These two teams can breath a sigh of relief as neither will have to face Chiben Gakuen, yet.
Moriokadai Fuzoku (Iwate)
1B Ishibashi Taisei (石橋 泰成)
2B Sugawara Yuuki (菅原 優輝)
CF Ueda Taku (植田 拓)
RF Shiotani Hiroki (塩谷 洋樹)
C Itou Yuuki (伊藤 勇貴)
3B Ohara Taiga (小原 大河)
LF (16)Nishiyama Yuuki (西山 雄基)
SS (14)Higa Kenshin (比嘉 賢伸)
P Tsubota Shinsuke (坪田 伸祐)
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
RF Nakayama Tatsuhide (中山 竜秀)
CF Yamawaki Shouta (山脇 彰太)
2B Ishibashi Daichi (石橋 大智)
LF Watanabe Shouta (渡辺 勝太)
1B Yasunaga Motoya (安永 元也)
SS (16)Onaka Rikito ()
P Fujimoto Kaito (藤本 海斗)
C Nagaoka Taishou (永岡 大昇)
3B Torii Ren (鳥井 蓮)
____________________________________________________________
15:55 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Well, Moriokadai Fuzoku out to really exert its influence. One down, Sugawara hits a gapper to right center. Ueda follows that up with one off the wall in center, but Sugawara had to hold up for the catch and he's at 3rd. Fujimoto almost gets out of it, but Itou takes a high fastball and lines it to right, scoring both runners. They're up 2-0 and perhaps they heard I doubted their offensive capabilities (yeah, right).
Bottom 1st
Yamawaki turns around and delivers a one out single to center. He steals 2nd on the strikeout to Ishibashi, but there 2 out.
Before I can think about it though, Watanabe bloops a ball to right that Shiotani can't reach, scoring Yamawaki, and then on the very next pitch Yasunaga hits a ball to center that Shiotani crashes into the wall chasing, and like that it's 3-2 Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku!
Top 2nd
Unlike the first inning, the bottom of Moriokadai's lineup is unable to do much against Fujimoto, going down in order with 2 strikeouts.
Bottom 2nd
This is in comparison to Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku where Torii (there he is again), gets a one-out base hit. Not only that, but he goes on to steal 2nd.
A walk is added on later with 2 down, but Ishibashi can't deliver a timely hit to extend the lead.
Top 3rd
Back to the top of the lineup for Moriokadai, and Ishibashi starts it off with a ball past a diving Onaka into center. They instead elect for the hit-and-run, and it goes off perfectly when Sugawara singles to right!
Or so they thought!
RF Nakayama, playing in, charges the ball and makes a laser throw to 3rd nailing Ishibashi!
After a strikout things seem bleak, but Shiotani on a full count gets a hold of a letter high pitch and drives it to left center! It goes for a double and we're all tied at 3-3!
Things appear to be spiraling a bit after a wild pitch threatens to relinquish the lead, but Itou chases a ball in the dirt to retire the side. Still, it looks like it's going to be one of those games.
Bottom 3rd
Yep. Watanabe leads off with a gapper that splits the fielders in left-center for a double. 2 batters later, Onaka hits a ball past a diving Nishiyama. The throw home is high and Onaka takes another base. 4-3 Kyukoku retakes the lead.
After another single, this through the left side, time is called.
For now Tsubota holds the line, getting Nagaoka to ground into the 4-6-3 double play, but the pendulum swings back to Kyukoku.
Top 4th
That didn't last long. Obara swings and the ping tells you all you need to know. He scoffs at the hamakaze lining a HR to right, tying the game up once again at 4-4!
After a one-out hit by Higa, the day is over for Tsubota as #15 Inoue comes in to hit for him. Morioka's inning stalls thereafter, but once again we're level
Bottom 4th
2 changes for Moriokadai. #7 Nosaka comes in to play LF, and #11 Miura comes in to pitch.
Things appear to be going swimmingly for him with 2 quick outs, but he turns around and then walks the next 2 batters. He wiggles out of his self-made jam with a comebacker from Watanabe.
5th Inning
After a wild first 4 innings, the teams decided to call a truce it seems letting both teams reach the break to prepare for the home stretch.
Top 6th
And off we go again!
One down, Obara draws a walk, then proceeds to steal 2nd. Nosaka then makes his presence felt by getting a base hit over Yamawaki's head. That gives Moriokadai Fuzoku their 1st lead since the 1st at 5-4!
Bottom 6th
This time around Miura holds serve, and for now Moriokadai Fuzoku holds onto the advantage.
7th Inning
My body's hitting a wall staying awake and perhaps so are both teams (hitting a wall that is).
That changes when Miura walks Ishibashi with 1 down. Innocuous enough, and especially after a grounder makes it 2 down.
But Yasunaga comes through yet again, this time a ball up the middle that allows Ishibashi to score, tying the game once again at 5-5.
Top 8th
For every action that Kyukoku has, Moriokadai continues to find a response for. Again, it's a one out single, this time by Obara. And with 2 down it's Higa, who lines a ball down the right field side and all the way to the wall! Nakayama makes a strong throw home, but Obara just beats the tag and Moriokadai retakes the lead at 6-5!
Bottom 8th
Kyukoku firing right back! Fujimoto tries to help his own cause with a single back up the middle. After another sac bunt, Torii does the same! Fujimoto has to hold his ground at 3rd, but the douten runner is just 90 feet away.
And Miura throws it away! Fujimoto comes home and we're tied at 6-6!
And now things are unraveling for Moriokadai! Miura walks Nakayama, and then when Moriwaki hits a high chopper, everyone goes to field the ball, but there's no one to throw to! Everyone's safe and it's manrui 1 out!
Is this the end of the line for Miura?
Not yet! He gets Ishibashi to ground out to 1st, Ishibashi throws home, gets 1, but Itou bounces the throw! It's fielded by a covering Sugawara, who prevents it from leaking out to right. 2 down.
Watanabe first pitch swinging, grounds to 3rd! Obara snags it, goes to the bag, and Kyukoku can only tie the game once again!
Top 9th
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
One down, Sugawara gets around a ball inside and drives it to left! Watanabe going back to the fence...
AND IT'S GONE! Once again Moriokadai Fuzoku takes the lead here in the 9th at 7-6!
2 down and while Torii makes a great stop, his throw is wide, allowing Shiotani to take 2nd. After a wild pitch of their own, Itou maybe puts the nail in the coffin with a base hit to left, making it an 8-6 ballgame.
That's also it for Fujimoto as he's sent to LF. #11 Miura comes in for Watanabe in the cleanup spot to take the hill.He gives up a walk, but gets the final out.
But in a matter of symmetry, Moriokadai Fuzoku has the 2-run lead they had after the end of their first half-inning. Now, can they prevent the 3 runs on the other side?
Bottom 9th
Yasunaga strikes out to start the 9th, but the ball gets away from Itou and his throw to 1st takes Ishibashi off the bag! Can Kyukoku really come back again?
2 outs later and perhaps it was too much.
But no! Nagaoka lines a ball down the right field line and it's runners at 2nd and 3rd! And that brings up Torii who played his way into a position! Can he deliver the timely hit?
NO! It's a grounder to short! Higa throws to 1st and Moriokadai Fuzoku finally puts Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku away 8-6!
I've never seen a team come back that much as Kyukoku did and they still weren't paid off in the end. They did all you could have asked for from a team except win. And to be eliminated on the first day has to hurt.
For Moriokadai Fuzoku, they literally survived and advanced. In this game at least they proved they have the chops to score runs, but the pitching now looks suspect having given up 6 when they barely gave up any in the prefecturals. They have the grit, but they'll need the pitching if they want to continue on.
Showing posts with label Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku. Show all posts
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Monday, August 17, 2015
Day 12, Quarterfinal 1 - Waseda Jitsugyou (Nishi Tokyo) v Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
All right no more mister nice guy for me. As I mentioned on my twitter I am sick and tired of the old establishment so my commentary is a bit different.
Waseda Jitsugyou I dislike and thank at the same time. I dislike them because they defeated Tanaka Masahiro back in 2006. I thank them because I think it motivated him to do better and he wouldn't have become the ace he is without it. And much to my amusement Saitou Yuuki became the pitcher he was, so that is a bonus.
Grudge? Yup. Do I care? Hell no.
