高校野球 (Kokoyakyu)

Well, it's from one contender to another in Meiji Jingu champs Sendai Ikuei. Kamimura Gakuen is tasked with stopping them, but it's a tall order to ask for.

Sendai Ikuei (Miyagi)
3B Satou Shouta
CF Aoki Reima
SS Hirasawa Taiga
C Gunji Yuuya
1B Sasaki Ryousuke
LF Kii Kaishuu
RF Sasaki Tooya
2B Yatsu Koudai
P Satou Sena

Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
2B Tokou Masao
RF Kido Keiji
LF Tanaka Hairi (#16)
CF Yamamoto Takuya
C Toyoda Shougo
1B Matsumoto Kenta
3B Kodama Kazuya
P Kitashouji Kyouhei
SS Yamashita Takato (#17)

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11:22 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Not a bad start as Kitashouji gets Shouta to ground out to short.

But then he leaves one over the plate for Aoki and he drives it the other way into right center. Yamamoto runs it down at the wall, but Sendai Ikuei is already knocking at the door.

Of which Hirasawa breaks down! It's a clean single through the right side and just like that it's 1-0.

Kitashouji fights back, as he jams Gunji and gets him to ground into a 6-3 double play to end the inning. But Sendai Ikuei is off and running.

Bottom 1st
Kamimura Gakuen seems up to the fight as Kido takes the first pitch through the left side for a 1-out single. Oda-kantoku will play the small ball game and have Tanaka bunt the runner over - which he does.

Satou Sena I think is the first pitcher we've seen who can hit 140. Though right now he's behind Yamamoto 3-0. Check that, he walked him.

His pitches continue to fly wide as he falls behind Toyoda 2-1. But he successfully gets a ball inside enough to induce a roller to 2nd to end the inning. Some form issues, but no damage.

Top 2nd
Kitashouji is leaving pitches in the zone though! A slider doesn't slide and Ryousuke sends it down the left field line for a double!

And now there's a fastball belt high and Kii takes that one the opposite way! Kido goes back, but it's over his head! Ryousuke scores and it's a 2-0 game.

Kitashouji finally records his first out as Tooya lines out to left.

But he continues to put pitches right down the middle! 3-2 to Yatsu right over and he lines it down the left field line for a double! Tanaka fumbles with the ball, but Kii doesn't head home.

Sena does though when he hits a ball to left. Tanaka makes the catch, but has no play at home. 3-0 Sendai Ikuei.

Shouta grounds to 1st to end the inning. But it's already not looking good.

Bottom 2nd
Sena doing his best on the mound to stymy the Kamimura batters. Easy flyout to center from Matsumoto, and Kodama does the same, oh!

Kodama's shallow fly ball to center goes off the glove of Yatsu, who's backing up, and Aoki who's backing him up deflects it off his glove and makes the barehanded catch! A bit of drama there, but in the end goes down as a P-4-8. Somehow.

About the only thing you could say right now about Sena's pitching is his control as he walks Kitashouji. But that doesn't hurt him as Yamashita makes contact on the end of the bat it seems, and lines out to Kii to end the inning.

Top 3rd
Sendai Ikuei continues to put runners on base. Aoki singles to right to lead off the inning. There's no bunting, but Hirasawa still manages to advance him with a slow grounder to 2nd.

Gunji has a hot shot to 3rd and Kodama makes a great stop, but the throw to 1st isn't in time.

That's ok though as Kitashouji gets Ryousuke to ground into a tailor made 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Finally a 0 on the board for Kamimura Gakuen as they look to get the bats going.

Bottom 3rd
Kido seems to have Sena figured out as with one out again he hits a clean single past a running Yatsu into center.

Tanaka in his first real AB (he bunted his first time up), battles with Sena, fouling off pitch after pitch while slowly working the count full.

And on the 11th pitch, he loses him!  Gunji goes to the mound as Kamimura Gakuen has a great chance here in the 3rd!

Yamamoto chases a forkball and grounds it right to 2nd. Yatsu goes to 2nd for 1, but the relay to 1st is too slow. Still a chance, but there's 2 down.

And Oda-kantoku sends Yamamoto! Gunji's throw to 2nd is in plenty of time and the inning is over! Kamimura runs them out of a scoring opportunity!

Top 4th
Kii with a drive to left. Tanaka scrambling over, dives, but it's just out of his reach! Kii is in with a double and Sendai Ikuei immediately putting the pressure on!

Tooya does the right thing and looks for a pitch to take the other way, and while he grounds out, he advances Kii to 3rd.

There's no squeeze bunt either as Nakatsu hits a grounder to short. That allows Yamashita to look Kii back before making the out.

And Sena pops it up! Matsumoto in foul territory makes the catch to end the inning! Kitashouji getting into and out of pinches the last 2 inning without damage.

Bottom 4th
Sena still having the occasional hiccup. He goes too far inside on Toyoda and hits him (though he really didn't move a whole lot). But after getting Matsumoto on a nasty forkball, he walks Kodama to put 2 runners on yet again.

Kitashouji manages to at least advance the runners with a slow roller to the left side. But they'll need a base hit to score the runners now.

