too is in their final 4. The magic of Saga Kita seems to be short-lived. But it was one heck of a run nonetheless.
Saga Shougyou has shown up once again and is making a good bid for the title. Saga Gakuen is looking for their 6th appearance.
But here too there are 2 schools looking for their first bid - Imari Nourin and Kashima Jitsugyou. Imari was a top 4 seed and has played well, Kashima defeated top 4 Ogi and has played consistently as well.
Nagasaki
Do I have to go here? After I saw that Seihou lost to Nagasaki Nichidai?
Oh, all right...
If there was one prefecture that seemed to get the top teams right, it might be here in Nagasaki. The Best 4 teams were all seeded teams.
Nagasaki Nichidai has played good defensive ball winning low scoring affairs.
Keihou has had to survive a couple of game, especially one against Kaisei where they blew a 4-0 lead in the 8th only to score 2 in the 9th. This would be their first appearance since 1991.
Souseikan had a scare against Nagasaki Nishi but has had no trouble otherwise. They're playing for their first appeance ever.
Finally, Hasami is looking for its 3rd appearance and first since 2001. They've shown a lot of offensive output so far in the tournament.
Kumamoto
Kumamoto is running a bit slower than the rest here, finishing up the Sweet 16 matchups.
Last year's participant and one of the top seeds Jyouhoku was put to shame by Hitsuyuukan 7-0. Kumamoto Kougyou, Shuugakukan and Kyushu Gakuin are still alive. Luther Gakuin has proven their worth as a top seed. And Minamata, who upset Yatsushiro Higashi, continues to plug along their part of the bracket (although they face Kumamoto Kougyou next).
Oita
Oita is in the Best 8. Meihou and P/3B Imamiya survived a 1-0 game against Oita Tousen to make it. Hita Rinkou continues it's title defense. Tsukumi, who dominated Oita from the 60's-80's looks to make their first appearance since 1988. Yoshikan, who made it into the Best 8 just 2 years ago looks to return to make another run.
Miyazaki
And finally, there's Miyazaki. They are in a day off before the semifinals begin.
All 4 teams that remain were seeded by the committee.
St. Ursula's run finally ends at the hands of top seed Miyakonojyou Shougyou. They're looking for their 2nd ever apperance. Their only other one was in 1981.
Miyazaki Nougyou has never made it to Koshien and looks to be an agricultural school to make it.
Miyazaki Shougyou, riding on the back of Akagawa's success, looks to defend its title.
And Miyazaki Nichidai is trying to make their 2nd appearance. They last came in 1997.
And you're caught up! Well, kinda. But at least you have coverage on all the prefectures! Brackets should be updated in the next hour.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
It's never easy... (Part 2)
Okay, back on the road in...
Aichi
Block play is nearing conclusion. The interesting thing about Aichi is that the seeded teams get not 1 bye, but 2. That is a definite advantage not only in the prefectural qualifiers, but also come the Natsu Koshien as teams aren't worn out.
All the top seeds won their first games and are just 2 games away from the Best 8. More notably, Aikoudai Meiden, Chuukyoudai Chuukyou and Touhou are included in that list.
Shiga
Sweet 16 play wraps up today.
Oumi has reached the Best 8, but has not shown much offense. Shiga Gakuen, who upset seeded Ayaha, has also made it and will face Moriyama who has needed extra innings the last 2 games and whose largest margin of victory is 2. Today's games include Kita Ootsu who will face Hachiman Kougyou.
Mie
Mie's Best 8 include 3 of the 4 seeded teams - Kaisei, Komono and Mie. Ujiyamada Shougyou had been upset by Shiroko, who by the way still remains and will face Kogakkan in one quarterfinal. And Kuwana Kougyou, Yokkaichi Kougyou and Kinkidai Tousen will all look to play the role of spoiler.
Kyoto
It sounds like a broken record, and it kinda is. Prefectures all over are at Sweet 16 play, and Kyoto is no exception. Tounan joins former Koshien participants Kyoto Gaidai Nishi, Higashiyama, and Toba who have punched their ticket to the Best 8.
Fukuchiyama Seibi looks to get theirs today (and they did).
And Toba actually starts Best 8 play against Murasakino.
Osaka
Block play is just about to complete here in Osaka. 16 blocks total will draw for placing in the Sweet 16 bracket.
Ibaraki became the first entrant yesterday with a 5-0 win over Ootemae. Taisei Gakuindai and Ookanmuri were to determine the 2nd spot. But the final round 2 game which was played earlier in the day between Osaka Touin and Kasugaoka was a slugfest. Osaka Touin built a 6-2 lead after 4, only to see Kasugaoka tie it up in the 5th. Then Kasugaoka pulled ahead by 2, but Touin tied it up in the 7th. Kasugaoka tried again to pull away with 2 in the 8th, but there was no denying the defending champion. They scored 7 in the 8th and won 15-10.
So back to the Ookanmuri-Taisei Gakuindai game. Taisei scores the inning number in the first 3 innings for a 6-0 lead. Ookanmuri decided to repeat that little coincidence... in the 6th. Tie game.
Taisei, a bit perturbed, takes a one run lead in the 7th. Ookanmuri tries to leave Taisei with no time to rally with 2 in the 9th. Doesn't work. Taisei ties it up, and they go into extras.
And after the 10th inning ends with the teams still tied... it becomes too dark to play and the game is called.
Not good - for either team. That means another 9 innings, at least...
2 more teams also will meet the same fate. Well-known Konkou Osaka, down 2-0 to Osaka Gakuindai in the 9th inning, score 2 to tie the game. And they play to an exhaustive draw.
Kansaidai Hokuyou becomes the next team, taking a break after, um... annihiliating Shinamoto 44-0 to defeat Osaka 3-1.
Riseisha defeated Sakuranomiya 7-2 for the 3rd bid. Koukoku, Naniwa and Furitsu Sakai Kouka join the field.
Nara
Nara will have their bid this Saturday. Yesterday the final 2 for the Best 4 were determined. Seeded Kooriyama had no problem with Heijyou - winning 8-1. Yamato Kouryou was about to do the same against Unebi, but they had other plans. down 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th, they score 2 to send the shocked Yamato players home.
And what about Chiben Gakuen? Kooriyama had sent them packing earlier. Chiben tried to rally down 10-2, but only got as close as 10-8.
Interestingly enough, Unebi will face Kooriyama for the 2nd time this year. Earlier in a spring tournament, Kooriyama beat them 9-1 in the semis. They'll have to get by them this time if they want their first ever Koshien appearance. Meanwhile, the elephant in the room that is Tenri (yay!) will face Ichijyou in the other semi.
Wakayama
Wakayama is interesting in the fact that although they have just 39 teams in the field, they participate in block play.
Said block play is about to finish. Chiben Wakayama and Ito will clash in block A. Block B has Shiritsu Wakayama meets the home of Binchou-tan, Minabe.
Other schools in the Best 8 will be determined today.
Hyogo
I realized that the dates for the brackets for Hyogo weren't filled in. I'll have to backtrack for that.
Haruhi's school - Nishinomiya Kita, didn't make it past its first game losing 5-1 to Kawanishi Meihou. Can someone tell them that they're supposed to dominate??! (Kidding)
Glossing through block play, many well-known teams still remain. Kakogawa Kita, Houtoku Gakuen are still around.
Toyoudai Himeji though is not. They were surprisingly upset by Shiritsu Amagasaki 4-2 in their first game.
Tottori
We're about in Best 8 play here. Former participants Yazu, Tottori Shougyou are already there - but they'll have to play each other next.
Tottori Nishi plays Tottori Higashi today.
Okayama
Sweet 16 starts play today. Schools such as Kanzei and Kurashiki Shougyou are still in it. Top seeds have only played one game so far.
And I peeked ahead to Nagasaki-ken, and noticed that Seihou's offense failed Imamura. They lost 3-1 to Nagasaki Nihon. *cries*
I'm going to bed... I'll update the spreadsheets tomorrow.
*cries*
Aichi
Block play is nearing conclusion. The interesting thing about Aichi is that the seeded teams get not 1 bye, but 2. That is a definite advantage not only in the prefectural qualifiers, but also come the Natsu Koshien as teams aren't worn out.
All the top seeds won their first games and are just 2 games away from the Best 8. More notably, Aikoudai Meiden, Chuukyoudai Chuukyou and Touhou are included in that list.
Shiga
Sweet 16 play wraps up today.
Oumi has reached the Best 8, but has not shown much offense. Shiga Gakuen, who upset seeded Ayaha, has also made it and will face Moriyama who has needed extra innings the last 2 games and whose largest margin of victory is 2. Today's games include Kita Ootsu who will face Hachiman Kougyou.
Mie
Mie's Best 8 include 3 of the 4 seeded teams - Kaisei, Komono and Mie. Ujiyamada Shougyou had been upset by Shiroko, who by the way still remains and will face Kogakkan in one quarterfinal. And Kuwana Kougyou, Yokkaichi Kougyou and Kinkidai Tousen will all look to play the role of spoiler.
Kyoto
It sounds like a broken record, and it kinda is. Prefectures all over are at Sweet 16 play, and Kyoto is no exception. Tounan joins former Koshien participants Kyoto Gaidai Nishi, Higashiyama, and Toba who have punched their ticket to the Best 8.
Fukuchiyama Seibi looks to get theirs today (and they did).
And Toba actually starts Best 8 play against Murasakino.
Osaka
Block play is just about to complete here in Osaka. 16 blocks total will draw for placing in the Sweet 16 bracket.
Ibaraki became the first entrant yesterday with a 5-0 win over Ootemae. Taisei Gakuindai and Ookanmuri were to determine the 2nd spot. But the final round 2 game which was played earlier in the day between Osaka Touin and Kasugaoka was a slugfest. Osaka Touin built a 6-2 lead after 4, only to see Kasugaoka tie it up in the 5th. Then Kasugaoka pulled ahead by 2, but Touin tied it up in the 7th. Kasugaoka tried again to pull away with 2 in the 8th, but there was no denying the defending champion. They scored 7 in the 8th and won 15-10.
So back to the Ookanmuri-Taisei Gakuindai game. Taisei scores the inning number in the first 3 innings for a 6-0 lead. Ookanmuri decided to repeat that little coincidence... in the 6th. Tie game.
Taisei, a bit perturbed, takes a one run lead in the 7th. Ookanmuri tries to leave Taisei with no time to rally with 2 in the 9th. Doesn't work. Taisei ties it up, and they go into extras.
And after the 10th inning ends with the teams still tied... it becomes too dark to play and the game is called.
Not good - for either team. That means another 9 innings, at least...
2 more teams also will meet the same fate. Well-known Konkou Osaka, down 2-0 to Osaka Gakuindai in the 9th inning, score 2 to tie the game. And they play to an exhaustive draw.
Kansaidai Hokuyou becomes the next team, taking a break after, um... annihiliating Shinamoto 44-0 to defeat Osaka 3-1.
Riseisha defeated Sakuranomiya 7-2 for the 3rd bid. Koukoku, Naniwa and Furitsu Sakai Kouka join the field.
Nara
Nara will have their bid this Saturday. Yesterday the final 2 for the Best 4 were determined. Seeded Kooriyama had no problem with Heijyou - winning 8-1. Yamato Kouryou was about to do the same against Unebi, but they had other plans. down 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th, they score 2 to send the shocked Yamato players home.
And what about Chiben Gakuen? Kooriyama had sent them packing earlier. Chiben tried to rally down 10-2, but only got as close as 10-8.
Interestingly enough, Unebi will face Kooriyama for the 2nd time this year. Earlier in a spring tournament, Kooriyama beat them 9-1 in the semis. They'll have to get by them this time if they want their first ever Koshien appearance. Meanwhile, the elephant in the room that is Tenri (yay!) will face Ichijyou in the other semi.
Wakayama
Wakayama is interesting in the fact that although they have just 39 teams in the field, they participate in block play.
Said block play is about to finish. Chiben Wakayama and Ito will clash in block A. Block B has Shiritsu Wakayama meets the home of Binchou-tan, Minabe.
Other schools in the Best 8 will be determined today.
Hyogo
I realized that the dates for the brackets for Hyogo weren't filled in. I'll have to backtrack for that.
Haruhi's school - Nishinomiya Kita, didn't make it past its first game losing 5-1 to Kawanishi Meihou. Can someone tell them that they're supposed to dominate??! (Kidding)
Glossing through block play, many well-known teams still remain. Kakogawa Kita, Houtoku Gakuen are still around.
Toyoudai Himeji though is not. They were surprisingly upset by Shiritsu Amagasaki 4-2 in their first game.
Tottori
We're about in Best 8 play here. Former participants Yazu, Tottori Shougyou are already there - but they'll have to play each other next.
Tottori Nishi plays Tottori Higashi today.
Okayama
Sweet 16 starts play today. Schools such as Kanzei and Kurashiki Shougyou are still in it. Top seeds have only played one game so far.
And I peeked ahead to Nagasaki-ken, and noticed that Seihou's offense failed Imamura. They lost 3-1 to Nagasaki Nihon. *cries*
I'm going to bed... I'll update the spreadsheets tomorrow.
*cries*
It's never easy... (Part 1)
At least in Kita Hokkaido anyways.
Asahigawa Jitsugyou and Obihiro Ootani met in the first quarterfinal yesterday. After trading a run in the 1st, they went scoreless until Asahigawa scored 2 in the bottom of the 7th. Obihiro though scored 2 immediately thereafter.
And that's it.
A 15 inning draw means they'll have to replay the game today. And 4 games in 4 days for the title probably means death for the eventual winner of this game.
The immediate benefactor is Kushine Kounan who held off a late charge by Engaru to win 5-4.
As the title of this post says, it's never easy to make it, and the case of Asahigawa Jitsugyou and Obihiro Ootani is a prime example.
Aomori
With the conclusion of yesterday's games, we enter the Best 8.
Aomori Yamada arguably the most dominant team in any prefecure over the past decade, has steamrolled over the competition with the exception of ② Seiai whom they defeated 2-0. Their next opponent will be ⑦ Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi.
The only other seeded teams that remain will be a battle of sister schools. ① Kousei Gakuin faces ⑧ Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi.
The other quarterfinals matchups see Misawa facing Aomori Kita while Hachinohe Kita meets Oominato. In Oominato's sweet 16 game versus ⑤ Aomori, they took the 5-4 lead in the 7th with 2 runs, then extended it with 4 more in the 8th. They needed it as Aomori rallied for 4 of their own in the bottom of the 8th. But that's all they would get, falling by 1.
Yamagata
Something happened on the way to the Best 4. At least for ① Haguro anyways. With Oliviera taking the hill for the top-seeded team, Shinjyou Higashi scored 4 runs in the 1st! And Kasahara holds them off for the win! The question is whether they can keep the momentum going. Next up is ⑤ Yonezawa Chuo who defeated Yonezawa Koujyoukan 2-0. And for ③ Nihon Yamagata and ② Sakata Minami, they have to think that their roads have gotten easier - although they have to get past each other first.
Miyagi
Rain continues to delay proceedings here. Ishimaki Kougyou and Ishimaki Nishi just can't seem to the last 3rd round game in.
