Sadly in trying to get the rosters I didn't leave myself enough time to make a writeup for this game. But with Touin a 21st century team, it generally means that they're up against the wall to begin with. The blowouts might continue to at least the start of today.
Imabari Nishi (Ehime)
RF Sugino Akihiko
SS Nakauchi Atsuya
P Sugiuchi Kouki
RF Fujiwara Yoshiki
LF Yamauchi Atsuya
3B Takao Yousuke
1B Akigawa Yuushi
C Andou Yuuto
2B Yoshihara Yuunosuke
Touin (Wakayama)
RF Tsuruga Naoki
2B Ishii Yuusuke
CF Ueyama Reo
1B Nishi Shuuhei
3B Hashinaka Motoki
LF Nishiyama Yuusuke (#14)
C Hayashi Daisuke
P Izawa Tadahiro
SS Umemoto Shouma
09:00 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
And right off the bat, Touin gets off to a bad start. Sugino swings on the first pitch, grounds to 3rd and Hashinaka bobbles the ball then short hops 1st for an E5. Nakauchi bunts him over.
Sugiuchi with a hard hit to the right side, but Ishii makes the great pick to prevent a run from scoring. Sugino advances to 3rd, but there's 2 out now for cleanup batter Fujiwara.
Izawa being very careful, tries to paint the corner on the 1-2 pitch, but just misses. His next pitch Fujiwara just takes it the other way, and goes right over Nishi into right for a base hit and a 1-0 lead.
And now Yamauchi booms one to center. Ueyama goes back, but can't chase it down. It goes all the way to the wall and Fujiwara comes around all the way from 1st to make it a 2-0 game.
Takao grounds out to 3rd to end the 1st. Either nerves or the difference in skill level perhaps showing itself early.
Bottom 1st
Tsuruga with a blooper to center, Fujiwara charging in, tries to make the shoestring catch, but drops it and Touin has a leadoff runner. Ishii bunts him over.
Hm, Sugiuchi with some control issues early, walks Ueyama on 4 straight, drawing a conference from Kuroki-kantoku.
And it seems to settle him down, as Sugiuchi induces a groundball from Nishi. Yoshihara starts the double play and the growing threat disapates.
Top 2nd
Akigawa hits a screamer down the 3rd base line, but Hashinaka snags it before it can reach the outfield.
Izawa might be settling in against the bottom of the lineup as he gets Yuuto to ground out and freezes Yoshihara on the outside corner to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd
Touin's batters are doing the right thing, and making Sugiuchi throw strikes. Hashinaka gets ahead 3-0, then on the 3-1 drives the ball to deep left center for a double.
(Hey, it's Ama-chan in the stands! Love that song.)
Nishiyama showing bunt, but taking pitches as well, he's ahead 2-0. And now 3-0!
Sugiuchi loses Nishiyama and throws the ball away allowing Hashinaka to advance to 3rd on the walk! Runners at the corners for Hayashi, but he appears to be swinging away early as he nearly swings out of his shoes.
What's this? Hayashi slices a ball back up the middle and into center for a base hit! Hashinaka scores to make it a 2-1 ball game!
Izawa showing bunt the entire AB, but Sugiuchi cannot find the strike zone and gets ahead 2-0!
But being the bottom of the order and no out, Itou-kantoku perhaps taking the safe route and has Izawa lay down the bunt instead of a possible double play.
Also, it allows Umemoto to hit a grounder to 2nd, and that's good enough to get Nishiyama home to tie the game at 2-2! This team is at least playing smart baseball - or so it seems.
Back to the top of the order, and Tsuruga swings on the first pitch grounding out to 3rd. Inning over, but Touin has struck back to level the game.
Top 3rd
It's Imabari's turn at the top of the order and Sugino this time gets a clean hit past the diving Hashinaka for a leadoff single. Nakauchi once again lays the sac bunt.
Sugiuchi hits a hanging curve to the left side.Umemoto can't get to it and they're waving Sugino home! Nishiyama double clutches before throwing, and that makes the throw really late. Imabari Nishi strikes back to regain the lead 3-2.
And Imabari might have received that wake up call. Fujiwara with a very easy swing guides the ball down the left field line scoring Sugiuchi all the way from 1st to reestablish their 2-run lead at 4-2.
Things might in danger of going off the rails as Izawa's pickoff throw to 2nd is behind the runner and into center. Ueyama tries to make the quick pick and throw, but he can't even secure the ball to do so. Itou-kantoku calls for time.
It's not helping a whole lot as Izawa goes too far on an inside pitch and hits Takao (though I don't really think he tried to get out of the way).
Akigawa with a ball up the 3rd base line, Hashinaka makes the good stop, but he rushes his throw to 1st, short hops Ishii and it's another error. Fujiwara scores to make it 5-2.
Which again comes back to bite them. Yuuto hits a ball to the left side past a diving Hashinaka and Umemoto, allowing Takao to score and it's a 6-2 game.
#12 Nishimoto is sent to the bullpen to warm up as Yoshihara is the 9th batter to come to the plate. He dribbles one to the left side, and Umemoto has no play, though he still makes the throw to 1st.
Sugino at bat once again this inning, but he goes after the first pitch yet again, this time grounding to short. Umemoto goes to 1st without issue to finally end the inning. But Imabari Nishi has re-taken the lead, with interest.
Bottom 3rd
Down 4 now, The first couple of batters for Touin throw out the patience strategy. Ishii and Ueyama both quickly ground out to short before Nishi (also swinging early) lines a ball to left.
But Hashinaka is clearly looking for a ball to hit, and with 2 strikes waves at a ball way to far outside for the 3rd out.
Top 4th
Hashinaka is determined to make one of those quick throws work, and with some help from 1B Nishi, he finally gets it done against Sugiuchi.
But Izawa isn't off the hook yet. Fujiwara gets his 3rd hit in as many ABs and goes to left for another double.
Fortunately for him Yamauchi chops one right back to Izawa for the 3rd out No further damage done - for now.
Bottom 4th
Nishiyama must be a slow runner, because despite a bobble by Akigawa at 1B, he'st still able to make the play at 1st.
But yeah, it really does look like Touin's batters are swinging at everything. 7 pitches and 3 groundballs to 2nd later, and Imabari's back on the bats.
Top 5th
Ahead by a good margin, Imabari might be taking up the swing first mentality. But all it does is result in outs. Takao hits a ball back to Izawa, Akigawa flies out to left, and Yuuto does down swinging for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
Having hacked away for two innings, the start of this inning sees a bit more patience. One down for Touin and leadoff batter Tsuruga drawas a walk.
Itou-kantoku then pulls out the hit-and-run, which surprises everyone involved and allows Tsuruga to reach 2nd safely.
Ishii also works the count a little, and hits a sharp grounder to the right side. Yoshihara makes the diving stop, but his throw somehow goes 90 degress towards the 1st base wall! That allows Tsuruga to score from 3rd to make it a 6-3 game on a peculiar play from the Imabari defense.
But as we hit the middle of the order, the batters apparently believe that since they're there, they should be hitting. And so they do, and so botj Ueyama and Nishi ground out to end the inning. Touin gets one back before the mid-game break, but there's still 3 more runs to make up.
Top 6th
Post-break, Imabari Nishi is taking their hacks in like it's practice. Izawa taking full advantage, putting pitches in the zone, and 8 of them later, his team heads back to the dugout.
Bottom 6th
Hashinaka with a scorcher up the 1st base line, and Akigawa can't get in front of it. It goes down the line for a double and Touin looks good to start the inning.
Sugiuchi on the other hand is missing the zone to Nishiyama, again falling behind 3-1. And as Ama-chan plays again, Itou-kantoku has Nishiyama lay down the bunt to move him to 3rd for any decent fly ball.
But Hayashi gets it all wrong and swings on the first offering, skying one near home. Sugiuchi takes it in foul ground for the 2nd out.
And finally the blunder is complete in the 6th as Izawa goes after the first pitch himself and hits a lazy fly to left for the 3rd out. They still have 3 innings to go, but time is certainly not on their side.
Top 7th
Imabari Nishi finally gets their first runner since the 4th when Umemoto bobbles a grounder from Fujiwara. Kuroki-kantoku tries to make an inning out of it with 2 down, sending Fujiwara to 2nd with the throw being short and late.
It works as perhaps Izawa forgetting that 1st base is open, hangs a 3-1 pitch to Takao who happily obliges, driving it over Nishiyama's head for a double to make it a 4-run ball game at 7-3.
Nishimoto warms up again as Izawa is charged for a balk.
And now Izawa throws it away! Takao coming home, but Hayashi gets on the ball quickly and throws to Izawa covering. He blocks the plate and records the third out. But the mountain just got harder to climb for Touin.
Bottom 7th
Tsuruga appears to be the only one patient as he draws a 1-out walk - his 2nd in as many ABs. Ishii grounds to 2nd, but races to 1st to beat out the double play.