Yamashita with a dying liner to left center, Kii and Aoki converging... and it's Aoki who makes the running catch to retire the side! Sena stays clean through 4, but he's making it really hard on himself.

Top 5th
Back to the top of the order for Sendai Ikuei and Shouta hits a ball back at Kitashouji! It's off his glove and to the left side, but it's right at Kodama! He throws it to 1st for the normal 1-5-3 putout.

Aoki soon afterwards flies out to left, and Hirasawa hits a soft liner that Yamashita ranges over to catch and finally Kitashouji has a 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 5th
Sena continues to fight on, using his forkball to keep Kamimura off the basepaths. Tokou swings on top of one and grounds out to short. Kido, trying to work the count, gets to 2-2, but then swings over another forkball.

Tanaka up without an official AB so far, also tries to work the count, but Sena gets him on... you guess it, another slider! That's only his 3rd K, but he's only allowed 2 hits as we hit the break. Kamimura Gakuen has had their chances, but Sena continually shuts the door and appears to be getting things right on the mound. There's still plenty of time, but they can't dilly dally about either.

Top 6th
Gunji with a hot shot to 3rd goes off Kodama's glove! It's right to Yamashita who makes the throw to 1st, but it's not in time ! E5 and once again Sendai Ikuei has a leadoff runner on.

Ryousuke hits a ball to 1st.Matsumoto steps on 1st, throws to 2nd, but it's wide! The ball goes off Yamashita's glove and into left as Gunji heads to 3rd!

And now Kii with a blooper to left! Yamashita and Tanaka converge, Yamashita dives, but can't get it! Gunji scores and it's a 4-0 ballgame.

And now Sasaki-kantoku calls for the bunt! Tooya lays it down, but right in front of home! Toyoda right on it, throws to 2nd.. but it's wide! Yamashita is pulled off and when he lunges with his foot, Kii gets there first! Still only 1 down and Sendai Ikuei looks for more runs.

Nakatsu with a liner over Kodama's head into left! Kii is being waved around... and the throw is cutoff! Kii scores and it's 5-0 and the rout might be on.

Sena still without a hit, but at least he's productive. He does so again here as he grounds out to 3rd advancing the runners.

And perhaps not wanting to see his ace face the top of the lineup again, Oda-kantoku pulls his ace in favor of #10 Shinzato. He does the job for now, as Shouta flies out to left to end the inning. The gap though, has gotten wider.

Bottom 6th
And the batters still haven't figured out Sena just yet. Yamamoto and Toyoda are looking for the forkball and are now making poor contact on the ball. And Matsumoto just whiffs on balls out of the zone to end the inning.

Top 7th
Defensive change as #18 Fujie comes in for Matsumoto at 1B.

Shinzato looking well in relief as he strikes out Aoki on a slider.

Hirasawa is quickly retired thereafter on a routine groundout.

But Gunji attacks the first pitch and sends it down the right field line for a double! He's not out of the woods just yet.

And Ryousuke welcomes Shinzato to the party! He singles through the left side! Gunji is waved around and the throw is cutoff. 6-0 now for Sendai Ikuei.

Kii delivers yet another base hit, a double to left! He's 4-4 on the day! Ryousuke holds at 3rd.

Shinzato is able to do damage control though as Tooya grounds to 1st to end the inning. But it's another run in a game already out of reach.

Bottom 7th
One down and Shinzato makes an impact! He hits a hard grounds to 3rd that deflects off of Shouta's glove! Again it's right to Hirasawa, but his throw is late.

#15 Yonashiro comes in to hit for Yamashita., but grounds into a fielder's choice.

Back to the top of the order and Tokou has a clean single through the left side! That's 2 hits in this inning! There's 2 outs, but perhaps they can score.

Nope, Kido hits a grounder to 3rd. Shouta makes the throw to 1st, and Kamimura remains shutout.

Top 8th
#6 Ihara comes in for PH Yonashiro to play SS.

Ah... Nakatsu is hit on the head by a pitch and leaves for an injury runner.

Sasaki-kantoku continues to put on the hit-and-run and while Sena strikes out, Tooya steals 2nd.

Shouta follows that up with a hard single to center, but it's too hard for Tooya to score.

Sasaki-kantoku continues to send runners, as Shouta takes off for 2nd on the 1st pitch and reaches safely. Shinzato finally gets some relief as Aoki flies out to AHHHHH!!!!

Aoki had hit a fly to right, but Kido completely flubs the catch! Both runners come around to score and it's 8-0!!

Things seemingly are spiraling out of control when Shinzato hits Hirasawa while up 0-2!

He finally gets his 2nd out in Gunji, but not before he advances the runners.

Ryousuke with a blooper to center... and that falls in between everyone! 2 more runners score and it's 10-0.

And since things continue to just disintegrate, here's a quick summary of what else happens next:

• #15 Seto comes in to run for Ryousuke,
• Shinzato throws a pickoff move wide and Seto moves to 2nd,
• Kii hits a ball right to 3rd and off Kodama's glove for an E5,
• Kii is replaced by #10 Domeki, and #11 Tateyama PH for Tooya,
• Domeki steals 2nd, Toyoda's throw is high, Seto scores (11-0) ,
• Tateyama hits blooper to center, Domeki scores (12-0),
• Nakatsu (2nd AB this inning), grounds to 1st to finally end the inning.

