One down, 48 to go. We'll get our second today, and 4 more will play to determine our finalists:
Miyazaki
Despite the fact that several seeded teams were upset earlier, it was still predominantly the familiar names that advanced forwards.
The one exception was Miyazaki Kougyou, who was actually mercy-ruled by Miyazaki Oomiya 13-2!
Otherwise, the seeded team (Houshou), or the team that defeated the seeded team (Miyazaki Minami, Miyazaki Dai-ichi) advanced.
That did not change in the quarterfinals. Miyazaki Shougyou did fall behind Miyazaki Oomiya, but got to ace Shimizu late to win 4-2. Nichinan Gakuen did get ahead with a 5-run 2nd inning, but had to hold on after Miyazaki Dai-ichi replied with 4 of their own in the bottom half. They held on to win 6-4.
On the 2nd day of quarterfinals, fellow seed Nobeoka Gakuen easily dispatched Houshou in 7 innings, while Miyazaki Minami's hearts were broken when Yoshinaga hit a running home run (to left center) in the bottom of the 13th inning giving St. Ursula the win.
So, it was the usual suspects in the semifinals. First up was Miyazaki Shougyou and St. Ursula. Miyashou got out to a 3-0 lead. But ace Matsuda couldn't hold the lead, relinquishing all 3 runs in the 7th thanks to a hits from SS Kodama and C Takahashi. Takahashi would get another chance in the top of the 9th and didn't disappoint, driving in the gyakuten run against reliever Murakami. Ace Hamauzu Yuuki (浜渦 悠樹) who came in relief closed it out sending St. Ursula to the finals!
St. Ursula will face Nobeoka Gakuen in the final as ace Yokose would come in early relief (2 outs in the 1st inning) to limit Nichinan Gakuen to just 2 runs on 4 hits in a 5-2 win.
Now in semifinal action...
Minami Hokkaido
Despite the apparent lack of a front-runner during regional play, the regional heavyweights still took the spotlight in the 2nd stage.
Hakodatedai Yuuto (an irrational favorite of mine), actually struggled with Sapporo Okadama but finally pulled away in the 7th with 3 runs to win 5-3. After an easy win over Hakodate Chuubu, they will face a Komadai Tomakomai team who seems to have picked it up as of late, beating Kita-Hiroshima and Sapporo Kousei 5-1 and 5-2.
I thought it would be Toukai Dai-yon's chance this year, and after a 5-1 win over Shoushi Gakuen, it looked good. However, Hakodatedai Hakuryou is trying to remind me that Yuuto isn't the only Hakodatedai school. They're also doing it in rather heart-stopping fashion, defeating Kotoni Kougyou 4-0 in 10 innings when Kotoni's ace Yamamoto fell apart, then against the aforementioned Toukai Dai-yon, trailed 4-1 in the bottom of the 8th before Yamashita delivered a 2-RBI hit, followed by one more from leadoff batter Matsumura. Fast forward to the bottom of the 10th and 1B Narita Daiki (成田 大希) would deliver the bases-loaded sayonara hit to send them to the semifinals.
It won't be an easy task today as they will face Hokushou - though their most recent game against a game Hokkaido Sakae squad, they survived a 3-1 affair despite Oogushi giving up 11 hits.
Could we see an all-Hakodatedai final? It's possible, and Oogushi is not a perfect ace by any means. But he does somehow exhibit qualities of a poor man's Oshima - and closing out a game against a well-known team is always hard. So chances are... probably not.
Saga
While we're down to our Best 4, it appears that one team so far is steamrolling their way to the title. That would be Saga Kougyou. Their only non-mercy rule game has been against Ogi, and they generally are an above average team. They will face fellow seed Arita Kougyou, who has progressively gotten by on less runs each game, winning 3-2, 2-1 and most recently 1-0 against Kanzaki Seimei.
On the other half, we had a surprise. Waseda Saga, who has been decent, but not necessarily excellent, looked strong in their first two games, then had ace Kuroiwa limit seeded Karatsu Shougyou to just 4 hits and 4 walks in 12 innings allowing his team time to drive in the sayonara run in the bottom of the 12th - by #9 batter Aoki no less.
Waseda Saga will face former Koushien participant Imari Nourin. They, like Arita Kougyou, have recently gotten by on the skin of their teeth. First against Kashima Jitsugyou when starter Okamoto gave up a 3-1 lead in the 8th inning, and then in the 12th giving up what seemed to be a game-losing run. But reliever Kitamura, in his 8th inning of work, couldn't get the final 3 outs. Imari Nourin would rally with back-to-back RBI hits giving them the 5-4 win. Then against intra-city team Imari, they would send out Shimodaira who like Okamoto couldn't hold a 2-0 lead in the later innings. But with runners at 1st and 3rd with 2 down in the bottom of the 9th, a grounder from Okamoto is missed by Oozaki giving Imari Nourin their 2nd sayonara win in as many games.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki has wound up pretty scratch this year. Outside of Seihou and Hasami who failed to get past the 2nd round, all seeded teams advanced to the Best 8.
That doesn't mean though that their road was easy. For Souseikan it was a game against Nagasaki Sougoudai Fuzoku where ace Oono gave up the tying run in the top of the 9th. He would be bailed out one inning later by CF Yanai who delivered the sayonara hit. Compared to that, a 6-1 win in their next game over seeded Keihou (who did well in their own right) was nothing.
Nagasaki Nichidai actually trailed Oomura Kougyou by as much as 5-1 early on, but neither starter Hirano nor reliever Matsuoka could hold the lead. Nagasaki Nichidai would claw their way back and win 7-6 with the gyakuten run in the top of the 9th. And while Isahaya Nougyou did well to upset Hasami earlier, they were no match for Nagasaki Nichidai in the quarterfinals.
For Sasebo Kougyou, the loss was particularly painful. Up 4-3 against Kaisei with just one out to go. But cleanup batter Noguchi would drive in the douten and sayonara run to send them to the quarterfinals where they would pull away from Shikamachi Kougyou late to win 4-1.
The only seeded team to not have a nail-biting game so far is Sasebo Jitsugyou, which included a 5-hit shutout over Isahaya.
Okinawa
Okinawa too has been scratch. Well, except for Hokuzan who lost in their first game. Misato, who defeated them, would have to play intra-city opponent Misato Kougyou for the right to be in the semifinals. But after taking a 5-1 lead with just 3 innings to go, they couldn't close the deal.6 runs and 2 innings later and Misato would be done for.
Misato Kougyou will play Yaeyama for the chance to be in the finals. Despite being an unseeded team, Urasoe Shougyou worked their way through the field giving themselves a chance at Yaeyama. The pitching was not up to the task however, and they would fall 5-3.
On the other semi, Mawashi has looked fairly solid, though a slightly narrow 3-1 over Haebaru may be cause for concern. They'll need to have their A game as Okinawa Shougaku looms on the horizon. This after they received a scare against Kitanakagusugu. Down 1-0 with 3 outs to go, Nakamine cannot seal the deal giving up the douten, then the sayonara hit to pinch-hitter Uehara. That seems to have woken them up as they are back on track to claim the summer title.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Kita Hokkaido bid claimed by 1st time winner Obihiro Ootani!
Yes, that's right, we have our first ticket punched and it's from the northern most region! Here's how we got there:
On the 2nd day of the round of 16, Asahikawa Kougyou, expected to be one of the favorites advanced though pulling away late against Shibetsu. What was more surprising was that in the other 2 games on the 14th, both Obihiro Sanjyou and Obihiro Hakuyou won their games against Engaru and Memanbetsu respectively - not an easy feat.
Finishing up the opening round of the 2nd stage, Komadai Iwamizawa looked rather beatable in a 5-4 win over Kushiro Koryou. Their next opponent Asahikawa Minami, would 10-run rule Nayoro and looked rather good throughout. And in the final game of the 15th, Obihiro Ootani would blitz Takikawa Nishi late 15-4 in 8 innings and reaching the semifinals perhaps thought that they might have a chance.
And boy did the 16th blow things wide open. First Asahikawa Kougyou was shocked as Asahikawa Ryuukoku's ace Oohashi threw a 4-hit shutout, upsetting one of the favorites 4-0! After Obihiro Sanjyou made easy work of fellow school Obihiro Hakuryou, Asahikawa Minami floored the followers yet again, putting the foot down on Komadai Iwamizawa leading from wire-to-wire 11-8!!
This meant that all of the recent powerhouses were eliminated and a team would represent Kita Hokkaido at 夏甲子園 for the first time in at least 10 years!
In the semifinals, Obihiro Ootani would take an early 2-0 lead over Asahikawa Ryuukoku. However, immediately after taking the lead, Ryuukoku would the lead with a 3-run 2nd. It would stay that way until the 6th when 3B Kado Yuuhei (角 雄平) scores 2 to retake the lead! Reliever Satou Kazuma (佐藤和真) would close out the game for Obihiro Ootani as they advanced to the finals!
The other semifinal had Obihiro Sanjyou trading blows with Asahikawa Minami pulling out to a 3-1 lead before a 3-run 7th would give Minami the lead. But Sanjyou would comeback in the 8th and 9th innings to take a 5-4 lead.
But with 2 down, ace Morikawa would walk cleanup batter (and ace) Tsujimoto and #5 batter Kashima (translation ?). That brought up Mizobuchi who drove one over the outfield for a game-winning sayonara triple!
That setup the final between Obihiro Ootani (looking for their first title) versus Asahikawa Minami (who was at 夏甲子園 only once before in 1964.
As perhaps expected, Asahikawa Minami took the lead early from Obihiro Ootani, building a 3-run lead in the 4th. That was wiped out by Obihiro in the bottom of the 4th. It would stay tied until the 8th when with the bases loaded, Tsujimoto would hit the aforementioned Kado to bring in the gyakuten run. Satou would close the game out for Obihiro Ootani thus securing their first ever Koushien appearance!!
Congratulations go to the boys from Obihiro on their first ever trip to Koushien! Carry your flag proudly!
On the 2nd day of the round of 16, Asahikawa Kougyou, expected to be one of the favorites advanced though pulling away late against Shibetsu. What was more surprising was that in the other 2 games on the 14th, both Obihiro Sanjyou and Obihiro Hakuyou won their games against Engaru and Memanbetsu respectively - not an easy feat.
Finishing up the opening round of the 2nd stage, Komadai Iwamizawa looked rather beatable in a 5-4 win over Kushiro Koryou. Their next opponent Asahikawa Minami, would 10-run rule Nayoro and looked rather good throughout. And in the final game of the 15th, Obihiro Ootani would blitz Takikawa Nishi late 15-4 in 8 innings and reaching the semifinals perhaps thought that they might have a chance.
And boy did the 16th blow things wide open. First Asahikawa Kougyou was shocked as Asahikawa Ryuukoku's ace Oohashi threw a 4-hit shutout, upsetting one of the favorites 4-0! After Obihiro Sanjyou made easy work of fellow school Obihiro Hakuryou, Asahikawa Minami floored the followers yet again, putting the foot down on Komadai Iwamizawa leading from wire-to-wire 11-8!!
This meant that all of the recent powerhouses were eliminated and a team would represent Kita Hokkaido at 夏甲子園 for the first time in at least 10 years!
In the semifinals, Obihiro Ootani would take an early 2-0 lead over Asahikawa Ryuukoku. However, immediately after taking the lead, Ryuukoku would the lead with a 3-run 2nd. It would stay that way until the 6th when 3B Kado Yuuhei (角 雄平) scores 2 to retake the lead! Reliever Satou Kazuma (佐藤和真) would close out the game for Obihiro Ootani as they advanced to the finals!
The other semifinal had Obihiro Sanjyou trading blows with Asahikawa Minami pulling out to a 3-1 lead before a 3-run 7th would give Minami the lead. But Sanjyou would comeback in the 8th and 9th innings to take a 5-4 lead.