Fukushima
Fukushima's been pretty much chalk throughout the qualifiiers. And the Best 8 matchups were no different. ① Seikou Gakuin, ③ Nihon Tohoku and ④ Kounan all cleared their games.
It's pretty obvious, but ② Shirakawa is missing from that list. Matched up against ⑦ Higashi Nippon Kokusaidai Shouhei, they fell behind early 3-0 with Higashi's pitcher Kubo helpin his own cause with a homerun. Shirakawa would eventually fall 4-1.
Gunma
We enter the Best 8 games today. But at Takasaki Jyounan, some teams had to work to get there.
In the first game, Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni and Tone Shougyou went into extras tied 1-1. When Tone went ahead in with a run in the 11th, Noudai somehow put their own run together to continue the game. It musy have deflated Tone as ace Takahashi gives up the sayonara run in the 12th.
The second game also saw a 1-1 game go into extras between Kiryuu and Chuo Chuto. Their respective aces, Yoshida and Sunaga continued to battle it out for 14 innings. Then, in the bottom of the 15th, the Kiryuu manager decided to pull Yoshida for Shimizu. But Chuo put together a rally in the bottom of the 15th. With 2 down, the manager puts Yoshida back in, but it's too late. Chuo plates the sayonara run with 2 outs in the last inning. That has to be one of the most crushing ways to lose for Kiryuu.
And now there's only 1 seeded team left - Takasaki Kenkoufukushi. The field is wide open.
Tochigi
Half of the Best 4 games have been set. Seiran Taito defeated Otawara 6-2, and Sakushin Gakuin squeaked by Tochigi Kougyou 2-1 in 10 innings.
The other half will be determined today with the already mentioned Utsunomiya Shougyou vs. Motegi and Sano Nihon vs. Kanuma Shoukou.
Ibaraki
Things here are moving slowly, and not because of the weather. The last half of the sweet 16 will be determined today.
As for the first half of the field Ushiku, who had to survive 2 games against seeded Fujishiro, got by Ushiku Eishin 1-0. Perhaps the 4 days off helped. Next up is Tsuchiura Nihon.
Top seed Jyousou Gakuin mercied Naka in 7 to move on. The other top seed, Shimotsuma Dai-ni will face Moriya today.
In other games, Oota Dai-ichi upsets seeded Suijyou 3-1 while another seeded team Tsuchiura Kohoku beats Iwai 6-2 and will play Tsukuba Shuuei in the next round.
Saitama
The Seibou Gakuen-Urawa Gakuin game was interesting, but not in a good way. Deanna has coverage here (or soon will), as she loves the boys from Urawa (no, not literally, but - oh nevermind).
But it seems like Urawa never really got started, especially on defense. They spotted 4 runs to Seibou early, which ended up being one run too many. Honjyou Dai-ichi will be their next opponent as they slid by Washimiya 3-2.
The other Best 8 matchup that was set today is Kasukabe Higashi and Shiritsu Kawagoe. Saitama Sakae plays today.
Nishi Tokyo
Nishi Tokyo has gone from 119 to 16 at breakneck speed and isn't stopping. All 16 teams will be playing today.
Waseda Jitsugyou continues to fly through and looks to do the same against Toua Gakuen who has done the same. Hachiouji and Nihon Tsurugaoka clash today. Nihon Dai-ni battles Toritsu Fuchuu Kougyou.
Higashi Tokyo
You know, it must be nice playing in Higashi Tokyo if you get to play at Meiji Jingu. And for these teams, that opportunity awaits them.
We're in the middle of the sweet 16 games. Kokushikan had no problem with (wonder why Waseda Jitsugyou ended up being the "favorite"). WasedaToritsu Koyamadai sent Kanto Dai-ichi home 3-1.
Today's games will be highlighted by Nishogakushadai Fuzoku and their ace Onoda as he tries to pitch them past Toritsu Hachijyou. Toukaidai Takanawadai has had a good run, but now has to face a 2nd seeded team in Seiritsu Gakuen.
Chiba
Of course, being a fan of Bobby V also means that playing at Chiba Marine Stadium wouldn't be bad too. And we're in the Best 8 now.
The first game has Seibudai Chiba meeting Ryuukeidai Kashiwa. I'm looking forward to the 2nd game between Narashino (listen to their braban here!) and Chiba Reimei.
Over at Chiba Prefectural Stadium, Keiai Gakuen opens the day with Yachiyo Higashi. The 2nd game on this docket is also interesting as Kisaradzu Sougou plays Takushokudai Kouryou.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa takes a day off here before the round of 16 begins. Yokohama is still around, steamrolling the competition. Toukaidai Sagami has done the same, and these teams will butt heads tomorrow.
Another top team, Yokohama Sougakukan meets up against Tachibana Gakuen (橘学苑). A distinction has to be made has there is another Tachibana Gakuen (立花学園). The team that defeated that Tachibana, Zuma is still around. Their opponent is Tourei Fujisawa.
The other top 4 teams have survived so far as well. Toukou Gakuen finally hit a speed bump in Oppama, while Yokohama Shoudai has had a little bit of a harder time - most recently against Nihon Fujisawa.
Niigata
Play has finally moved to the Best 8 and the new Hard Off Eco Stadium (for those familiar with Japan, you know others will have found that name funny).
Top seeded Nihon Bunri continues their trek to Koshien with little opposition. ② Chuuetsu also has advanced, but more recently has shown some cracks. Many seeded teams still remain, but there are some others that have made a run and hope to somehow keep it going. Kashiwazaki is one case as they meet seeded Gosen. Niigata Kenou Kougyou plays another seeded team in Niigata Shougyou. The hardest test will be for Takada Nougyou who has to play the aforementioned Nihon Bunri.
Nagano
Nagano is about to reach their Best 4. Iiyama continues their magical run as they defeat top seed Saku Chousei 6-2 behind a 6 run 2nd inning. Nagano Nichidai, the other top seed need 8 innings to score against Nagano Shougyou. When they did, it was 8 in the 8th and that was that.
In today's Best 8 games, last year's spring participant Maruko Shuugakukan plays
Chikyuu Kankyou, while Matsushou Gakuen and Matsumoto Dai-ichi go in the afternoon session.
Toyama
The summer rains have pushed Toyama's qualifiers back. 2nd round play will finally end today.
Top seeds Toyama Shougyou and Sakurai have already advanced into the round of 16.
Games today include:
Ishikawa
Kanazawa has been eliminated early, opening part of the field - specifically for Komatsu Kougyou. Wajima also was sent home in its first game by Nonoichi Meirin, and the immediate benefactor is Seiryou.
But for the other top seeded teams such as Yuugakukan and Terai, they've only played one game, so it's hard to see where they lie for now.
Fukui
The top seeds Fukui Shougyou, Tsuruga Kehi, Hokuriku and Fukui Koudai Fukui all finally played their first games (Fukusho being the exception - they had to play a 1st round game). None have had any issues, although Tsuruga Kehi didn't mercy rule Sabae.
Yamanashi
Yamanashi opened up after 2 top seeds fell in their 1st game - Nihon Koukuu and Fuji Gakuen. Ichikawa followed soon after. Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku remains to hold the flag of the top teams. The 2nd 4 seeds have also benefited as Toukaidai Koufu reaches the semifinals. But for those playing the role of spoiler, they have a chance. Koufu Kougyou, who sent Ichikawa packing, is in the Best 4 to face Toukaidai. Minobu, who felled Nihon Koukuu (*cries*) must push through Sundai Koufu.
Shizuoka
Rain at Numazu Ashitaka has delayed the round of 16 games a day.
The Tokoha schools (Kikugawa and Tachibana) are there. So are Kakegawa Nishi, Shizuoka Gakuen and Seisei Kougyou.
Other teams just look to continue their Koshien dreams. Hamana, Nichidai Mishima and Shimada Shougyou look at their banners and hope to carry their school's will.
Gifu
Gifu has entered the Best 8. After this round, teams will draw for semifinal matchups.
Although not seeded, Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou appears to be the front-runner for the bid. But Gifu Jyouhoku and Chuukyou think otherwise.
Ok, end of part 1. Part 2 should have Aichi heading westward.
Asahigawa Jitsugyou and Obihiro Ootani met in the first quarterfinal yesterday. After trading a run in the 1st, they went scoreless until Asahigawa scored 2 in the bottom of the 7th. Obihiro though scored 2 immediately thereafter.
And that's it.
A 15 inning draw means they'll have to replay the game today. And 4 games in 4 days for the title probably means death for the eventual winner of this game.
The immediate benefactor is Kushine Kounan who held off a late charge by Engaru to win 5-4.
As the title of this post says, it's never easy to make it, and the case of Asahigawa Jitsugyou and Obihiro Ootani is a prime example.
Aomori
With the conclusion of yesterday's games, we enter the Best 8.
Aomori Yamada arguably the most dominant team in any prefecure over the past decade, has steamrolled over the competition with the exception of ② Seiai whom they defeated 2-0. Their next opponent will be ⑦ Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi.
The only other seeded teams that remain will be a battle of sister schools. ① Kousei Gakuin faces ⑧ Kousei Gakuin Noheji Nishi.
The other quarterfinals matchups see Misawa facing Aomori Kita while Hachinohe Kita meets Oominato. In Oominato's sweet 16 game versus ⑤ Aomori, they took the 5-4 lead in the 7th with 2 runs, then extended it with 4 more in the 8th. They needed it as Aomori rallied for 4 of their own in the bottom of the 8th. But that's all they would get, falling by 1.
Yamagata
Something happened on the way to the Best 4. At least for ① Haguro anyways. With Oliviera taking the hill for the top-seeded team, Shinjyou Higashi scored 4 runs in the 1st! And Kasahara holds them off for the win! The question is whether they can keep the momentum going. Next up is ⑤ Yonezawa Chuo who defeated Yonezawa Koujyoukan 2-0. And for ③ Nihon Yamagata and ② Sakata Minami, they have to think that their roads have gotten easier - although they have to get past each other first.
Miyagi
Rain continues to delay proceedings here. Ishimaki Kougyou and Ishimaki Nishi just can't seem to the last 3rd round game in.
Fukushima
Fukushima's been pretty much chalk throughout the qualifiiers. And the Best 8 matchups were no different. ① Seikou Gakuin, ③ Nihon Tohoku and ④ Kounan all cleared their games.
It's pretty obvious, but ② Shirakawa is missing from that list. Matched up against ⑦ Higashi Nippon Kokusaidai Shouhei, they fell behind early 3-0 with Higashi's pitcher Kubo helpin his own cause with a homerun. Shirakawa would eventually fall 4-1.
Gunma
We enter the Best 8 games today. But at Takasaki Jyounan, some teams had to work to get there.
In the first game, Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni and Tone Shougyou went into extras tied 1-1. When Tone went ahead in with a run in the 11th, Noudai somehow put their own run together to continue the game. It musy have deflated Tone as ace Takahashi gives up the sayonara run in the 12th.
The second game also saw a 1-1 game go into extras between Kiryuu and Chuo Chuto. Their respective aces, Yoshida and Sunaga continued to battle it out for 14 innings. Then, in the bottom of the 15th, the Kiryuu manager decided to pull Yoshida for Shimizu. But Chuo put together a rally in the bottom of the 15th. With 2 down, the manager puts Yoshida back in, but it's too late. Chuo plates the sayonara run with 2 outs in the last inning. That has to be one of the most crushing ways to lose for Kiryuu.
And now there's only 1 seeded team left - Takasaki Kenkoufukushi. The field is wide open.
Tochigi
Half of the Best 4 games have been set. Seiran Taito defeated Otawara 6-2, and Sakushin Gakuin squeaked by Tochigi Kougyou 2-1 in 10 innings.
The other half will be determined today with the already mentioned Utsunomiya Shougyou vs. Motegi and Sano Nihon vs. Kanuma Shoukou.
Ibaraki
Things here are moving slowly, and not because of the weather. The last half of the sweet 16 will be determined today.
As for the first half of the field Ushiku, who had to survive 2 games against seeded Fujishiro, got by Ushiku Eishin 1-0. Perhaps the 4 days off helped. Next up is Tsuchiura Nihon.
Top seed Jyousou Gakuin mercied Naka in 7 to move on. The other top seed, Shimotsuma Dai-ni will face Moriya today.
In other games, Oota Dai-ichi upsets seeded Suijyou 3-1 while another seeded team Tsuchiura Kohoku beats Iwai 6-2 and will play Tsukuba Shuuei in the next round.
Saitama
The Seibou Gakuen-Urawa Gakuin game was interesting, but not in a good way. Deanna has coverage here (or soon will), as she loves the boys from Urawa (no, not literally, but - oh nevermind).
But it seems like Urawa never really got started, especially on defense. They spotted 4 runs to Seibou early, which ended up being one run too many. Honjyou Dai-ichi will be their next opponent as they slid by Washimiya 3-2.
The other Best 8 matchup that was set today is Kasukabe Higashi and Shiritsu Kawagoe. Saitama Sakae plays today.
Nishi Tokyo
Nishi Tokyo has gone from 119 to 16 at breakneck speed and isn't stopping. All 16 teams will be playing today.
Waseda Jitsugyou continues to fly through and looks to do the same against Toua Gakuen who has done the same. Hachiouji and Nihon Tsurugaoka clash today. Nihon Dai-ni battles Toritsu Fuchuu Kougyou.
Higashi Tokyo
You know, it must be nice playing in Higashi Tokyo if you get to play at Meiji Jingu. And for these teams, that opportunity awaits them.
We're in the middle of the sweet 16 games. Kokushikan had no problem with (wonder why Waseda Jitsugyou ended up being the "favorite"). WasedaToritsu Koyamadai sent Kanto Dai-ichi home 3-1.
Today's games will be highlighted by Nishogakushadai Fuzoku and their ace Onoda as he tries to pitch them past Toritsu Hachijyou. Toukaidai Takanawadai has had a good run, but now has to face a 2nd seeded team in Seiritsu Gakuen.
Chiba
Of course, being a fan of Bobby V also means that playing at Chiba Marine Stadium wouldn't be bad too. And we're in the Best 8 now.
The first game has Seibudai Chiba meeting Ryuukeidai Kashiwa. I'm looking forward to the 2nd game between Narashino (listen to their braban here!) and Chiba Reimei.
Over at Chiba Prefectural Stadium, Keiai Gakuen opens the day with Yachiyo Higashi. The 2nd game on this docket is also interesting as Kisaradzu Sougou plays Takushokudai Kouryou.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa takes a day off here before the round of 16 begins. Yokohama is still around, steamrolling the competition. Toukaidai Sagami has done the same, and these teams will butt heads tomorrow.
Another top team, Yokohama Sougakukan meets up against Tachibana Gakuen (橘学苑). A distinction has to be made has there is another Tachibana Gakuen (立花学園). The team that defeated that Tachibana, Zuma is still around. Their opponent is Tourei Fujisawa.
The other top 4 teams have survived so far as well. Toukou Gakuen finally hit a speed bump in Oppama, while Yokohama Shoudai has had a little bit of a harder time - most recently against Nihon Fujisawa.