Bottom 8th
Seto stays in at 1B, #17 Saitou comes in for Domeki to play LF, and Tateyama stays in to play RF.

With the game well in hand now, Kamimura Gakuen is retired in order, with Tanaka and Toyoda both striking out looking.

9th Inning
Nothing really happened on Sendai Ikuei's part of the 9th.

And as for Kamimura Gakuen, Shinzato and Ihara both came through with hits with 2 out. But Sena puts Kamimura out of their misery as Tokou is frozen on a forkball for strike 3.

Sadly, another blowout, but again not that surprising.

Sendai Ikuei looked very impressive during the super-regionals and it looks to have carried over to Senbatsu. Sena's forkball is a pretty good weapon, and as long as he can throw it for strikes as well when needed (like he did in the 9th), the team has a good shot at contending for the title.

For Kamimura Gakuen, like all the other teams before them, it's back to the drawing board. There's a lot to get right between now and the summer, and with the region as weak as it is, they'll have to work that much harder to improve.

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.

We're onto round 2 now, and first up two of the first day winners - Kamimura Gakuen and Fukuchiyama Seibi.

Kamimura Gakuen pulled away from Chuugoku champ Iwakuni in the 2nd half of the game.  This after Yanagawa had pretty much keep the Kamimura offense in check early.  However, ace Azuma wasn't all too sharp, issuing 6 walks in the affair and going to numerous more full counts.  Of course, he had 4 full days of rest, so that should certainly help.

Fukuchiyama Seibi benefited from a big inning against Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku ace Uehara and reliever Ushioku though they had opportunities all game.

Ace Ishihara was helped out by early swings from the opposition, but there was still a few times where he wound up going deep into counts.  The contact wasn't solid by the opposition, but Ishihara's control didn't seem to be exceptional.

These two schools certainly had the better pitching on the mound, and was part of the reason why they advanced.  This should be a decent test for both teams.

Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
CF Nakayama Kouki
SS Tokou Masao
3B Kojima Chikara
1B Yamamoto Takuya (#9)
P Azuma Michihiro
LF Kido Keiji (#17)
C Toyoda Shougo (#12)
2B Kawano Ryou
RF Nozaki Taisei (#7)

Fukuchiyama Seibi (Kyoto)
SS Nishida Tomonori
RF Kimura Noritsugu
C Sano Yuusuke
3B Maeda Ryouta
1B Nishimoto Masaki
LF Fujita Taisei
2B Oomura Ryou (#12)
CF Kimura Soutarou
P Ishihara Takeji
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12:00 - First pitch!!

Top 1st
Nakayama getting a feel of things, chases Ishihara's changeup low for the first out.

Tokou though hits a fastball back up the middle for a base hit.  There's no bunting from Oda-kantoku, and Kojima winds up hitting a popup to center. Oomura goes out to field it, but it's Soutarou that waves him off at the last minute to make the catch.

And we already see the difference between last game and this one as Yamamoto gets a slider up, but swings under it for the 3rd out.

Bottom 1st
A couple of balls to start off by Azuma, but Nishida flies out to Nozaki near the foul line.

Noritsugu gets a hold of a curve, but not good enough as Nozaki winds up in front of the fence to make the catch.

Azuma shakes off Toyoda several times with Sano at 1-2, and pays as he hits a comebacker up the middle for a base hit.

However Maeda, ahead 2-0 can't cash in as he flies out to left to end the inning.

Top 2nd
Both offenses who had success their prior games are expectedly struggling.  Azuma succumbs to the changeup.  And while Toyoda gets lucky when his fly to shallow center is allowed to fall between Oomura and Soutarou, it is sandwiched between to skied balls to Nishida.

Bottom 2nd
Azuma registers his first K of the day, getting Nishimoto to miss on the curveball.

He doesn't get the same luxury with Fujita as he takes the curve through the right side.  And again with bench starter Oomura!  First pitch swinging repeats the base hit!  Runners on 1st and 2nd for Soutarou!

Early on though it seems like Ishihara is having the better of it as a lot of Azuma's pitches aren't really close, and Soutarou waits for his lining a shot to right loads the bases! Oda-kantoku calls time...

The one pitch that seems to be working is the curveball, but that's not necessarily a good thing...

He has to throw something else... and now the count runs full!

SANSHIN!!!  Azuma goes with the fastball and Ishihara chases what would have been ball 4!  2 down!

AH!!

Nishida first pitch swings and drives the ball to center! Nakayama running back, turning back, turning again, leaping and it's over his head!  Everyone will score with the runners taking off and it's 3-0 on the double by Nishida!  Nakayama made a complete mess of that ball, though to be fair it was right at him so it might have been hard to judge.

Noritsugu pops out to Toyoda to end the inning, but Azuma's issues from Game 1 haven't gone away...