But with 2 down, ace Morikawa would walk cleanup batter (and ace) Tsujimoto and #5 batter Kashima (translation ?). That brought up Mizobuchi who drove one over the outfield for a game-winning sayonara triple!
That setup the final between Obihiro Ootani (looking for their first title) versus Asahikawa Minami (who was at 夏甲子園 only once before in 1964.
As perhaps expected, Asahikawa Minami took the lead early from Obihiro Ootani, building a 3-run lead in the 4th. That was wiped out by Obihiro in the bottom of the 4th. It would stay tied until the 8th when with the bases loaded, Tsujimoto would hit the aforementioned Kado to bring in the gyakuten run. Satou would close the game out for Obihiro Ootani thus securing their first ever Koushien appearance!!
Congratulations go to the boys from Obihiro on their first ever trip to Koushien! Carry your flag proudly!
7/15 Update - Getting the small things done first...
And by that I mean I'm avoiding the bigger super-regions. There's just so many games to update.
Niigata
Niigata has fallen slightly behind due to a full rainout on the 13th and a partial one on the 14th. All but 3 9-16 seeded teams though have played. Only seeded upsets so far have occurred on the 9-16 seeds which can be expected. Matsudai, who in their first game scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th for the win after Arai scored 3 in the top of the inning, continued their ぎりぎり run defeating Tookamachi Sougou 2-1 while Mitsuke understandably fell to Teikyou Nagaoka 9-0.
Of the top 4 teams, only #2 Shibata Chuo really breezed through their first game. #1 Murakami Sakuragaoka and #3 Nihon Bunri both won, but not necessarily convincingly.. And #4 Niigata Kenou Kougyou actually trailed Nagaoka Nougyou 2-0 before coming back to win 4-3.
Over in Matsumoto the past couple of days we had one of the more uglier scores - Iwamurada annihilating Sonan 35-1 in 5 innings, followed by a nail-biting 3-2 sayonara victory by Suzaka over Matsumoto Misuzugaoka.
In Ueda, Toukai Dai-san overcame a 4-run 3rd from Komoro with a run in 5 of the first 6 innings for the win while Matushiro will look to make a miracle run with a 6-3 win over Koumi.
Meanwhile, over at Suwa-ko, in the battle of agricultural schools, Shimo-Ina Nougyou scores late defeating Minami-Adzumi Nougyou 7-4 while Okaya Minami walks off Shiojiri Shigakukan 2-1 in 11 and Chino's Kishima makes a lone run in the 2nd stick over Nozawa Minami.
And finally, in Olympic Stadium, both Nagano Nishi and Sakaki started the last two days with back and forth games before pulling away late to win 7-4. Shimo-Suwa Kouyou used a run in the top of the 9th to beat Iiyama 3-2.
The first full day of games were mostly close affairs highlighted by Toyama Hokubu who tied the game against Toyama Izumi at 4 in the 9th then broke out with 4 in the 11th for the win. On the other hand, poor Chuo Nougyou was blown out by Uodzu 37-0.
In comparison, the15th was the complete opposite with mostly lopsided games, one of the few exceptions being Fujikoshi Kougyou edging out Kouhou 2-1. Not surprisingly, if I told you that the seeded teams played on the 15th and all advanced, that would probably explain it. Only 5-8 seed Toyama Kokusaidai Fuzoku did not achieve a mercy rule win, though they did play Takaoka Kougyou.
What's more surprising than seeing a non-seeded Fukui Koudai Fukui? How about an unseeded Fukui Shougyou? That was the case as Maruoka stepped in the opposing dugout. They lasted 7 innings in an 8-0 loss. Fukushou will face Wakasa who was almost level with Fujishima for the entire game, and though let a 1-run lead slip in the 12th made sure to advance with 6 runs in the 13th inning.
Should Fukui Koudai Fukui upset Tsuruga Kehi, and Fukui Shougyou defeat Wakasa, there will be a semifinal matchup that in most years might be a semifinal matchup or better.
5 games on the full docket, and most were yawners except for Kanazawa Nishigaoka getting by Iida 3-1, and Kanazawa Shougyou outlasting Daishouji 3-2 in 11.
The 15th again was mostly the same with the exception of those at Benkei Stadium. There, Kenritsu Kougyou won the battle of industrial schools, defeating Komatsu Kougyou 1-0. Ootori Gakuen followed that up by using a run in the 6th and 7th innings to beat Kanazawa Kouyou 3-1.
The next day Higashi-Ootsu would win 2-1, though again, the rains would cancel all remaining games at Oujiyama though Moriyama Kita and Kousei would play 1 scoreless inning before the umpires thought better of it. Same over at Hikone with Kousen defeating Ootsu Shougyou 4-1 before games were cancelled.
The 15th was the first full day of games that were actually played, and over at Oujiyama Torahime rallies in the last 2 innings to beat Echiko 3-2, and Minakuchi uses a 2-run 8th for a gyakuten 4-3 win over Nagahama Kita.
In fact, all seeded teams that have played so far advanced without issue. They include Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku, Toukaidai Koufu and Fuji Gakuen.
In other action, Nirasaki Kougyou finds something in the well with their backs against the wall, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hokuto 2-1.
The games were much more tighter on the 14th in the C & D Blocks. So much so that C Block seed Mashita Seifu lost 1-0 to Gujyou in their first game! It wasn't the only close one in Takayama as Hida-Takayama tied it at 3 with Gifu Jyouhoku in the bottom of the 9th winning 3 innings later 4-3. Over in Seki Municipal, Mugi won a 14-inning marathon over Kamo 5-4. And in other action, a HR by Taniguchi was insufficient for Takayama Kougyou as they fell to Fuwa 2-1, and a 4-run flurry for Kani just fell short as they lost to seeded Nagara 5-4.
Back to Blocks A & B on the 15th and it was status quo for the seeded teams. Kanou gets another mention after surviving another 1-run game, this time 1-0 over Oogaki Kougyou, while Seki Shoukou uses a pair of runs in each of the final 2 innings to beat Ginan Kougyou.
And with so many games, there are bound to be many interesting games.
Such was the case with Kouyou on the 13th. After scoring 6 runs in the 6th to take a commanding 10-3 lead, Nanzan facing elimination replies with 7 runs in the next two innings to tie the game. Kouyou would win it in the bottom of the 9th 11-10. Sadly, Tokoname would dismiss them 2 days later 12-2 in 6 innings. Toukai Shougyou would just about replicate the feat in the very next game at Atsuta Jingu - but the biggest difference being that they score 6 runs in the final 2 innings, take the lead 8-7 giving Nishin Nishi no chance to reply.
Over in Toyoda, Okazaki Jyousei let an early 5-0 lead slip away versus Gamagoori, but scored 2 in the top of the 9th to save the win. However, their next opponent would be Shigakukan (who isn't a bad team in Aichi) and while they gave them a decent run, they would lose 4-0.
To the 14th and Nagakute bookended a 12 inning affair with Kira with 3 runs for a 6-3 victory. Rather fortunate considering they allowed Kira to tie the game in the 8th. Next up will be Seto Kita Sougou. Ichinomiya Kougyou held off a 9th inning rally by Toyota Ootani just enough to win 3-2. Chigusa is next on the docket. And the alma mater of one of my new friends unfortunately lost as well with Nagoya Minami falling 3-2 to Shinjyou.
No seeded teams have played yet, thanks to Aichi's unique double-bye for those teams.
Shizuoka
Shizuoka is much the same, with games from the 13th to 15th representing 1st round play - so no seeded teams as of yet.
Opening day was not kind to Shimada as they were routed by Toukaidai Shouyou 12-2 in 6 innings.
Onto other 1st round action, and Hamamatsu Jyouhoku Kougyou rallied late against Kakagu Gijyutsu then thought to have the game won in the 10th before finally putting it away 8-4 in 12 innings. 5-8 seed Gotenba Nishi is next. Seiryou will move on to face Hamamatsu Gakuin after scoring the only run in the bottom of the 9th versus Fuji Higashi. The same can be said for Kakegawa Nishi and Nichidai Mishima - the only difference being that Nichidai Mishima scored a run in the top of the 9th before Kakegawa Nishi scored 2 to end the game. Itou trailed Shizuoka Shiritsu 5-0 after 2 innings, fought back to tie it in the 8th and would win 8-6 in 11. Ina Sougou down 3 in the 9th would score 4 for the 8-7 win over Fuji.
But perhaps in one of the most heartbreaking games of all qualifying would be Kiga. After tying it up in the 7th with Arai the game would go into extras. In the 14th they would score 2 to take the lead, only to have Arai tie it in the bottom of the 14th. And in the final inning, when all Kiga could play for is a draw, Arai scores one to win the game.
Niigata
Niigata has fallen slightly behind due to a full rainout on the 13th and a partial one on the 14th. All but 3 9-16 seeded teams though have played. Only seeded upsets so far have occurred on the 9-16 seeds which can be expected. Matsudai, who in their first game scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th for the win after Arai scored 3 in the top of the inning, continued their ぎりぎり run defeating Tookamachi Sougou 2-1 while Mitsuke understandably fell to Teikyou Nagaoka 9-0.
Of the top 4 teams, only #2 Shibata Chuo really breezed through their first game. #1 Murakami Sakuragaoka and #3 Nihon Bunri both won, but not necessarily convincingly.. And #4 Niigata Kenou Kougyou actually trailed Nagaoka Nougyou 2-0 before coming back to win 4-3.
Nagano
Nagano began play on the 13th with Achi mercy-ruling Toyoshina 10-3 in 7 innings.Over in Matsumoto the past couple of days we had one of the more uglier scores - Iwamurada annihilating Sonan 35-1 in 5 innings, followed by a nail-biting 3-2 sayonara victory by Suzaka over Matsumoto Misuzugaoka.
In Ueda, Toukai Dai-san overcame a 4-run 3rd from Komoro with a run in 5 of the first 6 innings for the win while Matushiro will look to make a miracle run with a 6-3 win over Koumi.
Meanwhile, over at Suwa-ko, in the battle of agricultural schools, Shimo-Ina Nougyou scores late defeating Minami-Adzumi Nougyou 7-4 while Okaya Minami walks off Shiojiri Shigakukan 2-1 in 11 and Chino's Kishima makes a lone run in the 2nd stick over Nozawa Minami.
And finally, in Olympic Stadium, both Nagano Nishi and Sakaki started the last two days with back and forth games before pulling away late to win 7-4. Shimo-Suwa Kouyou used a run in the top of the 9th to beat Iiyama 3-2.
Toyama
Toyama off to a rainy start as games were rained out at Toyama Prefectural and Kurobe Miyano. Of the games that played, all were blowouts except for Kosugi who defeated Yatsuo 3-0.The first full day of games were mostly close affairs highlighted by Toyama Hokubu who tied the game against Toyama Izumi at 4 in the 9th then broke out with 4 in the 11th for the win. On the other hand, poor Chuo Nougyou was blown out by Uodzu 37-0.
In comparison, the15th was the complete opposite with mostly lopsided games, one of the few exceptions being Fujikoshi Kougyou edging out Kouhou 2-1. Not surprisingly, if I told you that the seeded teams played on the 15th and all advanced, that would probably explain it. Only 5-8 seed Toyama Kokusaidai Fuzoku did not achieve a mercy rule win, though they did play Takaoka Kougyou.
Fukui
Rain plagued Fukui on opening day. For Asuwa, it sadly delayed the inevitable. For facing Fukui Koudai Fukui who was not a seeded team was rather bad luck. 7 innings later, and they were sent home, losing 8-1. Keishin took all that Kagaku Gijyutsu could give and passed 5-4. There was almost an upset on day 1 of games as Usui fell behind Mikuni by as much as 4 runs, fought back to take the lead, then held off a late charge for the 9-8 win.What's more surprising than seeing a non-seeded Fukui Koudai Fukui? How about an unseeded Fukui Shougyou? That was the case as Maruoka stepped in the opposing dugout. They lasted 7 innings in an 8-0 loss. Fukushou will face Wakasa who was almost level with Fujishima for the entire game, and though let a 1-run lead slip in the 12th made sure to advance with 6 runs in the 13th inning.