Niigata
Play has finally moved to the Best 8 and the new Hard Off Eco Stadium (for those familiar with Japan, you know others will have found that name funny).
Top seeded Nihon Bunri continues their trek to Koshien with little opposition. ② Chuuetsu also has advanced, but more recently has shown some cracks. Many seeded teams still remain, but there are some others that have made a run and hope to somehow keep it going. Kashiwazaki is one case as they meet seeded Gosen. Niigata Kenou Kougyou plays another seeded team in Niigata Shougyou. The hardest test will be for Takada Nougyou who has to play the aforementioned Nihon Bunri.
Nagano
Nagano is about to reach their Best 4. Iiyama continues their magical run as they defeat top seed Saku Chousei 6-2 behind a 6 run 2nd inning. Nagano Nichidai, the other top seed need 8 innings to score against Nagano Shougyou. When they did, it was 8 in the 8th and that was that.
In today's Best 8 games, last year's spring participant Maruko Shuugakukan plays
Chikyuu Kankyou, while Matsushou Gakuen and Matsumoto Dai-ichi go in the afternoon session.
Toyama
The summer rains have pushed Toyama's qualifiers back. 2nd round play will finally end today.
Top seeds Toyama Shougyou and Sakurai have already advanced into the round of 16.
Games today include:
- Takaoka Dai-ichi vs. Tonami
- Futagami Kougyou vs. Takaoka Shougyou
- Toyama vs. Mizuhashi
- Kureha vs. Itsurugi
- Nantou Sougou Fukuno vs. Shinkawa Midorino
Ishikawa
Kanazawa has been eliminated early, opening part of the field - specifically for Komatsu Kougyou. Wajima also was sent home in its first game by Nonoichi Meirin, and the immediate benefactor is Seiryou.
But for the other top seeded teams such as Yuugakukan and Terai, they've only played one game, so it's hard to see where they lie for now.
Fukui
The top seeds Fukui Shougyou, Tsuruga Kehi, Hokuriku and Fukui Koudai Fukui all finally played their first games (Fukusho being the exception - they had to play a 1st round game). None have had any issues, although Tsuruga Kehi didn't mercy rule Sabae.
Yamanashi
Yamanashi opened up after 2 top seeds fell in their 1st game - Nihon Koukuu and Fuji Gakuen. Ichikawa followed soon after. Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku remains to hold the flag of the top teams. The 2nd 4 seeds have also benefited as Toukaidai Koufu reaches the semifinals. But for those playing the role of spoiler, they have a chance. Koufu Kougyou, who sent Ichikawa packing, is in the Best 4 to face Toukaidai. Minobu, who felled Nihon Koukuu (*cries*) must push through Sundai Koufu.
Shizuoka
Rain at Numazu Ashitaka has delayed the round of 16 games a day.
The Tokoha schools (Kikugawa and Tachibana) are there. So are Kakegawa Nishi, Shizuoka Gakuen and Seisei Kougyou.
Other teams just look to continue their Koshien dreams. Hamana, Nichidai Mishima and Shimada Shougyou look at their banners and hope to carry their school's will.
Gifu
Gifu has entered the Best 8. After this round, teams will draw for semifinal matchups.
Although not seeded, Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou appears to be the front-runner for the bid. But Gifu Jyouhoku and Chuukyou think otherwise.
Ok, end of part 1. Part 2 should have Aichi heading westward.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nationwide Prefectural Qualifier Update!
Hooray! We're caught up to yesterday! (I think). So I can now go around the prefectures to see what's up.
We already have our first bid in place in Okinawa's Kounan.
Three more will be given out today:
Minami Hokkaido - Sapporo Dai-ichi vs. Hokushou
Sapporo Dai-ichi has had to go through such teams as Hokkai and Komadai Tomakomai to get to the finals. They squaked through Hokkai and obliterated Komadai. Hokushou had no trouble getting to the finals, with the smallest margin of victory being 5 (semifinals against Hokkaido Sakae).
The game is in the top of the 8th. Sapporo Dai-ichi has pinged Hokushou in multiple innings building a 6-0 lead before Hokushou roars back with 4 in the bottom of the 6th.
Akita - Meiou vs. Honjyou
Honjyou has been the hard-luck team at Koshien (although a team from Akita hasn't won their first game since 1997). They've struggled to get there, needing 11 to defeat Kakunodate in their first game. Then in the quarterfinals against Akita Shougyou, they squandered a 3 run lead before exploding for 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th.
Meiou as the ⑥ seed had little trouble in its games, even against ③ Yokote whom they defeated 10-4. That was until the semifinals where they faced Nishime who upset ② Akita Chuo. Down 1-0, and running out of time, they tied the game in the bottom of the 8th before winning it in 10.
The game is in the bottom of the 8th. Honjyou has had no answer to Meiou and ace Futaki. Meiou scored early in the 1st and 2nd and another in the 5th. They hold a 3-0 lead with 6 outs to go.
Kumamoto - Kagoshima Jyousei vs. Shounan
This is a battle between two opposites. Jyousei has never been to Koushien. Shounan on the other hand has been there 23 times (16 summer, 7 spring)
Jyousei's run started early. In their 2nd game, they faced ③～④ Kagoshima Shougyou. Shougyou scored 6 runs in the first and built an 8-0 lead. Then in the 7th, they scored 4 runs. And in the 8th, they tied the game! 4 innings later, they send the favored team home. Then in the semifinals, they had to face Kamimura Gakuen. When Kamimura scored 1 in the 3rd, Jyousei scored 2 in the bottom of the inning. And Kubota held the ① team scoreless with Nakano recording the final 2 outs.
Shounan has had to deal with close games, even though they were the ② seed. In their 2nd game they got by Izumi Shougyou 2-1. In the quarterfinals against Ibusuki they gave up 2 runs in the 1st and had to play catch-up. They tied it in the 5th and again in the 7th when Izumi Shougyou scored one. It wouldn't be until the 10th until they scored the sayonara run.
Top of the 9th, Shounan plated 3 in the 5th after Jyousei scored 1. Jyousei immediately brought it within 1 in the 6th, but find themselves down 1.
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3:29 PM - After finishing that part of the writeup, Akita has gone final!
The 2nd bid goes to... Meiou Koukou! Futaki shuts out Honjyou for the win! This is their 8th Summer Koshien apperance and 13th overall. This is their first summer appearnce since 1996!
Minami Hokkaido has also gone final! Sapporo Dai-ichi scores 2 more runs and defeats Hokushou 8-4! This is only their 2nd appearance overall, their first being in 2002!
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Let's take a tour around the country before Kagoshima goes final...
Kita Hokkaido
Komadai Iwamizawa falls to Nayoro Kougyou 9-7. Nayoro Kougyou then falls to Bushuukan 4-1. Asahigawadai squeaks by Asahigawa Kougyou 2-1 in 10 innings for the 1st semifinal matchup.
Asahigawa Jitsugyou survives against Kitami Hokuto and will face Obihiro Ootani in the quarterfinals, while Kushine Kounan matches up against Engaru.
Minami Hokkaido
Komadai Tomakimai is routed by Sapporo Dai-ichi 10-2 in 7 innings! They've advanced to the finals where they will meet Hokushou for their bid.
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Kagoshima has gone final! The 4th bid goes to Shounan! Jyousei gave it a great try, but Shounan's 3 runs in the 5th were too much! This is Shounan's 24th apperanace (16 summer and 7 spring before this one). This is their first appearance since 2005!
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Aomori
Aomori Yamada has already upset Seiai 2-0 and has cruised afterwards to the semifinals. The only other Natsu Koshien participant, Kousei Gakuin, has also breezed through the qualifiers. Only Aomori and Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi remain as the other seeded teams.
Iwate
Weather continues to push back the schedule but Hanamaki Higashi faced off against Takata. Kikuchi Yuusei has not taken the hill since their first game, but came on here when his team fell behind. He shut Takata down as his team quickly rallied and won 5-3.
Moriokadai Fuzoku continues to march on in the other side of the bracket. A matchup in the final seems inevitable.
Yamagata
The big schools continue on their march to the semifinals where they will clash. One semi is set as Nihon Yamagata meets Sakata Minami. Tomorrow, Haguro looks to join them as they play Shinjyou Higashi. The final semi is a battle of Yonezawa as Yonezawa Chuo clashes against Yonezawa Koujyoukan.
Miyagi
They are in the 3rd round, but the big players still remain. Tohoku and Sendai Ikuei move on while tomorrow Rifu looks to join them.
Fukushima
Play is in the round of 16. All 4 top seeds still remain, Seikou Gakuin, Shirakawa, Nihon Tohoku and Kounan all got through their games.
Gunma
Gunma started play in the round of 16. Not a good day if you were a seeded team though. Both Kiryuu Dai-ichi and Maebashi Shougyou were upset. Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni remains as the only top 4 team left.
Tochigi
Tochigi has entered into the Best 8. Only one top 4 seed remains - Sakushin Gakuin. They'll face Tochigi Kougyou. On a side note, Motegi is also in the best 8 and face Utsunomiya Kougyou.
Ibaraki
The qualifying just finished the 2nd stage. Only one top 4 seed has been eliminated - Fujishiro. Jyousou Gakuin, spring participant Shimotsumi Dai-ni and Mito Sakuranomaki remain.
Saitama
We're in the Sweet 16. Urawa Gakuin has had no trouble getting here, interestingly enough they'll face Seibou Gakuin. That should be an interesting game. Another top seed, Saitama Sakae meets Ooi.
Honjyou Dai-ichi and Washimiya have breezed through their qualifiers so far (not being seeded teams), and meet up for the right to meet the Urawa-Seibou winner.
Nishi Tokyo
They're only in the 3rd round, but things will accelerate as there are many, many sites for games.
Many strong teams still remain - Nihon Dai-san and Souka (who will face each other in the 4th round), Waseda Jitsugyou, and Nihon Tsurugaoka. Other top seeded teams are still around - Toritsu Hino, Hachiouji and Horikoshi.
Higashi Tokyo
Teikyou is still around. Kokushikan too. Another team to look at is Nishogakushadai Fuzoku, who has gone through their first 2 games with ease. Waseda is still around, but has to face Kokushikan.
Chiba
Narashino still continues along, facing Chiba Reimei who had one heck of a game against Narita. Reimei was up early 4-1, but Narita scored 5 in the bottom of the 2nd, leading 6-4. After 4, the game was tied at 7. Narita pulled ahead with 2 runs in the 6th, another in the 7th and 3 more in the 8th. Up 13-7, Narita looked to clear into the next round. That was until Reimei somehow came up with 7 runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead - and hold on 14-13!!
Aack. No time left. I have to get to bed. I'll take request for prefecural updates. I just can't seem to get through a proper review.
We already have our first bid in place in Okinawa's Kounan.
Three more will be given out today:
Minami Hokkaido - Sapporo Dai-ichi vs. Hokushou
Sapporo Dai-ichi has had to go through such teams as Hokkai and Komadai Tomakomai to get to the finals. They squaked through Hokkai and obliterated Komadai. Hokushou had no trouble getting to the finals, with the smallest margin of victory being 5 (semifinals against Hokkaido Sakae).
The game is in the top of the 8th. Sapporo Dai-ichi has pinged Hokushou in multiple innings building a 6-0 lead before Hokushou roars back with 4 in the bottom of the 6th.
Akita - Meiou vs. Honjyou
Honjyou has been the hard-luck team at Koshien (although a team from Akita hasn't won their first game since 1997). They've struggled to get there, needing 11 to defeat Kakunodate in their first game. Then in the quarterfinals against Akita Shougyou, they squandered a 3 run lead before exploding for 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th.
Meiou as the ⑥ seed had little trouble in its games, even against ③ Yokote whom they defeated 10-4. That was until the semifinals where they faced Nishime who upset ② Akita Chuo. Down 1-0, and running out of time, they tied the game in the bottom of the 8th before winning it in 10.
The game is in the bottom of the 8th. Honjyou has had no answer to Meiou and ace Futaki. Meiou scored early in the 1st and 2nd and another in the 5th. They hold a 3-0 lead with 6 outs to go.
Kumamoto - Kagoshima Jyousei vs. Shounan
This is a battle between two opposites. Jyousei has never been to Koushien. Shounan on the other hand has been there 23 times (16 summer, 7 spring)
Jyousei's run started early. In their 2nd game, they faced ③～④ Kagoshima Shougyou. Shougyou scored 6 runs in the first and built an 8-0 lead. Then in the 7th, they scored 4 runs. And in the 8th, they tied the game! 4 innings later, they send the favored team home. Then in the semifinals, they had to face Kamimura Gakuen. When Kamimura scored 1 in the 3rd, Jyousei scored 2 in the bottom of the inning. And Kubota held the ① team scoreless with Nakano recording the final 2 outs.
Shounan has had to deal with close games, even though they were the ② seed. In their 2nd game they got by Izumi Shougyou 2-1. In the quarterfinals against Ibusuki they gave up 2 runs in the 1st and had to play catch-up. They tied it in the 5th and again in the 7th when Izumi Shougyou scored one. It wouldn't be until the 10th until they scored the sayonara run.
Top of the 9th, Shounan plated 3 in the 5th after Jyousei scored 1. Jyousei immediately brought it within 1 in the 6th, but find themselves down 1.
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3:29 PM - After finishing that part of the writeup, Akita has gone final!
The 2nd bid goes to... Meiou Koukou! Futaki shuts out Honjyou for the win! This is their 8th Summer Koshien apperance and 13th overall. This is their first summer appearnce since 1996!
Minami Hokkaido has also gone final! Sapporo Dai-ichi scores 2 more runs and defeats Hokushou 8-4! This is only their 2nd appearance overall, their first being in 2002!
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Let's take a tour around the country before Kagoshima goes final...
Kita Hokkaido
Komadai Iwamizawa falls to Nayoro Kougyou 9-7. Nayoro Kougyou then falls to Bushuukan 4-1. Asahigawadai squeaks by Asahigawa Kougyou 2-1 in 10 innings for the 1st semifinal matchup.
Asahigawa Jitsugyou survives against Kitami Hokuto and will face Obihiro Ootani in the quarterfinals, while Kushine Kounan matches up against Engaru.
Minami Hokkaido
Komadai Tomakimai is routed by Sapporo Dai-ichi 10-2 in 7 innings! They've advanced to the finals where they will meet Hokushou for their bid.
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Kagoshima has gone final! The 4th bid goes to Shounan! Jyousei gave it a great try, but Shounan's 3 runs in the 5th were too much! This is Shounan's 24th apperanace (16 summer and 7 spring before this one). This is their first appearance since 2005!
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Aomori
Aomori Yamada has already upset Seiai 2-0 and has cruised afterwards to the semifinals. The only other Natsu Koshien participant, Kousei Gakuin, has also breezed through the qualifiers. Only Aomori and Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi remain as the other seeded teams.
Iwate
Weather continues to push back the schedule but Hanamaki Higashi faced off against Takata. Kikuchi Yuusei has not taken the hill since their first game, but came on here when his team fell behind. He shut Takata down as his team quickly rallied and won 5-3.
Moriokadai Fuzoku continues to march on in the other side of the bracket. A matchup in the final seems inevitable.