Top 3rd
Nakayama, trying to make up for that hits a ball deep to left center for a double.

However, Ishihara gets Tokou and Kojima to pound the ball into the ground, and that takes care of the threat in the 3rd.

Bottom 3rd
Azuma gives up another free pass, this time to Sano to start the 3rd.  Tadokoro-kantoku not bunting, and Maeda winds up flying out to right.

Nishimoto one of the few batters struggling as he goes down for the 2nd time, this time thinking the curve was outside.

Fujita gets a hold of one and takes it the other way!  Nozaki has no chance at it as it falls in!  Sano comes around all the way from 1st to score and it's 4-0 Seibi!  Oomura pops out to retire the side, but Kamimura Gakuen already in real trouble early.

Top 4th
As shown by #10 Ueshin warming up.

Azuma grinding at the plate, earns his walk when Ishihara's slider misses the plate.  Kido just avoids the double play running out the play instead of diving into 1st.

He's rewarded as Toyoda gets his 2nd hit in as many ABs with a clean single to right.

And now it's Ishihara who can't find the zone!  He's missing everywhere against Kawano and though he manages to fill up the count, he walks him!  Manrui for Kamimura as Nozaki steps in!

Ishihara tries some offspeed pitches, but falls behind 2-0!  Comes back with some fastballs to even the count, but his changeup once again misses filling up the count!  Nowhere to put him!

And he gets him to pop up!  Nozaki gets under the fastball and pops up to 2nd!  Oomura in shallow center makes the catch and the chance for Kamimura goes begging!

Bottom 4th
Azuma goes into one of his hot-cold streaks as he retires both Soutarou and Ishihara, but then walks Ishida and Noritsugu.

He gets bailed out by Nozaki when Sano hits a ball into the gap in the right side.  Nozaki ranges over to get it, is out of position to throw to 1st, but notices that Noritsugu is off the bag at 2nd and fires there to get him for the 3rd out!

Top 5th
Fukuchiyama Seibi has been doing their homework.  Nakayama clobbers a liner to left, but Fujita already playing back goes to the wall and makes the catch.  Tokou and Kojima are retired not soon after and Kamimura might need a new game plan.

Bottom 5th
Maeda first pitch sends a ball to right center.  Nozaki over to field it, over runs it and it goes to the wall!  Maeda on his wheels gets to 3rd on the misplay!

And Nishmoto exacts revenge on Azuma as he singles to center to make it 5-0!

Fujita bunts him along to 2nd to try and tack on another run.  Meanwhile things go from bad to worse for Kamimura as a routine grounder to 2nd by Oomura becomes anything but when Yamamoto was charging in and Azuma was late covering.

Soutarou follows that up with a single to center making it 6-0 Seibi.

Ishihara bunts the runners along hoping Nishida can drive in more runs, but Azuma thankfully gets him to hit one off the end of the bat.  Nozaki secures it to retire the side, and as we hit the break, Seibi has completely dominated this matchup from the get go.

Top 6th
If there's any consolation, despite being down 6-0, Ishihara is approaching 80 pitches, so perhaps if they continue to work counts, they might get him to tire later on.

Yamamoto does just that, working the count full, but he foul tips the fastball into Sano's glove for the 1st out.

However, Azuma and Kido are retired on just 5 pitches, and that's the inning.

Bottom 6th
Azuma's time on the mound is over for now.  #10 Ueshin comes in for Nozaki and takes the hill.  Azuma goes to 3rd, Kojima goes to 1st, and Yamamoto goes to RF.

It's not a good start as Ueshin plunks Noritsugu.  Then Sano gets on safely for the 4th time with a single to left.

They catch a small break when Maeda grounds to Azuma.  He goes to the bag at 3rd to cut down the lead runner.

But the hits keep coming, Nishimoto continues on the rampage with a shot past Kojima down the 1st base line scoring Sano to make it 7-0. Fujita hits into the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning, but it looks like we might get back on track timewise given the score.

Top 7th
Ah... Well, there's a slight delay as Nishida is writing in pain near 2nd.  Turns out that on the throw to 2nd, the ball bounced up and hit him... in the family jewels.  He needs a moment but winds up being ok.

Toyoda continues to be a bright spot in the lineup as he singles to right.  But just as quickly it's snuffed out by a 4-6-3 double play.  Ueshin strikes out to retire the side.

Bottom 7th
#4 Miyazaki comes in to hit for Oomura, which leads me to believe it was him and not Nishida that got hit.

Miyazaki comes right in and singles to right - then gets replaced by #18 Nakajima who promptly steals 2nd.  After giving up a walk to Soutarou and then striking out Ishihara, #18 Shinzato comes in to pitch for Ueshin.

To which things continue to get worse for Kamimura.  Nishida drives a ball to right center that Nakayama sells out for and misses.  2 RBI triple makes it 9-0.

After another K, Shinzato gives up back to back hits, scoring one more to make it 10-0.  Azuma has a chance to end the inning on Nishimoto's grounder, but he doesn't field it cleanly, and his throw short hops Kojima who can't snag it.  Another run scores to make it 11-0.