If the media didn't already make big news of it, Kiyomiya had his breakout game versus Toukaidai Koufu, pretty much accounting for the final margin. The pitching is still shaky though, so the offense will need to continue producing, Kiyomiya or otherwise.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku has had games that title runs are made of. After an easy 1st round win, they survived Osaka Kaisei and then put away Sakushin Gakuin behind a good pitching and defensive effort. Ace Tomiyama was not overly dominating, but still got the job done. The question will be what he has left with just 1 day's rest.
Selfishly, I want Kyukoku to win even though they defeated Osaka Kaisei. Might as well say you lost to the champs, right?
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Nogi Kaito (#11)
Waseda Jitsugyou (Nishi Tokyo)
3B Yamada Jyunpei
RF Tamagawa Ryou
1B Kiyomiya Koutarou
C Katou Masaki
SS Kaneko Kinsuke
2B Tomita Naoki
LF Miyazaki Renta (#11)
P Matsumoto Kou
CF Watanabe Daichi
____________________________________________________________
08:00 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Yoshii foul tips an outside fastball into Katou's glove for the 1st out. Yamguchi goes down the same way.
Iwasaki grounds to short and it's a good start for ace Matsumoto.
Bottom 1st
Nogi needs some extra work, getting the count full, to retire leadoff batter Yamada.
Tamagawa strikes out swinging, and the announcers continue their talk of Kiyomiya as he steps in.
Kiyomiya tries to check his swing, but instead hits the ball back to Nogi who goes to 1st for the 3rd out.
Top 2nd
Yamamoto with a liner into center for a base hit to leadoff the frame. Wakisaka not bunting, but chases another high fastball for Matsumoto's 3rd K.
Unfortunately afterwards Uto grounds into the 1-6-3 double play with added announcer emphasis on Kiyomiya.
Bottom 2nd
It would appear that the outside strike is there for both sides if they want it. Katou has to defend it and grounds to short.
Kanko swings at a ball in the dirt, but it gets away from Iwasaki so he's able to reach base.
あ。
Tomita takes the first pitch and hits it to left. Wakisaka runs to the pole, looks up!
HAITAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that was unexpected. First pitch to Tomita just goes around the foul pole for a HR and gives Waseda the 2-0 lead.
Top 3rd
This looks really bad for Kyukoku. Kaneya goes down swinging and about half the lineup has succumbed to the K already.
Yoshii goes down looking, but the C bought that pitch. That was definitely outside.
Yamaguchi does not strike out, but he grounds to 2nd and Matsumoto is dealing so far.
Bottom 3rd
Nogi has settled back down it seems as he gets a 1-2-3 inning.
Bottom 4th
Kiyomiya adds more fuel to the Kiyomiya firestorm, hitting a HR to right making it 3-0.
After a walk and a bunt, Nogi is replaced by #10 Nakamura.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand..... this game is over.
Tomita hits his 2nd 2-run HR of game making it 5-0 and almost a 100% certainty that Waseda Jitsugyou moving onto the Best 4.
And after a triple, Nakamura is replaced by ace Tomiyama. Might as well have him finish the game. He's earned that much.
Final damage 6-0. And coverage of this game will probably be condensed now that this game has gotten out of hand.
5th Inning
Kyukoku continues to do zip on offense, and Waseda continues to pressure on their end. 6-0 at break.
6th Inning
Kyukoku had a chance with runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out, but walked away with a donut instead.
7th Inning
Kyukoku prevents the shutout with a run thanks to a timely hit by Uto. Waseda punished that by having Kiyomiya go off the top of the padded fence as well as scoring 2 runs to put them back in the hole with interest.
Rest of game
The rest of the game goes without much fanfare. Waseda Jitsugyou advances with 8-1 win.
Waseda Jitsugyou I dislike and thank at the same time. I dislike them because they defeated Tanaka Masahiro back in 2006. I thank them because I think it motivated him to do better and he wouldn't have become the ace he is without it. And much to my amusement Saitou Yuuki became the pitcher he was, so that is a bonus.
Grudge? Yup. Do I care? Hell no.
If the media didn't already make big news of it, Kiyomiya had his breakout game versus Toukaidai Koufu, pretty much accounting for the final margin. The pitching is still shaky though, so the offense will need to continue producing, Kiyomiya or otherwise.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku has had games that title runs are made of. After an easy 1st round win, they survived Osaka Kaisei and then put away Sakushin Gakuin behind a good pitching and defensive effort. Ace Tomiyama was not overly dominating, but still got the job done. The question will be what he has left with just 1 day's rest.
Selfishly, I want Kyukoku to win even though they defeated Osaka Kaisei. Might as well say you lost to the champs, right?
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Nogi Kaito (#11)
Waseda Jitsugyou (Nishi Tokyo)
3B Yamada Jyunpei
RF Tamagawa Ryou
1B Kiyomiya Koutarou
C Katou Masaki
SS Kaneko Kinsuke
2B Tomita Naoki
LF Miyazaki Renta (#11)
P Matsumoto Kou
CF Watanabe Daichi
____________________________________________________________
08:00 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Yoshii foul tips an outside fastball into Katou's glove for the 1st out. Yamguchi goes down the same way.
Iwasaki grounds to short and it's a good start for ace Matsumoto.
Bottom 1st
Nogi needs some extra work, getting the count full, to retire leadoff batter Yamada.
Tamagawa strikes out swinging, and the announcers continue their talk of Kiyomiya as he steps in.
Kiyomiya tries to check his swing, but instead hits the ball back to Nogi who goes to 1st for the 3rd out.
Top 2nd
Yamamoto with a liner into center for a base hit to leadoff the frame. Wakisaka not bunting, but chases another high fastball for Matsumoto's 3rd K.
Unfortunately afterwards Uto grounds into the 1-6-3 double play with added announcer emphasis on Kiyomiya.
Bottom 2nd
It would appear that the outside strike is there for both sides if they want it. Katou has to defend it and grounds to short.
Kanko swings at a ball in the dirt, but it gets away from Iwasaki so he's able to reach base.
あ。
Tomita takes the first pitch and hits it to left. Wakisaka runs to the pole, looks up!
HAITAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that was unexpected. First pitch to Tomita just goes around the foul pole for a HR and gives Waseda the 2-0 lead.
Top 3rd
This looks really bad for Kyukoku. Kaneya goes down swinging and about half the lineup has succumbed to the K already.
Yoshii goes down looking, but the C bought that pitch. That was definitely outside.
Yamaguchi does not strike out, but he grounds to 2nd and Matsumoto is dealing so far.
Bottom 3rd
Nogi has settled back down it seems as he gets a 1-2-3 inning.
Bottom 4th
Kiyomiya adds more fuel to the Kiyomiya firestorm, hitting a HR to right making it 3-0.
After a walk and a bunt, Nogi is replaced by #10 Nakamura.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand..... this game is over.
Tomita hits his 2nd 2-run HR of game making it 5-0 and almost a 100% certainty that Waseda Jitsugyou moving onto the Best 4.
And after a triple, Nakamura is replaced by ace Tomiyama. Might as well have him finish the game. He's earned that much.
Final damage 6-0. And coverage of this game will probably be condensed now that this game has gotten out of hand.
5th Inning
Kyukoku continues to do zip on offense, and Waseda continues to pressure on their end. 6-0 at break.
6th Inning
Kyukoku had a chance with runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out, but walked away with a donut instead.
7th Inning
Kyukoku prevents the shutout with a run thanks to a timely hit by Uto. Waseda punished that by having Kiyomiya go off the top of the padded fence as well as scoring 2 runs to put them back in the hole with interest.
Rest of game
The rest of the game goes without much fanfare. Waseda Jitsugyou advances with 8-1 win.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Day 10, Game 4 - Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi) v Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
The last game of the day should be a cracker of a game.
Sakushin Gakuin had no trouble in it's first game against Ueda Nishi. While the score was 10-6, the actual gap was much larger on the scoreboard. The only negative is the pitching. Kurai and Arita combined struck out 3 while walking 4.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku for lack of a better term survived Osaka Kaisei having to rally not once but twice against them to win 10-9.
I'd like to say something nice about both schools, but right now I'm not a fan of either.
Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
LF Akagi Rikuya
2B Yoshizawa Yuuma
SS Soeda Shinkai
1B Asayama Hirokazu
RF Kobayashi Koutarou
3B Kurosaki Kento
C Yokoo Nobumoto
P Kurai Yuusuke
CF Oohashi Kazuki
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Tomiyama Ryouga
____________________________________________________________
16:17 - First Pitch!