Yamagata
The big schools continue on their march to the semifinals where they will clash. One semi is set as Nihon Yamagata meets Sakata Minami. Tomorrow, Haguro looks to join them as they play Shinjyou Higashi. The final semi is a battle of Yonezawa as Yonezawa Chuo clashes against Yonezawa Koujyoukan.
Miyagi
They are in the 3rd round, but the big players still remain. Tohoku and Sendai Ikuei move on while tomorrow Rifu looks to join them.
Fukushima
Play is in the round of 16. All 4 top seeds still remain, Seikou Gakuin, Shirakawa, Nihon Tohoku and Kounan all got through their games.
Gunma
Gunma started play in the round of 16. Not a good day if you were a seeded team though. Both Kiryuu Dai-ichi and Maebashi Shougyou were upset. Tokyo Noudai Dai-ni remains as the only top 4 team left.
Tochigi
Tochigi has entered into the Best 8. Only one top 4 seed remains - Sakushin Gakuin. They'll face Tochigi Kougyou. On a side note, Motegi is also in the best 8 and face Utsunomiya Kougyou.
Ibaraki
The qualifying just finished the 2nd stage. Only one top 4 seed has been eliminated - Fujishiro. Jyousou Gakuin, spring participant Shimotsumi Dai-ni and Mito Sakuranomaki remain.
Saitama
We're in the Sweet 16. Urawa Gakuin has had no trouble getting here, interestingly enough they'll face Seibou Gakuin. That should be an interesting game. Another top seed, Saitama Sakae meets Ooi.
Honjyou Dai-ichi and Washimiya have breezed through their qualifiers so far (not being seeded teams), and meet up for the right to meet the Urawa-Seibou winner.
Nishi Tokyo
They're only in the 3rd round, but things will accelerate as there are many, many sites for games.
Many strong teams still remain - Nihon Dai-san and Souka (who will face each other in the 4th round), Waseda Jitsugyou, and Nihon Tsurugaoka. Other top seeded teams are still around - Toritsu Hino, Hachiouji and Horikoshi.
Higashi Tokyo
Teikyou is still around. Kokushikan too. Another team to look at is Nishogakushadai Fuzoku, who has gone through their first 2 games with ease. Waseda is still around, but has to face Kokushikan.
Chiba
Narashino still continues along, facing Chiba Reimei who had one heck of a game against Narita. Reimei was up early 4-1, but Narita scored 5 in the bottom of the 2nd, leading 6-4. After 4, the game was tied at 7. Narita pulled ahead with 2 runs in the 6th, another in the 7th and 3 more in the 8th. Up 13-7, Narita looked to clear into the next round. That was until Reimei somehow came up with 7 runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead - and hold on 14-13!!
Aack. No time left. I have to get to bed. I'll take request for prefecural updates. I just can't seem to get through a proper review.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Our first berth goes to...
Kounan! Shimabukuro closes out a 4-2 win over Chubu Shougyou and they earn the first bid for Koshien!
Shimabukuro will look to strike out 20 and win this time around.
Sorry, had to say that.
Shimabukuro will look to strike out 20 and win this time around.
Sorry, had to say that.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Kyushu Update!
Well, Ken and I are furiously working on updating all the brackets. He's working from Okinawa going east and I was heading from Hokkaido south.
I'll have the updated brackets up later for this region, but we're close to having our first qualifier!
With sleep being at a premium for me lately, I'm going to run through these for now.
Okinawa-ken
4 past Koshien participants made it to the best 4. Okinawa Suisan faced off against Chubu Shougyou while Kounan met Yaeyama Shoukou.
In semifinal #1, Yaeyama Shoukou had to continuously fight from behind. When Kounan scored 3 in the 2nd, they tied it up in the 3rd. And when Kounan pulled ahead in the 5th, they tied it in the 7th. But when Kounan scored a run in the 9th to go ahead 5-4, Yaeyama was out of time.
The other semifinal say Okinawa Suisan pull ahead 2-0 in the top of the 3rd, only to see Chubu Shougyou score 3 to take the lead. And 2 more runs in the 8th proved to be too much.
So, it's Kounan's Shimabukuro vs. Chubu Shougyou's Nema for the 1st bid!
Kagoshima-ken
We're to the Best 4 here. Kamimura Gakuen is 2 games away from realizing their Koshien dream. But their first test will be Kagoshima Shougyou. Meanwhile, underdog Kagoshima Minami will meet Shounan in the other semifinal. Shounan though, squeaked by Ibusuki 4-3 in 10 innings in the Best 8 matchup.
Miyazaki-ken
Miyazaki is about to start their Sweet 16 matchups. Notable names here include Miyazaki Shougyou, Miyakonojyou Izumigaoka, Nichinan Gakuen and St. Ursula.
Kumamoto-ken/Oita-ken
I think they're getting close to the Sweet 16, will have to get back to here later.
Nagasaki-ken
Never fear, Seihou won 5-0 in their first game against Kawatana 5-0. Imamura went 7 innings.
Aack. Off to bed.
I'll have the updated brackets up later for this region, but we're close to having our first qualifier!
With sleep being at a premium for me lately, I'm going to run through these for now.
Okinawa-ken
4 past Koshien participants made it to the best 4. Okinawa Suisan faced off against Chubu Shougyou while Kounan met Yaeyama Shoukou.
In semifinal #1, Yaeyama Shoukou had to continuously fight from behind. When Kounan scored 3 in the 2nd, they tied it up in the 3rd. And when Kounan pulled ahead in the 5th, they tied it in the 7th. But when Kounan scored a run in the 9th to go ahead 5-4, Yaeyama was out of time.
The other semifinal say Okinawa Suisan pull ahead 2-0 in the top of the 3rd, only to see Chubu Shougyou score 3 to take the lead. And 2 more runs in the 8th proved to be too much.
So, it's Kounan's Shimabukuro vs. Chubu Shougyou's Nema for the 1st bid!
Kagoshima-ken
We're to the Best 4 here. Kamimura Gakuen is 2 games away from realizing their Koshien dream. But their first test will be Kagoshima Shougyou. Meanwhile, underdog Kagoshima Minami will meet Shounan in the other semifinal. Shounan though, squeaked by Ibusuki 4-3 in 10 innings in the Best 8 matchup.
Miyazaki-ken
Miyazaki is about to start their Sweet 16 matchups. Notable names here include Miyazaki Shougyou, Miyakonojyou Izumigaoka, Nichinan Gakuen and St. Ursula.
Kumamoto-ken/Oita-ken
I think they're getting close to the Sweet 16, will have to get back to here later.
Nagasaki-ken
Never fear, Seihou won 5-0 in their first game against Kawatana 5-0. Imamura went 7 innings.
Aack. Off to bed.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
7/15 Update (Hokkaido & Tohoku Prefectures)
Okay! A run through the northern areas. And in some places, it's a whole big mess.
Kita Hokkaido
We're in the sweet 16. Block winners drew once again for brackets. Next games are slated for the 17th. Komadai Iwamizawa faces off against Kushine Kougyou. Asahigawa Kougyou meets Kitami Ryoukuryou, and Asahigawa Jitsugyou draws Kitami Hokuto.
Minami Hokkaido
We're about into the Best 8 here. Rain continues to delay proceedings here.
Komadai Tomakomai eventually dispatches handles Sapporo Kita in 8 innings, 11-0. They'll face Sapporo Dai-ichi who squeaked by Sapporo Sousei 2-1. Little Otaru Kougyou also mercies Hakodate Ootani 10-3 in 8. Hakodate Kougyou will look to exact revenge as they denied Mukawa a chance to return, scoring 5 unanswered runs, erasing a 4-0 deficit, winning 5-4.
Hakodatedai Fuzoku Yuuto will meet the winner of Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo and Sapporo Shinkawa. In progress, Sapporo Shinkawa scores 3 runs in the 6th to take the lead 3-2.
Aomori
Here, we're getting the field down to 32. Aomori Yamada breezed through Itayanagi, and is currently in a 0-0 battle in the 4th with #2 seed Seiai. The winner will face Takko, who down 1 in the 9th, scored 8 runs against Hachinohe Tousen. Ouch.
At Hachinohe Nagane Stadium, fans were treated to 2 extra inning games in the 15th. In the first game, Namioka scores one in the 11th to pass Goshogawara Shougyou 3-2. In the 2nd game, Tanabu and Hachinohe Higashi took a scoress game into extras. It would be Tanabu that would break through in the 12th for the sayonara run. All the seeded teams that have played so far have advanced.
Akita
Akita is a mess. The top seed, Akita Shougyou, was upset in its first game. They gave up 2 runs early and had managed to get one back in the 6th. But Akita Nishi scored one in the 7th and then the wheels just fell off for Akitashou as Nishi scores 5 in the 8th. Yep, they were mercy ruled. Akita Nishi makes it to the Best 8 after coming from behind once again to defeat Kanaashi Nougyou 7-4.
Honjyou survived their first game, literally saying sayonara to Kakunodate 3-2 in 11. They'll face #8 Oomari Kougyou who themselves survived a scare from Yokote Seiryou. Down 4-1, they score a run in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings to go into extras. 2 more in the 10th pushed them into the next round.
#5 Takanosu had their hands full. Facing their agricultural counterpart, Takanosu Nourin, they were down 3-0 late. They pulled within one in the 8th, and then scored 2 in the 9th to take the lead! But relief pitcher Chiba, approaching his 4th inning of work, couldn't hold the lead. With no outs, Nourin scores 2 and sends Takanosu home... Their opponent is Yuzawa Shoukou, who tied the game 2-2 in the 7th against Oodate Kokusai and scored the winning run in the 12th.
This quadrant has no seeded teams left as Araya upset #4 Oodate Kougyou. Everytime Oodate scored a run, Araya would come back with their own - and then some. Oodate Kougyou scored 2 late, but it wasn't enough, falling 9-6. They continue their run into the Best 8, defeating Aikawa 6-4.
#3 Yokote is still in the tournament, but they just as easily couldn't have. In their first game, Omonogawa scores one in the 5th and 6th to get ahead 2-0. But Yokote ties it up in the bottom of the 6th. The score remained tied until the 9th when Yokote gets the sayonara run. #6 Meiou faces Noshiro tomorrow for a place in the Best 8.
#7 Noshiro Shougyou also can't get past their first game, falling to Masuda 7-2. But the highest seed still remaining belongs to #2 Akita Chuo, but they too had a scare against Akita in their first game. Down 7-3(!), they score 4 in the 7th to tie the game. They survive by pusing 2 through in the 11th.
Yeesh.
Iwate
You know when I said that teams will have their work cut out for them against Hanamaki Higashi? Well, it's just been made that much harder because the seeded teams here are dropping like flies.
Let's start with the top 4 seeds outside of Hanamaki Higashi. Looks like the selection committee was right in not selecting Ichinoseki Gakuin. They fell behind 4-0 to Hanakitaseiun before falling 4-2.
The "newcomer" in the top 4, Iwaizumi, had a 2-0 lead against Morioka Dai-yon. But Morioka would score one in the 4th and 5th before breaking it open with 4 in the 6th. Iwaizumi falls 6-3.
Moriokadai Fuzoku is the only other top 4 team left, and they've had no troubles against Morioka Kita and Mizusawa Dai-ichi. Both look to get into the Best 8 tomorrow.
The 2nd 4 seeds fared worse. Hanamaki Minami was shutout by Kamaishi 2-0. Oofunato and Senshuudai Kitakami won their first games, but then fell in the next round. Only Takata remains, and they're on a collision course with Hanamaki Higashi should they defeat Fukuoka Kougyou.
In other games, Miyako Shougyou hope to continue their run against Fukuoka. Down 4-2 in their last game, they score one in the 7th against Mizusawa Kougyou, and then with 3 outs left they tie it up. Mizusawa pulls ahead in the 11th with 2 runs, but somehow Miyashou comes back with 3 runs for the comeback win!
Senmaya looks to take advantage of the weakened bracket as they face off against Ichinoseki Dai-ichi tomorrow.
Yamagata
Yamagata has reached their sweet 16 with games commencing tomorrow.
It's been pretty much chalk for the seeded teams. The lone exception was #4 Tsuruoka Higashi, who was upset by Okitama Nougyou 4-1.
Oh yeah, that Yamagata Higashi vs. Yamagata Shougyou game? Higashi scored once again in the 11th, and Shougyou had no reply this time.
Going around the brackets, Nagai looks to continue it's magical run against #7 Kumori Gakuen. Their first game against Kaminoyama Meishinkan saw runs scored early and often. Down 7-5 in the 8th, they tie it up and then bid Meishinkan sayonara in the 11th. Then against Yamagata Higashi, Higashi took the 1-0 lead. Each team alternated with 2 runs in the next 2 innings leaving Nagai still behind 3-2. 2 runs in the 6th though give them the lead for good.
Yonezawa Koujyoukan is a beneficiary of the Okitama Nougyou upset, facing them in the round of 16. In their first round game though against Yonezawa Shougyou, Yoneshou scored 6 runs in the middle innings to go head 6-3. But then in the 9th, Koujyoukan scores 4 to take the lead! It's never easy though as Yoneshou ties it up in the bottom of the 9th. 2 innings later though, Koujyoukan plates 2 runs and they advance.
Miyagi
Miyagi has only played their opening round games. But there have been some interesting extra-inning games though this early. Oosaki Chuo and Miyagi Hirose battled 14 innings before Oosaki scores a run in the top of the inning and win 3-2. Iwagasaki needed 12 innings to say goodye to Murata 2-1. Natori Kita needed 11 to dispatch Sendai Minami 3-2.
Fukushima
Fukushima has had some crazy games here too. The tone was set in that first game between Toono and Onahama. Since then there have been a lot of close games. Top seeded Seikou Gakuin went into extras in their first game against Futaba Shougyou, but scored 4 in the 11th for the win. They'll have to pick up the pace if they want to advance further. Sukagawa Touyou squeezed out a 5-4 win against Kitakata Touyou. Fukushima Minami was also sent home in the last at-bat by Aidzu 4-3. And Asaka Kaisei plates a run in the 10th to defeat Wakamatsu Shougyou 3-2.
Unfortunately, on the other side of things, Nishi-Aidzu was mercy ruled by Yumoto 21-0 in 5. Iwaki Kouyou beat Funehiki 12-1 in 5, but then lost to Futaba 4-1.
But I think the craziest game I've seen so far was between Aidzu Nourin and Souma. Down 1-0 in the 3rd, Aidzu goes absolutely bonkers. They score 11 runds in the 3rd. 11! Facing the 10-run mercy rule in the 5th inning, they score 2 runs to keep the game alive... but they're still down 11-3. Aidzu Nourin scores one in the 6th, but Souma responds with 3 of its own. The deficit is still 6. In the 7th inning, the unthinkable happens...
Souma, out of nowhere, scores 10 runs! 10!!!!!!
And they're up 16-12! Unfreaking real!
But Aidzu Nourin mounts a late rally. They come back with 2 in the 9th to bring it to 16-14. That's as far as it would go as Souma makes the unbelievable comeback!!