Ueyama with a grounder to 1st, but it handcuffs Akigawa and bounces away! Everyone's safe!
Huh, I don't know if someone got the message, but Touin is now not swinging the bat at all! Nishi takes 4 straight balls to load the bases, induing Kuroki-kantoku to call time.
And he still can't throw a strike! He falls behind 3-0 to Hashinaka before throwing a strike, but still loses him! It's and oshidashi walk and it's 7-4, still manrui!
Kuroki-kantoku scrambles the bullpen, but meanwhile Sugiuchi continues to throw low! He again goes to 3-0 before throwing a strike.
But this time Nishiyama gets the trigger finger! He doesn't let the count run full, and swings away! But it's an easy fly to left and Yamauchi secures it for the 3rd out. Touin had the right idea, just not enough discipline.
Top 8th
Imabari Nishi looking for insurance runs, continues to swing away resulting in two quick outs from the bottom of the order.
Sugino too swings, and hits a screamer up the 3rd base line. Hashinaka makes another great stop, and this time the throw is good and without issue for the 3rd out!
Bottom 8th
Touin's main opportunity may have passed them up, as Hayashi and Izawa continue to try and swing their way onto base, but both ground out to short. PH Tsunoda gets in on it, but just hits it back to Sugiuchi for the 3rd out. Looks like that might be it for Touin now.
Top 9th
#11 Kusuoka comes in for PH Tsunoda to take over at SS. And wouldn't you know it, with one down Sugiuchi hits it right to him and he bobbles the ball for an error.
Fujiwara hits it to short, and Kusuoka boots that one too. He's not having a good start filling in.
Making matters worse, Izawa throws a ball away allowing the runners to advance.
Oh..
A pitch gets away from Izawa and squarely hits Yamauchi in the head. He crouches down and can't seem to get things straightened out. He's eventually carried off on a stretcher as Itou-kantoku makes a change. #13 Kusano comes in for Izawa and goes to 1B, while Nishi takes the mound.
But Nishi can fare no better. Takao drives one to right for a triple to make it a 10-4 game. Toss in another wild pitch and it's 11-4. His control is just as bad as he walks Akigawa, and then hits Yuuto. Nishi settles down enough to get the final 2 outs, and mercifully Touin won't have to play defense anymore.
Bottom 9th
Defensive change for Imabari Nishi as #15 Kikukawa comes in for Fujiwara and goes to LF, shifting Yamauchi to CF.
Tsuruga with a ball to 3rd, but it bounces off of Takao, who has to chase it down. Ishii presses to 2nd, and is finally called safe after the ball trickles away from a covering Nakauchi.
After Ishii grounds out quickly, Ueyama gets the idea and draws a walk. To even belabor the point, Sugiuchi throws a ball away to Nishi, which allows him to take 2nd.
But Touin does seem resigned to their fate. Nishi swings away, hitting a ball back to Sugiuchi for the 2nd out though it does score 1, 11-5.
Hashinaka too swings away and lines a ball over a leaping Nakauchi into left. That scores another to make it 11-6.
#15 Yanagitani comes in to hit for Nishiyama, but he's patient at the plate and draws a 4-pitch walk.
Hayashi finally gets the message, much too late though, and he too draws a walk to load the bases.
Kuroki-kantoku has had enough, and removes Sugiuchi from the mound. He goes to 3rd, shifting Takao to C, and bringing in #10 Yoshimoto for Yuuto to take the hill.
Things don't look promising to start as Yoshimoto walks Kusano to bring in a run, making it 11-7 and now a potentially dangerous situation.
But Kusuoka ends it soon enough with a routine grounder to short. Imabari Nisho survives itself to advance to the 2nd round.
This wasn't a pretty game by any means. Imbari Nishi seemingly had this game in hand, yet Sugiuchi was always on the verge of giving it away each inning. Touin's batters for the most part (and like so many other teams in the past) did not realize that Sugiuchi was struggling so much on the mound to take free passes. They may have realized it late, but by that time it would have taken a herculean effort, which they were not able to mount.
Imabari Nishi does advance to the next round, but their performance does not instill any confidence in the team going forward.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Day 1, Game 3 - Jyousou Gakuin (Ibaraki) vs. Yonago Kita (Tottori)
Well, two games, two blowouts so far. The third game does not necessarily have promise either as Yonago Kita looks up against it versus Jyousou Gakuin. Let's see if the underdog can pull one out before the end of opening day.
15:43 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Ace Takahashi takes the mound for Yonago Kita, this despite only having 8.1 innings of work during the super-regionals.
Takahashi having trouble with his control early, falls behind Ugusa 3-0 before finally throwing a strike. He throws another one and Ugusa shoots it past a lunging Nakagawa into left.
Takahashi's pickoff move is so slow, they try the hit and run 3 times. Takeuchi strikes out, but Ugusa has no trouble reaching 2nd.
Takahashi has no trouble though getting Ishii to fly out to right, and the leadoff runner doesn't hurt the team.
Bottom 1st
Ida with a solid liner to right to give the kids from Tottori a leadoff runner.
Kodera goes for the hit and run! It's right to short, but he airmails the throw to 2nd! All safe!
Now with 2 runners on, Mishima lays down a beauty of a bunt. Almost beats it out, but still does the job and brings up cleanup batter Yasuba.
But perhaps nerves set in because he goes after a ball way outside and is down swinging for the 2nd out.
Nakagawa, on the other hand, is patient on the balls inside, and draw a walk to load the bases.
But as quickly as they went from impatient to patient, they went impatient again. Sakaguchi swings on the first pitch and grounds right to 1st. Ishii flips to Suzuki and he gets himself out of the pinch.
Top 2nd
Whoops.
Takahashi puts one right on a platter and Arahara just takes it straight out to right for a leadoff HR. 1-0 Jyousou Gakuin.
Uh oh. 1 down and Suzuki singles to right.
And now Takahashi with control issues walks Minagami and he risks losing it here in the 2nd.
Shimizu a liner to right. Yasuba runs it down, but Suzuki advances to 3rd.
Ugusa though swings and misses on a changeup to end the inning. Just the HR hurts Yonago Kita here early on.
Bottom 2nd
Meanwhile there isn't much to say about Yonago at bat. Suzuki needs just 7 pitches to retire the bottom of the order.
Top 3rd
Takeuchi with a routine grounder to short, but Nakagawa airmails the throw into the camera well! Takeuchi takes 2nd and Jyousou threatens again.
Wada is issued a walk, perhaps to at least create the force, but that's wiped out when Ishii puts down the three bunt successfully.
With first base open and Arahara up to bat they can walk him if they need to, but Takahashi almost leaves one in the zone again. After that, it's a high and tight one to load the bases for Takase.
Takahashi trying to weave around the edges of the zone to get Takase out, but Takase patiently runs the count full.
SANSHIN!
Takahashi perhaps getting some help from Hayashi on the frame, but he strikes out Takase looking!
AHHHH!!!
And right when you thought they might get out with no damage, Takahashi spikes a changeup and Hayashi can't block it! Takeuchi comes home and it's 2-0 Jyousou!
Suzuki looks really silly so far in front of a changeup, but for now it's okay as Yonago Kita has given them another run.
Bottom 3rd
Ida the only one getting hits for Yonago so far, he takes one off the end of the bat into center for base hit.
...and then gets caught flat-footed on a pickoff move. Oy.
Meanwhile, the next two batters look pretty lost at the plate, perhaps just swinging hoping to make contact. Kodera grounds to short, while Mishima just waves at pitch after pitch. 3 up, 3 down.
Top 4th
This is just bizarre, Minakami goes down swinging for Takahashi's 6th K, yet he's given up 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 runs.
2 down in the inning, and Ugusa is fooled on a changeup, but keeps the bat in the zone just long enough to poke it into center for a base hit... and then promptly steals 2nd.
Takeuchi grounder to 2nd, AHHHHHH!!!
It goes 5-hole on Kodera and into right! Ugusa scores and it's 3-0 now in favor of Jyousou Gakuin.
Now Takeuchi steals 2nd, and this time without a throw!
And he takes off for 3rd on the next pitch! Hayashi fires over, but Takeuchi just beats out the throw. They're just running roughshot over Takahashi's delivery.
And after he walks Wada for the 2nd time, time is called as they scramble the bullpen.
Ishii plans to do damage while they can and hits a clean single to left to score Takeuchi and make it a 4-0 game.
And now both runners take off and Hayashi has no throw. They're just giving up free bases like candy, much to their detriment. About the only good thing is that with first open, walking Arahara isn't a bad thing.
Thankfully, Takase is just as lost at the plate as the rest of the Yonago team. He strikes out looking for the 2nd time, and it's his 3rd overall. The bases are left loaded, but the lead is doubled for Jyousou Gakuin.
Bottom 4th
Very little to report. Suzuki racks up 2 more cheap Ks in his 3rd consecutive 1-2-3 inning.
