2011 Haru Taikai - Kyushu Taikai Update 2

So the final 2 prefectures have been completed and we have the brackets for the Kyushu Taikai.

Nagasaki
In semifinal action, Kaisei would jump out early against Sasebo Kougyou 1-0, but Sasebo would equalize in the 5th, then again in the 6th. Then in the bottom of the 8th they would get to ace Nagae scoring the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th.

After going scoreless in the first 5 innings, Obama would have to play catchup against Oomura Kougyou. They did it, scoring 2 in the bottom of the 8th tying the game at 3.

But in the top of the 9th, Obama ace Tanemura couldn't keep the momentum going. Oomura Kougyou would score the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th to win also by the score of 4-3.

The final would see another scoreless battle early until Oomura Kougyou scored 1 in the top of the 5th, then saw Sasebo Kougyou strike right back with 4 in the bottom of the inning. Oomura scuffled trying to find a way to come back. And in the top of the 9th, they finally did. But they could only pull within 1, and lost... yep 4-3.

This is Sasebo Kougyou's 11th title, but their first in 52 years!

Kumamoto
When we last left Kumamoto, they were finishing up quarterfinal play. Toukai Dai-ni continues the strong performances of the group of schools, edging Kumamoto Kita 4-3.

Amakusa Kougyou meanwhile couldn't keep up with Chiharadai, falling 10-3 setting up a matchup with Toukai Dai-ni. In that matchup Chiharadai would advance to the finals with a 4-2 win.

On the other side Senshuudai Tamana falls just short yet again losing a close one 4-3 (that score must be popular) to Kumamoto Kokufu.

In the finals, Kumamoto Kokufu would get to starter Nema early scoring 5 runs in the first 3 innings. Chiharadai scuffled to get 2 runs back, but still trailed 5-2.

And then things suddenly fell apart for Kumamoto Kokufu...

Starter Sonoda was replaced on the mound by Asakuno. After getting the first 2 outs, Asakuno walks 2 batters, then gives up a single to center to Hayashi loading the bases.

Sidearmer Fukushima would then come in the game to try and get the team out of the jam.

Chiharadai countered with #9 Moriuchi who had been benched for this game despite doing well in the prior games.

And wouldn't you know it, he gets a hold of a 3-2 pitch and drives it to left center for a triple tying the game at 5-5! That would be the deathknell for Kumamoto Kokufu as they would give up 2 more runs to fall 7-5 giving Chiharadai only their 3rd title, and 1st in 22 years!

Kyushu Taikai
The draw has occurred for the Kyushu Taikai and the pairings are as follows.

Quadrant 1
Hasami (Nagasaki Senbatsu) vs. Jiyuugaoka (Fukuoka 3)-Kanoya Chuo (Kagoshima 4) winner
Oita Shougyou (Oita) vs. Iidzuka (Fukuoka 2)

I will be interested to see what Hasami does here. Their upset of Yokohama was impressive, but will things change now that the bullseye is on them now? Jiyuugaoka, Oita Shougyou and Iiduzka are no pushovers.

Quadrant 2
Chiharadai (Kumamoto) vs. Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima 1)
Kanoya (Kagoshima 3) vs. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka Senbatsu)

Chiharadai may have made it to the taikais, but looming in this section is both Kamimura Gakuen and Kyukoku...

Quadrant 3
Kagoshima Jitsugyou (Kagoshima Senbatsu) vs. Itoman (Okinawa)
Shiota Kougyou (Saga) vs. Nobeoka Gakuen (Miyazaki)

Kajitsu should have a tough opening game against Itoman, and then a probable matchup against Nobeoka Gakuen.

Quadrant 4
Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou (Fukuoka 1) vs. Kagoshima Jyousai (Kagoshima 2)
Sasebo Kougyou (Nagasaki) vs. Kyushu Gakuin (Kumamoto Senbatsu)

Kyushu Gakuin has done well as of late, but I wonder how Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou is now?