Kita Hokkaido
We're in the sweet 16. Block winners drew once again for brackets. Next games are slated for the 17th. Komadai Iwamizawa faces off against Kushine Kougyou. Asahigawa Kougyou meets Kitami Ryoukuryou, and Asahigawa Jitsugyou draws Kitami Hokuto.
Minami Hokkaido
We're about into the Best 8 here. Rain continues to delay proceedings here.
Komadai Tomakomai eventually dispatches handles Sapporo Kita in 8 innings, 11-0. They'll face Sapporo Dai-ichi who squeaked by Sapporo Sousei 2-1. Little Otaru Kougyou also mercies Hakodate Ootani 10-3 in 8. Hakodate Kougyou will look to exact revenge as they denied Mukawa a chance to return, scoring 5 unanswered runs, erasing a 4-0 deficit, winning 5-4.
Hakodatedai Fuzoku Yuuto will meet the winner of Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo and Sapporo Shinkawa. In progress, Sapporo Shinkawa scores 3 runs in the 6th to take the lead 3-2.
Aomori
Here, we're getting the field down to 32. Aomori Yamada breezed through Itayanagi, and is currently in a 0-0 battle in the 4th with #2 seed Seiai. The winner will face Takko, who down 1 in the 9th, scored 8 runs against Hachinohe Tousen. Ouch.
At Hachinohe Nagane Stadium, fans were treated to 2 extra inning games in the 15th. In the first game, Namioka scores one in the 11th to pass Goshogawara Shougyou 3-2. In the 2nd game, Tanabu and Hachinohe Higashi took a scoress game into extras. It would be Tanabu that would break through in the 12th for the sayonara run. All the seeded teams that have played so far have advanced.
Akita
Akita is a mess. The top seed, Akita Shougyou, was upset in its first game. They gave up 2 runs early and had managed to get one back in the 6th. But Akita Nishi scored one in the 7th and then the wheels just fell off for Akitashou as Nishi scores 5 in the 8th. Yep, they were mercy ruled. Akita Nishi makes it to the Best 8 after coming from behind once again to defeat Kanaashi Nougyou 7-4.
Honjyou survived their first game, literally saying sayonara to Kakunodate 3-2 in 11. They'll face #8 Oomari Kougyou who themselves survived a scare from Yokote Seiryou. Down 4-1, they score a run in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings to go into extras. 2 more in the 10th pushed them into the next round.
#5 Takanosu had their hands full. Facing their agricultural counterpart, Takanosu Nourin, they were down 3-0 late. They pulled within one in the 8th, and then scored 2 in the 9th to take the lead! But relief pitcher Chiba, approaching his 4th inning of work, couldn't hold the lead. With no outs, Nourin scores 2 and sends Takanosu home... Their opponent is Yuzawa Shoukou, who tied the game 2-2 in the 7th against Oodate Kokusai and scored the winning run in the 12th.
This quadrant has no seeded teams left as Araya upset #4 Oodate Kougyou. Everytime Oodate scored a run, Araya would come back with their own - and then some. Oodate Kougyou scored 2 late, but it wasn't enough, falling 9-6. They continue their run into the Best 8, defeating Aikawa 6-4.
#3 Yokote is still in the tournament, but they just as easily couldn't have. In their first game, Omonogawa scores one in the 5th and 6th to get ahead 2-0. But Yokote ties it up in the bottom of the 6th. The score remained tied until the 9th when Yokote gets the sayonara run. #6 Meiou faces Noshiro tomorrow for a place in the Best 8.
#7 Noshiro Shougyou also can't get past their first game, falling to Masuda 7-2. But the highest seed still remaining belongs to #2 Akita Chuo, but they too had a scare against Akita in their first game. Down 7-3(!), they score 4 in the 7th to tie the game. They survive by pusing 2 through in the 11th.
Yeesh.
Iwate
You know when I said that teams will have their work cut out for them against Hanamaki Higashi? Well, it's just been made that much harder because the seeded teams here are dropping like flies.
Let's start with the top 4 seeds outside of Hanamaki Higashi. Looks like the selection committee was right in not selecting Ichinoseki Gakuin. They fell behind 4-0 to Hanakitaseiun before falling 4-2.
The "newcomer" in the top 4, Iwaizumi, had a 2-0 lead against Morioka Dai-yon. But Morioka would score one in the 4th and 5th before breaking it open with 4 in the 6th. Iwaizumi falls 6-3.
Moriokadai Fuzoku is the only other top 4 team left, and they've had no troubles against Morioka Kita and Mizusawa Dai-ichi. Both look to get into the Best 8 tomorrow.
The 2nd 4 seeds fared worse. Hanamaki Minami was shutout by Kamaishi 2-0. Oofunato and Senshuudai Kitakami won their first games, but then fell in the next round. Only Takata remains, and they're on a collision course with Hanamaki Higashi should they defeat Fukuoka Kougyou.
In other games, Miyako Shougyou hope to continue their run against Fukuoka. Down 4-2 in their last game, they score one in the 7th against Mizusawa Kougyou, and then with 3 outs left they tie it up. Mizusawa pulls ahead in the 11th with 2 runs, but somehow Miyashou comes back with 3 runs for the comeback win!
Senmaya looks to take advantage of the weakened bracket as they face off against Ichinoseki Dai-ichi tomorrow.
Yamagata
Yamagata has reached their sweet 16 with games commencing tomorrow.
It's been pretty much chalk for the seeded teams. The lone exception was #4 Tsuruoka Higashi, who was upset by Okitama Nougyou 4-1.
Oh yeah, that Yamagata Higashi vs. Yamagata Shougyou game? Higashi scored once again in the 11th, and Shougyou had no reply this time.
Going around the brackets, Nagai looks to continue it's magical run against #7 Kumori Gakuen. Their first game against Kaminoyama Meishinkan saw runs scored early and often. Down 7-5 in the 8th, they tie it up and then bid Meishinkan sayonara in the 11th. Then against Yamagata Higashi, Higashi took the 1-0 lead. Each team alternated with 2 runs in the next 2 innings leaving Nagai still behind 3-2. 2 runs in the 6th though give them the lead for good.
Yonezawa Koujyoukan is a beneficiary of the Okitama Nougyou upset, facing them in the round of 16. In their first round game though against Yonezawa Shougyou, Yoneshou scored 6 runs in the middle innings to go head 6-3. But then in the 9th, Koujyoukan scores 4 to take the lead! It's never easy though as Yoneshou ties it up in the bottom of the 9th. 2 innings later though, Koujyoukan plates 2 runs and they advance.
Miyagi
Miyagi has only played their opening round games. But there have been some interesting extra-inning games though this early. Oosaki Chuo and Miyagi Hirose battled 14 innings before Oosaki scores a run in the top of the inning and win 3-2. Iwagasaki needed 12 innings to say goodye to Murata 2-1. Natori Kita needed 11 to dispatch Sendai Minami 3-2.
Fukushima
Fukushima has had some crazy games here too. The tone was set in that first game between Toono and Onahama. Since then there have been a lot of close games. Top seeded Seikou Gakuin went into extras in their first game against Futaba Shougyou, but scored 4 in the 11th for the win. They'll have to pick up the pace if they want to advance further. Sukagawa Touyou squeezed out a 5-4 win against Kitakata Touyou. Fukushima Minami was also sent home in the last at-bat by Aidzu 4-3. And Asaka Kaisei plates a run in the 10th to defeat Wakamatsu Shougyou 3-2.
Unfortunately, on the other side of things, Nishi-Aidzu was mercy ruled by Yumoto 21-0 in 5. Iwaki Kouyou beat Funehiki 12-1 in 5, but then lost to Futaba 4-1.
But I think the craziest game I've seen so far was between Aidzu Nourin and Souma. Down 1-0 in the 3rd, Aidzu goes absolutely bonkers. They score 11 runds in the 3rd. 11! Facing the 10-run mercy rule in the 5th inning, they score 2 runs to keep the game alive... but they're still down 11-3. Aidzu Nourin scores one in the 6th, but Souma responds with 3 of its own. The deficit is still 6. In the 7th inning, the unthinkable happens...
Souma, out of nowhere, scores 10 runs! 10!!!!!!
And they're up 16-12! Unfreaking real!
But Aidzu Nourin mounts a late rally. They come back with 2 in the 9th to bring it to 16-14. That's as far as it would go as Souma makes the unbelievable comeback!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Out of time...
Unfortunately, I realize now that getting the brackets out was a lot harder than I thought. And with the limited time I could dedicate to it, I will have to get to the rest of the brackets when I can. I'll have to shift focus to the actual games being played before I fall behind on all aspects. It's out of necessity as there are 423 games slated for July 12th. 423!
So each day I will go around the prefectures to summarize games that have happened or are in progress.
I have an idea of how to speed up translations for next year, although putting the schedule will still be difficult. Also, I'll probably have to employ some help as well (Ken, where were you on the message boards??!).
So each day I will go around the prefectures to summarize games that have happened or are in progress.
I have an idea of how to speed up translations for next year, although putting the schedule will still be difficult. Also, I'll probably have to employ some help as well (Ken, where were you on the message boards??!).
Friday, July 10, 2009
7/11 Update!
Tournaments are starting across the nation, and I haven't even covered half of the prefectures yet. Oy. As a result, I'm going to have to gloss over the recaps as I've been furiously trying to get the brackets down (haven't even worked on the time schedules you see on the sheets...
So beginning in Kita Hokkaido, we've reached our final 16. There are several participants from the last decade, including Komadai Iwamizawa, Asahigawa Jitsugyou, Asahigawa Kita, Asahigawadai and Asahigawa Kougyou. Komadai Iwamizawa survived a scare from Naie Shougyou as they tied the game up 1-1 in the top of the 9th. Iwamizawa however, scored the sayonara run in the bottom half of the frame.
Others, like Sunagawa, are just happy to be here. They made it after suriviving a 15 inning affair. Tied 2-2, Iwamizawa Higashi scored 2 in the top of the 15th. At the end of the line, Sunagawa miraculously pulled off the comeback, scoring 3 in the last inning.
Minami Hokkaido is also in their sweet 16. Komadai Tomakomai looks to return for the 7th time this decade!! One of the two teams to break that streak, Sapporo Dai-ichi, has also made the field. Mukawa, looking to return to Koshien again this year also makes the field.
Yamagata begins play today, and the first game was painful. Yamagata Jyouhoku puts up 3 innings of 15, 9 and 9 runs en route to a 36-0 win over Shounai Nougyou. In progress right now, Yamagata Shougyou scores 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game against Yamagata Higashi!
Fukushima also started today, and theironly game of the day saw Onahama and Toono scoring early and often. When Onohama scored 6 in the 2nd, Toono responded with 5 in the bottom of the inning to make it 7-6. But another 6-run inning in the 6th proved to be too much as they go on to win 15-11!
In Saitama, the opening game saw Chichibu defeat Kawaguchi Kougyou 5-1.
Moving along to Chiba, their games start all across the prefecture. At Chiba Prefectural, Takushoudai Kouryou scored a walkoff run against Kenritsu Funabashi. At Chiba Marine Stadium, Ourin scored 3 runs late to defeat Ichikawa Kougyou 3-1.
Blitzing over to the Kansai area, the opening game of the Mie prefecurals saw Hisai break a scoreless draw in the bottom of the 9th against Toba. They will now face seeded Kaisei.
Nara has it's 2nd day of compeition. In day 1, Kashiba scores the sayonara run against Kashihara Gakuin 4-3. Day 2 is a bit of a relief as Tenri gets a relatively easy 6-2 win over Kashihara. Next up for the men in purple is Tedzukayama.
***UPDATE*** Yamagata Higashi scores 1 in the top of the 10th, 4-3 over Yamagata Shougyou!
Fukuoka is in it's 7th day of competition, and with over 100 games being played since I last covered it - I'll have to get back to you on that. However, the last 4 participants are still in the running - Iidzuka, Higashi-Fukuoka, Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou and Yanagigawa.
***UPDATE*** Yamagata Shougyou ties it up in the bottom of the 10th!!!
I'll have to pass over Kagoshima as well, all of the seeded teams to play so far have won, with Kamimura Gakuen having the most trouble defeating Reimei 4-1.
Finally in Okinawa, we're at the sweet 16. Chubu Shougyou did send Urasoe Shougyou home 4-1. Yaeyama Shoukou defeated Haebaru 6-0. Ginowan, Okinawa Suisan and Ishikawa all look to return to Koshien. Others like Koza, Oroku and Motobu look to get there for their first time.
That's all the time I have now. Translating brackets is more than a full-time job...
So beginning in Kita Hokkaido, we've reached our final 16. There are several participants from the last decade, including Komadai Iwamizawa, Asahigawa Jitsugyou, Asahigawa Kita, Asahigawadai and Asahigawa Kougyou. Komadai Iwamizawa survived a scare from Naie Shougyou as they tied the game up 1-1 in the top of the 9th. Iwamizawa however, scored the sayonara run in the bottom half of the frame.
Others, like Sunagawa, are just happy to be here. They made it after suriviving a 15 inning affair. Tied 2-2, Iwamizawa Higashi scored 2 in the top of the 15th. At the end of the line, Sunagawa miraculously pulled off the comeback, scoring 3 in the last inning.
Minami Hokkaido is also in their sweet 16. Komadai Tomakomai looks to return for the 7th time this decade!! One of the two teams to break that streak, Sapporo Dai-ichi, has also made the field. Mukawa, looking to return to Koshien again this year also makes the field.
Yamagata begins play today, and the first game was painful. Yamagata Jyouhoku puts up 3 innings of 15, 9 and 9 runs en route to a 36-0 win over Shounai Nougyou. In progress right now, Yamagata Shougyou scores 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game against Yamagata Higashi!
Fukushima also started today, and theironly game of the day saw Onahama and Toono scoring early and often. When Onohama scored 6 in the 2nd, Toono responded with 5 in the bottom of the inning to make it 7-6. But another 6-run inning in the 6th proved to be too much as they go on to win 15-11!
In Saitama, the opening game saw Chichibu defeat Kawaguchi Kougyou 5-1.
Moving along to Chiba, their games start all across the prefecture. At Chiba Prefectural, Takushoudai Kouryou scored a walkoff run against Kenritsu Funabashi. At Chiba Marine Stadium, Ourin scored 3 runs late to defeat Ichikawa Kougyou 3-1.
Blitzing over to the Kansai area, the opening game of the Mie prefecurals saw Hisai break a scoreless draw in the bottom of the 9th against Toba. They will now face seeded Kaisei.
Nara has it's 2nd day of compeition. In day 1, Kashiba scores the sayonara run against Kashihara Gakuin 4-3. Day 2 is a bit of a relief as Tenri gets a relatively easy 6-2 win over Kashihara. Next up for the men in purple is Tedzukayama.
***UPDATE*** Yamagata Higashi scores 1 in the top of the 10th, 4-3 over Yamagata Shougyou!
Fukuoka is in it's 7th day of competition, and with over 100 games being played since I last covered it - I'll have to get back to you on that. However, the last 4 participants are still in the running - Iidzuka, Higashi-Fukuoka, Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou and Yanagigawa.