Should Fukui Koudai Fukui upset Tsuruga Kehi, and Fukui Shougyou defeat Wakasa, there will be a semifinal matchup that in most years might be a semifinal matchup or better.
Ishikawa
Ishikawa started on the 13th and had Nonoichi Meirin rout Kanazawa Nisui 11-3 in 8 innings.5 games on the full docket, and most were yawners except for Kanazawa Nishigaoka getting by Iida 3-1, and Kanazawa Shougyou outlasting Daishouji 3-2 in 11.
The 15th again was mostly the same with the exception of those at Benkei Stadium. There, Kenritsu Kougyou won the battle of industrial schools, defeating Komatsu Kougyou 1-0. Ootori Gakuen followed that up by using a run in the 6th and 7th innings to beat Kanazawa Kouyou 3-1.
Shiga
Shiga's opening day was cut short. After Rittou blew an early lead and had to scramble to defeat Katata 8-6, the rains postponed Higashi-Ootsu and Youkaichi Minami.The next day Higashi-Ootsu would win 2-1, though again, the rains would cancel all remaining games at Oujiyama though Moriyama Kita and Kousei would play 1 scoreless inning before the umpires thought better of it. Same over at Hikone with Kousen defeating Ootsu Shougyou 4-1 before games were cancelled.
The 15th was the first full day of games that were actually played, and over at Oujiyama Torahime rallies in the last 2 innings to beat Echiko 3-2, and Minakuchi uses a 2-run 8th for a gyakuten 4-3 win over Nagahama Kita.
Yamanashi
Yamanashi has had no problems with the rain, and my team from this prefecture, Nihon Koukuu (i.e. Japan Aviation Academy) used a 6-run 4th to beat Shirane 7-3, then 2 days later traded huge blows with Ootsuki Tankidai Fuzoku before scoring 6 unanswered runs in the middle innings for a 13-7 win. They will face 5-8 seed Nichidai Meisei next after they beat Koufu Dai-ichi 8-4.In fact, all seeded teams that have played so far advanced without issue. They include Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku, Toukaidai Koufu and Fuji Gakuen.
In other action, Nirasaki Kougyou finds something in the well with their backs against the wall, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hokuto 2-1.
Gifu
With games pushed back one scheduled game day, Blocks A and B got started on the 13th. All 4 seeded teams within those blocks (Oogaki Nichidai, Teikyoudai Kani, Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou and Minokamo) advanced via mercy rule. In fact of the 16 games played, only 3 were close. Kanou got by Ikeda late 4-3, Gifu Dai-ichi using a 5-run 7th to break the game open late against Nakatsu Shougyou, and Kakamigahara Nishi also with 2 runs late for a gyakuten win over Gujyou Kita.The games were much more tighter on the 14th in the C & D Blocks. So much so that C Block seed Mashita Seifu lost 1-0 to Gujyou in their first game! It wasn't the only close one in Takayama as Hida-Takayama tied it at 3 with Gifu Jyouhoku in the bottom of the 9th winning 3 innings later 4-3. Over in Seki Municipal, Mugi won a 14-inning marathon over Kamo 5-4. And in other action, a HR by Taniguchi was insufficient for Takayama Kougyou as they fell to Fuwa 2-1, and a 4-run flurry for Kani just fell short as they lost to seeded Nagara 5-4.
Back to Blocks A & B on the 15th and it was status quo for the seeded teams. Kanou gets another mention after surviving another 1-run game, this time 1-0 over Oogaki Kougyou, while Seki Shoukou uses a pair of runs in each of the final 2 innings to beat Ginan Kougyou.
Aichi
For Aichi, rounds go at a frenetic pace as each game day means over 20 games across the prefecture.And with so many games, there are bound to be many interesting games.
Such was the case with Kouyou on the 13th. After scoring 6 runs in the 6th to take a commanding 10-3 lead, Nanzan facing elimination replies with 7 runs in the next two innings to tie the game. Kouyou would win it in the bottom of the 9th 11-10. Sadly, Tokoname would dismiss them 2 days later 12-2 in 6 innings. Toukai Shougyou would just about replicate the feat in the very next game at Atsuta Jingu - but the biggest difference being that they score 6 runs in the final 2 innings, take the lead 8-7 giving Nishin Nishi no chance to reply.
Over in Toyoda, Okazaki Jyousei let an early 5-0 lead slip away versus Gamagoori, but scored 2 in the top of the 9th to save the win. However, their next opponent would be Shigakukan (who isn't a bad team in Aichi) and while they gave them a decent run, they would lose 4-0.
To the 14th and Nagakute bookended a 12 inning affair with Kira with 3 runs for a 6-3 victory. Rather fortunate considering they allowed Kira to tie the game in the 8th. Next up will be Seto Kita Sougou. Ichinomiya Kougyou held off a 9th inning rally by Toyota Ootani just enough to win 3-2. Chigusa is next on the docket. And the alma mater of one of my new friends unfortunately lost as well with Nagoya Minami falling 3-2 to Shinjyou.
No seeded teams have played yet, thanks to Aichi's unique double-bye for those teams.
Shizuoka
Shizuoka is much the same, with games from the 13th to 15th representing 1st round play - so no seeded teams as of yet.
Opening day was not kind to Shimada as they were routed by Toukaidai Shouyou 12-2 in 6 innings.
Onto other 1st round action, and Hamamatsu Jyouhoku Kougyou rallied late against Kakagu Gijyutsu then thought to have the game won in the 10th before finally putting it away 8-4 in 12 innings. 5-8 seed Gotenba Nishi is next. Seiryou will move on to face Hamamatsu Gakuin after scoring the only run in the bottom of the 9th versus Fuji Higashi. The same can be said for Kakegawa Nishi and Nichidai Mishima - the only difference being that Nichidai Mishima scored a run in the top of the 9th before Kakegawa Nishi scored 2 to end the game. Itou trailed Shizuoka Shiritsu 5-0 after 2 innings, fought back to tie it in the 8th and would win 8-6 in 11. Ina Sougou down 3 in the 9th would score 4 for the 8-7 win over Fuji.
But perhaps in one of the most heartbreaking games of all qualifying would be Kiga. After tying it up in the 7th with Arai the game would go into extras. In the 14th they would score 2 to take the lead, only to have Arai tie it in the bottom of the 14th. And in the final inning, when all Kiga could play for is a draw, Arai scores one to win the game.
Monday, July 15, 2013
7/14 Update - Out of the blocks (Chuugoku & Shikoku)
Most of Chuugoku and Shikoku have started along with most of the other prefectures. Let's see where they're at.
Tottori
Nothing really of note so far in the 6 games played. The closest game was Yonago Higashi rallying from down 5-0 to Tottori Nishi to pull within 2, but lost 6-3. Tottori Jyouhoku has advanced easily past the first round.
Okayama
Much like Tottori, not many close games in Okayama to start either. Okayama Gakugeikan and Okayama Shoudai Fuzoku both advanced on day 1. Kanzei's attempt to return to 甲子園 started off with a 5-0 win over Okayama Housen.
The only really close games was at Acorn Stadium. Tamano holding off Konkou Gakuen 5-4, and Okayama outscoring Wakeshizutani to win 9-6.
Shimane
An exciting opening game in Shimane on the 14th as Mitoya and Matsue Kougyou traded runs every other inning, with Matsue Kougyou leading 5-4. But just 3 outs from advancing, they cannot close it out and Mitoya scores 2 in the bottom of the 9th for the sayorara win!
Hiroshima
Opening day at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium was interesting for several reasons. First Soutoku and Hiroshima Shougyou would fight for 13 innings with Soutoku pulling off the 4-3 sayonara win in 13 innings. The other interesting fact was that the pitcher used for Hiroshima Shougyou was #10 Inosencio Wilson. From what I've been able to discern, his father was Filipino and was actually studying back in the Philippines before coming to high school in Japan.
Anyways, the first couple of days have the seeded teams watching as the rest of the field fights it out in the lower levels. It's a mixed bag, but there are quite a few close games starting out.
In Kure Nikou, Kure Mitsuta led Kumano 7-0 but the tandem of Maeda and Sugimoto barely held Kumano off winning 7-6. At Shimanami, Kure Shouwa also holds on, turning a 3-0 lead into a 3-2 win over Mihara.
Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi doesn't mess around on opening day. 10 games across 4 stadiums. Honestly though, I believe they had their opening ceremonies the day before.
Anyways, in opening action Ube Tousen trades blows with Ube Frontier Kagawa and wins 10-8. Takamori continually chases Kudamatsu, and just falls short 5-4. A 5-run 8th gives Shimonoseki Nishi the 7-4 win over Ootsu Ryokuyou.
Meanwhile, the seeded teams that did not manage to draw a bye played the next day. How a 5-8 seed gets a 1st round bye while a 1-4 seed doesn't is beyond me. No upsets thus far, though Ube Kougyou did not look especially sharp against Houhoku winning 3-1. Yanai Gakuen and Karyou both advance, but will be facing 5-8 seeded teams in their next matchup (Iwakuni and Nanyou Kougyou respectively).
Kagawa
Opening round games have been completed, and seeded teams are queued up. One school has already played and that's Jinsei Gakuen. They had an easy first game and will face a Kanonji Chuo squad who uncharacteristically almost lost in their first round game against Sakaide, recovered to mercy rule Mitoyo Kougyou.
Otherwise, Kasada used late-game heroics to score 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Takamatsu Sakurai and will face Iiyama next.
Tokushima
Not much to report in Tokushima, all games were pretty much one-sided. About the only interesting game was Wakimachi scoring 11 unanswered to turn a 6-1 loss into an eventual 12-7 win over Komatsushima Nishi. Otherwise Kawashima, Tomioka Nishi, Tokushima Shougyou and Jyounouchi all advance.
Ehime
Interestingly, very low scoring games dominate early action. Yet only a handful were contested. Iyo Nougyou used a run in the 1st and 9th to defeat Yoshida 2-0. Niihama Higashi outlasted Kita-Uwa 3-2 in 11 innings. And Minami-Uwa used a run in the lucky 7th to get by Matsuyama Kougyou 4-3.
Kochi
Much like Tokushima, mostly lopsided games. Seeded teams do not get later games and as such, Kochi, Kochi Shougyou and Meitoku Gijyuku have all played and advanced.
But Kochi Tousen had their dreams crushed when they could not close a 6-2 lead in the top of the 9th. 6 runs later and Aki Sakuragaoka would advance. And Kochi Ootemae would fight but lose in the bottom of the 13th 2-1 to Nakamura.
Tottori
Nothing really of note so far in the 6 games played. The closest game was Yonago Higashi rallying from down 5-0 to Tottori Nishi to pull within 2, but lost 6-3. Tottori Jyouhoku has advanced easily past the first round.
Okayama
Much like Tottori, not many close games in Okayama to start either. Okayama Gakugeikan and Okayama Shoudai Fuzoku both advanced on day 1. Kanzei's attempt to return to 甲子園 started off with a 5-0 win over Okayama Housen.
The only really close games was at Acorn Stadium. Tamano holding off Konkou Gakuen 5-4, and Okayama outscoring Wakeshizutani to win 9-6.
Shimane
An exciting opening game in Shimane on the 14th as Mitoya and Matsue Kougyou traded runs every other inning, with Matsue Kougyou leading 5-4. But just 3 outs from advancing, they cannot close it out and Mitoya scores 2 in the bottom of the 9th for the sayorara win!
Hiroshima
Opening day at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium was interesting for several reasons. First Soutoku and Hiroshima Shougyou would fight for 13 innings with Soutoku pulling off the 4-3 sayonara win in 13 innings. The other interesting fact was that the pitcher used for Hiroshima Shougyou was #10 Inosencio Wilson. From what I've been able to discern, his father was Filipino and was actually studying back in the Philippines before coming to high school in Japan.