Top 5th
Takahashi perhaps nibbled a bit too much after getting ahead of Suzuki and winds up losing him to a leadoff walk.
Takahashi throws a 54 foot changeup that Hayashi can't block and Suzuki takes 2nd. After a Minakami bunt, Takahashi's K of Shimizu hinted perhaps the inning would go without a run scored, but control issues returned and another wild pitch plates another run to make it 5-0 before he finally got Takeuchi to pop out.
Bottom 5th
Hayashi is finally the first batter not named Ida who has a base hit as he singles to right. With a runner on 1st and now out, They elect to play for 1. Yagura bunts him over to get 2 cracks at scoring a run.
Takahashi can't do anything as he grounds out to short.
But Ida hits a ball to right, and that's in for a single! Hayashi is being waved home, and the relay comes in... and Hayashi is out at home to end the inning.
Top 6th
Oh boy.
Right out of the break and Jyousou greets Takahashi the same way they did to start the game. This time it's Wada who booms a ball to left for a solo HR and a 6-0 lead.
After he yields a triple to Ishii, Takahashi is finally put ouf of his misery. #11 Fukumoto comes in to take the hill.
And perhaps it's just a new pitcher, but Fukumoto records the final 3 outs.
Bottom 6th
Mishima checks in with a 1-out base hit of his own, but like the other innings, the offense cannot string together hits to create a run.Yasuba pops out and Nakagawa stirkes out.
Top 7th
I'm running into technical difficulties again. will have a summary out when I can.
So the top of the 7th went without much fanfare, much to the relief of Yonago's pitching staff.
Bottom 7th
Unfortunately, with the exception of a 2-out single by Yagura, their side was just as quiet.
Top 8th
This is where I got back my connection, and right in the middle when things were getting out of hand. There's really no need to get into the gory details, but after 5 of the first 6 batters reached via base hit and 2 came in to score, Fukumoto was replaced by #11 Uegai.
Which didn't really help because he would give up 2 more base hits and a double steal of home would tack on several more runs. By the time the carnage was over, it was 12-0.
Bottom 8th
With the game well in hand, Jyousou would go to their bullpen and get #11 Sugawara. Also #15 Ara would take over for Shimizu at 3B.
Perhaps it was mercy they were showing them by doing so because Ida would slice a liner down the left field line for a double. After that Kodera would drive a ball to left center, splitting the defense and allowing Ida to score, breaking the shutout at 12-1.
Sadly however, the 3-4-5 batters would remain hitless as they would go down in order.
Top 9th
Jyousou Gakuin would continue to pour on the runs, forcing out Uegai and putting #18 Kogano into service. He'd give up a double which would score the 2 inherited runners and make it a 14-1 game before he shut the door on their scoring.
Bottom 9th
Jyousou almost empties their bench for the final 3 outs, leaving just 2 in reserve.
New P #10 Kashimura after recording the first two outs, went awry walking one and hitting 2 to load the bases.Mishima though would strike out to end the game.
And so the first day ends, much to chalk really, but in rather unfulfilling ways because yes, the teams that lost were not as good, but it still sucks to lose that way. And all 3 teams today had some form of that. While I need to finally get some shut eye, here's to hoping tomorrow's games are better than today's.
15:43 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Ace Takahashi takes the mound for Yonago Kita, this despite only having 8.1 innings of work during the super-regionals.
Takahashi having trouble with his control early, falls behind Ugusa 3-0 before finally throwing a strike. He throws another one and Ugusa shoots it past a lunging Nakagawa into left.
Takahashi's pickoff move is so slow, they try the hit and run 3 times. Takeuchi strikes out, but Ugusa has no trouble reaching 2nd.
Takahashi has no trouble though getting Ishii to fly out to right, and the leadoff runner doesn't hurt the team.
Bottom 1st
Ida with a solid liner to right to give the kids from Tottori a leadoff runner.
Kodera goes for the hit and run! It's right to short, but he airmails the throw to 2nd! All safe!
Now with 2 runners on, Mishima lays down a beauty of a bunt. Almost beats it out, but still does the job and brings up cleanup batter Yasuba.
But perhaps nerves set in because he goes after a ball way outside and is down swinging for the 2nd out.
Nakagawa, on the other hand, is patient on the balls inside, and draw a walk to load the bases.
But as quickly as they went from impatient to patient, they went impatient again. Sakaguchi swings on the first pitch and grounds right to 1st. Ishii flips to Suzuki and he gets himself out of the pinch.
Top 2nd
Whoops.
Takahashi puts one right on a platter and Arahara just takes it straight out to right for a leadoff HR. 1-0 Jyousou Gakuin.
Uh oh. 1 down and Suzuki singles to right.
And now Takahashi with control issues walks Minagami and he risks losing it here in the 2nd.
Shimizu a liner to right. Yasuba runs it down, but Suzuki advances to 3rd.
Ugusa though swings and misses on a changeup to end the inning. Just the HR hurts Yonago Kita here early on.
Bottom 2nd
Meanwhile there isn't much to say about Yonago at bat. Suzuki needs just 7 pitches to retire the bottom of the order.
Top 3rd
Takeuchi with a routine grounder to short, but Nakagawa airmails the throw into the camera well! Takeuchi takes 2nd and Jyousou threatens again.
Wada is issued a walk, perhaps to at least create the force, but that's wiped out when Ishii puts down the three bunt successfully.
With first base open and Arahara up to bat they can walk him if they need to, but Takahashi almost leaves one in the zone again. After that, it's a high and tight one to load the bases for Takase.
Takahashi trying to weave around the edges of the zone to get Takase out, but Takase patiently runs the count full.
SANSHIN!
Takahashi perhaps getting some help from Hayashi on the frame, but he strikes out Takase looking!
AHHHH!!!
And right when you thought they might get out with no damage, Takahashi spikes a changeup and Hayashi can't block it! Takeuchi comes home and it's 2-0 Jyousou!
Suzuki looks really silly so far in front of a changeup, but for now it's okay as Yonago Kita has given them another run.
Bottom 3rd
Ida the only one getting hits for Yonago so far, he takes one off the end of the bat into center for base hit.
...and then gets caught flat-footed on a pickoff move. Oy.
Meanwhile, the next two batters look pretty lost at the plate, perhaps just swinging hoping to make contact. Kodera grounds to short, while Mishima just waves at pitch after pitch. 3 up, 3 down.
Top 4th
This is just bizarre, Minakami goes down swinging for Takahashi's 6th K, yet he's given up 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 runs.
2 down in the inning, and Ugusa is fooled on a changeup, but keeps the bat in the zone just long enough to poke it into center for a base hit... and then promptly steals 2nd.
Takeuchi grounder to 2nd, AHHHHHH!!!
It goes 5-hole on Kodera and into right! Ugusa scores and it's 3-0 now in favor of Jyousou Gakuin.
Now Takeuchi steals 2nd, and this time without a throw!
And he takes off for 3rd on the next pitch! Hayashi fires over, but Takeuchi just beats out the throw. They're just running roughshot over Takahashi's delivery.
And after he walks Wada for the 2nd time, time is called as they scramble the bullpen.
Ishii plans to do damage while they can and hits a clean single to left to score Takeuchi and make it a 4-0 game.
And now both runners take off and Hayashi has no throw. They're just giving up free bases like candy, much to their detriment. About the only good thing is that with first open, walking Arahara isn't a bad thing.
Thankfully, Takase is just as lost at the plate as the rest of the Yonago team. He strikes out looking for the 2nd time, and it's his 3rd overall. The bases are left loaded, but the lead is doubled for Jyousou Gakuin.
Bottom 4th
Very little to report. Suzuki racks up 2 more cheap Ks in his 3rd consecutive 1-2-3 inning.
Top 5th
Takahashi perhaps nibbled a bit too much after getting ahead of Suzuki and winds up losing him to a leadoff walk.
Takahashi throws a 54 foot changeup that Hayashi can't block and Suzuki takes 2nd. After a Minakami bunt, Takahashi's K of Shimizu hinted perhaps the inning would go without a run scored, but control issues returned and another wild pitch plates another run to make it 5-0 before he finally got Takeuchi to pop out.
Bottom 5th
Hayashi is finally the first batter not named Ida who has a base hit as he singles to right. With a runner on 1st and now out, They elect to play for 1. Yagura bunts him over to get 2 cracks at scoring a run.
Takahashi can't do anything as he grounds out to short.
But Ida hits a ball to right, and that's in for a single! Hayashi is being waved home, and the relay comes in... and Hayashi is out at home to end the inning.
Top 6th
Oh boy.
Right out of the break and Jyousou greets Takahashi the same way they did to start the game. This time it's Wada who booms a ball to left for a solo HR and a 6-0 lead.
After he yields a triple to Ishii, Takahashi is finally put ouf of his misery. #11 Fukumoto comes in to take the hill.
And perhaps it's just a new pitcher, but Fukumoto records the final 3 outs.