I'll need to fix his name in prior posts if I get to it, but it's ace Tomiyama, not Toyama.
So the first inning goes without much incident. Both aces retire the side in order.
In fact, the first hit of the game comes from Kobayashi in the 2nd with a bloop single in front of Nakayama. On the very next pitch though Kurosaki grounds into a 4-6-3 double play.
As for facing Yamamoto for the first time, it looked like Kurai was going to avoid him. After falling behind 3-0, he continues to attack and actually strikes him out on a fastball away!
Kyukoku's first hit is also a blooper, one from Wakisaki that just evades a diving Kobayashi.Unlike Kobayashi's though Wakisaki is able to take 2nd.
Uto absolutely crushes a ball to left. Kobayashi chases after it, reaches out, and somehow makes the catch! Wakisaki has to hurry and get back to 2nd as he thought certainly that Kobayashi wasn't going to get there.
Kameya grounder up the middle, Soeda is able to run that one down! Throw to 1st and the side is retired here in the 2nd.
Yokoo tries to jumpstart the offense in the 3rd for Sakushin Gakuin dumping a ball to right.
Once again though that runner is wiped out by a 6-4-3 double play.
Oohashi is unfortunately hit on the helmet by a slider that gets away from Tomiyama. Kurosaki comes in to run for him.
And with the count 1-2 he steals 2nd without a throw!
But Akagi strikes out on a slider in the opposing batter's box and the inning is over.
Fortunately for Sakushin Gakuin, Oohashi emerges and will continue playing.
The game re-enters silent mode with both teams doing a whole lot of nothing. What I'm not understanding is how some of the Sakushin Gakuin batters are completely fooled on Tomiyama's slider that ends up in the opposite box.
Sakushin Gakuin finally gets a good chance at a run when Kobayashi leads off the 5th with a single. and 2 batters late Yokoo follows suit. But Tomiyama gets a popup and a groundout, and just as quickly as the opportunity appeared, it disappeared.
Right before the break Tomiyama draws his 2nd walk (again curious because he's the #9 hitter and why aren't you going after him?).
And Yoshii hits a ball down the 1st base line fair! Tomiyama heads to 3rd and is being waved around! The relay throw home... And he's tagged out! The game remains deadlocked at 0 as we reach the mid-game break.
Sakushin Gakuin getting chances in the 6th as Akagi singles, but they don't bunt and then Araki is thrown out stealing 2nd. Soeda is then hit by a pitch and would have stolen 2nd if the batter didn't walk. Kobayashi grounds out, and that's the end of that.
Suddenly, though not out of nowhere, Kyukoku's Yamamoto crushes an outside pitch to left... and it leaves the yard! That's Yamamoto's 3rd HR in the last 2 games, and gives his team the 1-0 lead!
Sakushin Gakuin trying to find a response, gets one when Yokoo double to left center. After a walk to PH Sekiguchi (Kurai's day is done), Oohashi bunts the runners over. Then Akagi walks, bringing up Yoshizawa, hitless on the day.
And on the very first pitch he grounds to short ending the inning!
Next half inning, Arita comes in to pitch, and Yoshizawa is rewarded by being benched.
____________________________________________________________
At this point my body finally had enough and I fell asleep. Apparently right before Kyukoku scored their 2nd run. Sakushin Gakuin couldn't mount anything remotely close to a rally and so Kyukoku eliminates the Tochigi champs 2-0 setting up game v Waseda Jitsugyou.
Sakushin Gakuin had no trouble in it's first game against Ueda Nishi. While the score was 10-6, the actual gap was much larger on the scoreboard. The only negative is the pitching. Kurai and Arita combined struck out 3 while walking 4.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku for lack of a better term survived Osaka Kaisei having to rally not once but twice against them to win 10-9.
I'd like to say something nice about both schools, but right now I'm not a fan of either.
Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
LF Akagi Rikuya
2B Yoshizawa Yuuma
SS Soeda Shinkai
1B Asayama Hirokazu
RF Kobayashi Koutarou
3B Kurosaki Kento
C Yokoo Nobumoto
P Kurai Yuusuke
CF Oohashi Kazuki
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Tomiyama Ryouga
____________________________________________________________
16:17 - First Pitch!
I'll need to fix his name in prior posts if I get to it, but it's ace Tomiyama, not Toyama.
So the first inning goes without much incident. Both aces retire the side in order.
In fact, the first hit of the game comes from Kobayashi in the 2nd with a bloop single in front of Nakayama. On the very next pitch though Kurosaki grounds into a 4-6-3 double play.
As for facing Yamamoto for the first time, it looked like Kurai was going to avoid him. After falling behind 3-0, he continues to attack and actually strikes him out on a fastball away!
Kyukoku's first hit is also a blooper, one from Wakisaki that just evades a diving Kobayashi.Unlike Kobayashi's though Wakisaki is able to take 2nd.
Uto absolutely crushes a ball to left. Kobayashi chases after it, reaches out, and somehow makes the catch! Wakisaki has to hurry and get back to 2nd as he thought certainly that Kobayashi wasn't going to get there.
Kameya grounder up the middle, Soeda is able to run that one down! Throw to 1st and the side is retired here in the 2nd.
Yokoo tries to jumpstart the offense in the 3rd for Sakushin Gakuin dumping a ball to right.
Once again though that runner is wiped out by a 6-4-3 double play.
Oohashi is unfortunately hit on the helmet by a slider that gets away from Tomiyama. Kurosaki comes in to run for him.
And with the count 1-2 he steals 2nd without a throw!
But Akagi strikes out on a slider in the opposing batter's box and the inning is over.
Fortunately for Sakushin Gakuin, Oohashi emerges and will continue playing.
The game re-enters silent mode with both teams doing a whole lot of nothing. What I'm not understanding is how some of the Sakushin Gakuin batters are completely fooled on Tomiyama's slider that ends up in the opposite box.
Sakushin Gakuin finally gets a good chance at a run when Kobayashi leads off the 5th with a single. and 2 batters late Yokoo follows suit. But Tomiyama gets a popup and a groundout, and just as quickly as the opportunity appeared, it disappeared.
Right before the break Tomiyama draws his 2nd walk (again curious because he's the #9 hitter and why aren't you going after him?).
And Yoshii hits a ball down the 1st base line fair! Tomiyama heads to 3rd and is being waved around! The relay throw home... And he's tagged out! The game remains deadlocked at 0 as we reach the mid-game break.
Sakushin Gakuin getting chances in the 6th as Akagi singles, but they don't bunt and then Araki is thrown out stealing 2nd. Soeda is then hit by a pitch and would have stolen 2nd if the batter didn't walk. Kobayashi grounds out, and that's the end of that.
Suddenly, though not out of nowhere, Kyukoku's Yamamoto crushes an outside pitch to left... and it leaves the yard! That's Yamamoto's 3rd HR in the last 2 games, and gives his team the 1-0 lead!
Sakushin Gakuin trying to find a response, gets one when Yokoo double to left center. After a walk to PH Sekiguchi (Kurai's day is done), Oohashi bunts the runners over. Then Akagi walks, bringing up Yoshizawa, hitless on the day.
And on the very first pitch he grounds to short ending the inning!
Next half inning, Arita comes in to pitch, and Yoshizawa is rewarded by being benched.
____________________________________________________________
At this point my body finally had enough and I fell asleep. Apparently right before Kyukoku scored their 2nd run. Sakushin Gakuin couldn't mount anything remotely close to a rally and so Kyukoku eliminates the Tochigi champs 2-0 setting up game v Waseda Jitsugyou.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Day 8, Game 3 - Osaka Kaisei (Osaka) v Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
This should be an interesting game. Osaka Kaisei, the giant killer, gets to face a team that gained prominence when famed Tohoku kantoku Wakou moved to build their program.
Osaka Kaisei's game was one of stops and starts. It was the only game so far delayed due to rain, and the team, while it had its base hits, couldn't put runs on the board until the game reached enchousen. But, given their record this year it's clear this team will fight until the bitter end.
Osaka Kaisei (Osaka)
CF Himeno Yuuya
3B Toshima Hiroyoshi
2B Nishioka Yamato
C Tabata Takumi
1B Kishi Raidai
LF Fukuda Takeshi
RF Hamaguchi Naoya
P Mitsuda Yuuya
SS Matoba Yuuto
Osaka Kaisei's game was one of stops and starts. It was the only game so far delayed due to rain, and the team, while it had its base hits, couldn't put runs on the board until the game reached enchousen. But, given their record this year it's clear this team will fight until the bitter end.