***UPDATE*** Yamagata Shougyou ties it up in the bottom of the 10th!!!
I'll have to pass over Kagoshima as well, all of the seeded teams to play so far have won, with Kamimura Gakuen having the most trouble defeating Reimei 4-1.
Finally in Okinawa, we're at the sweet 16. Chubu Shougyou did send Urasoe Shougyou home 4-1. Yaeyama Shoukou defeated Haebaru 6-0. Ginowan, Okinawa Suisan and Ishikawa all look to return to Koshien. Others like Koza, Oroku and Motobu look to get there for their first time.
That's all the time I have now. Translating brackets is more than a full-time job...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I love Japanese cars...
If there was one thing that I wish I could have in the US, it's a Japanese car. You may ask, "but there are Japanese cars in the US." But not Japanese cars made for Japan in the US. Personally, I think it'd be cool if Daihatsu sold it's cars here - especially the Move Latte. It's such a cute car.
Hiroshima is home to Mazda and cars such as the Verisa. I'm not really a fan of Mazda, but their Japanese cars look cute.
Anyways...
Back to baseball, Hiroshima's field is 98 strong, and there is no block play. But venues are held at 9 different stadiums, including the old Hiroshima Municipal and the new Hiroshima Municipal (aka Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium, which looks REALLY cool).
The 8 seeded teams are led by Jyosuikan, whom I remember from the 2006 tournament. That, and I remember missing seeing their prefectural championship game by a day. They're joined by Hiroshima Kougyou, Soutoku, Setouchi, Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin, Hiroshima Shiritsu Kougyou, Hiroshima Koudai and Yoshida.
The representative for the past 2 years, Kouryou, must run through the full gauntlet beginning on the 13th at Old Hiroshima Municipal against Fukuyama Iyo. Win that, and they're off against seeded Yoshida. They're fortunate though, that they won't have to see Jyosuikan until the finals... that is of course if they both make it.
6 or 7 games in 2 weeks. And then less than 1 week turnaround before Koshien. It sounds like hell on the players' bodies, and it probably is. But the potential reward for them is well worth it.
Hiroshima is home to Mazda and cars such as the Verisa. I'm not really a fan of Mazda, but their Japanese cars look cute.
Anyways...
Back to baseball, Hiroshima's field is 98 strong, and there is no block play. But venues are held at 9 different stadiums, including the old Hiroshima Municipal and the new Hiroshima Municipal (aka Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium, which looks REALLY cool).
The 8 seeded teams are led by Jyosuikan, whom I remember from the 2006 tournament. That, and I remember missing seeing their prefectural championship game by a day. They're joined by Hiroshima Kougyou, Soutoku, Setouchi, Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin, Hiroshima Shiritsu Kougyou, Hiroshima Koudai and Yoshida.
The representative for the past 2 years, Kouryou, must run through the full gauntlet beginning on the 13th at Old Hiroshima Municipal against Fukuyama Iyo. Win that, and they're off against seeded Yoshida. They're fortunate though, that they won't have to see Jyosuikan until the finals... that is of course if they both make it.
6 or 7 games in 2 weeks. And then less than 1 week turnaround before Koshien. It sounds like hell on the players' bodies, and it probably is. But the potential reward for them is well worth it.
How lucky do you feel?
Yamaguchi is home to one of the main fishing grounds for Fugu. Interestingly enough, the people in Yamaguchi-ken call it Fuku for good luck. And you're not really in any danger as those who prepare it have to be certified - and that takes 2-3 years.
We're not here for the fish though, we're here for the qualifiers. A healthy 59 teams make up the field. Ube Koujyou and Shimonoseki Shougyou joins the duo of Iwakuni and Nanyou Kougyou (who have gone 5 of the last 9 years) as the top 4 seeds. The 2nd tier belongs to last year's participant Shimonoseki Kougyou, along with Karyou, Yamaguchi-ken Kougyou, and Iwakuni Shougyou.
Nanyou Kougyou played a solid all-around style of baseball at the spring Senbatsu. I would figure them to be the favorite to advance. If they do, they could very well match Ube Shougyou's 2005 run.
In the interest of getting all the prefectures that start play this weekend, I'm going to jet back across the country through those prefectures, backtracking to the rest after I finish those.
Next stop, Hiroshima!
We're not here for the fish though, we're here for the qualifiers. A healthy 59 teams make up the field. Ube Koujyou and Shimonoseki Shougyou joins the duo of Iwakuni and Nanyou Kougyou (who have gone 5 of the last 9 years) as the top 4 seeds. The 2nd tier belongs to last year's participant Shimonoseki Kougyou, along with Karyou, Yamaguchi-ken Kougyou, and Iwakuni Shougyou.
Nanyou Kougyou played a solid all-around style of baseball at the spring Senbatsu. I would figure them to be the favorite to advance. If they do, they could very well match Ube Shougyou's 2005 run.
In the interest of getting all the prefectures that start play this weekend, I'm going to jet back across the country through those prefectures, backtracking to the rest after I finish those.
Next stop, Hiroshima!
Monday, July 6, 2009
What I wouldn't give for some good udon...
As I read up on Kagawa-ken, they appear to be renowned for their Sanuki udon. Just thinking about it makes me wish for a good bowl. Perhaps I will partake in some when I finish my tour of the prefectures...
But here we are at Kagawa-ken. 39 teams make up the field, highlighted by the top 2 seeds - Samukawa and Tadotsu. Neither school has earned a trip to Koshien. The team that has dominated the scene recently, Jinsei Gakuen, draws one of the extra opening round matches, and will have to play 6 games to earn their 6th bid in the last 10 years. Last year's participant, Kagawa Nishi, will face the Takamatsu Sakurai and Takamatsu Chuo winner. Should they win that game, they have a possible matchup with seeded Samukawa.
It's been fun being in Shikoku, but now we're off to the Chuugoku region and Yamaguchi-ken. Nanyou Kougyou had a good run. How are they doing?
But here we are at Kagawa-ken. 39 teams make up the field, highlighted by the top 2 seeds - Samukawa and Tadotsu. Neither school has earned a trip to Koshien. The team that has dominated the scene recently, Jinsei Gakuen, draws one of the extra opening round matches, and will have to play 6 games to earn their 6th bid in the last 10 years. Last year's participant, Kagawa Nishi, will face the Takamatsu Sakurai and Takamatsu Chuo winner. Should they win that game, they have a possible matchup with seeded Samukawa.
It's been fun being in Shikoku, but now we're off to the Chuugoku region and Yamaguchi-ken. Nanyou Kougyou had a good run. How are they doing?
A stroll across the farmlands...
Shikoku is definitely considered off the beaten path. Not part of the main travel routes, and mountainous, there's really little incentive to come here other than the 88-temple pilgrimage. And for these prefectures getting attention can be difficult. Tokushima's efforts revolve around the agriculture and various food products they grow.
But onto baseball. Tokushima's field is one of the smaller ones, featuring 33 teams. And in this field, 2 teams have dominated the scene - Naruto Kougyou and Tokushima Shougyou. The other 2 teams are Komatsushima and Seikou Gakuen. The majority of the games will be held at Oronamin C Stadium, home to the Tokushima Indigo Socks.
But onto baseball. Tokushima's field is one of the smaller ones, featuring 33 teams. And in this field, 2 teams have dominated the scene - Naruto Kougyou and Tokushima Shougyou. The other 2 teams are Komatsushima and Seikou Gakuen. The majority of the games will be held at Oronamin C Stadium, home to the Tokushima Indigo Socks.
...mmm, fresh mikan.
It's been a while since I've had a fresh mikan, and Ehime is known for their mikans. You'll have to excuse me as I'll partake in some while reviewing the brackets.
Interestingly enough, Ehime has had good success at Koshien. In the last decade alone, their representative has reached the Best 8 4 times, the Best 4 3 times, and reached the championship once!
Staples Saibi and Imabari Nishi make up half of the top 4 seeds. Matsuyama Shougyou, who started the streak of deep runs back in 2001 is the third. And the final one belongs to Saijyou, and ace Akiyama Takumi. He is rather large for a pitcher, and while far be it for me to say anything about a pitcher's mechanics, he seems to have a consistent delivery. The only knock against them may be their offense.
These 4 schools have dominated the scene recently, so once again, teams will have a difficult time passing through.
Interestingly enough, Ehime has had good success at Koshien. In the last decade alone, their representative has reached the Best 8 4 times, the Best 4 3 times, and reached the championship once!
Staples Saibi and Imabari Nishi make up half of the top 4 seeds. Matsuyama Shougyou, who started the streak of deep runs back in 2001 is the third. And the final one belongs to Saijyou, and ace Akiyama Takumi. He is rather large for a pitcher, and while far be it for me to say anything about a pitcher's mechanics, he seems to have a consistent delivery. The only knock against them may be their offense.
These 4 schools have dominated the scene recently, so once again, teams will have a difficult time passing through.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... Anpanman!
As we head to the slow pace of Shikoku, we arrive at the home of an unusual hero - Anpanman. Made of bread, he goes off and fights bacteria.
But we're here for the prefectural qualifiers. And here, 3 teams dominate the scene - Meitoku Gijuku, Kochi, and Kochi Shougyou. Only one team has broken the triumperate since 1990, and that was Sukumo in 1994. Kochi Kougyou rounds out the top 4 seeds.
I think the other schools will need more than just Anpanman's help if they want to break through.
But we're here for the prefectural qualifiers. And here, 3 teams dominate the scene - Meitoku Gijuku, Kochi, and Kochi Shougyou. Only one team has broken the triumperate since 1990, and that was Sukumo in 1994. Kochi Kougyou rounds out the top 4 seeds.
I think the other schools will need more than just Anpanman's help if they want to break through.
...mamonaku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka desu.
So we finally wrap up the trip to Kyushu at the populous prefecture in the region, Fukuoka. The most puzzling thing to me is that Fukuoka is one of the prefectures with the most people in western Japan, and yet their success at Koshien has been... well... underwhelming.
I don't know the reason why, so if someone can enlighten me, I'd appreciate it.
Anyways, to the qualifiers. Fukuoka has block with 19 teams making it to the prefectural finals. Top seeds in each regional (by block) are as follows:
Kita Regionals
I don't know the reason why, so if someone can enlighten me, I'd appreciate it.
Anyways, to the qualifiers. Fukuoka has block with 19 teams making it to the prefectural finals. Top seeds in each regional (by block) are as follows:
Kita Regionals
- Kaho, Jiyuugaoka, Touchiku, Higashi-Chikushi Gakuen, Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku, Iidzuka, Tobata and Kokura.
- Kurume Shougyou, Kyushu Sangyoudai Fuzoku Kyushu Sangyou, Nishi Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku, Chikuyou Gakuen, Kasuga, Oki Gakuen, Tokaidai Dai-go, Fukuokadai Oohori, Kyushu Sangyodai Fuzoku Kyushu, Fukuoka Kodai Jyoutou, and Chikuzen.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
7/4 - Qualifier Update!! (Part 2)
Continuing the review in Okinawa we begin with a stunning upset as seeded Itoman, up 3-1 against Maehara, gives up 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th and falls 4-3! Then, in the 2nd game of the day, Motobu and Nanbu Nourin were scoreless through regulation. The innings continued to drag on with neither side able to get that one run across. But one inning away from a tie, Motobu manages to bring home the sayonara run.
At Itoman Nishizaki, Yaeyama Shoukou continues it's run as they breeze through 6-0. Seeded Okinawa SuiHaebarusan defeates Nishihara by the same score.
Meanwhile, Kumejima just seems to love the walkoff. Against Urasoe at Chatan Kouen, Kumejima held a 4-2 lead after 4. But the kids from Urasoe fought back with runs in the 6th and 7th and actually took the lead! Kumejima though would tie the game in the bottom of the 7th. Then against relief pitcher Atagi, Kumejima gets the walkoff run and advances to face Motobu.
Okinawa Suisan's opponent in the round of 16 will be former Koshien participant Ishikawa. Quickly down 2-0 to Kitanakagusuku, they tie the game with runs in the 7th and 8th. And in the 11th, they break it open with 2 runs to push past the squad from Kitanakagusuku.
And today will be the matchup between Urasoe Shougyou and Chubu Shougyou. Will we see another seeded team fall?
Moving to Kagoshima-ken, the opening round games begin. Reimei easily defeats Sueyoshi 4-0, but will have to turn around and face Kamimura Gakuen. Also at Kamoike Prefectural Stadium, the combined Nakatani・Taneshima Chuo squad mercy rule Ooshima Kougyou 10-0 in 5 and will play LaSalle next. And finally Taneshima scores 3 in the first on their way to a 6-2 victory against Kagoshima Dai-ichi. They'll get to play seeded Kagoshima.
At Kamoike Citizen's Ballpark, Izumi Kougyou has no trouble with Amami defeating them 5-1. Ichiki Nougei and Kokubun Chuo traded a run in the 1st and 2 in the 3rd before Ichiki scored in the 5th and 6th to take a 2 run lead. Down 5-4 in the top of the 9th, Ichiki Nougei's ace Ookubo gives up 3 runs. And while they mount a rally in the bottom of the 9th, they fall 7-6. And Kagoshima Suisan handles Ooshima Kita 5-0.
And play begins in the 133 team field in Fukuoka. Man, what the feeling would be to play a game at Yahoo! Dome. But that what's these teams did yesterday. Tobata Kougyou defeats Tokiwa 6-2, while Kurume Shougyou sends Fukuoka home early winning 11-0 in 5.
In late games back in Hokkaido, Asahigawa Jitsugyou does defeat Asahigawa Higashi 6-2. In Sorachi, Iwamizawa Higashi beats Takikawa Kougyou 9-2 in 7. In Tokachi, the game was called after 7 with Obihiro Ootani beating Hiro-o 9-1 earning the final bid from the region.
At Itoman Nishizaki, Yaeyama Shoukou continues it's run as they breeze through 6-0. Seeded Okinawa SuiHaebarusan defeates Nishihara by the same score.
Meanwhile, Kumejima just seems to love the walkoff. Against Urasoe at Chatan Kouen, Kumejima held a 4-2 lead after 4. But the kids from Urasoe fought back with runs in the 6th and 7th and actually took the lead! Kumejima though would tie the game in the bottom of the 7th. Then against relief pitcher Atagi, Kumejima gets the walkoff run and advances to face Motobu.
Okinawa Suisan's opponent in the round of 16 will be former Koshien participant Ishikawa. Quickly down 2-0 to Kitanakagusuku, they tie the game with runs in the 7th and 8th. And in the 11th, they break it open with 2 runs to push past the squad from Kitanakagusuku.
And today will be the matchup between Urasoe Shougyou and Chubu Shougyou. Will we see another seeded team fall?
Moving to Kagoshima-ken, the opening round games begin. Reimei easily defeats Sueyoshi 4-0, but will have to turn around and face Kamimura Gakuen. Also at Kamoike Prefectural Stadium, the combined Nakatani・Taneshima Chuo squad mercy rule Ooshima Kougyou 10-0 in 5 and will play LaSalle next. And finally Taneshima scores 3 in the first on their way to a 6-2 victory against Kagoshima Dai-ichi. They'll get to play seeded Kagoshima.