With a walk to Fujita to load the bases, Shinzato is relieved by #11 Oomura.  It also brings up prior PR Nakajima for an AB.

He grounds to 2nd and the inning is finally over.

Top 8th
#15 Kondou comes in for PR Nakajima to take over at 2B.

Kamimura possibly looking to finish the game as quickly as possible are retired in order on just 7 pitches.

Bottom 8th
Soutarou with his 3rd hit of the game, a triple to right center.  One down, and #17 Horie comes in to hit for Nishida and grounds out.  Tokou can't field the grounder from Noritsugu cleanly and that tacks on another run, 12-0.  He gets caught stealing 2nd, so that'll be it for the scoring.

Top 9th
#16 Tanimoto comes in for PH Horie and takes over at SS.

Ishihara having some control issues late, should haven been shut down earlier due to blowout.

Yamamoto draws a walk, but Azuma and PH #2 Kodama go down on strikes.

Toyoda finally is retired as he pops out to Nishimoto to end the game.

Wow that was a blowout.  Not much to say there other than Fukuchiyama Seibi dominated the entire game.  However, the one caveat is that ace Ishihara threw a lot of pitches in the game - many unnecessary perhaps  as they might have wanted to save his arm for the next game.  We shall see.

Notable Players
Ishihara Takeji (Fukuchiyama Seibi) - CG, SHO, 5 H, 8 K, 3 BB
Sano Yuusuke (Fukuchiyama Seibi) - 4-4, 3 R, BB
Kimura Soutarou (Fukuchiyama Seibi) - 3-4, 3B, 3 R, RBI, BB
Azuma Michihiro (Kamimura Gakuen) - 5 IP, 6 ER, 11 H, 4 K, 3 BB
Toyoda Shougo (Kamimura Gakuen) - 3-4, 2B
Nakayama Kouki (Kamimura Gakuen) - 1-4, 2B, K

And we're underway!  Seeing both Ojima and Anraku having to turn in their flags reminds us how the competition was just on another level.  But for this tournament there will be new names as both are absent.  Anraku because he was hurt and Ojima because he was a senior.

The two lucky contestants to draw the opening game hail from the western parts of Japan.

Since I've already gone through a lot of the analysis on the matchup, we know that for Kamimura Gakuen the pitching just has to be good enough (supposedly) as the offense supposedly carries the team.  That's the opposite for Iwakuni, whose offense is not very good, but the pitching seems to do just enough to hold up their end of the bargain.

So without further ado, let senbatsu begin!

Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
CF Nakayama Kouki
LF Honda Kei (#13)
1B Yamamoto Takuya (#9)
3B Kojima Chikara
C Toyoda Shougo (#12)
SS Tokou Masao
P Azuma Michihiro
2B Kawano Ryou
RF Nozaki Taisei (#7)

Iwakuni (Yamaguchi)
2B Kawamoto Takuho
C Mizuno Daichi
LF Higashi Fumiya
1B Tsuchiya Tomohiro
P Yanagawa Takehiro
RF Kametani Yuuta
3B Kawamura Ryousuke
SS Kihara Hayato
CF Koutari Kyouhei

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10:47 - First pitch!

Top 1st
First pitch slider way down and away at 122.  Goes for it again, same result.

And again, he finally gets a swing from Nakayama.

4 sliders now and he falls behind 3-1...  5 sliders, and it's a leadoff walk.  Not a very good start.

Safety bunt popped up, but foul and out of the reach of Kawamura.  Honda though lays the bunt down and Kawamura has no play but to 1st.

A little better, but Yanagawa goes almost all offspeed.  Yamamoto with a ball back up the middle, great range from Kihara!  He picks it and throws to 1st for the 2nd out!  Nakayama goes to 3rd.

There's a fastball to Kojima at 140, but it's a ball.  Another and he's behind 2-0.

Kojima with a ball to center!  Koutari backing up, but not quickly.  Settles in front of the wall... 3 out!   He gets out of the mess!

Bottom 1st
Azuma off to a slow start falling behind Kawamoto 3-0, but puts in 2 strikes to fill the count.  Kawamoto with a grounder to short, Tokou makes a great back handed stop, but his quick throw to 1st has nothing on it and Kawamoto beats it out!  Tokou may have had more time than he thought...

Mizuno tries to but him along, but his first attempt rolls foul.  His second attempt works though, and Azuma saunters to it and goes to 1st for the out.  So both teams with a small chance early.

Slow curve to Higashi at 96.  As expected, he goes low 130s with the fastball.  But he can't locate anything as all and walks Higashi on 4 straight.  Kamimura's pitching perhaps a bit shakier to start the game as Tsuchiya steps in.

Ah, but he's all crossed up on the slow ball and holding up his bat dribbles one to the left side! It advances the runners but there's 2 out.

Yanagawa up to try and help his own cause goes after a 1-0 slow pitch and flies out right to center to end the inning.

Top 2nd
Wow, that was quick. I didn't have time to get the next inning ready, because Kamimura swings away. 2 pitches for 2 quick outs, and then 3 more to Azuma and the inning is over!

