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.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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.
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