Osaka Kaisei (Osaka)
CF Himeno Yuuya
3B Toshima Hiroyoshi
2B Nishioka Yamato
C Tabata Takumi
1B Kishi Raidai
LF Fukuda Takeshi
RF Hamaguchi Naoya
P Mitsuda Yuuya
SS Matoba Yuuto
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Nogi Kaito (#11)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama Tatasuhide
P Nogi Kaito (#11)
____________________________________________________________
13:20 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
The siren hasn't stopped blaring and the ball is in left field. Toshima bunts the runner over.
Nishoka gets hit and already Kyukoku in trouble.
But Tabata pops out to Kameya and he's almost out of the jam.
Kishi grounder to left side! Just out of the reach of Yamamoto! Nakayama fires home as Himeno is waved around! He's safe! Osaka Kaisei is on the board!
SQUEEZE! Fukuda lays down the bunt! Yamamoto charging, throws... SAFE!!! Nishioka scores and now they're up 2-0!!
Hamaguchi flies out, but quickly Osaka Kaisei is off and running!
Bottom 1st
Meanwhile, it's a quick 1-2-3 inning for Kyukoku as perhaps Mitsuda would like to get back on the bats.
Top 2nd
Mitsuda ball to deep left! Wakisaka chasing it to fence, but can't get there! It falls in fair for a double!
Bunt from Matoba and Nogi fires to 3rd, but Yamamoto muffs the throw! All safe, and Osaka Kaisei threatens again!
Ah, but Himeno fouls out...
And now Toshima tries the squeeze but it's back to Nogi who tosses home for the easy out.
Nogi saves the inning by snagging a hot comebacker up the middle and throwing to 1st for the 3rd out. No runs, but Kyukoku under constant pressure.
Bottom 2nd
Yamamoto tries to get one back all by himself! It's deep to left, but Fukuda has space to get it.
Wakisaka going after the first pitch and he grounds to 3rd.
Uto with a harmless fly to left and it's another clean inning.
Top 3rd
One down and Nogi hits Kishi.
And then hits Fukuda!
And gives up a deep drive to Hamaguchi! It lands at the base of the wall and both hit batters score on the double!! It's 4-0!
As well as the end of Nogi. #10 Nakamura enters the game.
Nakamura gets the final 2 outs thanks to an assist by Uto who tumbles into the camera well.
Bottom 3rd
Kyukoku finally gets some sembalance of offense when Nakayama punishes a mistake from Mitsuda to the wall in right center.
Mitsuda then walks last batter Nakamura and there's some life there.
Yoshii with a blooper to left... and it lands in no-man's land! Everyone's safe and it's manrui approaching the heart of the lineup!
Yamaguchi ball to center, and that brings in 1.
UH OH!
Did Mitsuda hang one?
Himeno to the wall, climbs the wall!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And just like that we're all tied!!
Iwasaki with one swings makes it 4-4! Osaka Kaisei has to start all over again!
YAMAMOTO WITH A DRIVE TO CENTER!!! Iwasaki going back, going back!!!
And there's room for the catch. 3 out. But we have a new ballgame!
Top 4th
One down and Toshima hits a ball to shallow center. Yamaguchi charging in, but the ball bounces by him! Nakayama is backing up, but it'll be a double.
But Nishioka pops out, and while Tabata makes good contact, Yamaguchi doesn't have to go far for the 3rd out.
Bottom 4th
Kyukoku gets a leadoff base hit from Wakisaka and is bunted over.
A chance to take the lead but Kameya flies out to left.
SANSHIN!!!
And Nakayama, who had the double earlier goes down in 3 pitches with the final one painting the outside corner!
Top 5th
Kishi gest a break when his grounder to short takes an irregular bounce and gets past Yoshii.
Fukuda tries to but the runner off, but Yamamoto goes to 2nd and just cuts down the lead runner.
2 down now and Mitsuda trying to help his own cause with a single to right, but Matoba's screamer to 1st is blocked by Uto who goes to the bag for the 3rd ou.
Bottom 5th
More problems for Osaka Kaisei as PH Onaka (who is hitting for Nakamura, which means the ace is coming in) gets a 4 pitch walk.
Yoshii single up the middle! Onaka to 3rd and Osaka Kaisei in a big pinch with no out.
Yamaguchi once again does his job. Drives a ball to deep right! Hamaguchi makes the catch right at the fence and Onaka can walk in for a 5-4 lead for Kyukoku!
Iwasaki with a ball back up the middle and through for a base hit. The barrage continues as Mitsuda tries to mitigate the damage.
Nope! Yamamoto drive to left! Fukuda going to the wall.. but turns around as the ball goes out for a 2nd 3-run HR as now they take an 8-4 lead!
Wakisaka drive to left center! Himeno going back to the wall.. can't make the catch! That'll go down for a double and Kyukoku is looking to pour it on here before the break.
Finally Mitsuda gets the last 2 outs, but at 8-4 that grittiness I though I saw during the Osaka taikai will be severely tested now.
Top 6th
Osaka Kaisei trying to work their way back, but it's against the ace Toyama. Toshima gets his 2nd hit of the game with one down.
2 down, Tabata with a grounder to the right side, just under the glove of Yoshii for a base hit!
And now Kishi with a base hit to center! Toshima is coming home, but Yamaguchi can't pick the ball! He has to double back and the run can safely score! 8-5.
Fukuda draws a walk and it's manrui! But there's still a ways to go.
WHAT???!! Toyama walks Hamaguchi and that makes it 8-6!!
MITSUDA WITH A GAPPER TO LEFT CENTER!!! ONE RUN SCORES!!! TWO RUNS SCORE!!! THEY'RE WAVING AROUND HAMAGUCHI!!! THROW IN... PLENTY OF TIME, 3 OUT!!
2 runs do score and I can't believe it, it's 8-8!!!!!
Bottom 6th
Spurned with the new life, Mitsuda makes quick work of the 8-9-1 batters and give his guys a chance to run with the momentum they've gained.
Top 7th
Himeno hits ball to left. Wakisaka going back, going back to the wall... HE LOOKS UP!!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ball just clears the fence and Himeno has given Osaka Kaisei the lead again!! IT'S 9-8!!!
Toyama gets the last 2 outs, but Osaka Kaisei has come all the way back!
Bottom 7th
Mitsuda mowing through the Kyukoku batters now.
WHAT?????
YAMAMOTO DRIVES ONE TO DEEP CENTER!!! HIMENO TRYING TO RUN IT DOWN, HE LEAPS!!!!!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yamamoto has his 2nd HR of the game and this one to dead center tying the game at 9-9!!!!!
Wakisaka tries to make it 10-9, but skies it instead to Himeno in center for the 3rd out.
Top 8th
One down for Osaka Kaisei and Kishi hits a ball down the right field line... FAIR!! Kishi books it to 2nd and they're in business once again!
They're going for broke now as Kishi, 4-4 on the day is run for by #14 Noguchi.
Now Fukuda is hit! 2 runners on.
Now it's a hit and run! But Hamaguchi lines right to Nakayama! The runners are dead meat and the inning is over?
Did Yamamoto-kantoku do too much?
Bottom 8th
Mitsuda doing everything he can, striking out Uto looking and a quick groundout from Kameya.
Weak groundout to 2nd from Nakayama and we head to the 9th inning where everything is in play!!
Top 9th
Perfect guy to lead off for Osaka Kaisei in Mitsuda.
And what do you know, it's a base hit to left!!!
Matoba lays down the bunt and Kusuki-kantoku calls for time.
Himeno with a grounder right to 3rd! Yamamoto holds the runner and throws to 1st for the 2nd out!
And Toyama gets Tosaki to ground to 3rd! Yamamoto gathers it in, throws to 1st.. and it's 3 out! Now Mitsuda will have to play for enchousen, and it would be guaranteed he'd have to face Yamammoto again!!
Bottom 9th
Grounder to 1st by Toyama... New 1B Kinoshita bobbles the ball! Toss to 1st is too late!
AHHHHHH!! Now it's a wild pitch from Mitsuda and the sayonara run goes to 2nd! Yamamoto-kantoku calls time.