Bottom 2nd
Azuma really goes to that slow curve a lot.  Kametani is way ahead of one and strikes out swinging.

Kawamura tries to hold up on the pitch and wait for the fastball.  He just gets one under a diving Nakayama for a base hit.

No 1-out bunting from Kawaguchi-kantoku as Kihara swings away.  However though he fills up the count, he flies out to a ranging Nakayama in left center.

Azuma then jams Koutari as he pops out to Yamamoto in foul territory to end the inning.

Top 3rd
Kamimura is still struggling with the timing as Kawano is ahead of a Yanagawa offering and pops out to Higashi down the left field line.

Nozaki looks to use his speed as he lays down a bunt!  Yanagawa rushes over and makes a quick throw, but there's not enough on it and Nozaki beats it out for a base hit.

Meanwhile, Yanagawa continues to work away to the righties with the slider and despite Nakayama's attempts to hold up, chases one for the 2nd out.

And expecting a steal, they pitchout on Honda and Nozaki does indeed take off... and gets throw out to end the inning.

Bottom 3rd
Meanwhile, Azuma is changing speeds all over the place to Kawamoto, with a ~90 slow curve, a low 130 fastball, a 120s slider, and then a ~100 change that Kawamoto flies to right for the first out.

Mizuno goes after the fastball, but is jammed and pops up to Tokou who winds up on the 2nd base side of the infield.

Higashi is being more selective in the box, getting ahead 3-0 before Azuma walks him to bring up Tsuchiya,

I can see that Azuma tries to throw the battes off with pitches across the spectrum, but he has no control and walks him on 4 straight prompting a visit from Oda-kantoku.

And Yanagawa frustrates the hell out of me as he swings on the first pitch, and grounds the slow curve to Toukou for the 3rd out...

Top 4th
Honda gets Kamimura started after the gift from Yanagawa as he lines one past a diving Tsuchiya down the right field line!  Honda hustles to 2nd and get in ahead of the throw.  Yamamoto doesn't bunt, but hits the ball to Tsuchiya to advance the runner.

Ah.  Slider from Yanagawa is short and bounces up and away from Mizuno.  Honda scores easily to give Kamimura the 1-0 lead!

And then Kojima lines one over a leaping Kawamura for another double...  That gets Kawaguchi-kantoku to call time.

It apparently doesn't help as he walks Toyoda on 4 straight...  It at least creates the force.

But Yanagawa is trying to nibble and get the batters to chase.  The slider inside at 1-2 is easily held up on as it's in the dirt.  Though not believing that Yanagawa would go there again, he just fouls off one.

Yanagawa leaves a slider out over the plate, and Tokou lines it to left, but Higashi is close enough to get it.  Any higher and it might have been trouble.

But Yanagawa's fastball is nowhere close at this point.  The first 2 are high, though Azuma bails him out on one of them.  Yanagawa eventually gets Azuma ahead of one and flies it to right to end the inning, but Kamimura's bats might finally be warming up.

Bottom 4th
Azuma is milking the lack of timing by Iwakuni's batters by going to the change and slow curve.

Yet, he gives Kametani a fastball that he crushes to left.  Honda can only play it off the wall as Kametani goes to 2nd on a leadoff double.

Expectedly, Kawamura bunts him to 3rd...

Azuma goes back to the slow stuff to get a grounder, but instead falls behind 3-1.  Backed into a bit of a corner he goes to the fastball and Kihara fouls it off.

But you don't really get groundballs on the curve and change.. and Kihara proves that point by flying one to RF far enough to score the run and make it a 1-1 game!

Koutari grounds out to 3rd to end the inning, but Iwakuni quickly strikes back to tie the game!

Top 5th
Kamimura's batters can't seem to lay off the slider enough as Kawano swings at a buried one to be retired 2-3 for the first out.

Nozaki finds himself on base again after he fists one back up the middle past a diving Kawamoto for a base hit.  And this time he goes on a non-pitchout and takes 2nd easily.  And once again, the batter knows which way to hit the ball as Nakayama grounds to the right side to advance the runner - though there's 2 outs.

And while Yanagawa continues to have some control problems, he catches his fastball at Honda's knees and puts up the donut after giving up the run!

Bottom 5th
Kawamoto goes after a high change from Azuma and lifts it to right center.  Nakayama and Nozaki converge, and after a stop-start he makes the catch in front of the wall.

It looks like the message of waiting has passed through the lineup as Mizuno draws a walk.

And then promptly takes too big of a lead and is picked off by Toyoda...

Higashi, with no runner and 2 out gets a little more aggressive, but instead chases a change down in the zone and pops up to Kawano to bring us to the break all level at 1.

Top 6th
Can't say I'm too impressed with the pitching so far, both aces have had control issues.  Yanagawa can dial the fastball up a little, but doesn't have the control.

Yamamoto gets a hold of a hanging slider and laces it to center.  Koutari running back and slighty to right almost overruns it and makes the catch in front of his face.

Kojima decided to play golf on a slider from Yanagawa and pops out to Tsuchiya in foul territory.