At Kamoike Citizen's Ballpark, Izumi Kougyou has no trouble with Amami defeating them 5-1. Ichiki Nougei and Kokubun Chuo traded a run in the 1st and 2 in the 3rd before Ichiki scored in the 5th and 6th to take a 2 run lead. Down 5-4 in the top of the 9th, Ichiki Nougei's ace Ookubo gives up 3 runs. And while they mount a rally in the bottom of the 9th, they fall 7-6. And Kagoshima Suisan handles Ooshima Kita 5-0.
And play begins in the 133 team field in Fukuoka. Man, what the feeling would be to play a game at Yahoo! Dome. But that what's these teams did yesterday. Tobata Kougyou defeats Tokiwa 6-2, while Kurume Shougyou sends Fukuoka home early winning 11-0 in 5.
In late games back in Hokkaido, Asahigawa Jitsugyou does defeat Asahigawa Higashi 6-2. In Sorachi, Iwamizawa Higashi beats Takikawa Kougyou 9-2 in 7. In Tokachi, the game was called after 7 with Obihiro Ootani beating Hiro-o 9-1 earning the final bid from the region.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
7/4 - Qualifier Update!! (Part 1)
Well, Fukuoka and Kagoshima begin their qualifiers as Hokkaido and Okinawa continue their marches.
Kita Hokkaido
Asahigawa Regional
Here in Minami Hokkaido, we're approaching the end of the regionals. Muroran and Otaru remain.
Muroran Regionals
Kita Hokkaido
Asahigawa Regional
- A Block - The game between Asahigawa Kougyou and Asahigawa Ryuukoku for some reason wasn't played on the 3rd. Or if it was, there's been no report of it. Now that I check the news wires, it appears that a player from Asahigawa Ryuukoku has been diagnosed with the flu and as a result the game has been delayed. When they do play, they will play for the right to play Asahigawa Nishi for a spot in the sweet 16. Nishi defeated their cross-town rivals, Asahigawa Kita 11-6.
- B Block - Asahigawa Meisei defeated Rumoi 4-1, while Asahigawadai ousted Furano 5-1. These teams will play tomorrow for a spot in the round of 16.
- C Block - Earlier today, Asahigawa Ryouun and Furano Ryokuho dueled for a spot in the block finals. Ryokuho took the quick 1-0 lead, but Ryouun roared back with 5 in the bottom of the 1st to take a commanding lead. Ryokuho clawed back with a run in the 3rd and 2 in the 5th to get within 1. Just as they were getting close, ace Ishikawa gives up 2 runs to give Ryouun back the 3 run lead. Ryokuho , perhaps getting desparate, roars back with a big inning of their own, scoring 4 in the 6th and taking the 8-7 lead! Now it was Ryouun who would have to claw their way back, and that they did! They scored the tying run in the 7th and the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th! Down to their last 3 outs, Furano finds a way to tie the game once again! They have a chance to bring it to extras, but Ishikawa cannot hold off Ryouun. He gives up the sayonara run as Ryokuho can only watch as their Koshien dreams end.
- A Block - Komadai Iwamizawa continues to breeze through the competition, defeating Asahigawa Ryokuryou 12-2 in 5 innings. But they'll have to wait. For Naie Shougyou, down 3-2 to Fukagawa Nishi and facing elimination, score the tying run in the 9th. And then nothing. Zeros litter the board in extras, and the game ends in a 3-3 tie! So they'll do it all over again tomorrow, and that means that whoever wins will have to had played 3 games in 3 days - with the last game against Komadai Iwamizawa - to advance. Ganbatte.
- B Block - Sunagawa easily defeats Takikawa 6-0to reach their block final. Their opponent looks to be Iwamizawa Higashi as they lead Takikawa Kougyou 6-1 after 2 innings.
- A Block - The block finals here are set, and Memanbetsu and Kitami Hokuto breezed through their semifinal games to get there.
- B Block - Here the teams had a bit more of a hard time. Engaru and Kitami Hakuyou were tied 1-1 when Engaru scored a run in the 6th and 7th to take a 2 run lead. Hakuyou though quickly tied the game in the top of the 8th, and then suddenly took the lead with a run in the 9th! Engaru though will not be denied! They score 2 in the bottom of the 9th and advance 5-4! Bihoro and Abashiri Keiyou went down to the wire as well. Nursing a 1-run lead, Nakatsuka can't hold it. Bihoro scores the tying run in the 8th. And then Bihoro breaks Abashiri Keiyou's heart as they score the sayonara run in the 9th.
- C Block - The Kitami Regionals seem to be filled with late-game heroics. Koshimizu held a 2-1 lead against Kitami Ryokuryou from the 1st inning onward. But then in the 9th, ace Tachibana can't close the deal. He gives up 3 runs to Ryokuryou, and his team falls 4-2. The other finalist featured Kitami Kougyou and Oumu. Kitami Kougyou went ahead 3-1, but Oumu tied it up with runs in the 6th and 7th. Kitami Kougyou went back ahead with a run in the bottom of the 7th, only to see Oumu score 2 in the 8th... and never look back.
- In Tokachi, it's an Obihiro sweep. In Block A, Obihiro Nougyou defeated Obihiro Hakuyou 4-0 to earn a bid. Block B saw a shocker as Obihiro Kougyou upset Shirakaba Gakuen 6-2! And while the block final game is still in progress, Obihiro Ootani has a 9-1 lead after 7 innings over Hiro-o.
- In Kushine, we're approaching the block finals. In Block A, Nakashibetsu and Kushiro Konan will duke it out. Block B sees Bushuukan and Kushiro Hokuyou. Kushiro Hokuyou came back quickly after a 1st inning 4-0 deficit to take a 5-4 lead. While Kushiro Tousen would tie the game up, Hokuyou would push the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th to advance. Rain has pushed back the schedule a day, so Block C's semi's will happen tomorrow.
Here in Minami Hokkaido, we're approaching the end of the regionals. Muroran and Otaru remain.
Muroran Regionals
- Block A - Tomakomai Chuo was in a pitchers duel against Tomakomai Higashi. Higashi broke the 1-1 deadlock in the 7th with a run, but Chuo evened the score in the 8th. Then in the 9th inning, Chuo scores the sayonara run off of ace Yagi and they reach the round of 16.
- Block B - Mukawa and Shiraoi Higashi were also involved in a close affair. Mukawa broke a 1-1 tie with runs in the 6th and 7th and ace Nishifuji held off a late charge by Shiraoi Higashi to come away with the 3-2 win.
- Block C - Komadai Tomakomai looks to advance as they face off against Muroran Ootani.
- Block D - Meanwhile, Hokkaido Sakae and Tomakomai Kougyou will face off in the 2nd game of the day for the right to play on.
- The finals are set in both blocks. In Block A, Hokushou and Otaru Ooyou will meet up. Otaru Ooyou had to hold off a late charge from Niki Shougyou and squeaked by with a 7-6 win. Meanwhile, Otaru Suisan and Otaru Kougyou will play for the 2nd bid from Otaru.
Say again?
Aw crap. It's hard enough for me to understand Japanese proper as it were, but now we reach Saga when they have Saga-ben. Looks like it's time for hand gestures.
40 schools begin their trek to Koshien, buoyed by the duo of Baba and Kubo who led Saga Kita to victory 2 years ago.
Last year's participant, and only other Natsu Koshien winner Saga Shougyou leads the field of seeded teams which include Saga Gakuen, Imari Nourin and 2007 spring participant Ogi.
Saga Shougyou would love to make it to Koshien once again, in the hopes of getting past the first game. Everyone else looks to catch that fire that was the success of Saga Kita.
40 schools begin their trek to Koshien, buoyed by the duo of Baba and Kubo who led Saga Kita to victory 2 years ago.
Last year's participant, and only other Natsu Koshien winner Saga Shougyou leads the field of seeded teams which include Saga Gakuen, Imari Nourin and 2007 spring participant Ogi.
Saga Shougyou would love to make it to Koshien once again, in the hopes of getting past the first game. Everyone else looks to catch that fire that was the success of Saga Kita.
Koshien slam anyone?
Man, what I would give for more onsen at Unzen Onsen. But there's no time as we arrive in Nagasaki. And here lies the team that looks for the Koshien sweep - Seihou. Led by Imamura Takeru and his intimidating and never-changing face, Seihou finally has the pitching to back up the explosive offense they've always had. Oddly enough, Imamura isn't getting as much attention as his counterpart Kikuchi. And as a fan of Seihou, I like the underdog. Let them focus on Hanamaki Higashi. Imamura will continue to dominate.
But first things first, they'll have to pass through the gauntlet of prefectural qualifying.
Those judged to give them the most trouble are Nagasaki Nichidai, Souseikan, Shikimachi Kougyou, Chinzei Gakuin, Nagasaki Shougyou, Keihou and Hasami. Worse yet for Seihou, Nagasaki Nichidai resides in their quadrant - so it's not going to be easy.
But needless to say, Imamura is expected to arrive at Koshien with the intent on repeating. Their first step will be on the 17th at Sasebo Stadium against the Kawatana-Nagasaki Aoyama winner.
But first things first, they'll have to pass through the gauntlet of prefectural qualifying.
Those judged to give them the most trouble are Nagasaki Nichidai, Souseikan, Shikimachi Kougyou, Chinzei Gakuin, Nagasaki Shougyou, Keihou and Hasami. Worse yet for Seihou, Nagasaki Nichidai resides in their quadrant - so it's not going to be easy.
But needless to say, Imamura is expected to arrive at Koshien with the intent on repeating. Their first step will be on the 17th at Sasebo Stadium against the Kawatana-Nagasaki Aoyama winner.
A walk through the park?
If I ever have time in Kumamoto-ken, I'd like to take a stroll through Suizenji Kouen. It feels like I could spend a couple of days there just enjoying the scenery.
But the whirlwind tour of the brackets continue. The draw is set, and they're getting ready to go.
The seeded teams for this bracket include recent participants Kumamoto Kougyou, Yatsushiro Higashi, Kyushu Gakuin, Jyouhoku, and Shuugakukan. Luther Gakuin, Kumamoto Kokufu, and Senshuudai Tamana join them in the top 8.
Kumomoto Kougyou has had the history of advancing, but I have a feeling that it's going to be that clear-cut.
But the whirlwind tour of the brackets continue. The draw is set, and they're getting ready to go.
The seeded teams for this bracket include recent participants Kumamoto Kougyou, Yatsushiro Higashi, Kyushu Gakuin, Jyouhoku, and Shuugakukan. Luther Gakuin, Kumamoto Kokufu, and Senshuudai Tamana join them in the top 8.
Kumomoto Kougyou has had the history of advancing, but I have a feeling that it's going to be that clear-cut.
It takes a village...
But unfortunately in Oita, there are very few left. Check that, there's 1 village left - Himeshima. And with 14 cities and 3 towns, it is the 4th fewest combined total in all of Japan (thanks Wikipedia). As a result, a recent governor started the One Village, One Product movement which helped these remaining municipalities survive.
The 49 team field is set, and the score will be settled at Shin-Oita stadium.
Meihou with happy-go-lucky 3B/P Imamiya, and Hita-rin Kougyou are the top 2 seeds. Oita and 21st century team Oita Uenogaoka make up the 3/4 seeds.
The 5-8 seeds belong to Saiki Kakujyou, Touin, Beppu Aoyama and Mie Sougou.
And unlike Miyazaki prefecture, comeptition has been a bit more wide open as there have been 7 different representatives over the past decade. Meihou certainly is the favorite to advance, but it's not like they're invulnerable either. Imamiya is only half of Meihou's staff. When and how he's used could be the key to their success.
The 49 team field is set, and the score will be settled at Shin-Oita stadium.
Meihou with happy-go-lucky 3B/P Imamiya, and Hita-rin Kougyou are the top 2 seeds. Oita and 21st century team Oita Uenogaoka make up the 3/4 seeds.
The 5-8 seeds belong to Saiki Kakujyou, Touin, Beppu Aoyama and Mie Sougou.
And unlike Miyazaki prefecture, comeptition has been a bit more wide open as there have been 7 different representatives over the past decade. Meihou certainly is the favorite to advance, but it's not like they're invulnerable either. Imamiya is only half of Meihou's staff. When and how he's used could be the key to their success.
Stop me if you've heard of this one...
Well, I don't know if we'll get a visit from governor Higashikokubaru, but word is he's doing a lot to get Miyazaki back on the map in Japan. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped the prefecture, like other rural prefectures, from consolidating its villages and towns.
That's evidenced by the 51 team field for the prefectural qualifiers.
Miyazaki Shougyou, with the loss of ace Akagawa to the Yakult Swallows, still earns one of the top 8 seeds in the field. The other seeded teams includes recent Koshien participants such as St. Ursula, Nobeoka Gakuen, and Nichinan Gakuen. The other 4 are Miyakonojyou Shougyou, Miyazaki Gakuen, Miyazaki Shougyou, and Miyazaki Nougyou.
A favorite of mine when they received a 21st century bid was Miyakonojyou Izumigaoka. I think I just like them for their grittiness. They draw Hyuuga Kougyou as the first game of the day at Sun Marine Stadium on the 13th.
Interestingly, Miyazaki ranks in the middle when it comes to succes at Koshien. And in the last couple of years, their representatives have fared a little better getting through their first game before being eliminated. The winner here will hope to continue that trend.
That's evidenced by the 51 team field for the prefectural qualifiers.
Miyazaki Shougyou, with the loss of ace Akagawa to the Yakult Swallows, still earns one of the top 8 seeds in the field. The other seeded teams includes recent Koshien participants such as St. Ursula, Nobeoka Gakuen, and Nichinan Gakuen. The other 4 are Miyakonojyou Shougyou, Miyazaki Gakuen, Miyazaki Shougyou, and Miyazaki Nougyou.
A favorite of mine when they received a 21st century bid was Miyakonojyou Izumigaoka. I think I just like them for their grittiness. They draw Hyuuga Kougyou as the first game of the day at Sun Marine Stadium on the 13th.
Interestingly, Miyazaki ranks in the middle when it comes to succes at Koshien. And in the last couple of years, their representatives have fared a little better getting through their first game before being eliminated. The winner here will hope to continue that trend.
How about some daikon?
Ah, back in the warm Kyushu region. Glad I brought my umbrella and sunscreen. Perhaps I'll have some daikon dishes when I get the chance.
I'm just in time to see the next prefecture to start their qualifiers.
The top 4 seeds are no surprise. Shounan, (formerly known as Kagoshima Shoukou) the dominant team since the 1980's - is no surpise given they've made it to Koshien 14 of the last 28 years!! Kamimura Gakuen continues to get a top seed in the region, but has only fulfilled that dream in 2007 in making it to Koshien. And the 3rd team to dominate the scene, Kamimura Jitsugyou, earns another spot. The 4th team to earn a top seed is Kagoshima Shougyou.
If you look at the records, the last team not named Shounan/Kagoshima Shoukou, Kagoshima Jitsugyou or Kamimura Gakuen to make it out of Kagoshima, was Kawauchi Jitsugyou... in 1980.
Good luck to all the other teams. I'm sure it's been a long record of frustration for all of you.