Bunt for Yoshii... Kinoshita crashink looks to 3rd... but has to flip around and turns to 1st for the out. One down sayonara run 90 feet away.
And you can't walk the next 2 batters because that brings up Yamamoto! They need one out so they can put him on!
AUGHHHHHHH.......
It won't even get to Yamamoto. Yamaguchi singles up the middle and the game is over. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuokzu walks off Osaka Kaisei 10-9.
I'm taking a break...
13:20 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
The siren hasn't stopped blaring and the ball is in left field. Toshima bunts the runner over.
Nishoka gets hit and already Kyukoku in trouble.
But Tabata pops out to Kameya and he's almost out of the jam.
Kishi grounder to left side! Just out of the reach of Yamamoto! Nakayama fires home as Himeno is waved around! He's safe! Osaka Kaisei is on the board!
SQUEEZE! Fukuda lays down the bunt! Yamamoto charging, throws... SAFE!!! Nishioka scores and now they're up 2-0!!
Hamaguchi flies out, but quickly Osaka Kaisei is off and running!
Bottom 1st
Meanwhile, it's a quick 1-2-3 inning for Kyukoku as perhaps Mitsuda would like to get back on the bats.
Top 2nd
Mitsuda ball to deep left! Wakisaka chasing it to fence, but can't get there! It falls in fair for a double!
Bunt from Matoba and Nogi fires to 3rd, but Yamamoto muffs the throw! All safe, and Osaka Kaisei threatens again!
Ah, but Himeno fouls out...
And now Toshima tries the squeeze but it's back to Nogi who tosses home for the easy out.
Nogi saves the inning by snagging a hot comebacker up the middle and throwing to 1st for the 3rd out. No runs, but Kyukoku under constant pressure.
Bottom 2nd
Yamamoto tries to get one back all by himself! It's deep to left, but Fukuda has space to get it.
Wakisaka going after the first pitch and he grounds to 3rd.
Uto with a harmless fly to left and it's another clean inning.
Top 3rd
One down and Nogi hits Kishi.
And then hits Fukuda!
And gives up a deep drive to Hamaguchi! It lands at the base of the wall and both hit batters score on the double!! It's 4-0!
As well as the end of Nogi. #10 Nakamura enters the game.
Nakamura gets the final 2 outs thanks to an assist by Uto who tumbles into the camera well.
Bottom 3rd
Kyukoku finally gets some sembalance of offense when Nakayama punishes a mistake from Mitsuda to the wall in right center.
Mitsuda then walks last batter Nakamura and there's some life there.
Yoshii with a blooper to left... and it lands in no-man's land! Everyone's safe and it's manrui approaching the heart of the lineup!
Yamaguchi ball to center, and that brings in 1.
UH OH!
Did Mitsuda hang one?
Himeno to the wall, climbs the wall!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And just like that we're all tied!!
Iwasaki with one swings makes it 4-4! Osaka Kaisei has to start all over again!
YAMAMOTO WITH A DRIVE TO CENTER!!! Iwasaki going back, going back!!!
And there's room for the catch. 3 out. But we have a new ballgame!
Top 4th
One down and Toshima hits a ball to shallow center. Yamaguchi charging in, but the ball bounces by him! Nakayama is backing up, but it'll be a double.
But Nishioka pops out, and while Tabata makes good contact, Yamaguchi doesn't have to go far for the 3rd out.
Bottom 4th
Kyukoku gets a leadoff base hit from Wakisaka and is bunted over.
A chance to take the lead but Kameya flies out to left.
SANSHIN!!!
And Nakayama, who had the double earlier goes down in 3 pitches with the final one painting the outside corner!
Top 5th
Kishi gest a break when his grounder to short takes an irregular bounce and gets past Yoshii.
Fukuda tries to but the runner off, but Yamamoto goes to 2nd and just cuts down the lead runner.
2 down now and Mitsuda trying to help his own cause with a single to right, but Matoba's screamer to 1st is blocked by Uto who goes to the bag for the 3rd ou.
Bottom 5th
More problems for Osaka Kaisei as PH Onaka (who is hitting for Nakamura, which means the ace is coming in) gets a 4 pitch walk.
Yoshii single up the middle! Onaka to 3rd and Osaka Kaisei in a big pinch with no out.
Yamaguchi once again does his job. Drives a ball to deep right! Hamaguchi makes the catch right at the fence and Onaka can walk in for a 5-4 lead for Kyukoku!
Iwasaki with a ball back up the middle and through for a base hit. The barrage continues as Mitsuda tries to mitigate the damage.
Nope! Yamamoto drive to left! Fukuda going to the wall.. but turns around as the ball goes out for a 2nd 3-run HR as now they take an 8-4 lead!
Wakisaka drive to left center! Himeno going back to the wall.. can't make the catch! That'll go down for a double and Kyukoku is looking to pour it on here before the break.
Finally Mitsuda gets the last 2 outs, but at 8-4 that grittiness I though I saw during the Osaka taikai will be severely tested now.
Top 6th
Osaka Kaisei trying to work their way back, but it's against the ace Toyama. Toshima gets his 2nd hit of the game with one down.
2 down, Tabata with a grounder to the right side, just under the glove of Yoshii for a base hit!
And now Kishi with a base hit to center! Toshima is coming home, but Yamaguchi can't pick the ball! He has to double back and the run can safely score! 8-5.
Fukuda draws a walk and it's manrui! But there's still a ways to go.
WHAT???!! Toyama walks Hamaguchi and that makes it 8-6!!
MITSUDA WITH A GAPPER TO LEFT CENTER!!! ONE RUN SCORES!!! TWO RUNS SCORE!!! THEY'RE WAVING AROUND HAMAGUCHI!!! THROW IN... PLENTY OF TIME, 3 OUT!!
2 runs do score and I can't believe it, it's 8-8!!!!!
Bottom 6th
Spurned with the new life, Mitsuda makes quick work of the 8-9-1 batters and give his guys a chance to run with the momentum they've gained.
Top 7th
Himeno hits ball to left. Wakisaka going back, going back to the wall... HE LOOKS UP!!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ball just clears the fence and Himeno has given Osaka Kaisei the lead again!! IT'S 9-8!!!
Toyama gets the last 2 outs, but Osaka Kaisei has come all the way back!
Bottom 7th
Mitsuda mowing through the Kyukoku batters now.
WHAT?????
YAMAMOTO DRIVES ONE TO DEEP CENTER!!! HIMENO TRYING TO RUN IT DOWN, HE LEAPS!!!!!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yamamoto has his 2nd HR of the game and this one to dead center tying the game at 9-9!!!!!
Wakisaka tries to make it 10-9, but skies it instead to Himeno in center for the 3rd out.
Top 8th
One down for Osaka Kaisei and Kishi hits a ball down the right field line... FAIR!! Kishi books it to 2nd and they're in business once again!
They're going for broke now as Kishi, 4-4 on the day is run for by #14 Noguchi.
Now Fukuda is hit! 2 runners on.
Now it's a hit and run! But Hamaguchi lines right to Nakayama! The runners are dead meat and the inning is over?
Did Yamamoto-kantoku do too much?
Bottom 8th
Mitsuda doing everything he can, striking out Uto looking and a quick groundout from Kameya.
Weak groundout to 2nd from Nakayama and we head to the 9th inning where everything is in play!!
Top 9th
Perfect guy to lead off for Osaka Kaisei in Mitsuda.
And what do you know, it's a base hit to left!!!
Matoba lays down the bunt and Kusuki-kantoku calls for time.
Himeno with a grounder right to 3rd! Yamamoto holds the runner and throws to 1st for the 2nd out!
And Toyama gets Tosaki to ground to 3rd! Yamamoto gathers it in, throws to 1st.. and it's 3 out! Now Mitsuda will have to play for enchousen, and it would be guaranteed he'd have to face Yamammoto again!!
Bottom 9th
Grounder to 1st by Toyama... New 1B Kinoshita bobbles the ball! Toss to 1st is too late!
AHHHHHH!! Now it's a wild pitch from Mitsuda and the sayonara run goes to 2nd! Yamamoto-kantoku calls time.
Bunt for Yoshii... Kinoshita crashink looks to 3rd... but has to flip around and turns to 1st for the out. One down sayonara run 90 feet away.
And you can't walk the next 2 batters because that brings up Yamamoto! They need one out so they can put him on!
AUGHHHHHHH.......
It won't even get to Yamamoto. Yamaguchi singles up the middle and the game is over. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuokzu walks off Osaka Kaisei 10-9.