Anyways, the first couple of days have the seeded teams watching as the rest of the field fights it out in the lower levels. It's a mixed bag, but there are quite a few close games starting out.
In Kure Nikou, Kure Mitsuta led Kumano 7-0 but the tandem of Maeda and Sugimoto barely held Kumano off winning 7-6. At Shimanami, Kure Shouwa also holds on, turning a 3-0 lead into a 3-2 win over Mihara.
Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi doesn't mess around on opening day. 10 games across 4 stadiums. Honestly though, I believe they had their opening ceremonies the day before.
Anyways, in opening action Ube Tousen trades blows with Ube Frontier Kagawa and wins 10-8. Takamori continually chases Kudamatsu, and just falls short 5-4. A 5-run 8th gives Shimonoseki Nishi the 7-4 win over Ootsu Ryokuyou.
Meanwhile, the seeded teams that did not manage to draw a bye played the next day. How a 5-8 seed gets a 1st round bye while a 1-4 seed doesn't is beyond me. No upsets thus far, though Ube Kougyou did not look especially sharp against Houhoku winning 3-1. Yanai Gakuen and Karyou both advance, but will be facing 5-8 seeded teams in their next matchup (Iwakuni and Nanyou Kougyou respectively).
Kagawa
Opening round games have been completed, and seeded teams are queued up. One school has already played and that's Jinsei Gakuen. They had an easy first game and will face a Kanonji Chuo squad who uncharacteristically almost lost in their first round game against Sakaide, recovered to mercy rule Mitoyo Kougyou.
Otherwise, Kasada used late-game heroics to score 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Takamatsu Sakurai and will face Iiyama next.
Tokushima
Not much to report in Tokushima, all games were pretty much one-sided. About the only interesting game was Wakimachi scoring 11 unanswered to turn a 6-1 loss into an eventual 12-7 win over Komatsushima Nishi. Otherwise Kawashima, Tomioka Nishi, Tokushima Shougyou and Jyounouchi all advance.
Ehime
Interestingly, very low scoring games dominate early action. Yet only a handful were contested. Iyo Nougyou used a run in the 1st and 9th to defeat Yoshida 2-0. Niihama Higashi outlasted Kita-Uwa 3-2 in 11 innings. And Minami-Uwa used a run in the lucky 7th to get by Matsuyama Kougyou 4-3.
Kochi
Much like Tokushima, mostly lopsided games. Seeded teams do not get later games and as such, Kochi, Kochi Shougyou and Meitoku Gijyuku have all played and advanced.
But Kochi Tousen had their dreams crushed when they could not close a 6-2 lead in the top of the 9th. 6 runs later and Aki Sakuragaoka would advance. And Kochi Ootemae would fight but lose in the bottom of the 13th 2-1 to Nakamura.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
7/13 Update - Well on their way (Kyushu)
Kyushu has been running games everyday and as a result several are already in the Round of 16.
Fukuoka
Despite the number of teams in Fukuoka, games later today will determine the final 16. Half the field has already been decided. So here's where we stand:
In the Kita Regionals, Block A seed Moji Gakuen struggles through their games, but with a nail-biting 6-5 win over Munakata advance to the 2nd stage.
In Block B Koga Kyouseikan, who had upset Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku, looked really good heading into the final, but Keisei quickly shot them back down to earth, scoring a mercy-rule win in 8 innings punching their ticket onwards.
Iidzuka, Block C's seeded team, almost lost in the 2nd round, blowing a 7-2 lead to Kurate, recovering to win in 10. They then blew a 5-0 lead to Yahate before scoring the sayonara run in the bottom of the 9th to advance to the Round of 16.
And in the last of the teams already qualified Block D seed Seirin was not dominant in their first 2 games, but had shutout their opponents. They were facing a Kokura Kougyou squad who had barely gotten by with 3-2 wins in both of their games. But in the block final, it was Kokura Kougyou who perhaps built on their experience to upset Seirin 5-4 to secure their spot.
Bids to be decided today in the Kita regionals are:
Fukushou, who upset Block A seed Fukushima, didn't breeze through, but weren't really challenged either, securing a round of 16 spot with a 3-1 win over Chikusuidai.
In Block B, seeded Kashii certainly had to be worried as Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou wound up in their block. Give props to Kashii though, they fought the "favorites" for 8 innings before giving up the only run in the top of the 9th.
We may have our favorite in Block C. Higashi-Fukuoka got stronger through the block, routing Asakura 10-0 in 8 innings to advance.
And in Block D, Nanchiku would upset seeded Chikuyou Gakuen, then just get by Oki Gakuen 3-2 to move one step closer to the title.
In today's games, we have:
Saga is already playing the round of 16 games, but before then one seeded team fell in the early stages, and that was Saga Kita losing 7-2 to Kashima Jitsugyou. Saga Kougyou though has already advanced with a 4-1 win over Ogi. They'll play Kishima Shougyou, who almost blew the lead over Koushikan but won in 12.
Other teams still in it are well -known ones such as Karatsu Shougyou and Imari Nourin.
Nagasaki
Ah, my Seihou. After a lackluster first game, Kyushu Bunka unceremoniously ousts the seeded team 2-0. Hasami too seemed unprepared - down 4-0 to Isahaya Nougyou early it would be too much for the low-scoring squad. All other seeded teams are still alive and will play over the next 2 days.
Kumamoto
The last 3 days have been brutal for seeded teams. First it was #6 Yachiyo Higashi who lost 6-2 to a game Luther Gakuin. Then it was #4 seed Chinzei and #5 Toukaidai Seishou who lost in back-to-back games to Mifune and Uto respectively. And finally #7 Jyouhoku would fall in 13 innings to Shuugakukan 4-3.
Oita
Oita has suffered as much as well. 1-2 seed Jyohou Kagaku came back from down 2-0, but lost in their opening game 3-2 in 11 innings to Oita Tsurusaki. 3-4 seed Kitsuki gave up 2 runs in the top of the 9th to lose to Takada 2-1.
Miyazaki
Joining Miyazaki Nichidai among the ranks of the fallen seeds early were Takanabe and Miyakonojyou Higashi who both probably were not challengers to the title.
But Nisshou Gakuen probably had one of their better chances, but had to face Miyazaki Shougyou and were mercy ruled 9-2 in 7 innings.
Kagoshima
With no real seeded teams, sometimes it can be hard to pick favorites. But you can still look at the regulars and see how they're doing. But most have played just one game and advanced, though for teams like Kamimura Gakuen they'll need to pick up the pace after a 3-2 win over Kagoshima Shougyou.
Okinawa
Okinawa in round of 16 play, and first up Misato shocks Kounan leading wire-to-wire, upsetting them 6-3! They, interestingly enough will have an inter-city matchup with Misato Kougyou, who outlasted Chinen 3-2 in 11 innings.
Seeded Yaeyama has advanced to the Best 8, but not convincingly, and now they have their toughest matchup yet against Urasoe Shougyou (though they haven't whomped on their competition either).
Fukuoka
Despite the number of teams in Fukuoka, games later today will determine the final 16. Half the field has already been decided. So here's where we stand:
In the Kita Regionals, Block A seed Moji Gakuen struggles through their games, but with a nail-biting 6-5 win over Munakata advance to the 2nd stage.
In Block B Koga Kyouseikan, who had upset Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku, looked really good heading into the final, but Keisei quickly shot them back down to earth, scoring a mercy-rule win in 8 innings punching their ticket onwards.
Iidzuka, Block C's seeded team, almost lost in the 2nd round, blowing a 7-2 lead to Kurate, recovering to win in 10. They then blew a 5-0 lead to Yahate before scoring the sayonara run in the bottom of the 9th to advance to the Round of 16.
And in the last of the teams already qualified Block D seed Seirin was not dominant in their first 2 games, but had shutout their opponents. They were facing a Kokura Kougyou squad who had barely gotten by with 3-2 wins in both of their games. But in the block final, it was Kokura Kougyou who perhaps built on their experience to upset Seirin 5-4 to secure their spot.
Bids to be decided today in the Kita regionals are:
- Block E - Seeded Jiyuugaoka also has struggled in their first 2 games, and will look to get by Houkoku Gakuen (whom like Kokura Kougyou won their 2 games 3-2) to win the block.
- Block F - Seeded Toukai Dai-go had to come back from down 3-0 against Kokura in their last game and will face Higashi-Chikusui Gakuen in their block final.
- Block G - Ikutokukan (whom I believe is more famous for their academics), survived 4 lead changes, a combined 14 runs in the final 3 innings of regulation, and possible elimination twice to win 11-10 in 12 innings over Kenritsu Kouryou.
- Block H - Kibougaoka pulled off the upset of seeded Noogata in the semifinal and will face Tobata who, much like in the Ikutokukan game had many lead changes, fought of elimination in the 8th and won 10-9 in 10 innings.
Fukushou, who upset Block A seed Fukushima, didn't breeze through, but weren't really challenged either, securing a round of 16 spot with a 3-1 win over Chikusuidai.
In Block B, seeded Kashii certainly had to be worried as Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou wound up in their block. Give props to Kashii though, they fought the "favorites" for 8 innings before giving up the only run in the top of the 9th.
We may have our favorite in Block C. Higashi-Fukuoka got stronger through the block, routing Asakura 10-0 in 8 innings to advance.
And in Block D, Nanchiku would upset seeded Chikuyou Gakuen, then just get by Oki Gakuen 3-2 to move one step closer to the title.
In today's games, we have:
- Block E - Kurume Shougyou recovered from their 1st game scare and will meet Fukuoka for the right to advance.
- Block F - Oomuta, who had to fight from the deepest part of the bracket has advanced to meet seeded Fukuokadai Oohori.
- Block G - Seeded Yuusei will have one heck of a gut check in the block final. They will face off against Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku just to get to the round of 16.
- Block H - Unseeded Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu will meet Musashidai to get one of the last spots in the 2nd stage.
Saga is already playing the round of 16 games, but before then one seeded team fell in the early stages, and that was Saga Kita losing 7-2 to Kashima Jitsugyou. Saga Kougyou though has already advanced with a 4-1 win over Ogi. They'll play Kishima Shougyou, who almost blew the lead over Koushikan but won in 12.
Other teams still in it are well -known ones such as Karatsu Shougyou and Imari Nourin.
Nagasaki
Ah, my Seihou. After a lackluster first game, Kyushu Bunka unceremoniously ousts the seeded team 2-0. Hasami too seemed unprepared - down 4-0 to Isahaya Nougyou early it would be too much for the low-scoring squad. All other seeded teams are still alive and will play over the next 2 days.
Kumamoto
The last 3 days have been brutal for seeded teams. First it was #6 Yachiyo Higashi who lost 6-2 to a game Luther Gakuin. Then it was #4 seed Chinzei and #5 Toukaidai Seishou who lost in back-to-back games to Mifune and Uto respectively. And finally #7 Jyouhoku would fall in 13 innings to Shuugakukan 4-3.
Oita
Oita has suffered as much as well. 1-2 seed Jyohou Kagaku came back from down 2-0, but lost in their opening game 3-2 in 11 innings to Oita Tsurusaki. 3-4 seed Kitsuki gave up 2 runs in the top of the 9th to lose to Takada 2-1.
Miyazaki
Joining Miyazaki Nichidai among the ranks of the fallen seeds early were Takanabe and Miyakonojyou Higashi who both probably were not challengers to the title.
But Nisshou Gakuen probably had one of their better chances, but had to face Miyazaki Shougyou and were mercy ruled 9-2 in 7 innings.
Kagoshima
With no real seeded teams, sometimes it can be hard to pick favorites. But you can still look at the regulars and see how they're doing. But most have played just one game and advanced, though for teams like Kamimura Gakuen they'll need to pick up the pace after a 3-2 win over Kagoshima Shougyou.