Bottom 6th
Mishima checks in with a 1-out base hit of his own, but like the other innings, the offense cannot string together hits to create a run.Yasuba pops out and Nakagawa stirkes out.
Top 7th
I'm running into technical difficulties again. will have a summary out when I can.
So the top of the 7th went without much fanfare, much to the relief of Yonago's pitching staff.
Bottom 7th
Unfortunately, with the exception of a 2-out single by Yagura, their side was just as quiet.
Top 8th
This is where I got back my connection, and right in the middle when things were getting out of hand. There's really no need to get into the gory details, but after 5 of the first 6 batters reached via base hit and 2 came in to score, Fukumoto was replaced by #11 Uegai.
Which didn't really help because he would give up 2 more base hits and a double steal of home would tack on several more runs. By the time the carnage was over, it was 12-0.
Bottom 8th
With the game well in hand, Jyousou would go to their bullpen and get #11 Sugawara. Also #15 Ara would take over for Shimizu at 3B.
Perhaps it was mercy they were showing them by doing so because Ida would slice a liner down the left field line for a double. After that Kodera would drive a ball to left center, splitting the defense and allowing Ida to score, breaking the shutout at 12-1.
Sadly however, the 3-4-5 batters would remain hitless as they would go down in order.
Top 9th
Jyousou Gakuin would continue to pour on the runs, forcing out Uegai and putting #18 Kogano into service. He'd give up a double which would score the 2 inherited runners and make it a 14-1 game before he shut the door on their scoring.
Bottom 9th
Jyousou almost empties their bench for the final 3 outs, leaving just 2 in reserve.
New P #10 Kashimura after recording the first two outs, went awry walking one and hitting 2 to load the bases.Mishima though would strike out to end the game.
And so the first day ends, much to chalk really, but in rather unfulfilling ways because yes, the teams that lost were not as good, but it still sucks to lose that way. And all 3 teams today had some form of that. While I need to finally get some shut eye, here's to hoping tomorrow's games are better than today's.
Day 1, Game 2 - Osaka Toin (Osaka) vs. Toukaidai Sugao (Tokyo)
And now another regional champion steps in and their task is much harder as Toukaidai Sugao faces off against Natsu champion Osaka Touin. The Kinki region is weak this year it seems, but Osaka Touin is Osaka Touin after all.
13:05 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Good start for Katsumata as he gets Nakayama to pop out to Etou. However, he turns around and walks Nagahiro.
Nishitani-kantoku gets the wheels going as he sends Nagahiro on the 2-1 pitch. It's low and that delays Saitou enough to make the throw late.
And now he hits Fukuda. Oy. That puts runners on for cleanup batter Aoyagi.
But Katsumata gets him to sky a ball to left for the 2nd out.
But Fujii puts the ball into shallow center! Ogawa can't get to it and Osaka Touin scores the first run as Nagahiro scores from 2nd. 1-0.
Taniguchi with his own base hit and the Tokyo champs are in a lot of trouble!
Ah! And now Katsumata walks Harada! Oshidashi and Osaka Touin leads 2-0!
Yoshizawa skies one to 2nd, and as Ochiai secures it, the summer champs look real good to start.
Bottom 1st
Toukaidai Sugao looks to get one of the runs back as Ogawa delivers a scorcher back up the middle for a 1-out single.
Meanwhile, Tanaka on the mound seems to be overthrowing a bit as a lot of his fastballs are going high. That results in a 2-out walk to Itou. Still, he gets Motohashi to chase a high fastball and flies out to center to end the inning.
Top 2nd
It's a much more relaxing inning for Katsumata. He takes advantage of the bottom of the order to get 2 quick outs, and while he walks Nagahiro (again), Fukuda hit a sky fly to right center to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd
Despite Tanaka's control problem, Sugao's batters are still swinging away. They're battling away, but they're also swinging on bad pitches. Tanaka gets his 1-2-3 inning and maintains his 2-run advantage.
Top 3rd
There's a clear mandate for Katsumata. Pitch inside. Even if it means walking the leadoff batter (which he does).
But it does him no good if he can't pitch inside. Fujii blasts one to left that Motohashi can't get to and that goes all the way to the wall for a triple. Aoyagi scores and it's 3-0.
Make that 4-0. After a grounder that couldn't score Fujii from 3rd, Harada blasts a hanging pitch to dead center. Ogawa has no chance at that one and it's another triple and the rout is on at 5-0.
Tanaka can't directly help his own cause but does advance the runner to 3rd. Nakayama still is without a hit in 3 trips as the leadoff batter as he pops out to end the inning.
Bottom 3rd
Toukaidai Sugao's batters are still swinging away and letting Tanaka stay ahead in counts. Ochiai swings on the first pitch and grounds out. Etou falls behind in the count, works it full, but then gets handcuffed on a pitch inside for the 2nd out. Ogawa goes down as well and this game could be over already.
Top 4th
The hits keep coming for Osaka Touin. Nagahiro finally gets a chance to hit and takes one the other way down the right field line for a double. After a safety bunt moves him over, Aoyagi does more than enough to get him in, slicing one over Itou down the left field line for a double. 6-0 now in favor of the summer champs.
After a walk to Fujii, the kantoku's seen enough. #11 Yamaguchi comes in for Ochiai to take the mound. Katsumata goes to RF and Koiso goes to 2B. Yamaguchi records the final 2 outs and will look to keep the deficit, well... honorable.
Bottom 4th
But the offense still can't muster any traction. Katsumata drives a ball to deep right, but Fujii is already back to range over to make the catch. All Toukaidai Sugao gets is a 2-out Motohashi HBP.
Top 5th
That relief from Yamaguchi on the mound appears to have been temporary...
First a one-out walk to Tanaka. Then a wild pitch, a HBP, and then another wild pitch. That's capped off with a boomer by Nagahiro to center. Ogawa chase after it, but misjudges and it still falls in behind him. Both runners score and it's 8-0. Yamaguchi finally records the last 2 outs, but 4 non-round numbers later and you might as well get ready for the next game.
Bottom 5th
Playing from so far behind, Toukaidai Sugao's batters can't seem to be patient anymore - not that they were to begin with. Swinging at anything close leads to 3 easy outs, and as we hit the break the Tokyo champs look pretty battered.
Top 6th
Yamaguchi doesn't seem to be faring better with respect to the hit by pitches. In fact he starts the post-break with back-to-back dead balls. He's bailed out when Harada can't lay down the bunt and the lead runner Fujii is caught in no-man's land. Harada would single soon afterwards, so that mistake saved a run. They get an ugly 1-6-3 double play to end the inning where Yamaguchi thought he didn't have a cover at 2nd, then decided to go there anyways when the person did come. They still managed to turn it though.
Bottom 6th
Katsumata gets Sugao their 2nd base hit, but otherwise it's business as usual for Tanaka on the mound. Itou ahead 3-1 still swings away and grounds to 3rd for the final out.
Top 7th
Yamaguchi finds a way again to put himself in a pinch, walking to and a single sandwiched in between to load the bases. But after a prolonged battle, Yamaguchi climbs the ladder on Fujii as he gets all twisted around to avoid giving up a run.
Bottom 7th-End
With the first 2 outs recorded, I encountered technical difficulties again. But little happened other than the kantoku's getting other players in the game. Osaka Touin would cruise, though left Tanaka on the mound to finish the 8-0 victory.
As expected, Osaka Touin made easy work of the Tokyo champions. The numbers simply didn't support Toukaidai Sugao as a championship team and it showed today. The question now will be, how much of Osaka Touin's performance is real, and how much is just beating up on weaker competition?
13:05 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Good start for Katsumata as he gets Nakayama to pop out to Etou. However, he turns around and walks Nagahiro.
Nishitani-kantoku gets the wheels going as he sends Nagahiro on the 2-1 pitch. It's low and that delays Saitou enough to make the throw late.
And now he hits Fukuda. Oy. That puts runners on for cleanup batter Aoyagi.
But Katsumata gets him to sky a ball to left for the 2nd out.
But Fujii puts the ball into shallow center! Ogawa can't get to it and Osaka Touin scores the first run as Nagahiro scores from 2nd. 1-0.
Taniguchi with his own base hit and the Tokyo champs are in a lot of trouble!
Ah! And now Katsumata walks Harada! Oshidashi and Osaka Touin leads 2-0!
Yoshizawa skies one to 2nd, and as Ochiai secures it, the summer champs look real good to start.
Bottom 1st
Toukaidai Sugao looks to get one of the runs back as Ogawa delivers a scorcher back up the middle for a 1-out single.
Meanwhile, Tanaka on the mound seems to be overthrowing a bit as a lot of his fastballs are going high. That results in a 2-out walk to Itou. Still, he gets Motohashi to chase a high fastball and flies out to center to end the inning.