Emboldened a little, he gets ahead of Toyoda 0-2, but then tries to get him to chase the slider all the way to a full count... and a walk.  That wasn't necessary and will make Yanagawa throw more pitches.

The control issues continue with Yangawa as his fastball just isn't consistent at all.  So he goes back to the slider and gets Tokou to hit a shallow fly.  Kihara chases it to the foul line, reaches out, makes the NO!

He catches it, but it pops out when his glove hits the ground! Tokou goes to 2nd and Toyoda to 3rd!

AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yanagawa uncorks another wild pitch at the absolute wrong time!  It bounces away from Mizuno again and Kamimura retakes the lead at 2-1!!

Azuma dribbles one to Tsuchiya for the 3rd out, but it's Yanagawa who gets in his own way... again.

Bottom 6th
Tsuchiya makes solid contact, but right to Kawano for the 1st out.  Yanagawa chases after the change outside for the 2nd out, and then Kametani goes after a fastball way outside and dribbles it back to Azuma for the 3rd out.

This time, Azuma holds serve.

Top 7th
Things might be turning for Iwakuni as Kawano singles back up the middle past a diving Kihara for a leadoff single.  Nozaki, despite falling behind 0-2, lays down the bunt.

Nakayama with a hard grounder to the left side. Kihara makes a running pick, but realizing he might not have a play at 1st goes to 3rd... but Kawano beats out the throw.  Runners at the corners, 1 out!

But Honda swings and pops it up!  Mizuno takes off the mask and makes the catch for the 2nd out!

1-1 to Yamamoto and Kawaguchi-kantoku calls time.

AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The timeout might have thrown off Yanagawa as Yamamoto gets around on a hanging slider!  Kametani running back, but he gives up!!

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh how unfortunate for Iwakuni and Yanagawa as Yamamoto blows the game open with a 3-run HR to make it 5-1!

Kojima takes the 1st pitch and singles to center and his struggles continue.  He finally gets out of the inning when Toyoda grounds to 1st, but it's way too late.

Bottom 7th
I'm going to have a hard time believing that Iwakuni's offense can come back from 4 down...

Kawamura way ahead pretty much throws his bat at a change from Azuma and pops out to Honda in shallow left.

Kihara soon follows with a grounder to Tokou for the 2nd out...  And with such a deficit, Iwakuni feels they have to swing away, which given their stats is a bad thing.  Koutari grounds to short as well, and it's a 1-2-3 inning.

Top 8th
Tokou with a single to center, Koutari overruns the ball and it gets past him allowing Tokou to advance to 2nd.

Once again, Azuma does the right thing, slaps the ball to the right side to advance the runner.

SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kawano pops the ball just over Yanagawa! Kihara has to charge in and make the play at 1st.  6-1 Kamimura.

Nozaki with another bottom of the order hit, popping one onto the outfield grass in center.  Kawamoto tries for the back-handed diving catch, but can't get it!  Nozaki on his wheels ends up at 2nd!  Iwakuni certainly looking like they're seeing the endgame as Kamimura is applying pressure.

Nakayama with a grounder to the left side!  It's past a diving Kawamura, but Kihara makes the stop in the gap, and makes a strong throw to 1st!  It beats Nakayama for the 3rd out!  Nice play by the SS.

Bottom 8th
One down and Mizuno blasts a hanging slider to left!  Honda has to play it off the padding and Mizuno checks in with a double.

With a 5-run lead, I'd consider sending in the bullpen, but Azuma stays out there.  And while he works the count full, Higashi earns the walk prompting a visit from Oda-kantoku.

Tsuchiya steps in, 0-3 on the day.  Make that 0-4 as he goes back to Azuma with the comebacker! He goes to 2nd for 1, but Tokou's throw to 1st is short and Tsuchiya is safe.

But Yanagawa soon after grounds to 2nd and Kamimura Gakuen is 3 outs from the 2nd round.

Top 9th
There seems to be a high strike zone this game as Yanagawa gets ahead of Honda 1-2.  He winds up hitting a change to center for the 1st out.

Yamamoto's bat still smoking as he pulls another slider to right for a single.

Kojima tries to do a Yamamoto impression, but his full swing goes right to Higashi in left.

And Toyoda grounds to 2nd for the 3rd out.

Bottom 9th
Last ups for Iwakuni and Kawaguchi-kantoku sends up #17 Odani to hit for Kametani.  He puts in a decent AB, taking a couple before flying out to center.

Kawamura makes the most of his probable last AB, bookending a single with a walk.

Down 5, Jock Rock plays in the Iwakuni ouen-dan...

Meanwhile, Azuma struggles here with his control, falling behind Kihara 2-0.

There's the high strike again.  And because of it, Kihara goes after the next one, and grounds into the 5-4-3 double play to end the game.

Yanagawa was hanging in there early, but the peripherals caught up to his pitching - not to mention horrible timing.  A 3-run HR by Yamamoto helps Kamimura Gakuen pull away leaving Iwakuni little chance to catch up.  Kamimura's offense doesn't look good enough to hold up the pitching though and they'll struggle to move on going forward.