I'm taking a break...
Friday, August 7, 2015
Day 2, Game 3 - Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka) v Naruto (Tokushima)
Still looking for a compelling game from start to finish. I think we're getting closer.
This is strange. Usually these schools have some track record during their prefectuals I can point to, but here to I have nothing. The only quality win of any kind was Naruto over Komatsuhima 7-5 in the quarterfinals.
The only other thing to go on is overall prefectural strength, and there despite Fukuoka being slightly more metropolitan, the advantage might go to Naruto.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama
P Tomiyama Ryouga
Naruto (Tokushima)
CF Hori Kouki
2B Kamata Kouhei
RF Yatake Shouya
LF Tedzuka Kaito
C Sahara Yuuto
1B Mori Yuuta
P Kawano Ryuusei
3B Takeishi Ren
SS Hino Koutarou
____________________________________________________________
13:01 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Yoshii is jammed but fists the ball over Kamata for a soft single. That's all they get though as the first inning otherwise goes smoothly for Kawano.
Bottom 1st
Almost the same. Yatake with a single to left center, but again not much else.
Top 2nd
Kyukoku trying to prove me wrong early. A single from Uto is paid off when Nakayama punishes a mistake to deep right center. Uto easily scores to make it 1-0.
Bottom 2nd
Naruto trying to strike back. Sahara goes to left center, and that takes a bounce to the wall. He's in with a leadoff double and subsequently bunted over.
Kawano, for a P hangs in there for a 11 pitch AB, but on that 11th pitch swings and misses on a slider away. 2 down, and the douten runner still stands at 3rd.
Sanshin! Tateisihi chases a ball high and despite the leadoff double, they can't bring him in!
Top 3rd
Kyukoku forges ahead! Yohii literally golfs a ball to the wall in center and he's in with a triple! Yamaguchi flies out to deep right, and that gets the run in to make it 2-0.
3/4 Innings
After that, the game enters a bit of a lull where the pitchers are back in the groove, and nothing of importance is happening. Doesn't mean there aren't hits or anything, but there is no feel of a momentum shift.
Top 5th
Kyukoku looking to edge away just a little more. Nakayma leads off witha chopper up the middle. Kamata actually runs it down, but can't make the throw in time. Yoshii gets his 3rd hit of the game, a base hit to right.
But bad luck for Kyukoku, or good luck for Naruto - Yamaguchi lines out to Mori and Yoshii is a dead duck and doubled off.
Bottom 5th
Naruto meanwhile cannot get any traction. The bottom of the order is retired with little issue, and they'll need to circle the wagons for the 2nd half of the game.
Top 6th
Instead of Naruto circling the wagons for a rally, After a hit batter, Kyukoku rattles off 2 hits with Yamamoto and Wakisaka making it 3-0. And then after a sac bunt, Kameya sneaks it through the left side to plate another run. They've quickly doubled the lead to 4-0 and are looking for more with just 1 down.
Nakayama now 3-3. Single to center makes it 5-0 and all these hits are squared up.
There's another from Tomiyama. That actually splits the outfield defense in left center and it's 7-0 as both runners come to score.
#12 Ozaki comes in to pitch, gives up another hit to Yoshii, but then finally cleans up the mess and gets them in the dugout.
Yikes...
Bottom 6th
You'd think with this lead you'd want to pitch to contact. But Hori leads off with a single, then after a sac bunt, Tomiyama issues a walk. Then another base hit, and then a 4-pitch walk.
If you count that up, that's 4 batters - and that means a run was walked in.
And yet. With it still manrui, Mori and Ozaki both pop out and 1 run is all they get.
Bottom 7th
Kyukoku goes to #11 Nogi, with Tomiyama going to 1B, and Uto going to LF. Nogi actually pitched the final 3 games of the Fukuoka taikai.
And Naruto finds him more to their liking! Takeishi singles back up the middle on the first pitch. After a walk and a sac bunt, Kamata singles to left and gets another run home. 7-2 though, and there's still a lot of work to do.
And unfortunately, Yatake, who was 1-1 with 2 walks, actually ends up grounding into a 6-4-3 double play!
Rest of game
Naruto falls apart a bit in the 9th, but only gives up 1 run. It could have been more, but a great stop by Hino prevented that.
The game finally ends in Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku's favor 8-2.
This is strange. Usually these schools have some track record during their prefectuals I can point to, but here to I have nothing. The only quality win of any kind was Naruto over Komatsuhima 7-5 in the quarterfinals.
The only other thing to go on is overall prefectural strength, and there despite Fukuoka being slightly more metropolitan, the advantage might go to Naruto.
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
SS Yoshii Kouhei
CF Yamaguchi Youhei
C Iwasaki Kaito
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Wakisaka Ryuuji
1B Uto Sou
2B Kameya Shouhei
RF Nakayama
P Tomiyama Ryouga
Naruto (Tokushima)
CF Hori Kouki
2B Kamata Kouhei
RF Yatake Shouya
LF Tedzuka Kaito
C Sahara Yuuto
1B Mori Yuuta
P Kawano Ryuusei
3B Takeishi Ren
SS Hino Koutarou
____________________________________________________________
13:01 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Yoshii is jammed but fists the ball over Kamata for a soft single. That's all they get though as the first inning otherwise goes smoothly for Kawano.
Bottom 1st
Almost the same. Yatake with a single to left center, but again not much else.
Top 2nd
Kyukoku trying to prove me wrong early. A single from Uto is paid off when Nakayama punishes a mistake to deep right center. Uto easily scores to make it 1-0.
Bottom 2nd
Naruto trying to strike back. Sahara goes to left center, and that takes a bounce to the wall. He's in with a leadoff double and subsequently bunted over.
Kawano, for a P hangs in there for a 11 pitch AB, but on that 11th pitch swings and misses on a slider away. 2 down, and the douten runner still stands at 3rd.
Sanshin! Tateisihi chases a ball high and despite the leadoff double, they can't bring him in!
Top 3rd
Kyukoku forges ahead! Yohii literally golfs a ball to the wall in center and he's in with a triple! Yamaguchi flies out to deep right, and that gets the run in to make it 2-0.
3/4 Innings
After that, the game enters a bit of a lull where the pitchers are back in the groove, and nothing of importance is happening. Doesn't mean there aren't hits or anything, but there is no feel of a momentum shift.
Top 5th
Kyukoku looking to edge away just a little more. Nakayma leads off witha chopper up the middle. Kamata actually runs it down, but can't make the throw in time. Yoshii gets his 3rd hit of the game, a base hit to right.
But bad luck for Kyukoku, or good luck for Naruto - Yamaguchi lines out to Mori and Yoshii is a dead duck and doubled off.
Bottom 5th
Naruto meanwhile cannot get any traction. The bottom of the order is retired with little issue, and they'll need to circle the wagons for the 2nd half of the game.
Top 6th
Instead of Naruto circling the wagons for a rally, After a hit batter, Kyukoku rattles off 2 hits with Yamamoto and Wakisaka making it 3-0. And then after a sac bunt, Kameya sneaks it through the left side to plate another run. They've quickly doubled the lead to 4-0 and are looking for more with just 1 down.
Nakayama now 3-3. Single to center makes it 5-0 and all these hits are squared up.
There's another from Tomiyama. That actually splits the outfield defense in left center and it's 7-0 as both runners come to score.
#12 Ozaki comes in to pitch, gives up another hit to Yoshii, but then finally cleans up the mess and gets them in the dugout.
Yikes...
Bottom 6th
You'd think with this lead you'd want to pitch to contact. But Hori leads off with a single, then after a sac bunt, Tomiyama issues a walk. Then another base hit, and then a 4-pitch walk.
If you count that up, that's 4 batters - and that means a run was walked in.
And yet. With it still manrui, Mori and Ozaki both pop out and 1 run is all they get.
Bottom 7th
Kyukoku goes to #11 Nogi, with Tomiyama going to 1B, and Uto going to LF. Nogi actually pitched the final 3 games of the Fukuoka taikai.
And Naruto finds him more to their liking! Takeishi singles back up the middle on the first pitch. After a walk and a sac bunt, Kamata singles to left and gets another run home. 7-2 though, and there's still a lot of work to do.
And unfortunately, Yatake, who was 1-1 with 2 walks, actually ends up grounding into a 6-4-3 double play!