Top 2nd
It's a much more relaxing inning for Katsumata. He takes advantage of the bottom of the order to get 2 quick outs, and while he walks Nagahiro (again), Fukuda hit a sky fly to right center to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd
Despite Tanaka's control problem, Sugao's batters are still swinging away. They're battling away, but they're also swinging on bad pitches. Tanaka gets his 1-2-3 inning and maintains his 2-run advantage.
Top 3rd
There's a clear mandate for Katsumata. Pitch inside. Even if it means walking the leadoff batter (which he does).
But it does him no good if he can't pitch inside. Fujii blasts one to left that Motohashi can't get to and that goes all the way to the wall for a triple. Aoyagi scores and it's 3-0.
Make that 4-0. After a grounder that couldn't score Fujii from 3rd, Harada blasts a hanging pitch to dead center. Ogawa has no chance at that one and it's another triple and the rout is on at 5-0.
Tanaka can't directly help his own cause but does advance the runner to 3rd. Nakayama still is without a hit in 3 trips as the leadoff batter as he pops out to end the inning.
Bottom 3rd
Toukaidai Sugao's batters are still swinging away and letting Tanaka stay ahead in counts. Ochiai swings on the first pitch and grounds out. Etou falls behind in the count, works it full, but then gets handcuffed on a pitch inside for the 2nd out. Ogawa goes down as well and this game could be over already.
Top 4th
The hits keep coming for Osaka Touin. Nagahiro finally gets a chance to hit and takes one the other way down the right field line for a double. After a safety bunt moves him over, Aoyagi does more than enough to get him in, slicing one over Itou down the left field line for a double. 6-0 now in favor of the summer champs.
After a walk to Fujii, the kantoku's seen enough. #11 Yamaguchi comes in for Ochiai to take the mound. Katsumata goes to RF and Koiso goes to 2B. Yamaguchi records the final 2 outs and will look to keep the deficit, well... honorable.
Bottom 4th
But the offense still can't muster any traction. Katsumata drives a ball to deep right, but Fujii is already back to range over to make the catch. All Toukaidai Sugao gets is a 2-out Motohashi HBP.
Top 5th
That relief from Yamaguchi on the mound appears to have been temporary...
First a one-out walk to Tanaka. Then a wild pitch, a HBP, and then another wild pitch. That's capped off with a boomer by Nagahiro to center. Ogawa chase after it, but misjudges and it still falls in behind him. Both runners score and it's 8-0. Yamaguchi finally records the last 2 outs, but 4 non-round numbers later and you might as well get ready for the next game.
Bottom 5th
Playing from so far behind, Toukaidai Sugao's batters can't seem to be patient anymore - not that they were to begin with. Swinging at anything close leads to 3 easy outs, and as we hit the break the Tokyo champs look pretty battered.
Top 6th
Yamaguchi doesn't seem to be faring better with respect to the hit by pitches. In fact he starts the post-break with back-to-back dead balls. He's bailed out when Harada can't lay down the bunt and the lead runner Fujii is caught in no-man's land. Harada would single soon afterwards, so that mistake saved a run. They get an ugly 1-6-3 double play to end the inning where Yamaguchi thought he didn't have a cover at 2nd, then decided to go there anyways when the person did come. They still managed to turn it though.
Bottom 6th
Katsumata gets Sugao their 2nd base hit, but otherwise it's business as usual for Tanaka on the mound. Itou ahead 3-1 still swings away and grounds to 3rd for the final out.
Top 7th
Yamaguchi finds a way again to put himself in a pinch, walking to and a single sandwiched in between to load the bases. But after a prolonged battle, Yamaguchi climbs the ladder on Fujii as he gets all twisted around to avoid giving up a run.
Bottom 7th-End
With the first 2 outs recorded, I encountered technical difficulties again. But little happened other than the kantoku's getting other players in the game. Osaka Touin would cruise, though left Tanaka on the mound to finish the 8-0 victory.
As expected, Osaka Touin made easy work of the Tokyo champions. The numbers simply didn't support Toukaidai Sugao as a championship team and it showed today. The question now will be, how much of Osaka Touin's performance is real, and how much is just beating up on weaker competition?
Day 1, Opening Game - Hachinohe Gakuin Kousei (Aomori) vs. Kyushu Gakuin (Kumamoto)
My computer I use for doing the write ups is acting up on me, so I'll have to skip the intro for now. And apparently the title as well.
Top 1st
As perhaps expected, Ise is not a flame thrower of any sort. At the same time, we knew Kousei might have issues hitting.
And so it was that Kousei's first runner would come on a HBP to Kasumi with one down. Unfortunately for Kousei, Kasumi perhaps can't pick up on the pickoff move and is caught napping for the 2nd out.
Adachi flies out to left and it's an easy inning for Ise to start.
Bottom 1st
Hasegawa playing the good leadoff man, working the count drawing a walk. Yonemitsu immediately bunts him to 2nd.
Tomoda with a ball to the right side, and Nakzaki can't run it down! And it's so slow that Kasumi has no play at home! 1-0 Kyushu Gakuin!
Matsushita hits back to Nakagawa for a 1-4-3 double play to end the inning, but Kyushu opens the scoring early!
Top 2nd
Nakazaki finally gets the first hit for Kousei, getting around on an side pitch and driving it to left for a single. But Kobayashi flies to left, and Baba swings on high cheese to leave him at 1st.
Bottom 2nd
Kyushu Gakuin is attacking the ball early, but it also gives Nakagawa a quick inning. 6 pitches and three groundballs later, the inning is over.
Top 3rd
Sawaya tries to work the count being in the bottom of the order, but despite a 10 pitch AB, he grounds out to short. The next 2 batters are not as patient, but the results are much the same. It's a true 1-2-3 inning for Ise and Kousei's offense looks as anemic as I thought.
Bottom 3rd
Same goes for Kyushu Gakuin. Their 1 hit was a seeing eye single.Ise tries to buy the walk on a 3-2 count, but it finds the top of the zone for a K. Nakahara and Hasegawa both ground out as well, and this looks to be a very low-scoring affair.
Top 4th
Kasumi with a shot past Ise who has to spin out of the way gives them a leadoff runner. Adachi bunts, but Nakahara tries to go to 2nd! His snap this high, taking Matsushita off the bag!
Now runners on 1st and 2nd, Sawada tries to bunt, but falls behind 1-2. He feigns bunt to work the count full, and Ise throws one wide to the backstop to load the bases!
Nakazaki with a great chance for Kousei, flies one to left. Wakahara makes the catch, and Kasumi tags up easily to make it a 1-1 ballgame!
Kobayashi trying to do something productive, hits a ball to the right side. Tomoda just runs it down on the outfield grass, and makes the putout at 1st, 2 down.
With first open, and the bottom of the lineup perhaps not as strong, Ise sort of pitches around Baba, eventually issuing a walk to create the force.
But Ise's first pitch to Sawaya is wild! Adachi can trot home and it's 2-1 Kousei! Once again, Ise walks Sawaya to load the bases yet again for last batter Nakagawa.
And Ise is having control issues, missing everything either down, away or both.
Nakagawa bails him out by swinging on a 2-1 pitch and grounding out to end the inning. But Kousei looks to be having the better of it right now and leads thanks to missteps by ace Ise!
Bottom 4th
Cleanup batter Matsushita finally breaks the hitless drought with a 2-out single back up the middle and off the 2nd base bag.
Yanagiuchi pops out to Adachi to end the inning and Kousei holds serve.
Top 5th
Ise's control seems to be lacking still as he goes up and in on Arai, grazing his face. After a check from the home plate umpire, he heads to 1st.
Kasumi and Adachi can do no better than advance him with grounds balls to 3rd, and Sawada goes after the first pich. It's down and in, and he rolls it to Yonemitsu for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
Wakahara with a drive down the right field line, but it hangs up just enough for Kasumi to run it down. Ise gets his team's 3rd hit with a 2-out single to left. Nakagawa compounds things by hitting Nakahara to turn the lineup over.
Hasegawa however, can do no better than roll it back to Nakagawa who makes the play to send us to the break. The offenses may be slowing winding up, but there'll be a lot more donuts on the board before the game is over.
Top 6th
Kousei perhaps going for the big ball. Nakazaki booms one to left, but not far enough as Wakahara goes near the foul pole for the catch. After another flyout, Baba bloops one off of Tomoda's glove for a base hit. It's 2 outs though and Sawaya can't do much of anything with it.
Bottom 6th
It's running more of the same for Kyushu's offense. No good contact, and right at fielders. 3 up, 3 down.
Top 7th
Nakagawa making a bid for a base hit, lines one to shallow right. Motomura charges in, and makes a great sliding catch!
That sets the tone for the inning as the lucky 7 for Kousei goes quietly in order.
Bottom 7th
Once again Kyushu gets a base hit, but it's with 2 down. Motomura lines one past Adachi for a single. Ise though grounds to Adachi, who goes the short way to end the inning.
Top 8th
Adachi gets the inning started with a single through the right side. Sawada bunts him over.