Okinawa
Okinawa in round of 16 play, and first up Misato shocks Kounan leading wire-to-wire, upsetting them 6-3! They, interestingly enough will have an inter-city matchup with Misato Kougyou, who outlasted Chinen 3-2 in 11 innings.
Seeded Yaeyama has advanced to the Best 8, but not convincingly, and now they have their toughest matchup yet against Urasoe Shougyou (though they haven't whomped on their competition either).
Saturday, July 13, 2013
7/13 Update - Ah, the rain... (Hokkaido, Tohoku)
...at least for the Tohoku region.
Kita Hokkaido
So, Kita Hokkaido restarts on the 13th. And perhaps surprisingly, mostly blowouts. Obihiro Ootani and Asahikawa Ryuukoku both advanced via mercy rule, Takikawa Nishi passed by Kitami Hokuto by the score of 3-1.
Aomori
The rain had prevented games from being held at Haruka Yume Stadium for 2 days. And on the 11th, the final games at Aomori Municipal and Hachinohe Nagane were rained out.
All stadiums were able to hold games on the 13th, and for Hirosaki who had to wait 2 days they needed one more inning at Maple to defeat Touou Gakuen 3-2.
A lot of seeded teams also kicked off on the 13th. 1-4 seed Hachinohe Kougyou needed extras to defeat Towada Nishi, while 5-8 seed Oominato became the first casualty, losing to Aomori 9-4.
Aomori managed just 1 game on the 12th, with is too bad for Hirosaki Jitsugyou as they led Tsuruta 16-0 after Tsuruta's half of the 4th when the game was called due to rain. In the battle of Hachinohe Koudai schools, it was seeded Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi, who defeated their younger counterpart Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ni 16-4... though with games called off elsewhere, I'm betting that the 10-run 5th that put the game on mercy status was partially due to the weather. Which may have been a shame for the underdog. Even Maple Stadium succumbed on the 12th, with only the first game finishing as Noheji managed to make a 4-1 lead stick, defeating Goshogawara 4-3.
Only 2 close games back on the 11th and both were at Maple Stadium - Towada Nishi just down 1-0 to Momoishi in the bottom of the 9th ties the game and then wins it 2 innings later. Takko trailed Misawa Shougyou 3-0 after the 1st inning, but came back to win 4-3.
Akita
Akita was rained out on the last two days, but finally got games in on the 13th.
Mostly blowouts, but 2 games excitingly went into extras. Akita Hokuryou managed to tie the game at 2 in the bottom of the 9th, however things all went awry in the 12th when Yokote Seiryou scored 5 and put the game out of reach.
In the other game Yashima, trailing Oomagari Nougyou Oota 5-3, mounts 2 rallies in the 7th and 8th after their opponents try to extend the lead, tying it at 8-8! But they couldn't immediately capitalize and Oomagari would win with a run in the 12th.
Iwate
Iwate meanwhile, has been totally rained out so far. Who knows when they'll be finally able to get started.
Yamagata
Yamagata opened play on the 12th, and with a 10-run 1st Yamagata Jyouhoku easily got by Oguni. The 13th saw more blowouts, but games were rained out at Tsuruoka Dream Stadium.
Miyagi
Miyagi opened yesterday at Ishinomaki Municipal with Shiogama defeating Tsukidate 9-2 in 8 innings.
Fukushima
Fukushima opened on the 11th, and while I don't necessarily get to see pictures of opening ceremonies across the prefectures, Fukushima is the first I've seen to have teams march in with their school flags (photo credit Asahi).
And the opening game was a heartbreaker for Iwase Nougyou. Leading 4-3 with just 3 outs to go, Kiyota for Haramachi hits a running gyakuten 2-run home-run and they win 5-4.
First full day of games followed on the 12, and there are quite a few close 1st rounders. Fukushima Nishi pulls out the 2-1 win a run in the bottom of the 8th over Nakoso Kougyou. Aoi breaks a 3-3 deadlock with Sukagawa Touyou with 2 in the 10th.
The theme continued on the 13th with Souma Higashi rallying in the bottom of the 9th with a pair of runs to tie the game at 5. And when Asaka Reimei scored 3 in the 10th, Souma Higashi almost pulled it off again, but fell short losing 8-7.
It was a relatively good day for the combined teams as well. Sousou Fukushima (Futaba, Haramachi, Souma Nougyou) held off Adachi Higashi for the 6-4 win. Aidzu Nishi Rengou (Nishi-Aidzu, Kitakata Higashi, Bange) made a 4-0 lead barely stick with a 4-3 win over Shuumei. It was not a clean sweep though as the combined team of Nakoso-Toono-Onahama were mercy ruled by Kooriyama Kita Kougyou.
One game was rained out, and that was Aidzu Kougyou vs. Shoushi at Aidzu Stadium - this despite Aidzu Kougyou holding a 3-2 lead after 6 innings.
Kita Hokkaido
So, Kita Hokkaido restarts on the 13th. And perhaps surprisingly, mostly blowouts. Obihiro Ootani and Asahikawa Ryuukoku both advanced via mercy rule, Takikawa Nishi passed by Kitami Hokuto by the score of 3-1.
Aomori
The rain had prevented games from being held at Haruka Yume Stadium for 2 days. And on the 11th, the final games at Aomori Municipal and Hachinohe Nagane were rained out.
All stadiums were able to hold games on the 13th, and for Hirosaki who had to wait 2 days they needed one more inning at Maple to defeat Touou Gakuen 3-2.
A lot of seeded teams also kicked off on the 13th. 1-4 seed Hachinohe Kougyou needed extras to defeat Towada Nishi, while 5-8 seed Oominato became the first casualty, losing to Aomori 9-4.
Aomori managed just 1 game on the 12th, with is too bad for Hirosaki Jitsugyou as they led Tsuruta 16-0 after Tsuruta's half of the 4th when the game was called due to rain. In the battle of Hachinohe Koudai schools, it was seeded Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi, who defeated their younger counterpart Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ni 16-4... though with games called off elsewhere, I'm betting that the 10-run 5th that put the game on mercy status was partially due to the weather. Which may have been a shame for the underdog. Even Maple Stadium succumbed on the 12th, with only the first game finishing as Noheji managed to make a 4-1 lead stick, defeating Goshogawara 4-3.
Only 2 close games back on the 11th and both were at Maple Stadium - Towada Nishi just down 1-0 to Momoishi in the bottom of the 9th ties the game and then wins it 2 innings later. Takko trailed Misawa Shougyou 3-0 after the 1st inning, but came back to win 4-3.
Akita
Akita was rained out on the last two days, but finally got games in on the 13th.
Mostly blowouts, but 2 games excitingly went into extras. Akita Hokuryou managed to tie the game at 2 in the bottom of the 9th, however things all went awry in the 12th when Yokote Seiryou scored 5 and put the game out of reach.
In the other game Yashima, trailing Oomagari Nougyou Oota 5-3, mounts 2 rallies in the 7th and 8th after their opponents try to extend the lead, tying it at 8-8! But they couldn't immediately capitalize and Oomagari would win with a run in the 12th.
Iwate
Iwate meanwhile, has been totally rained out so far. Who knows when they'll be finally able to get started.
Yamagata
Yamagata opened play on the 12th, and with a 10-run 1st Yamagata Jyouhoku easily got by Oguni. The 13th saw more blowouts, but games were rained out at Tsuruoka Dream Stadium.
Miyagi
Miyagi opened yesterday at Ishinomaki Municipal with Shiogama defeating Tsukidate 9-2 in 8 innings.
Fukushima
Fukushima opened on the 11th, and while I don't necessarily get to see pictures of opening ceremonies across the prefectures, Fukushima is the first I've seen to have teams march in with their school flags (photo credit Asahi).
And the opening game was a heartbreaker for Iwase Nougyou. Leading 4-3 with just 3 outs to go, Kiyota for Haramachi hits a running gyakuten 2-run home-run and they win 5-4.
First full day of games followed on the 12, and there are quite a few close 1st rounders. Fukushima Nishi pulls out the 2-1 win a run in the bottom of the 8th over Nakoso Kougyou. Aoi breaks a 3-3 deadlock with Sukagawa Touyou with 2 in the 10th.
The theme continued on the 13th with Souma Higashi rallying in the bottom of the 9th with a pair of runs to tie the game at 5. And when Asaka Reimei scored 3 in the 10th, Souma Higashi almost pulled it off again, but fell short losing 8-7.
It was a relatively good day for the combined teams as well. Sousou Fukushima (Futaba, Haramachi, Souma Nougyou) held off Adachi Higashi for the 6-4 win. Aidzu Nishi Rengou (Nishi-Aidzu, Kitakata Higashi, Bange) made a 4-0 lead barely stick with a 4-3 win over Shuumei. It was not a clean sweep though as the combined team of Nakoso-Toono-Onahama were mercy ruled by Kooriyama Kita Kougyou.
One game was rained out, and that was Aidzu Kougyou vs. Shoushi at Aidzu Stadium - this despite Aidzu Kougyou holding a 3-2 lead after 6 innings.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
7/10 Update - 4 more prefectures enter the fray!
So the 10th saw Aomori, Iwate, Saitama and Niigata begin their qualifying , though without "much" incident.
Aomori/Iwate
Aomori with just one game on opening day, Sanbongi Nougyou managing just 5 innings in an 11-1 loss to Mutsu Kougyou.
Iwate with a pair of games, Ichinoseki Tousen with no problems against Oohasama with a 5-2 win. In the 2nd game, Takata and Morioka Chuo went back and forth all game, with several lead changes and tie ball games. But Takata secures their spot in the 2nd round with a 4-run 9th to win 11-7.
Gunma
Just one game over in Kiryuu, the replay between Tokiwa and Shiritsu Maebashi. And the game went in 3 parts. Tokiwa takes a 3-0 early lead, only to see Maebashi score 6 in the 5th. But Maebashi cannot hold the lead, giving up 2 runs in the 7th and 8th innings. There would be no enchousen this time around as Tokiwa advances.
Saitama
Just one game on opening day. Oomiya Nishi scores the only run of the game in the 2nd inning to defeat Shuumei Eiko.
Higashi Tokyo
More games at Meiji Jingu while the Swallows are on the road. Ooyama and Kita-Toshima Kougyou was just a normal 3-2 game in favor of Toshima at the break, but then the teams score 19 runs in the next 3 in a 15-9 win for Ooyama. Shuutoku had no problems in their 2nd game over Touyou, and in much like the first game, Higashi and Adachi Shinden score 18 runs in the 5th and 6th innings with Adachi moving forward with a 12-8 win.
Over in the #2 stadium, we had 2 blowouts.
Niigata
Niigata with 2 games at Hard-Off Eco to open the tournament. Shoutokukan no match for Nagaoka Nougyou losing 19-0 in 5 while Keiwa Gakuen lasts just 7 in a 9-2 loss to Muramatsu.
Fukuoka
Starting in the south regionals Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku, having to come from the depths of the block, almost got tripped up by Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyusan, but a 3-run 8th gave them the 4-2 win.
Ogoori hosted both seeded teams today. Block G seed Yuusei had no trouble with Hakata Kougyou, while Itoshima's stint as the Block H seed ends after just one game, unable to rally down 2, losing 2-1 to Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu.
In the northern regionals, at Matobaike Block H seed Noogata got past Seihou, Kita-Kyushu and Kanda Kougyou traded leads 4 times early but eventually Kita-Kyushu kept the lead and held on for a 10-9 win, and Koga Kyouseikan continues their strong run defeating Kouryou in 7 innings and will face Keisei in the block final.
At Nakama Muncipal, Block A seed Moji Gakuen does continue to advance, though with a 4-1 win over Kokura Shougyou. They will face Munakata in the block final.
Saga
2 seeded teams start play today, with Saga Kougyou easily dispatching Karatsu Higashi, while Tosu Kougyou needed a 2-run 8th to defeat Shiota Kougyou 2-1.
For some reason, Tosu Kougyou's game was pushed back a day, so all games at Blue Stadium have been pushed back one slot.