Rest of game
Naruto falls apart a bit in the 9th, but only gives up 1 run. It could have been more, but a great stop by Hino prevented that.
The game finally ends in Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku's favor 8-2.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Day 4, Game 2 - Toukai Dai-yon (Minami Hokkaido) v. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
()
Toukai Dai-yon (Minami Hokkaido)
CF Takahashi Iwami
2B Oogawara Akira
SS Fukuda Ryouta
LF Ookouchi Wataru
1B Abe Yoshi
RF Takada Shou
P Nishijima Ryouta
C Ueno Jyunki
3B Wakahara Shunnosuke
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
2B Nakao Hayato
RF Kawaguchi Shuu
SS Furusawa Shougo
C Shimizu Yuki
CF Hikida Rentarou
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Nakatani Kousuke
P Tomiyama Ryouga (#13)
1B Kobayashi Taiki (#15)
____________________________________________________________
10:30 - First Pitch!
1st Inning
Tomiyama getting the bench start instead of ace Andou, but he starts off well with a strikeout of Takahashi. Oogawara swings at a ball outside and flies out to left, and Fukuda just watches a fastball go by for the 3rd out.
Nakao with a hard grounder to short, Fukuda stops it but then loses the handle on the ball! E6 gives Kyuukoku a base runner. But Ueno makes a snap throw to 1st and they get him napping on the bases!
Not to be outdone, Nishijima uses his offspeed pitches to fool Kawaguchi and Furusawa and rackup a pair of K's himself.
2nd Inning
One down for Toukai and Abe gives a ball a ride, but gets under it and allows Hikida to catch up to it in front of the fence in right center.
Takada goes down swinging on a fastball high and away and the side is retired.
Shimizu starts off the inning with a single to the left side. And he takes off for 2nd! Ookouchi's throw in is too high for Fukuda and allows him to take 2nd!
Hikida with a single to left, and Ookouchi's boots the ball! It stays close to him, but a shaky start for Toukai's LF.
Yamamoto not bunting, and Nishijima gets him to chase a slider in the dirt for the first out.
Now a wild pitch from Nishijima allows Hikida to take 2nd. Base hit can score 2 now.
Nakatani a bit eager swings on the next 2 pitches to fill up the count before finally taking a pitch for ball 4. Manrui now for pitcher Tomiyama.
Nishijima still going to his offspeed pitches, but gets into a corner when the count reaches 3 balls. That's when he goes to the fastball and gets him swinging for the 2nd out!
Nishijima wanted that 0-2 pitch to Kobayashi, but the umpire isn't biting. He tries to entice a swing, but Kobayashi isn't buying that either!
あ！
Nishijima catches Hikida taking off early and he's caught in no man's land! Shimizu tries to get home before the tag, but Hikida can't buy enough time and Toukai is out of the pinch!
Top 3rd
Nishijima finally gets a hit off of his counterpart, a nice single back up the middle with one down.
Wakahara showing bunt but goes buster and singles through the right side!
Takahashi goes down and loops a ball to shallow left! Nishijima being sent home, throw is cutoff and Toukai Dai-yon takes the 1-0 lead!
And now ace Andou enters the game for Kyuukoku!
Oogawara with a liner to left center! That'll score Wakahara and it's 2-0 Toukai! Still 1 down, runners at the corners!
Fukuda with a fly ball to left and that'll be deep enough to score the runner from 3rd and it's 3-0!
Ookouchi with a slicer down the left field line! Nakatani takes a bad route to the ball and it goes all the way to the wall! Oogawara scores to make it a 4-0 ballgame!
Abe flies out to center, but Toukai Dai-yon strikes Kyuukoku hard here in the 3rd!
Bottom 3rd
And it's Kyuukoku that's having trouble finding traction in their offense. One down and a hard liner by Nakao is snagged by a leaping Oogawara. Kawaguchi would go down swinging thereafter and it's a quick inning for Nishijima.
Top 4th
Oowaki-kantoku looks for insurance runs as after a one-out single by Ueno, he has Nishijima bunt him into scoring position. However Wakahara grounds to 2nd to end the inning.
Bottom 4th
Nishijima unleashes his eephus pitch, which apparently went 50 kph and was a ball. The crowd goes wild.
Yoshizawa meanwhile tries to drive a pitch deep, but Takahashi has no problems getting under it for the out.
Meanwhile Shimizu can only watch a fastball hit the outside corner for strike 3, and Hikida can't help but go after an outside slider for another K.
Top 5th
Oogawara gets his 2nd base hit, with another single to center. Ookouchi with 2 down singles to center! Hikida throws to 3rd.. and it gets by everyone! Oogawara scrambles home and it's 5-0 on the error!
Abe grounds out to end the inning, but Kyuukoku looks uncharacteristically sloppy.
Bottom 5th
Yamamoto swings and misses on a slider by Ueno can't block the ball and Yamamoto reaches 1st on the pitch.
There's no bunting from Wakao-kantoku, and that allows Nishijima to strike out Nakatani looking on another well-placed fastball.
Kobayashi trying really hard to turn over the lineup, works the count full.
But it's no use! He freezes on a fastball inside and Nishijima has 10, 10(!) K's going into the break! Who saw this coming?!
Top 6th
Defensive change as #12 Iwasaki comes in for Nakatani and takes over in left.
Takada with a shallow liner down the right field line, Kawaguchi charges in, slides, but can't make the catch! Takada winds up at 2nd, though is promptly bunted to 3rd. Nishijima can't bring him home as he hits a slow grounder to the right side. Furusawa crashing in makes sure that Takada can't come home on the throw.
Andou leaves that runner stranded as he gets Wakahara looking on a slider and he keeps the deficit at 5.
Bottom 6th
Nishiima helps get Kyuukoku's inning started by hitting Nakao.
But as easily as he gives them something he takes it away! Kawaguchi comebacker to Nishijima and he starts the 1-6-3 double play!
And it's another eephus! It's right in Ueno's glove but no strike.
Another one! But this one is really short and definitely not a strike.
Perhaps the baseball gods say that's enough as Yoshizawa lines a ball over a leaping Abe for a double.
Shimizu with a drive to deep left! Ookouchi to the wall and it's off the top of the padding! Yoshizawa scores and Kyuukoku is on the board at 5-1!
Punishment over though as Yamamoto pops it up! Fukuda under it, makes the catch for the 3rd out. Kyuukoku gets a run back, but nothing more.
Top 7th
#3 Tezuka in the game for Kobayashi at 1B
And Takahashi booms a ball to left! Iwasaki playing way in has to chase after it and he's in with a triple! That's paid off right afterwards with a sac fly from Oogawara and Toukai gets the run right back at 6-1!
Fukuda grounds to 1st, but Tezuka can't field it cleanly, tries to make the stretch to the bag, but it's not in time! E3 and things really looking bad for Kyuukoku.
Ookouchi with a single through the left side and now Wakao-kantoku has #11 Germais warming up in the bullpen.
And now a balk is called! Andou drops the ball while set and the runners get to advance!
However, neither Abe or Takada can drive in the runs so Toukai Dai-yon has to settle for getting the run back.
Bottom 7th
Andou manages a one-out single, but all Tezuka and Nishio can do is hit grounders to 2nd...
Top 8th
Wakahara, in an attempt to pad his stats (kidding) succeeds in a bunt single with 2 down. Takahashi then tries to run with it singling to center.
Andou ends such shenanigans by getting Oogawara to hit a weak comebacker at him for the 3rd out.
Bottom 8th
Nishijima throws the eephus yet again, apparently not having learned his lesson. Though I think he's trying to get it called a strike.
Anyways, he retires the side in order as he climbs the ladder on Shimizu for his 11th K.
Top 9th
Abe is able to check in with a base hit in the 9th before being picked off late in Takada's AB, but they're looking to get to the finish line now.
Bottom 9th
Kyuukoku obliges with PH Aoki popping out to Abe for the final out.
So in an unexpected result, Toukai Dai-yon has no trouble with Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku and wins handily 6-1!
Usually teams from Hokkaido do not fare well, not dominate in the manner that Toukai Dai-yon did, this after being away from Koushien for 21 years! Nishijima records 12 Ks, and gives up just 5 hits in the effort. Despite the fact that Fukuoka isn't a strong prefecture the stat lines are still impressive. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku wil just have to reload and try again next year.
It'll be interesting to see how Toukai Dai-yon will do in their next game given the results. It was a dominating performance, but not to the extent that they are say dark horses now to win it all.