Nakazaki with a rope to right, it's too hard though to allow Adachi to score. Ise's pitches are being squared up on.
Kobayashi with a ball to shallow left, Wakahara sells out, dives, but can't get there! It bounces behind him as both runners score to make it a 4-1 ballgame!
Things go from bad to worse as Ise walks Baba, then after he takes 2nd he hits Sawaya. Manrui for Kousei for Nakagawa.
And he delivers a ball to deep left! Wakahara goes back to the wall, but he has to play it off the base! 2 more runs come in and it's a 6-1 lead!
Things go from bad to worse when Arai pops up a ball to the infield. Tomoda and Yanagiuchi converge on the ball, neither calls the other off, and it glances off Yanagiuchi's glove and to the ground. That proves to be costly as Adachi would take the next ball to deep right center and off the base of the wall there for a bases clearing triple to make it a 9-1 game.
The hits keep on piling up as Sawada singles to left, but mercifully Nakazaki grounds out to short to end the inning. But Kousei has blown it wide open here late.
Bottom 8th
Nakahara starts the long trek back with a base hit to left. With one down, Yonemitsu single back up the middle to put runners on 1st and 2nd.
Tomoda delivers with a base hit of his own up the middle which scores Nakahara to make it a 9-2 game.
I lost connectivity at this point, but from the box score it looks like Matsushita flew out to center, Yonemitsu tries to tag up, and was throw out at home.
Top 9th
Ise continues to pitch on the mound despite his issues, which continue to persist. Baba and new 1B Ogasawara get back-to-back hits, and then Ise walks Arai with 2 down to load the bases. He does get out of it without further damage though.
Bottom 9th
True to form, Sakai-kantoku does not use a bench player, and while a walk and error put men on base, it's with 2 outs yet again. Nakahara goes down swinging to end the game, and the Kyushu champions go down hard.
Kousei wasn't that great of a team on paper, but you felt like it was Kyushu Gakuin that was on the edge of falling apart, which they finally did in the 8th. The fact that they were the champions doesn't bode well for the rest of the region in their upcoming games. As for Kousei, for them to be that easy throughout could a worry for those in Sendai Ikuei's way.
Top 1st
As perhaps expected, Ise is not a flame thrower of any sort. At the same time, we knew Kousei might have issues hitting.
And so it was that Kousei's first runner would come on a HBP to Kasumi with one down. Unfortunately for Kousei, Kasumi perhaps can't pick up on the pickoff move and is caught napping for the 2nd out.
Adachi flies out to left and it's an easy inning for Ise to start.
Bottom 1st
Hasegawa playing the good leadoff man, working the count drawing a walk. Yonemitsu immediately bunts him to 2nd.
Tomoda with a ball to the right side, and Nakzaki can't run it down! And it's so slow that Kasumi has no play at home! 1-0 Kyushu Gakuin!
Matsushita hits back to Nakagawa for a 1-4-3 double play to end the inning, but Kyushu opens the scoring early!
Top 2nd
Nakazaki finally gets the first hit for Kousei, getting around on an side pitch and driving it to left for a single. But Kobayashi flies to left, and Baba swings on high cheese to leave him at 1st.
Bottom 2nd
Kyushu Gakuin is attacking the ball early, but it also gives Nakagawa a quick inning. 6 pitches and three groundballs later, the inning is over.
Top 3rd
Sawaya tries to work the count being in the bottom of the order, but despite a 10 pitch AB, he grounds out to short. The next 2 batters are not as patient, but the results are much the same. It's a true 1-2-3 inning for Ise and Kousei's offense looks as anemic as I thought.
Bottom 3rd
Same goes for Kyushu Gakuin. Their 1 hit was a seeing eye single.Ise tries to buy the walk on a 3-2 count, but it finds the top of the zone for a K. Nakahara and Hasegawa both ground out as well, and this looks to be a very low-scoring affair.
Top 4th
Kasumi with a shot past Ise who has to spin out of the way gives them a leadoff runner. Adachi bunts, but Nakahara tries to go to 2nd! His snap this high, taking Matsushita off the bag!
Now runners on 1st and 2nd, Sawada tries to bunt, but falls behind 1-2. He feigns bunt to work the count full, and Ise throws one wide to the backstop to load the bases!
Nakazaki with a great chance for Kousei, flies one to left. Wakahara makes the catch, and Kasumi tags up easily to make it a 1-1 ballgame!
Kobayashi trying to do something productive, hits a ball to the right side. Tomoda just runs it down on the outfield grass, and makes the putout at 1st, 2 down.
With first open, and the bottom of the lineup perhaps not as strong, Ise sort of pitches around Baba, eventually issuing a walk to create the force.
But Ise's first pitch to Sawaya is wild! Adachi can trot home and it's 2-1 Kousei! Once again, Ise walks Sawaya to load the bases yet again for last batter Nakagawa.
And Ise is having control issues, missing everything either down, away or both.
Nakagawa bails him out by swinging on a 2-1 pitch and grounding out to end the inning. But Kousei looks to be having the better of it right now and leads thanks to missteps by ace Ise!
Bottom 4th
Cleanup batter Matsushita finally breaks the hitless drought with a 2-out single back up the middle and off the 2nd base bag.
Yanagiuchi pops out to Adachi to end the inning and Kousei holds serve.
Top 5th
Ise's control seems to be lacking still as he goes up and in on Arai, grazing his face. After a check from the home plate umpire, he heads to 1st.
Kasumi and Adachi can do no better than advance him with grounds balls to 3rd, and Sawada goes after the first pich. It's down and in, and he rolls it to Yonemitsu for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
Wakahara with a drive down the right field line, but it hangs up just enough for Kasumi to run it down. Ise gets his team's 3rd hit with a 2-out single to left. Nakagawa compounds things by hitting Nakahara to turn the lineup over.
Hasegawa however, can do no better than roll it back to Nakagawa who makes the play to send us to the break. The offenses may be slowing winding up, but there'll be a lot more donuts on the board before the game is over.
Top 6th
Kousei perhaps going for the big ball. Nakazaki booms one to left, but not far enough as Wakahara goes near the foul pole for the catch. After another flyout, Baba bloops one off of Tomoda's glove for a base hit. It's 2 outs though and Sawaya can't do much of anything with it.
Bottom 6th
It's running more of the same for Kyushu's offense. No good contact, and right at fielders. 3 up, 3 down.
Top 7th
Nakagawa making a bid for a base hit, lines one to shallow right. Motomura charges in, and makes a great sliding catch!
That sets the tone for the inning as the lucky 7 for Kousei goes quietly in order.
Bottom 7th
Once again Kyushu gets a base hit, but it's with 2 down. Motomura lines one past Adachi for a single. Ise though grounds to Adachi, who goes the short way to end the inning.
Top 8th
Adachi gets the inning started with a single through the right side. Sawada bunts him over.
Nakazaki with a rope to right, it's too hard though to allow Adachi to score. Ise's pitches are being squared up on.
Kobayashi with a ball to shallow left, Wakahara sells out, dives, but can't get there! It bounces behind him as both runners score to make it a 4-1 ballgame!
Things go from bad to worse as Ise walks Baba, then after he takes 2nd he hits Sawaya. Manrui for Kousei for Nakagawa.
And he delivers a ball to deep left! Wakahara goes back to the wall, but he has to play it off the base! 2 more runs come in and it's a 6-1 lead!
Things go from bad to worse when Arai pops up a ball to the infield. Tomoda and Yanagiuchi converge on the ball, neither calls the other off, and it glances off Yanagiuchi's glove and to the ground. That proves to be costly as Adachi would take the next ball to deep right center and off the base of the wall there for a bases clearing triple to make it a 9-1 game.
The hits keep on piling up as Sawada singles to left, but mercifully Nakazaki grounds out to short to end the inning. But Kousei has blown it wide open here late.
Bottom 8th
Nakahara starts the long trek back with a base hit to left. With one down, Yonemitsu single back up the middle to put runners on 1st and 2nd.
Tomoda delivers with a base hit of his own up the middle which scores Nakahara to make it a 9-2 game.
I lost connectivity at this point, but from the box score it looks like Matsushita flew out to center, Yonemitsu tries to tag up, and was throw out at home.
Top 9th
Ise continues to pitch on the mound despite his issues, which continue to persist. Baba and new 1B Ogasawara get back-to-back hits, and then Ise walks Arai with 2 down to load the bases. He does get out of it without further damage though.
Bottom 9th
True to form, Sakai-kantoku does not use a bench player, and while a walk and error put men on base, it's with 2 outs yet again. Nakahara goes down swinging to end the game, and the Kyushu champions go down hard.
Kousei wasn't that great of a team on paper, but you felt like it was Kyushu Gakuin that was on the edge of falling apart, which they finally did in the 8th. The fact that they were the champions doesn't bode well for the rest of the region in their upcoming games. As for Kousei, for them to be that easy throughout could a worry for those in Sendai Ikuei's way.