Only other game of note was Kanzaki Seimei scoring 5 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat a devastated Tosu squad 5-4.
Nagasaki
Not much action in Nagasaki, though each venue did have one good game. Seiryou breaks a 6-6 tie with Sasebo Kita with 4 in the lucky 7 to win 11-6. And at Sasebo, Oomura score 1 in the 9th to defeat Sasebo Toushou 4-3.
Kumamoto
6 games on the slate yesterday, but all rather one-sided. Jyouhoku and Seiseikou both advance, though not via the mercy rule. Senshuudai Tamana is also one of the ones who advance.
Oita
3 games today, and the closest one was the 2-1 win by Oita Minami over their intra-city rival Oita Higashi.
Miyazaki
It was no surprise that facing St. Ursula would be no easy task for seeded Miyzaki Nichidai. And yet, St. Ursula jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Miyazaki Nichidai would scramble the rest of the game, but fail to find the 同点 run, bowing out 4-3.
Miyakonojyou Higashi would be another seeded team to fall, and unfortunately it was after blowing a 3-0 lead with just 3 outs to go. Instead it would be Miyazaki Nishi who would advance.
Only Houshou would be the seeded team to advance, with a convincing mercy rule win over Tsuno.
Kagoshima
Kamimura Gakuen, one of the better teams in Kagoshima, were put to the test by Kagoshima Shougyou, but managed to win 3-2. Shounan, who narrowly lost to Kagoshima Jitsugyou in the spring, easily won their first game in 8 innings over Iwagawa. Fortunately, they won't have to Kajitsu until the final.
And in other games, Tokunoshima becomes the 2nd team to advance from the 1st round to the 3rd round with a mercy-rule win over Yoron.
Aomori/Iwate
Aomori with just one game on opening day, Sanbongi Nougyou managing just 5 innings in an 11-1 loss to Mutsu Kougyou.
Iwate with a pair of games, Ichinoseki Tousen with no problems against Oohasama with a 5-2 win. In the 2nd game, Takata and Morioka Chuo went back and forth all game, with several lead changes and tie ball games. But Takata secures their spot in the 2nd round with a 4-run 9th to win 11-7.
Gunma
Just one game over in Kiryuu, the replay between Tokiwa and Shiritsu Maebashi. And the game went in 3 parts. Tokiwa takes a 3-0 early lead, only to see Maebashi score 6 in the 5th. But Maebashi cannot hold the lead, giving up 2 runs in the 7th and 8th innings. There would be no enchousen this time around as Tokiwa advances.
Saitama
Just one game on opening day. Oomiya Nishi scores the only run of the game in the 2nd inning to defeat Shuumei Eiko.
Higashi Tokyo
More games at Meiji Jingu while the Swallows are on the road. Ooyama and Kita-Toshima Kougyou was just a normal 3-2 game in favor of Toshima at the break, but then the teams score 19 runs in the next 3 in a 15-9 win for Ooyama. Shuutoku had no problems in their 2nd game over Touyou, and in much like the first game, Higashi and Adachi Shinden score 18 runs in the 5th and 6th innings with Adachi moving forward with a 12-8 win.
Over in the #2 stadium, we had 2 blowouts.
Niigata
Niigata with 2 games at Hard-Off Eco to open the tournament. Shoutokukan no match for Nagaoka Nougyou losing 19-0 in 5 while Keiwa Gakuen lasts just 7 in a 9-2 loss to Muramatsu.
Fukuoka
Starting in the south regionals Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku, having to come from the depths of the block, almost got tripped up by Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyusan, but a 3-run 8th gave them the 4-2 win.
Ogoori hosted both seeded teams today. Block G seed Yuusei had no trouble with Hakata Kougyou, while Itoshima's stint as the Block H seed ends after just one game, unable to rally down 2, losing 2-1 to Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu.
In the northern regionals, at Matobaike Block H seed Noogata got past Seihou, Kita-Kyushu and Kanda Kougyou traded leads 4 times early but eventually Kita-Kyushu kept the lead and held on for a 10-9 win, and Koga Kyouseikan continues their strong run defeating Kouryou in 7 innings and will face Keisei in the block final.
At Nakama Muncipal, Block A seed Moji Gakuen does continue to advance, though with a 4-1 win over Kokura Shougyou. They will face Munakata in the block final.
Saga
2 seeded teams start play today, with Saga Kougyou easily dispatching Karatsu Higashi, while Tosu Kougyou needed a 2-run 8th to defeat Shiota Kougyou 2-1.
For some reason, Tosu Kougyou's game was pushed back a day, so all games at Blue Stadium have been pushed back one slot.
Only other game of note was Kanzaki Seimei scoring 5 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat a devastated Tosu squad 5-4.
Nagasaki
Not much action in Nagasaki, though each venue did have one good game. Seiryou breaks a 6-6 tie with Sasebo Kita with 4 in the lucky 7 to win 11-6. And at Sasebo, Oomura score 1 in the 9th to defeat Sasebo Toushou 4-3.
Kumamoto
6 games on the slate yesterday, but all rather one-sided. Jyouhoku and Seiseikou both advance, though not via the mercy rule. Senshuudai Tamana is also one of the ones who advance.
Oita
3 games today, and the closest one was the 2-1 win by Oita Minami over their intra-city rival Oita Higashi.
Miyazaki
It was no surprise that facing St. Ursula would be no easy task for seeded Miyzaki Nichidai. And yet, St. Ursula jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Miyazaki Nichidai would scramble the rest of the game, but fail to find the 同点 run, bowing out 4-3.
Miyakonojyou Higashi would be another seeded team to fall, and unfortunately it was after blowing a 3-0 lead with just 3 outs to go. Instead it would be Miyazaki Nishi who would advance.
Only Houshou would be the seeded team to advance, with a convincing mercy rule win over Tsuno.
Kagoshima
Kamimura Gakuen, one of the better teams in Kagoshima, were put to the test by Kagoshima Shougyou, but managed to win 3-2. Shounan, who narrowly lost to Kagoshima Jitsugyou in the spring, easily won their first game in 8 innings over Iwagawa. Fortunately, they won't have to Kajitsu until the final.
And in other games, Tokunoshima becomes the 2nd team to advance from the 1st round to the 3rd round with a mercy-rule win over Yoron.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
7/9 Update - Keep calm and scramble on...
During the week most prefectures are off on qualifying except for the Kyushu region. Some though with the sheer amount of schools have no choice but to continue playing through the week.
Gunma
8 games in play yesterday, and there was quite a few heart-stoppers.
At Shikishima, Tone Shougyou scores a run in the 7th and 8th innings and holds of Tatebayashi for the 3-2 win. Moving to Takasaki, Nishioura fights hard against Tone Jitsugyou in the late innings and a 3-spot in the bottom of the 8th is just enough to win 6-5.
And best of all in Kiryuu, Shiritsu Maebashi scores 4 runs in their last 6 outs to tie at 5 against Tokiwa, then had to score a run in the bottom of the 10th to keep the game going... where it ended in a 6-6 draw! Fortunately, the draw is in an early round that whomever wins gets 4 days off before their next game.
Ibaraki
There was more of the same here in Ibaraki:
Only 5 games in Higashi Tokyo, all at either Meiji Jingu or Jingu #2.
Showa Tetsudo, who has a really cool building, outlasted Nakano Kougyou 14-8 in the opening game at the main stadium. Shukutoku Sugamo staved off a mercy rule loss to Arakawa Kougyou in the 5th, but couldn't complete a comeback losing 10-7.
Fukuoka
The scares continue in Fukuoka. Minami F-Block seed Fukuokadai Oohori made a single run in the 1st stick to get past Shuuyuukan 1-0. But for the most part, seeded teams like Toukai Dai-go and Ikutokukan got by with ease.
Saga
Midori no Mori still 1 day behind in games thanks to an opening day rainout. Karatsu Nishi holds off Karatsu Seishou 5-4.
Blue Stadium opened on time, and there we had Kishima Shougyou using a 4-run 6th to tie the game against Kanzaki, winning it in the bottom of the 9th.
Nagasaki
6 games in Nagasaki today, and of note Isahaya Nougyou scrambles in the 7th and 8th innings for 4 runs to defeat Nagasaki Kakuyou 7-6. Also one of my favorite teams, the seeded Seihou, started off slow defeated Chinzei Gakuin 3-0.
Kumamoto
Things relatively quiet in Kumamoto. Mostly blowouts, and 5-Seed Toukaidai Seishou had no issues with Yatsushiro.
Oita
Same in Oita. Tsurusaki Kougyou, Yufu and Touin all advance with no issues.
Miyazaki
Seeded teams kicked off yesterday. Nichinan Gakuen, Nisshou Gakuen, and Nobeoka Gakuen all advanced, though Nisshou Gakuen only got by Nichinan 3-0.
Kagoshima
(This update covers all games from opening to yesterday)
So opening day in Kagoshima gave those that stayed after the ceremony a good show. Kagoshima Jyousei trailed Tanegashima 2-0 before scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th and held on for the win.
First full day of action was rather uneventful with mostly blowouts. Tokunoshima did break a scoreless draw with 2 in the 7th to defeat Izumi Chuo, and Sensatsu Seishuukan used a 4-run 8th to break a 3-3 tie over Hayato Kougyou and win 7-5.
On the 8th, there was 2 close games - Kagoshima Gyokuryuu scored a run in the 8th and 9th to defeat Kagoshima Suisan 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th while Koniya used a 4-run 8th to pass Kanoya Nougyou 6-3.
Same with yesterday - mostly non-competive games. But Kagoshima Tousen held off a 9th inning rally from Tsurumaru to win 2-1, while Satsuma Chuo won their 2nd game over Takeokadai 2-0.
Interestingly though, in the final game at Kamoike, the combined team of Ariake・Kushira Shougyou・Minami-Oosumi did actually win their first game, and in convincing fashion over Sueyoshi 8-1 in 7 innings.
Gunma
8 games in play yesterday, and there was quite a few heart-stoppers.
At Shikishima, Tone Shougyou scores a run in the 7th and 8th innings and holds of Tatebayashi for the 3-2 win. Moving to Takasaki, Nishioura fights hard against Tone Jitsugyou in the late innings and a 3-spot in the bottom of the 8th is just enough to win 6-5.
And best of all in Kiryuu, Shiritsu Maebashi scores 4 runs in their last 6 outs to tie at 5 against Tokiwa, then had to score a run in the bottom of the 10th to keep the game going... where it ended in a 6-6 draw! Fortunately, the draw is in an early round that whomever wins gets 4 days off before their next game.
Ibaraki
There was more of the same here in Ibaraki:
- At Mito Municipal, Sakai trailed Mito Dai-ichi for 6 innings before scoring a pair of runs in the 7th and 8th to win 4-2.
- In Ibaraki Prefectural, Asou had to play catchup in the late innings against Iwai, tying the game twice, and the only lead they had was when they won the game in the bottom of the 10th.
- Over at Tsuchirura Tsuchiura Dai-ni sent out 5 pitchers to stave off Edogawa Gakuen 6-5.
- Moving on to Hitachi Naka Municipal Kamisu's Tanabe barely made a 6-run 4th stick against Kaiyou to win 6-5.
Only 5 games in Higashi Tokyo, all at either Meiji Jingu or Jingu #2.
Showa Tetsudo, who has a really cool building, outlasted Nakano Kougyou 14-8 in the opening game at the main stadium. Shukutoku Sugamo staved off a mercy rule loss to Arakawa Kougyou in the 5th, but couldn't complete a comeback losing 10-7.
Fukuoka
The scares continue in Fukuoka. Minami F-Block seed Fukuokadai Oohori made a single run in the 1st stick to get past Shuuyuukan 1-0. But for the most part, seeded teams like Toukai Dai-go and Ikutokukan got by with ease.
Saga
Midori no Mori still 1 day behind in games thanks to an opening day rainout. Karatsu Nishi holds off Karatsu Seishou 5-4.