Oh, one more thing to note. You may have seen teams that seem to consist of multiple schools. One example is Kurino Kougyou・Makizono・Kirishima. My best guess is that the federation allows schools to merge teams, probably as a necessity in rural areas. Mass migrations to metropolitan areas have forced cities and towns to merge. But when we talk about merge, it's just a combination of cities that could be separated by a good distance that become officially a "city". So this hardship probably creates an exception where schools can combine their players to form a team.
I'm just in time to see the next prefecture to start their qualifiers.
The top 4 seeds are no surprise. Shounan, (formerly known as Kagoshima Shoukou) the dominant team since the 1980's - is no surpise given they've made it to Koshien 14 of the last 28 years!! Kamimura Gakuen continues to get a top seed in the region, but has only fulfilled that dream in 2007 in making it to Koshien. And the 3rd team to dominate the scene, Kamimura Jitsugyou, earns another spot. The 4th team to earn a top seed is Kagoshima Shougyou.
If you look at the records, the last team not named Shounan/Kagoshima Shoukou, Kagoshima Jitsugyou or Kamimura Gakuen to make it out of Kagoshima, was Kawauchi Jitsugyou... in 1980.
Good luck to all the other teams. I'm sure it's been a long record of frustration for all of you.
Oh, one more thing to note. You may have seen teams that seem to consist of multiple schools. One example is Kurino Kougyou・Makizono・Kirishima. My best guess is that the federation allows schools to merge teams, probably as a necessity in rural areas. Mass migrations to metropolitan areas have forced cities and towns to merge. But when we talk about merge, it's just a combination of cities that could be separated by a good distance that become officially a "city". So this hardship probably creates an exception where schools can combine their players to form a team.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Qualifier Update!
Well, while I've been off gallivanting around the different prefectures - Kita Hokkaido, Minami Hokkaido and Okinawa continue on with their qualifiers.
Starting in Kita Hokkaido, Nayoro has finished their regionals - and it was a hometown sweep. In Block A, Nayoro had no trouble in any of their games, defeating Toyotomi 7-3, turning around 2 days later to defeat top seed Hamatonbetsu 4-0 then putting the exclamation mark the next day by defeating Esashi 17-0 in 5 innings. It seemed more impressive given they had momentum on their side. They had earlier survived a 8-7 game in 12 innings against Rishiri, then pushing Nayoro Nougyou 14-3 in 7.
In B Block, Nayoro Sangyou advanced after defeating Wakkanai 5-3 in the finals. But that game was a bit closer. Up 3-1 heading into the 7th, Wakkanai equalized with 2. They could not build on that though as Nayoro Sangyou scored 2 in the bottom half of the frame to once again take the lead.
To the Asahigawa Regional, in A Block Asahigawa Kougyou easily beat Rumoi Senbou 11-0 in 5 innings. Kamifurano's season ended early as Asahigawa Kita opened the gates to a 21-1 victory.
The favorite out of the Sorachi Regional, Komadai Iwamizawa crusied through their 1st game, defeating Takikawa Nishi 7-0 in 8 innings. Their next opponent will be Asahigawa Ryokuryou whose 3 runs in the 5th was enough to defeat Bibai 3-1. I'm waiting for the game on the 3rd between Yuubari and Takikawa Kougyou. With all the troubles that Yuubari has gone through, and the people moving out, it'd be nice to see their team win a game.
Moving onto Kitami, the opening game in Block A was exciting as Kitami Shougyou faced off against Kiyosato. Kitashou had jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but Kiyosato fought back. Down 3-1 and running out of time, Kiyosato scored 2 runs in the 7th to tie the game. Then in the bottom of the 9th, Kiyosato pushed through the winning run against reliever Kadoma.
Unfortunately, almost all the games in the region thereafter were called games. Kitami Hokuto's 9-2 victory against Saroma was one of the closer games, while Shari fell at the hands of Kitami Hakuyou 15-0 in 5.
Tokachi's regional featured a lot of good games. In Block A, Shimizu had just gone ahead 2-1 in the 5th when Taiki scored 4 in the bottom of the frame. And while Shimizu came back with 2 runs in the 6th, they couldn't put through the tying run. Otofuke had a 3-1 lead after 1, only to see Honbetsu tie it up in the 3rd, and with the pressure on scored one in the 7th and an insurance run in the 9th to advance.
Block B sees Obihiro Kita advance with a 6-2 victory against Obihiro Sanjyou. But they must now defeat Shirakaba Gakuen today if they want their Koshien run to continue. And in Block C, Hiro-o holds off Memuro 2-1 to advance to the 2nd round.
Finally in Kushine the best game so far was between Kushiro Shougyou and Kiritappu. Kusshou had scored 5 early for an early lead. But that instantly evaporated when Kiritappu scored 5 to equalize. Crooked numbers were put up in the 6th, with Kiritappu pulling ahead 7-6. All seemed lost for Kusshou when in the 9th they scored 2 runs. And Oda, the 3rd pitcher of the day, shut the door for the 8-7 win.
Moving to the Minami Hokkaido regionals, Hakodate has finished theirs. Hakodate Fuzoku Yuuto earns the first spot defeating Shiritsu Hakodate 7-0 in 7 innings. Hakodate Kougyou defeated Hakodate Chuubu 13-1 in 5 innings for the 2nd. And finally, Hakodate Ootani squeaks through with a 1-0 win against Hakodate Shougyou.
Sapporo's 7 bids are also set:
Elsewhere in the brackets, Abuta fell to Muroran Ootani 21-1 in 5 innings in Block C. In Blcok D, crooked numbers littered the Biratori-Hobetsu matchup. Tied 3-3 in the 2nd, Biratori scores 4 unanswered runs. Then up 7-4, they score another 3 runs in the 8th to go up 10-4. But Biratori's ace Sumiyoshi could not hold the lead. Hobetsu scores 2 in the 8th, and then 5 in the 9th inning for the stunning 11-10 win.
And finally the Otaru regionals started yesterday at Otaru Sakuragaoka Stadium. After the teams traded runs in the 5th inning, Iwanai scores what would be the go-ahead run in the 6th to defeat Otaru Chouryou 2-1. And finally, Furubira scores 4 in the 5th to take a 4-2 lead against Niki Shougyou. But Nikishou comes back with a run immediately in the bottom half of the frame, and another run in the 7th to equalize. The final dagger comes in the 9th as Furubira's Yamazaki gives up the sayonara run.
And across the country in Okinawa, the 2nd weekend of competion has concluded. Top 4 seed Chubu Shougyou had trouble with Kadena pushing through the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th for a 3-2 victory. Urasoe Shougyou fulfills their part of the bargain with a 9-0 rout of Hentona to face Chubu Shougyou. And Chubu will have their hands full.
In other 1st round games, Nago Shougyou squeaks by with a 2-0 win against Hokubu Nourin. Kouyou faded late against Urasoe, giving up 5 runs in the 7th to a 8-1 mercy loss.
Top seed Kounan under Shimabukuro wins their first game 2-0 against Misato. Their next opponent will be Shuri, who dispatched Chinen 10-0 in 6. Koza advances with a 4-2 win over Okinawa Shougaku. And Naha Kougyou up 7-1 survives a late charge from Okinawa Tousen. They score 2 in the 8th and the 9th, but still fall 7-5.
In 2nd round action, the fireworks didn't start for Tomishiro and Naha Shougyou until extra frames. Tied 1-1 since the 3rd, Tomishiro scores 2 in the top of the 12th. With their backs against the wall, Naha Shougyou somehow comes back to score 3 runs for the 4-3 sayonara victory. Ginowan, nursing a 1-0 lead scores 2 insurance runs in the 7th against Okinawa Kougyou. They needed those runs as Okinawa Kougyou rallies in the 9th. They come within 1, but it's not enough.
So that's a wrap for recaps for now. I'll be back with review for the Kyushu prefectures.
Starting in Kita Hokkaido, Nayoro has finished their regionals - and it was a hometown sweep. In Block A, Nayoro had no trouble in any of their games, defeating Toyotomi 7-3, turning around 2 days later to defeat top seed Hamatonbetsu 4-0 then putting the exclamation mark the next day by defeating Esashi 17-0 in 5 innings. It seemed more impressive given they had momentum on their side. They had earlier survived a 8-7 game in 12 innings against Rishiri, then pushing Nayoro Nougyou 14-3 in 7.
In B Block, Nayoro Sangyou advanced after defeating Wakkanai 5-3 in the finals. But that game was a bit closer. Up 3-1 heading into the 7th, Wakkanai equalized with 2. They could not build on that though as Nayoro Sangyou scored 2 in the bottom half of the frame to once again take the lead.
To the Asahigawa Regional, in A Block Asahigawa Kougyou easily beat Rumoi Senbou 11-0 in 5 innings. Kamifurano's season ended early as Asahigawa Kita opened the gates to a 21-1 victory.
The favorite out of the Sorachi Regional, Komadai Iwamizawa crusied through their 1st game, defeating Takikawa Nishi 7-0 in 8 innings. Their next opponent will be Asahigawa Ryokuryou whose 3 runs in the 5th was enough to defeat Bibai 3-1. I'm waiting for the game on the 3rd between Yuubari and Takikawa Kougyou. With all the troubles that Yuubari has gone through, and the people moving out, it'd be nice to see their team win a game.
Moving onto Kitami, the opening game in Block A was exciting as Kitami Shougyou faced off against Kiyosato. Kitashou had jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but Kiyosato fought back. Down 3-1 and running out of time, Kiyosato scored 2 runs in the 7th to tie the game. Then in the bottom of the 9th, Kiyosato pushed through the winning run against reliever Kadoma.
Unfortunately, almost all the games in the region thereafter were called games. Kitami Hokuto's 9-2 victory against Saroma was one of the closer games, while Shari fell at the hands of Kitami Hakuyou 15-0 in 5.
Tokachi's regional featured a lot of good games. In Block A, Shimizu had just gone ahead 2-1 in the 5th when Taiki scored 4 in the bottom of the frame. And while Shimizu came back with 2 runs in the 6th, they couldn't put through the tying run. Otofuke had a 3-1 lead after 1, only to see Honbetsu tie it up in the 3rd, and with the pressure on scored one in the 7th and an insurance run in the 9th to advance.
Block B sees Obihiro Kita advance with a 6-2 victory against Obihiro Sanjyou. But they must now defeat Shirakaba Gakuen today if they want their Koshien run to continue. And in Block C, Hiro-o holds off Memuro 2-1 to advance to the 2nd round.
Finally in Kushine the best game so far was between Kushiro Shougyou and Kiritappu. Kusshou had scored 5 early for an early lead. But that instantly evaporated when Kiritappu scored 5 to equalize. Crooked numbers were put up in the 6th, with Kiritappu pulling ahead 7-6. All seemed lost for Kusshou when in the 9th they scored 2 runs. And Oda, the 3rd pitcher of the day, shut the door for the 8-7 win.
Moving to the Minami Hokkaido regionals, Hakodate has finished theirs. Hakodate Fuzoku Yuuto earns the first spot defeating Shiritsu Hakodate 7-0 in 7 innings. Hakodate Kougyou defeated Hakodate Chuubu 13-1 in 5 innings for the 2nd. And finally, Hakodate Ootani squeaks through with a 1-0 win against Hakodate Shougyou.
Sapporo's 7 bids are also set:
- Block A - Eniwa Minami was up 6-2 against Sapporo Shinkawa. But then, Sapporo Shinkawa mounts a huge rally, scoring 2 in the 8th and another 2 in the 9th to put it into extras! And the momentum is just too much for Eniwa Minami as Kawamura gives up the sayonara run in the 10th.
- Block B - Sapporo Sousei, after just going up 3-0 against Sapporo Moiwa, saw that lead shrink to 1 in the 7th. But Moiwa couldn't put the douten run across...
- Block C - The Eniwa schools just can't catch a break. Eniwa Kita, up 5-0 against Sapporo Asahigawa sees them rally back with 5 in the 5th to tie. 4 runs in the 7th spell the death blow for Eniwa Kita.
- Block D - Sapporo Kita jumps out to an early 3-0 lead on Tokaidai Dai-yon and never looks back, winning 4-2.
- Block E - Kokusai Jyouhoku had no chance against Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo. Hokkai Gakuen scores 7 runs in the 2nd en route to a 12-2 win.
- Block F - Sapporo Okadama also takes an early lead on Sapporo Ryuukoku. Down 4-1 in the 9th, Ryuukoku's rally runs short though as they can only plate 2 runs.
- Block G - Last year's participant Hokkai won a slug fest against Sapporo Nichidai 7-6 to advance to the block final. But Sapporo Dai-ichi would not be denied, shutting out the squad for a 1-0 victory and a spot in the sweet 16.
Elsewhere in the brackets, Abuta fell to Muroran Ootani 21-1 in 5 innings in Block C. In Blcok D, crooked numbers littered the Biratori-Hobetsu matchup. Tied 3-3 in the 2nd, Biratori scores 4 unanswered runs. Then up 7-4, they score another 3 runs in the 8th to go up 10-4. But Biratori's ace Sumiyoshi could not hold the lead. Hobetsu scores 2 in the 8th, and then 5 in the 9th inning for the stunning 11-10 win.
And finally the Otaru regionals started yesterday at Otaru Sakuragaoka Stadium. After the teams traded runs in the 5th inning, Iwanai scores what would be the go-ahead run in the 6th to defeat Otaru Chouryou 2-1. And finally, Furubira scores 4 in the 5th to take a 4-2 lead against Niki Shougyou. But Nikishou comes back with a run immediately in the bottom half of the frame, and another run in the 7th to equalize. The final dagger comes in the 9th as Furubira's Yamazaki gives up the sayonara run.
And across the country in Okinawa, the 2nd weekend of competion has concluded. Top 4 seed Chubu Shougyou had trouble with Kadena pushing through the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th for a 3-2 victory. Urasoe Shougyou fulfills their part of the bargain with a 9-0 rout of Hentona to face Chubu Shougyou. And Chubu will have their hands full.
In other 1st round games, Nago Shougyou squeaks by with a 2-0 win against Hokubu Nourin. Kouyou faded late against Urasoe, giving up 5 runs in the 7th to a 8-1 mercy loss.
Top seed Kounan under Shimabukuro wins their first game 2-0 against Misato. Their next opponent will be Shuri, who dispatched Chinen 10-0 in 6. Koza advances with a 4-2 win over Okinawa Shougaku. And Naha Kougyou up 7-1 survives a late charge from Okinawa Tousen. They score 2 in the 8th and the 9th, but still fall 7-5.
In 2nd round action, the fireworks didn't start for Tomishiro and Naha Shougyou until extra frames. Tied 1-1 since the 3rd, Tomishiro scores 2 in the top of the 12th. With their backs against the wall, Naha Shougyou somehow comes back to score 3 runs for the 4-3 sayonara victory. Ginowan, nursing a 1-0 lead scores 2 insurance runs in the 7th against Okinawa Kougyou. They needed those runs as Okinawa Kougyou rallies in the 9th. They come within 1, but it's not enough.
So that's a wrap for recaps for now. I'll be back with review for the Kyushu prefectures.
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