The draw is out!
But I'm trying to catch up and the first part is that the draw is out! I'll have an excel file out shortly, but the quadrants are as follows (21st century teams in red):
- Kyushu Gakuin (Kumamoto) vs. Hachinohe Kousei Gakuin (Aomori)
- Osaka Touin (Osaka) vs. Toukaidai Sugao (Tokyo)
- Jyousou Gakuin (Ibaraki) vs. Yonago Kita (Tottori)
- Imabari Nishi (Ehime) vs. Touin (Wakayama)
- Ritsumeikan Uji (Kyoto) vs. Shizuoka (Shizuoka)
- Kisaradzu Sougou (Chiba) vs. Okayama Ridai Fuzoku (Okayama)
- Naradai Fuzoku (Nara) vs. Tsuruga Kehi (Fukui)
- Sendai Ikuei (Miyagi) vs. Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
- Urawa Gakuin (Saitama) vs. Ryuukokudai Heian (Kyoto)
- Eimei (Kagawa) vs. Oomagari Kougyou (Akita)
- Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou (Gifu) vs. Matsushou Gakuen (Nagano)
- Oumi (Shiga) vs. Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu (Fukuoka)
- Itoman (Okinawa) vs. Tenri (Nara)
- Ube Koujyou (Yamaguchi) vs. Kendai Takasaki (Gunma)
- Nishogakushadai Fuzoku (Tokyo) vs. Matsuyama Higashi (Ehime)
- Toukai Dai-yon (Hokkaido) vs. Toyohashi Kougyou (Aichi)
I'll talk about each team's chances in their review page (which I hope to catch up on today), but it feels mostly balanced with the exception perhaps of the area in blue. Tsuruga Kehi and Sendai Ikuei facing off in a probably 2nd round matchup is a must-see game. Probably a bit too early for most people's liking, but just fine for me.
Osaka Touin may have finished low in the super-regional, but I think they got a soft draw. I really do hope karma bites them in the ass for what happened last summer. If I didn't like them before, I despise them as much, if not more than Nichidai-san now.
Urawa Gakuin, gets a favorable draw as well. Heian might be their biggest competition in the bracket and they face them first-up. There's a rust factor that might come into play, but if they get past that, it could be open sails.
The more balanced bracket is the last one, with a potential semifinalist in each of the opening games - the only exception being the last one (sorry Toukai Dai-yon, I like you, but you're not good enough). Tenri gets no favors opening the tournament with Itoman, then a potential 2nd up with Kendai Takasaki who always plays up to the competition. Nishogakushadai Fuzoku can't be ignored either, and they have perhaps the softest first 2 games to enter the tournament - by which time they perhaps have warmed themselves up and/or rest their players for the stretch run.
Reviewing the field - Kyushu semifinalist Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu
And the final of the main invitees is Kyushu Sangyoudai Kyushu. They're generally a solid Tier 3 school always in the mix, but generally unable to reach the top. That changed this year thanks to some luck.
Such luck included three 1-run games against Chikuyou Gakuen, Musashinodai and Yahata Minami during the prefecturals, which was capped by a solid win over Higashi-Fukuoka. After outscoring Tosu Kougyou 9-5, they beat up on the 2013 Natsu Koushien runner-up Nobeoka Gakuen to reach the semifinals. The run abruptly came to an end in just 7 innings as they fell to Kyushu Gakuin 9-2.
Iwata Masaki (岩田 将貴) started and finished every game but the first. Once again, his K rate is unimpressive (5.36), as well as his WHIP (1.30). #18 Funakoshi Koushirou (舩越 孝志朗) was the starter of the first game, and while his numbers look good, it was their first game, so it's not something you can make projections on.
Offensively, the team hit 0.320, but there are definite holes in the lineup - specifically at the bottom. This more than negates the fact that 2 of their hitters, LF Ozaki Seiya (尾崎 誓哉) and 2B Oono Ryuuji (大野 竜次) hit over 0.500.
The holes in the lineup mean almost automatic free innings for the opposition, or potential rally-killers. And that is never a good thing. Thankfully, they're facing Oumi, who also has problems offensively. It'll probably be a low-scoring affair and a tossup for another soft matchup for a spot in the Best 8... and a matchup perhaps against Urawa Gakuin.
Such luck included three 1-run games against Chikuyou Gakuen, Musashinodai and Yahata Minami during the prefecturals, which was capped by a solid win over Higashi-Fukuoka. After outscoring Tosu Kougyou 9-5, they beat up on the 2013 Natsu Koushien runner-up Nobeoka Gakuen to reach the semifinals. The run abruptly came to an end in just 7 innings as they fell to Kyushu Gakuin 9-2.
Iwata Masaki (岩田 将貴) started and finished every game but the first. Once again, his K rate is unimpressive (5.36), as well as his WHIP (1.30). #18 Funakoshi Koushirou (舩越 孝志朗) was the starter of the first game, and while his numbers look good, it was their first game, so it's not something you can make projections on.
Offensively, the team hit 0.320, but there are definite holes in the lineup - specifically at the bottom. This more than negates the fact that 2 of their hitters, LF Ozaki Seiya (尾崎 誓哉) and 2B Oono Ryuuji (大野 竜次) hit over 0.500.
The holes in the lineup mean almost automatic free innings for the opposition, or potential rally-killers. And that is never a good thing. Thankfully, they're facing Oumi, who also has problems offensively. It'll probably be a low-scoring affair and a tossup for another soft matchup for a spot in the Best 8... and a matchup perhaps against Urawa Gakuin.
Reviewing the field - Kyushu semifinalist Kamimura Gakuen
Kamimura Gakuen makes a return trip back after their poor performance against Fukuchiyama Seibi in the 2nd round last year hoping to improve from that with their new class.
They were not really bothered going through the Kagoshima prefecturals. Shounan and Kagoshima Jyousai were the closest to challenge, but they still won handily. After dispatching Kumamoto Kougyou in the first round of the super-regionals, they eked out a 6-5 win in 11 over Higashi-Fukuoka despite outhitting them 18-5. And on one day's rest, they couldn't withstand another extra inning game, falling to Itoman 4-3 in 10.
Ace Kitashouji Kyouhei (北庄司 恭兵) handled most of the tough duties for the team, pitching all of the super-regionals. But again, he doesn't appear to be a dominant pitcher as his K/9 rate also falls under 4.5 (i.e. 1K ever 2 IP). He does however, keep runners off base (0.94 WHIP). #10 Shinzato Takeomi (新里 武臣) got the bulk of the remaining innings, and was tasked to be Kitashouji's compliment in the prefectural final. His K/9 rate is slightly better (~6), but his WHIP is also worse (1.26). #11 Uchida Masaki (内田 雅輝) is the only other pitcher on the roster, but like Shinzato his K rate is better, but this time his ERA is much worse.
Offensively, the team hit a very impressive 0.382, and a chunk of their 0.157 ISO is thanks to their 7 HRs, 2 of which can be attributed to LF Tanaka Hairi (田中 梅里), though it was their #7 batter 3B Kodama Kazuya who drove in the most runs (児玉 和也). There is some empty outs at the bottom of the lineup, and the HRs can't be expected to continue at Koushien, so there will be hard regression there.
But there will be no time to figure things out. First up is Sendai Ikuei. The pitchers will be under pressure immediately, and the offense will probably need to score runs early to stay in it. That power from the fall will probably need to show up to score the upset.
They were not really bothered going through the Kagoshima prefecturals. Shounan and Kagoshima Jyousai were the closest to challenge, but they still won handily. After dispatching Kumamoto Kougyou in the first round of the super-regionals, they eked out a 6-5 win in 11 over Higashi-Fukuoka despite outhitting them 18-5. And on one day's rest, they couldn't withstand another extra inning game, falling to Itoman 4-3 in 10.
Ace Kitashouji Kyouhei (北庄司 恭兵) handled most of the tough duties for the team, pitching all of the super-regionals. But again, he doesn't appear to be a dominant pitcher as his K/9 rate also falls under 4.5 (i.e. 1K ever 2 IP). He does however, keep runners off base (0.94 WHIP). #10 Shinzato Takeomi (新里 武臣) got the bulk of the remaining innings, and was tasked to be Kitashouji's compliment in the prefectural final. His K/9 rate is slightly better (~6), but his WHIP is also worse (1.26). #11 Uchida Masaki (内田 雅輝) is the only other pitcher on the roster, but like Shinzato his K rate is better, but this time his ERA is much worse.
Offensively, the team hit a very impressive 0.382, and a chunk of their 0.157 ISO is thanks to their 7 HRs, 2 of which can be attributed to LF Tanaka Hairi (田中 梅里), though it was their #7 batter 3B Kodama Kazuya who drove in the most runs (児玉 和也). There is some empty outs at the bottom of the lineup, and the HRs can't be expected to continue at Koushien, so there will be hard regression there.