Blue Stadium opened on time, and there we had Kishima Shougyou using a 4-run 6th to tie the game against Kanzaki, winning it in the bottom of the 9th.
Nagasaki
6 games in Nagasaki today, and of note Isahaya Nougyou scrambles in the 7th and 8th innings for 4 runs to defeat Nagasaki Kakuyou 7-6. Also one of my favorite teams, the seeded Seihou, started off slow defeated Chinzei Gakuin 3-0.
Kumamoto
Things relatively quiet in Kumamoto. Mostly blowouts, and 5-Seed Toukaidai Seishou had no issues with Yatsushiro.
Oita
Same in Oita. Tsurusaki Kougyou, Yufu and Touin all advance with no issues.
Miyazaki
Seeded teams kicked off yesterday. Nichinan Gakuen, Nisshou Gakuen, and Nobeoka Gakuen all advanced, though Nisshou Gakuen only got by Nichinan 3-0.
Kagoshima
(This update covers all games from opening to yesterday)
So opening day in Kagoshima gave those that stayed after the ceremony a good show. Kagoshima Jyousei trailed Tanegashima 2-0 before scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th and held on for the win.
First full day of action was rather uneventful with mostly blowouts. Tokunoshima did break a scoreless draw with 2 in the 7th to defeat Izumi Chuo, and Sensatsu Seishuukan used a 4-run 8th to break a 3-3 tie over Hayato Kougyou and win 7-5.
On the 8th, there was 2 close games - Kagoshima Gyokuryuu scored a run in the 8th and 9th to defeat Kagoshima Suisan 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th while Koniya used a 4-run 8th to pass Kanoya Nougyou 6-3.
Same with yesterday - mostly non-competive games. But Kagoshima Tousen held off a 9th inning rally from Tsurumaru to win 2-1, while Satsuma Chuo won their 2nd game over Takeokadai 2-0.
Interestingly though, in the final game at Kamoike, the combined team of Ariake・Kushira Shougyou・Minami-Oosumi did actually win their first game, and in convincing fashion over Sueyoshi 8-1 in 7 innings.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
7/8 Update - 1st main wave of prefecturals underway! (Kinki to Kyushu areas)
And westward ho we continue!
Osaka
First full day of games started on the 7th and nothing really of note. Some teams like Riseisha and Osaka Touin won't play until next week.
It was a bit of a thud for Aino as they opened the tournament at the Kyocera Dome with a 14-0 loss to Kita-Kawachi Satsukigaoka. Hannan managed to play a full game in the follow-up but lost 8-3 to Nisshin.
Hyogo
Remember Sumoto? Back in 2012 they got to 春甲子園 losing to Naruto 2-1 in the opening round. Here they opened the Hyogo tournament at Akashi Tocalo versus Tomioka and won a hard-fought close game to win 4-3.
And on the 7th, over in Handkerchief Memorial Nigawa Gakuin rallied from down 8-1 with 10 unanswered runs for the gyakuten victory over Takaradzuka.
Fukuoka
Opening games in Kurume on the 6th were rained out, and the game of Kanda Kougyou vs. Tagawa Kagaku Gijyutsu were actually rained out 2 straight days. When they finally played on the 8th, Kanda Kougyou won 13-2 in 5 innings.
The other match-up saw Fukuoka Dai-ichi edge out Hakuryou 4-3, then because of the schedule had to turnaround and play Ukiha Kyuushinkan the next day. Not a problem because they won 12-2 in 6 innings thanks to an 8-run 6th.
In other games, Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku had the unfortunate draw of an extra game, but Miike Kougyu 8-0 in 7. Kashii Kougyou managed to tie the game against Ariake Tousen at 2-2 but lost 3-2 in 10. And Yahata Chuo managed to outlast Wakamatsu 4-3 in a 13 inning marathon.
Two games went into enchousen scoreless. Yanagigawa defeated Chikushigaoka with a run in the 10th while Kaho bid sayonara to Tokiwa also in the 10th.
Seeded Moji Gakuen had to scramble to make an early 4-0 lead over Sue stick, winning 8-6. The same could not be said for Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku who was shutout 3-0 by Koga Kyouseikan! And in a 3-3 in surprises at Kita-Kyushu Municipal, Iiduzka was in a close match with Shinguu before adding insurance runs in the 9th - but still managed to win by the small margin of 5-3.
Things did not improve over at Kasuga prefectural. Chikuyou Gakuen managed the only run in the game against Seinan Gakuin, while Kurume Shougyou had to rally to defeat Yame 4-3!
And while they're not seeded, Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou also won a slim 1-0 game to Fukuoka Kourinkan.
I'm sure by the time things end we'll probably see a regular in the finals. But right now, the seeded teams look less than dominating and it's all up in the air right now.
Saga
Rain plagued Saga's opening day as well, pushing back games a day. When the games finally began, Imari Shougyou gave the fans a show as they walked off against Karatsu Kougyou 2-1.
Nagasaki
Apparently Kyushu continues to have close games. Kouka trailed Hokushou Nishi 2-0, tied it in the 8th and said sayonara in the 10th to advance.
Kumamoto
Oguni continued the trend, breaking a 3-3 tie with Shouyou with a run in the 11th on opening day, then Kumamoto Gakuendai Fuzoku rallying twice to win 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th over Tamana.
However, when it comes to the better teams in the prefecture, it's more business as usual with Kumamoto Kougyou and Hitsuyuukan advancing.
And I finally had a score that made me really cringe. Tamana Kougyou scores no less than 5 runs in an inning blowing out Amakusa Kuratake 42-0 in 5 innings.
Oita
No real blowouts in Oita so far, with all games going 9 innings, and the largest winning margin being just 3 runs. On opening day Oita Tsurusaki rallied from down 4-0 to take a 7-4 lead over Oita Kougyou, blew that lead in the final 2 innings before scoring the sayonara run in the 9th.
The first full slate of games saw Usa scoring the only run over Nakatsu Minami to win their game, then Beppu Shougyou erasing a 3-0 lead, scoring 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hita 4-3.
And today, Usa Sangyou Kagaku made a 2-0 lead over Usuki stick winning 2-1, and despite scoring a run in the first 5 innings, Mori needed one more in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Kunisaki 6-5, and former 甲子園 participant Hita Rinkou had one of the more "easier" games defeating Oita Houfu 5-2.
Miyazaki
Miyazaki was more "normal" in what you'd you see early on. That's not to say we had close game here either.
Saito Shougyou held of an late rally from Hyuuga Gakuin to win 4-3, and Miyakonojyou rallied late to send the game against Miyakonojyou Shougyou into enchousen and won 6-5 in 12. And in a intra-city affair Hyuuga gives up an early 2-0 lead to Hyuuga Kougyou, then comes back from down 5-2 to win 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th.
Kagoshima
I just realized I hadn't translated this bracket. This will have to be done today, and I'll have an update on it in a separate post. (ごめん！)
Okinawa
Okinawa in the 2nd weekend seemed to start off rather innocuously. Teams like Okinawa Suisan and Futenma advanced without incident.
But then turn to the 30th, and all heck broke loose. Ginowan, generally a good team, loses 5-4 to Kitanakagusuku. The biggest upset goes to Misato who went 14 innings against seeded Hokuzan and won 2-1! That opens it up for Kounan, who has scored double digits in their 2 games so far.
Onto the 3rd week, and Gushikawa was involved in their 2nd extra inning game, this time losing 5-4 to Misato Kougyou 5-4 in 14 innings. Seeded Mawashi was challenged by Futenma, but managed to win 3-0 but will have another tough matchup in Okinawa Suisan. Even the fall Kyushu Super-Regional champions Okinawa Shougaku had an 8-4 win over Chuubu Shougyou, but gave up some runs late. Yaeyama, on the other hand dealt with Yokatsu 6-3.
In other games, Urasoe Shougyou looks to be in rebuild mode, surviving Tomoshiro 3-1 and Chinen fought hard for a 3-1 win in 14 over Nanbu Kougyou. Yaeyama Shoukou scored in 7 of the 8 innings to win 12-7 over Okinawa Tousen. It doesn't look look for their prospects this year.
Osaka
First full day of games started on the 7th and nothing really of note. Some teams like Riseisha and Osaka Touin won't play until next week.
It was a bit of a thud for Aino as they opened the tournament at the Kyocera Dome with a 14-0 loss to Kita-Kawachi Satsukigaoka. Hannan managed to play a full game in the follow-up but lost 8-3 to Nisshin.
Hyogo
Remember Sumoto? Back in 2012 they got to 春甲子園 losing to Naruto 2-1 in the opening round. Here they opened the Hyogo tournament at Akashi Tocalo versus Tomioka and won a hard-fought close game to win 4-3.
And on the 7th, over in Handkerchief Memorial Nigawa Gakuin rallied from down 8-1 with 10 unanswered runs for the gyakuten victory over Takaradzuka.
Fukuoka
Opening games in Kurume on the 6th were rained out, and the game of Kanda Kougyou vs. Tagawa Kagaku Gijyutsu were actually rained out 2 straight days. When they finally played on the 8th, Kanda Kougyou won 13-2 in 5 innings.
The other match-up saw Fukuoka Dai-ichi edge out Hakuryou 4-3, then because of the schedule had to turnaround and play Ukiha Kyuushinkan the next day. Not a problem because they won 12-2 in 6 innings thanks to an 8-run 6th.
In other games, Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku had the unfortunate draw of an extra game, but Miike Kougyu 8-0 in 7. Kashii Kougyou managed to tie the game against Ariake Tousen at 2-2 but lost 3-2 in 10. And Yahata Chuo managed to outlast Wakamatsu 4-3 in a 13 inning marathon.
Two games went into enchousen scoreless. Yanagigawa defeated Chikushigaoka with a run in the 10th while Kaho bid sayonara to Tokiwa also in the 10th.
Seeded Moji Gakuen had to scramble to make an early 4-0 lead over Sue stick, winning 8-6. The same could not be said for Kyushu Kokusaidai Fuzoku who was shutout 3-0 by Koga Kyouseikan! And in a 3-3 in surprises at Kita-Kyushu Municipal, Iiduzka was in a close match with Shinguu before adding insurance runs in the 9th - but still managed to win by the small margin of 5-3.
Things did not improve over at Kasuga prefectural. Chikuyou Gakuen managed the only run in the game against Seinan Gakuin, while Kurume Shougyou had to rally to defeat Yame 4-3!
And while they're not seeded, Fukuoka Koudai Jyoutou also won a slim 1-0 game to Fukuoka Kourinkan.
I'm sure by the time things end we'll probably see a regular in the finals. But right now, the seeded teams look less than dominating and it's all up in the air right now.
Saga
Rain plagued Saga's opening day as well, pushing back games a day. When the games finally began, Imari Shougyou gave the fans a show as they walked off against Karatsu Kougyou 2-1.
Nagasaki
Apparently Kyushu continues to have close games. Kouka trailed Hokushou Nishi 2-0, tied it in the 8th and said sayonara in the 10th to advance.
Kumamoto
Oguni continued the trend, breaking a 3-3 tie with Shouyou with a run in the 11th on opening day, then Kumamoto Gakuendai Fuzoku rallying twice to win 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th over Tamana.
However, when it comes to the better teams in the prefecture, it's more business as usual with Kumamoto Kougyou and Hitsuyuukan advancing.
And I finally had a score that made me really cringe. Tamana Kougyou scores no less than 5 runs in an inning blowing out Amakusa Kuratake 42-0 in 5 innings.
Oita
No real blowouts in Oita so far, with all games going 9 innings, and the largest winning margin being just 3 runs. On opening day Oita Tsurusaki rallied from down 4-0 to take a 7-4 lead over Oita Kougyou, blew that lead in the final 2 innings before scoring the sayonara run in the 9th.
The first full slate of games saw Usa scoring the only run over Nakatsu Minami to win their game, then Beppu Shougyou erasing a 3-0 lead, scoring 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hita 4-3.