(Notable Players to be done later)
Toukai Dai-yon (Minami Hokkaido)
CF Takahashi Iwami
2B Oogawara Akira
SS Fukuda Ryouta
LF Ookouchi Wataru
1B Abe Yoshi
RF Takada Shou
P Nishijima Ryouta
C Ueno Jyunki
3B Wakahara Shunnosuke
Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku (Fukuoka)
2B Nakao Hayato
RF Kawaguchi Shuu
SS Furusawa Shougo
C Shimizu Yuki
CF Hikida Rentarou
3B Yamamoto Musashi
LF Nakatani Kousuke
P Tomiyama Ryouga (#13)
1B Kobayashi Taiki (#15)
____________________________________________________________
10:30 - First Pitch!
1st Inning
Tomiyama getting the bench start instead of ace Andou, but he starts off well with a strikeout of Takahashi. Oogawara swings at a ball outside and flies out to left, and Fukuda just watches a fastball go by for the 3rd out.
Nakao with a hard grounder to short, Fukuda stops it but then loses the handle on the ball! E6 gives Kyuukoku a base runner. But Ueno makes a snap throw to 1st and they get him napping on the bases!
Not to be outdone, Nishijima uses his offspeed pitches to fool Kawaguchi and Furusawa and rackup a pair of K's himself.
2nd Inning
One down for Toukai and Abe gives a ball a ride, but gets under it and allows Hikida to catch up to it in front of the fence in right center.
Takada goes down swinging on a fastball high and away and the side is retired.
Shimizu starts off the inning with a single to the left side. And he takes off for 2nd! Ookouchi's throw in is too high for Fukuda and allows him to take 2nd!
Hikida with a single to left, and Ookouchi's boots the ball! It stays close to him, but a shaky start for Toukai's LF.
Yamamoto not bunting, and Nishijima gets him to chase a slider in the dirt for the first out.
Now a wild pitch from Nishijima allows Hikida to take 2nd. Base hit can score 2 now.
Nakatani a bit eager swings on the next 2 pitches to fill up the count before finally taking a pitch for ball 4. Manrui now for pitcher Tomiyama.
Nishijima still going to his offspeed pitches, but gets into a corner when the count reaches 3 balls. That's when he goes to the fastball and gets him swinging for the 2nd out!
Nishijima wanted that 0-2 pitch to Kobayashi, but the umpire isn't biting. He tries to entice a swing, but Kobayashi isn't buying that either!
あ！
Nishijima catches Hikida taking off early and he's caught in no man's land! Shimizu tries to get home before the tag, but Hikida can't buy enough time and Toukai is out of the pinch!
Top 3rd
Nishijima finally gets a hit off of his counterpart, a nice single back up the middle with one down.
Wakahara showing bunt but goes buster and singles through the right side!
Takahashi goes down and loops a ball to shallow left! Nishijima being sent home, throw is cutoff and Toukai Dai-yon takes the 1-0 lead!
And now ace Andou enters the game for Kyuukoku!
Oogawara with a liner to left center! That'll score Wakahara and it's 2-0 Toukai! Still 1 down, runners at the corners!
Fukuda with a fly ball to left and that'll be deep enough to score the runner from 3rd and it's 3-0!
Ookouchi with a slicer down the left field line! Nakatani takes a bad route to the ball and it goes all the way to the wall! Oogawara scores to make it a 4-0 ballgame!
Abe flies out to center, but Toukai Dai-yon strikes Kyuukoku hard here in the 3rd!
Bottom 3rd
And it's Kyuukoku that's having trouble finding traction in their offense. One down and a hard liner by Nakao is snagged by a leaping Oogawara. Kawaguchi would go down swinging thereafter and it's a quick inning for Nishijima.
Top 4th
Oowaki-kantoku looks for insurance runs as after a one-out single by Ueno, he has Nishijima bunt him into scoring position. However Wakahara grounds to 2nd to end the inning.
Bottom 4th
Nishijima unleashes his eephus pitch, which apparently went 50 kph and was a ball. The crowd goes wild.
Yoshizawa meanwhile tries to drive a pitch deep, but Takahashi has no problems getting under it for the out.
Meanwhile Shimizu can only watch a fastball hit the outside corner for strike 3, and Hikida can't help but go after an outside slider for another K.
Top 5th
Oogawara gets his 2nd base hit, with another single to center. Ookouchi with 2 down singles to center! Hikida throws to 3rd.. and it gets by everyone! Oogawara scrambles home and it's 5-0 on the error!
Abe grounds out to end the inning, but Kyuukoku looks uncharacteristically sloppy.
Bottom 5th
Yamamoto swings and misses on a slider by Ueno can't block the ball and Yamamoto reaches 1st on the pitch.
There's no bunting from Wakao-kantoku, and that allows Nishijima to strike out Nakatani looking on another well-placed fastball.
Kobayashi trying really hard to turn over the lineup, works the count full.
But it's no use! He freezes on a fastball inside and Nishijima has 10, 10(!) K's going into the break! Who saw this coming?!
Top 6th
Defensive change as #12 Iwasaki comes in for Nakatani and takes over in left.
Takada with a shallow liner down the right field line, Kawaguchi charges in, slides, but can't make the catch! Takada winds up at 2nd, though is promptly bunted to 3rd. Nishijima can't bring him home as he hits a slow grounder to the right side. Furusawa crashing in makes sure that Takada can't come home on the throw.
Andou leaves that runner stranded as he gets Wakahara looking on a slider and he keeps the deficit at 5.
Bottom 6th
Nishiima helps get Kyuukoku's inning started by hitting Nakao.
But as easily as he gives them something he takes it away! Kawaguchi comebacker to Nishijima and he starts the 1-6-3 double play!
And it's another eephus! It's right in Ueno's glove but no strike.
Another one! But this one is really short and definitely not a strike.
Perhaps the baseball gods say that's enough as Yoshizawa lines a ball over a leaping Abe for a double.
Shimizu with a drive to deep left! Ookouchi to the wall and it's off the top of the padding! Yoshizawa scores and Kyuukoku is on the board at 5-1!
Punishment over though as Yamamoto pops it up! Fukuda under it, makes the catch for the 3rd out. Kyuukoku gets a run back, but nothing more.
Top 7th
#3 Tezuka in the game for Kobayashi at 1B
And Takahashi booms a ball to left! Iwasaki playing way in has to chase after it and he's in with a triple! That's paid off right afterwards with a sac fly from Oogawara and Toukai gets the run right back at 6-1!
Fukuda grounds to 1st, but Tezuka can't field it cleanly, tries to make the stretch to the bag, but it's not in time! E3 and things really looking bad for Kyuukoku.
Ookouchi with a single through the left side and now Wakao-kantoku has #11 Germais warming up in the bullpen.
And now a balk is called! Andou drops the ball while set and the runners get to advance!
However, neither Abe or Takada can drive in the runs so Toukai Dai-yon has to settle for getting the run back.
Bottom 7th
Andou manages a one-out single, but all Tezuka and Nishio can do is hit grounders to 2nd...
Top 8th
Wakahara, in an attempt to pad his stats (kidding) succeeds in a bunt single with 2 down. Takahashi then tries to run with it singling to center.
Andou ends such shenanigans by getting Oogawara to hit a weak comebacker at him for the 3rd out.
Bottom 8th
Nishijima throws the eephus yet again, apparently not having learned his lesson. Though I think he's trying to get it called a strike.
Anyways, he retires the side in order as he climbs the ladder on Shimizu for his 11th K.
Top 9th
Abe is able to check in with a base hit in the 9th before being picked off late in Takada's AB, but they're looking to get to the finish line now.
Bottom 9th
Kyuukoku obliges with PH Aoki popping out to Abe for the final out.
So in an unexpected result, Toukai Dai-yon has no trouble with Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku and wins handily 6-1!
Usually teams from Hokkaido do not fare well, not dominate in the manner that Toukai Dai-yon did, this after being away from Koushien for 21 years! Nishijima records 12 Ks, and gives up just 5 hits in the effort. Despite the fact that Fukuoka isn't a strong prefecture the stat lines are still impressive. Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku wil just have to reload and try again next year.
It'll be interesting to see how Toukai Dai-yon will do in their next game given the results. It was a dominating performance, but not to the extent that they are say dark horses now to win it all.
(Notable Players to be done later)
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