But there will be no time to figure things out. First up is Sendai Ikuei. The pitchers will be under pressure immediately, and the offense will probably need to score runs early to stay in it. That power from the fall will probably need to show up to score the upset.
Reviewing the field - Kyushu runner-up Itoman
Much like I was surprised to see this was Eimei's first senbatsu, this is also Itoman's first senbatsu, and that surprises me just as much.
Itoman's prefectural and super-regional runs were pretty much exact copies of one another. Easy ups through the first couple of rounds, and getting progressively harder until it was too much in the end. During the prefecturals it was a soft schedule until possibly Misato in the semifinals where they still won 5-3 before losing to Chubu Shougyou 3-2. In the super-regionals, Saga Gakuen was easy, but Meihou, Kamimura Gakuen proved to be much tougher until they lost 4-3 to Kyushu Gakuin.
Ace Kinjyou Noa (金城 乃亜) took the bulk of the innings, but rarely pitched a complete game. His ERA wasn't bad (2.11), but on the other hand his K/9 rate hovers around 4.50. #10 Adaniya Masataka (安谷屋 正貴) was generally his complement on the mound, but his peripherals were just about the same as Noa's. There's also #16 Hirayasu Tsuneki (平安 常輝) and #18 Yamashiro Hiroki (山城 大輝), but neither got work in the super-regionals.
Offensively, the team hit a good 0.343, but they appear to be more of a line drive team instead of a power team with 19 doubles in 10 games for an ISO of 0.101, easily led by CF Ooshiro Ryuuki who had 6 of the team's doubles followed by LF Oota Takato (太田 貴斗).
Itoman appears to be what they are. They don't seem to surprise or disappoint, so they're more honest with their skill level on the field. Tenri may be a tough ask, but the Kinki region might be weak overall, so there could be a chance despite having to face the champs. Their quadrant of the bracket seems easier than others, so if they can get past Tenri, it might open up.
Itoman's prefectural and super-regional runs were pretty much exact copies of one another. Easy ups through the first couple of rounds, and getting progressively harder until it was too much in the end. During the prefecturals it was a soft schedule until possibly Misato in the semifinals where they still won 5-3 before losing to Chubu Shougyou 3-2. In the super-regionals, Saga Gakuen was easy, but Meihou, Kamimura Gakuen proved to be much tougher until they lost 4-3 to Kyushu Gakuin.
Ace Kinjyou Noa (金城 乃亜) took the bulk of the innings, but rarely pitched a complete game. His ERA wasn't bad (2.11), but on the other hand his K/9 rate hovers around 4.50. #10 Adaniya Masataka (安谷屋 正貴) was generally his complement on the mound, but his peripherals were just about the same as Noa's. There's also #16 Hirayasu Tsuneki (平安 常輝) and #18 Yamashiro Hiroki (山城 大輝), but neither got work in the super-regionals.
Offensively, the team hit a good 0.343, but they appear to be more of a line drive team instead of a power team with 19 doubles in 10 games for an ISO of 0.101, easily led by CF Ooshiro Ryuuki who had 6 of the team's doubles followed by LF Oota Takato (太田 貴斗).
Itoman appears to be what they are. They don't seem to surprise or disappoint, so they're more honest with their skill level on the field. Tenri may be a tough ask, but the Kinki region might be weak overall, so there could be a chance despite having to face the champs. Their quadrant of the bracket seems easier than others, so if they can get past Tenri, it might open up.
Reviewing the field - Kyushu champions Kyushu Gakuin
Kyushu Gakuin claimed the Kyushu super-regional title, and did it with apparently no help. Sakai-kantoku did not use his bench at all during their run in the fall. They were able to survive it, while at the same time dodging the powerhouse schools. They did face Chinzei and Kumamoto Kougyou in the prefecturals, but onto the super-regionals after a scare from Kaisei (Nagasaki), their only other brand name competition was Itoman in the finals where they won 4-3. The win against Tsuruga Kehi was a hollow one as Hiranuma was not available to pitch, and they came crashing down soon afterwards - being shutout by Sendai Ikuei 8-0.
The only pitcher we know of is ace Ise Hiromu (伊勢 大夢). He doesn't throw hard, has a slider, and shuuto and sinker. As a result his K rate is low at 5.6/9, but despite the balls in play, he carried a WHIP of 1.15. Pitching on back-to-back days didn't seem to bother him (at least until Sendai Ikuei anyways).
On offense, the team hit 0.341 with a 0.175 ISO with damage being done by cleanup hitter SS Matsushita Kazuki (松下 且興) who hit 3 HRs, though his average was a unimpressive 0.255. LF Wakahara Shouya (若原 笙弥) carries the highest BA at 0.415 and had 3 triples, but he bats 6th in the order.
The refusal of Sakai-kantoku to use his depth concerns me. With no apparent backup should things falter, and given the nature of their loss to Sendai Ikuei, their upside is limited. Kousei should be a good matchup first up, but a possible matchup with Osaka Touin does not bode well for the champs.
The only pitcher we know of is ace Ise Hiromu (伊勢 大夢). He doesn't throw hard, has a slider, and shuuto and sinker. As a result his K rate is low at 5.6/9, but despite the balls in play, he carried a WHIP of 1.15. Pitching on back-to-back days didn't seem to bother him (at least until Sendai Ikuei anyways).
On offense, the team hit 0.341 with a 0.175 ISO with damage being done by cleanup hitter SS Matsushita Kazuki (松下 且興) who hit 3 HRs, though his average was a unimpressive 0.255. LF Wakahara Shouya (若原 笙弥) carries the highest BA at 0.415 and had 3 triples, but he bats 6th in the order.
The refusal of Sakai-kantoku to use his depth concerns me. With no apparent backup should things falter, and given the nature of their loss to Sendai Ikuei, their upside is limited. Kousei should be a good matchup first up, but a possible matchup with Osaka Touin does not bode well for the champs.
Reviewing the field - Shikoku runner-up Imabari Nishi
And to round out things before we skip across the Setouchi Umi to Kyushu is the runner up to the first-timers Eimei - the established Imabari Nishi.
Kuroki-kantoku apparently takes the helm very recently (January 22nd), inheriting a team who is making their 2nd consecutive appearance and 14th overall.
Like some of the recent schools covered, they almost stumbled early. After a blowout first win, they went 13 against Imabari Kita, but then safely beat Uwajima Higashi thereafter. They gained momentum after that facing easier competition to win the Ehime prefecturals. With that came a first round bye, then outlasted Meitoku Gijyuku in the semifinals before falling to Eimei in the finals.
Ace Sugiura Kouki (杉内 洸貴) took almost all of the innings for the squad. While he carried a tidy 1.78 ERA, the peripherals indicate that he pitches to a lot of contact. He recorded just 25 Ks in 70.2 innings of work. He survived by keeping base runners off with a 0.92 WHIP, but you have to wonder if the step up in competition will flip his fortunes around. #10 Yoshimoto Shungo (吉本 春悟) is on the roster, but only pitched a third of an innings, giving up 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs.
Offensively, the team hit 0.300, which against the competition they faced doesn't look good. Even worse is that their ISO is just 0.054. And it's actually down in the order where we find their best hitter, RF Sugino Akihiko (杉野 彰彦).
The team gets a chance to win against 21st century invite Touin of Wakayama. It's not a guarantee, but it's better than the alternatives. If they survive that, they have another shot in their next game to reach the Best 8. The bracket looks as favorable as it could be, but issues on both sides of the ball mean that at best it's a 50-50 proposition.
Kuroki-kantoku apparently takes the helm very recently (January 22nd), inheriting a team who is making their 2nd consecutive appearance and 14th overall.
Like some of the recent schools covered, they almost stumbled early. After a blowout first win, they went 13 against Imabari Kita, but then safely beat Uwajima Higashi thereafter. They gained momentum after that facing easier competition to win the Ehime prefecturals. With that came a first round bye, then outlasted Meitoku Gijyuku in the semifinals before falling to Eimei in the finals.
Ace Sugiura Kouki (杉内 洸貴) took almost all of the innings for the squad. While he carried a tidy 1.78 ERA, the peripherals indicate that he pitches to a lot of contact. He recorded just 25 Ks in 70.2 innings of work. He survived by keeping base runners off with a 0.92 WHIP, but you have to wonder if the step up in competition will flip his fortunes around. #10 Yoshimoto Shungo (吉本 春悟) is on the roster, but only pitched a third of an innings, giving up 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs.
Offensively, the team hit 0.300, which against the competition they faced doesn't look good. Even worse is that their ISO is just 0.054. And it's actually down in the order where we find their best hitter, RF Sugino Akihiko (杉野 彰彦).
The team gets a chance to win against 21st century invite Touin of Wakayama. It's not a guarantee, but it's better than the alternatives. If they survive that, they have another shot in their next game to reach the Best 8. The bracket looks as favorable as it could be, but issues on both sides of the ball mean that at best it's a 50-50 proposition.
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