And today, Usa Sangyou Kagaku made a 2-0 lead over Usuki stick winning 2-1, and despite scoring a run in the first 5 innings, Mori needed one more in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Kunisaki 6-5, and former 甲子園 participant Hita Rinkou had one of the more "easier" games defeating Oita Houfu 5-2.
Miyazaki
Miyazaki was more "normal" in what you'd you see early on. That's not to say we had close game here either.
Saito Shougyou held of an late rally from Hyuuga Gakuin to win 4-3, and Miyakonojyou rallied late to send the game against Miyakonojyou Shougyou into enchousen and won 6-5 in 12. And in a intra-city affair Hyuuga gives up an early 2-0 lead to Hyuuga Kougyou, then comes back from down 5-2 to win 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th.
Kagoshima
I just realized I hadn't translated this bracket. This will have to be done today, and I'll have an update on it in a separate post. (ごめん！)
Okinawa
Okinawa in the 2nd weekend seemed to start off rather innocuously. Teams like Okinawa Suisan and Futenma advanced without incident.
But then turn to the 30th, and all heck broke loose. Ginowan, generally a good team, loses 5-4 to Kitanakagusuku. The biggest upset goes to Misato who went 14 innings against seeded Hokuzan and won 2-1! That opens it up for Kounan, who has scored double digits in their 2 games so far.
Onto the 3rd week, and Gushikawa was involved in their 2nd extra inning game, this time losing 5-4 to Misato Kougyou 5-4 in 14 innings. Seeded Mawashi was challenged by Futenma, but managed to win 3-0 but will have another tough matchup in Okinawa Suisan. Even the fall Kyushu Super-Regional champions Okinawa Shougaku had an 8-4 win over Chuubu Shougyou, but gave up some runs late. Yaeyama, on the other hand dealt with Yokatsu 6-3.
In other games, Urasoe Shougyou looks to be in rebuild mode, surviving Tomoshiro 3-1 and Chinen fought hard for a 3-1 win in 14 over Nanbu Kougyou. Yaeyama Shoukou scored in 7 of the 8 innings to win 12-7 over Okinawa Tousen. It doesn't look look for their prospects this year.
Monday, July 8, 2013
7/8 Update - 1st main wave of prefecturals underway! (Hokkaido to Chuubu areas)
19 of 47 tournaments are now underway, and 2 of them are in the round of 16(ish).
Kita Hokkaido
Not too many upsets to speak of in regional play, and we're down to our final 16. Asahikawa Kougyou is still alive for a 2nd straight appearance, but struggled against Asahikawa Shougyou in the regional block final. In fact none of the teams that advanced look like they could run away with it all, and the teams that had blowouts in their final are from areas not known for strong teams.
This could open it for teams like Engaru, Kitami Hokuto, and Asahikawa Ryuukoku this year. But as far as I'm concerned it's all up in the air.
Minami Hokkaido
We had some theatrics before reaching the final 15. While it may not matter in the long-run, for Otaru Ouyou to rally from down 10-3 with just 9 outs left to win 13-12 over Otaru Kougyou in their 1st game is rather amazing. Unfortunately, while they tried to pull it off again against Otaru Suisan and went from 4-0 to tied at 4, ace Tanabe couldn't keep it tied as they lost 5-4.
In the Sapporo regionals, Sapporo Dai-ichi led Shoushi Gakuen 3-0 going into the top of the 9th, but as they say, the final 3 outs are the hardest to get. And despite Sapporo Dai-ichi being the more experienced team, they fell victim to the saying and 5 runs later, were eliminated.
For Sapporo Ryuukoku, who earlier pulled off a huge upset in Hokkai, they couldn't parlay that into a 2nd stage appearance, giving up 4 runs in the first to Sapporo Okadama losing 5-3.
The draw is out here for the 2nd stage as well, and Hakodate Chuubu gets the benefit of a 1st round bye. It won't be much benefit though as they will have to play either Hakodatedai Yuuto or the aforementioned Sapporo Okadama. Komadai Tomakomai gets a rather easy draw as they are on the opposite side of both Hokushou and Sapporo Nichidai (who could face each other in the quarterfinals).
I do like Hakodatedai Yuuto in this scenario.
Gunma
3 days in and quite a few seeded teams are underway. Maebashi Ikuei and Kendai Takasaki both cruised as well as 5-8 seed Maebashi Kougyou. Kiryuu Shiritsu Shougyou survived in walk-off fashion against Takasaki Shoudai Fuzoku and looks to be in a lot of trouble.
So does 3-4 seed Numata as today they needed a 4-run 7th to defeat Isesaki Kougyou 6-4.
Ibaraki
Ibaraki with mostly blowouts, though we had a couple of walk-offs on the first full day of action. Tokiwadai couldn't hold a 1-run lead in the 9th, but won the very next inning over Toride Shouyou. Tsuchiura Dai-san did the same to Iwase Nichidai in the 10th inning as well.
Highlights of today's action had Nakaminato Dai-ichi scoring 5 unanswered runs in the late innings to defeat Ryuugasaki Minami 6-5, at Hitachi Ibaraki Christian scoring 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hitachi Shougyou 5-4,and at Kasama Shimodate Kougyou outlasting Tskuba Kouka 2-1 in 11.
We won't see the seeded teams until the 12th.
Nishi Tokyo/Higashi Tokyo
Nishi Tokyo is rather quiet on their first day with little of note to speak of. In Higashi Tokyo it was mostly the same, with a couple of exceptions. Meguro Gakuin rallied from down 3-0 to tie it in the bottom of the 9th against Shinjuku and would eventually win in 12. And over at Oota Stadium, Risshoudai Risshou scored 4 in the 9th to defeat Katsushika Shougyou 9-6.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa had their opening game at Baystars Stadium and Keiou Fujisawa had no problem with Kaiyou Kagaku 8-0 in a 7 inning game.
Gifu
It was a slow start to the Gifu tournament as games at Nagarakawa were called off due to rain. This after they tried to get Chuukyou-Gifu in but was rained out with Chuukyou leading 2-0 after their part of the 3rd inning.
The only game of the opening day was played over in Oogaki as Oogaki Shougyou scored 7 unanswered runs to defeat Nourin 11-6.
Those rained out games were played the next day, pushing the scheduled games back a week. Chuukyou still managed to win their game while Gizan blew out Kani Kougyou.
Aichi
Those who stayed at Mizuho Kouen for the opening game were treated to a low-scoring affair as Tougou eked by with a 1-0 win over the prefecture's namesake.
Aichi's first full day went without hitch with again mostly blowouts. Inuyama Minami scored 4 runs in the final 3 innings to wipe out a 4-1 deficit to defeat Asahino 5-4.
At Kariya Stadium, Toyoda Kougyou pulled out to a 5-2 lead with 6 outs to go before Komaki Kougyou scrambled to level it at 5 in the bottom of the 9th. However, they couldn't capitalize and would wind up losing in 13. And in the game after that Iwadzu scored 2 in the 8th to tie it at 2 all over Kasugai Kougyou, but ace Shibata couldn't hold it, giving up the winning run in the bottom of the inning.
And over in Toyohashi, some home cooking was needed as Toyohashi Minami scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Kozakai.
Kita Hokkaido
Not too many upsets to speak of in regional play, and we're down to our final 16. Asahikawa Kougyou is still alive for a 2nd straight appearance, but struggled against Asahikawa Shougyou in the regional block final. In fact none of the teams that advanced look like they could run away with it all, and the teams that had blowouts in their final are from areas not known for strong teams.
This could open it for teams like Engaru, Kitami Hokuto, and Asahikawa Ryuukoku this year. But as far as I'm concerned it's all up in the air.
Minami Hokkaido
We had some theatrics before reaching the final 15. While it may not matter in the long-run, for Otaru Ouyou to rally from down 10-3 with just 9 outs left to win 13-12 over Otaru Kougyou in their 1st game is rather amazing. Unfortunately, while they tried to pull it off again against Otaru Suisan and went from 4-0 to tied at 4, ace Tanabe couldn't keep it tied as they lost 5-4.
In the Sapporo regionals, Sapporo Dai-ichi led Shoushi Gakuen 3-0 going into the top of the 9th, but as they say, the final 3 outs are the hardest to get. And despite Sapporo Dai-ichi being the more experienced team, they fell victim to the saying and 5 runs later, were eliminated.
For Sapporo Ryuukoku, who earlier pulled off a huge upset in Hokkai, they couldn't parlay that into a 2nd stage appearance, giving up 4 runs in the first to Sapporo Okadama losing 5-3.
The draw is out here for the 2nd stage as well, and Hakodate Chuubu gets the benefit of a 1st round bye. It won't be much benefit though as they will have to play either Hakodatedai Yuuto or the aforementioned Sapporo Okadama. Komadai Tomakomai gets a rather easy draw as they are on the opposite side of both Hokushou and Sapporo Nichidai (who could face each other in the quarterfinals).
I do like Hakodatedai Yuuto in this scenario.
Gunma
3 days in and quite a few seeded teams are underway. Maebashi Ikuei and Kendai Takasaki both cruised as well as 5-8 seed Maebashi Kougyou. Kiryuu Shiritsu Shougyou survived in walk-off fashion against Takasaki Shoudai Fuzoku and looks to be in a lot of trouble.
So does 3-4 seed Numata as today they needed a 4-run 7th to defeat Isesaki Kougyou 6-4.
Ibaraki
Ibaraki with mostly blowouts, though we had a couple of walk-offs on the first full day of action. Tokiwadai couldn't hold a 1-run lead in the 9th, but won the very next inning over Toride Shouyou. Tsuchiura Dai-san did the same to Iwase Nichidai in the 10th inning as well.
Highlights of today's action had Nakaminato Dai-ichi scoring 5 unanswered runs in the late innings to defeat Ryuugasaki Minami 6-5, at Hitachi Ibaraki Christian scoring 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Hitachi Shougyou 5-4,and at Kasama Shimodate Kougyou outlasting Tskuba Kouka 2-1 in 11.
We won't see the seeded teams until the 12th.
Nishi Tokyo/Higashi Tokyo
Nishi Tokyo is rather quiet on their first day with little of note to speak of. In Higashi Tokyo it was mostly the same, with a couple of exceptions. Meguro Gakuin rallied from down 3-0 to tie it in the bottom of the 9th against Shinjuku and would eventually win in 12. And over at Oota Stadium, Risshoudai Risshou scored 4 in the 9th to defeat Katsushika Shougyou 9-6.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa had their opening game at Baystars Stadium and Keiou Fujisawa had no problem with Kaiyou Kagaku 8-0 in a 7 inning game.
Gifu
It was a slow start to the Gifu tournament as games at Nagarakawa were called off due to rain. This after they tried to get Chuukyou-Gifu in but was rained out with Chuukyou leading 2-0 after their part of the 3rd inning.
The only game of the opening day was played over in Oogaki as Oogaki Shougyou scored 7 unanswered runs to defeat Nourin 11-6.
Those rained out games were played the next day, pushing the scheduled games back a week. Chuukyou still managed to win their game while Gizan blew out Kani Kougyou.
Aichi
Those who stayed at Mizuho Kouen for the opening game were treated to a low-scoring affair as Tougou eked by with a 1-0 win over the prefecture's namesake.
Aichi's first full day went without hitch with again mostly blowouts. Inuyama Minami scored 4 runs in the final 3 innings to wipe out a 4-1 deficit to defeat Asahino 5-4.
At Kariya Stadium, Toyoda Kougyou pulled out to a 5-2 lead with 6 outs to go before Komaki Kougyou scrambled to level it at 5 in the bottom of the 9th. However, they couldn't capitalize and would wind up losing in 13. And in the game after that Iwadzu scored 2 in the 8th to tie it at 2 all over Kasugai Kougyou, but ace Shibata couldn't hold it, giving up the winning run in the bottom of the inning.
And over in Toyohashi, some home cooking was needed as Toyohashi Minami scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Kozakai.
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