For Iwakuni, their run was indeed built on a house of cards and when pressed by the opposition here in Koushien, it all collapsed.  Still, they can say that they won the Chuugoku Super-Regional if nothing else.

Notable Players
Yamamoto Takuya (Kamimura Gakuen) - 2-5, HR, R, 3 RBI
Nozaki Taisei (Kamimura Gakuen) - 3-3, SB
Tokou Masao (Kamimura Gakuen) - 2-4, 2B, R
Azuma Michihiro (Kamimura Gakuen) - CG, ER, 4 H, 2 K, 6 BB(!)
Kametani Yuuta (Iwakuni) - 1-3, 2B, R
Mizuno Daichi (Iwakuni) - 1-2, 2B, BB
Higashi Fumiya (Iwakuni) 0-1, 3 BB
Yanagawa Takehiro (Iwakuni) - CG, 5 ER, 11 H, 2 K, 3 BB

I'm actually surprised in looking at the participants that this is just Kamimura Gakuen's 4th time heading to Senbatsu.  Then I find that the club was created in 2003 and I'm a bit surprised.  I say bit because I already expect Waseda Saga to dominate Saga-ken in the near future.  So given this is just their 4th trip, how did they get here?

Road to Senbatsu
Kagoshima Prefecturals

• def. Izumo Shougyou 17-0 (5 inn)
• def. Kakushou 10-0 (5 inn)
• def. Makurazaki 8-4
• def. Kagoshima Jitsugyou 5-4
• def. Kagoshima Jyousai 6-0
• def. Ibusuki Shougyou 3-2

Kyushu Super-Regionals

• def. Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku 7-3
• def. Nisshou Gakuen 10-6
• lost Misato Kougyou 5-1

Hm... Kamimura Gakuen running up to the final had to face Kagoshima Jitsugyou early, and overcame an early 4-0 deficit to do so.  Young kantoku Oda Daisuke (小田 大介) went with a relief pitcher in Ueshin? Taiyou (植新 太陽) and he limited Ibusuki Shougyou to just 4 hits though Ibusuki pulled to within 1 in the 9th.

Onto the super-regionals, Oda-kantoku would go to the pair of Azuma Michihiro (東 務大) and Oomura Shou (大村 将).  But what I'm finding is that there is precious little information on any of the Kyushu representatives - at least through the prefecturals.  About the only thing I do know is for Azuma, and that is that he apparently leads all representatives in the lowest BB/9 (1.04), which is good because he only strikes out about 5 batters/9 as well.

Offensively, interestingly, the team has some consistently decent hitters.  They include 4 of the top 5 batters in the lineup including leadoff CF Nakayama Kouki (仲山 晃樹), SS Tokou Masao (都甲 将央), Kojima Chiaki (小島 千聖), and Toyoda Shougo (豊田 翔吾).  Oddly, cleanup batter RF Yamamoto Takuya (山本 卓弥) is not necessarily one of them.

The problem with having little information is that I can't really form a good opinion on those teams. On the surface, the win against Kagoshima Jitsugyou is a plus and it doesn't hurt with their wins against Kagoshima Jyousai and Nishi-Nippon Tankidai Fuzoku.  I don't know who started their prefectural games other than the final where a pitcher not used in the super-regionals was used.  A red flag is the game against Nisshou Gakuen, a 3rd level school from Miyazaki where Azuma gave up 6 runs.  Oomura shut them down thereafter, but that combined with Azuma's peripherals make it difficult to consider them a contender.

Next up, the final Kyushu representative... and back after 24 years... Chinzei!

Day 10 starts fielding our teams for the Best 8.

First on the docket is a team desperately looking to return to the finals, and win this time.

Kousei Gakuin has returned to their 3rd consecutive calendar Koushien, and unfortunately did not look as dominant in their 4-0 defeat of Yuugakukan, with two of those runs being scored on a late HR by Houjyou.  Offense has been by far their biggest weakness (hello Sanko and Osaka Touin) and this summers' version is pretty much the same.  They have been able to beat the teams they need to beat, but not the big game.

And with the offense not all-star calibur, it has been Jyouma and Kanazawa that have helped carry the teams.  Jyouma has shown to be above all else a contact pitcher who thrives on weak contact, but is not a soft-tosser either.  This year though, he has emerged as the ace of the staff as he is heavily used, this despite still wearing the #4. 

Kamimura Gakuen defeated an offensively challenged Chiben Wakayama squad.  However, as Chiben's pitching showed, their own offense is not overpowering as well.

What was perhaps a bit surprising is that while ace Kakizawa is one of the harder throwers out there (~mid 140s), he doesn't rack up a lot of strikeouts.  If you remember he had just 3 against Chiben Wakayama.  So I suspect then that he uses his speed, control and willingness to be in the zone to get bad contact.

So what do I expect out of this game?  Probably a lot of the pitching staffs trying to control the game as both offenses will try to manufacture runs.  I think it'll be a tough game all around, with a lot more pressure on the Kousei squad to repeat last year's performance.


Kousei Gakuin (Aomori)
RF Ameku
LF Murase
C Tamura
SS Houjyou
1B Takeda
3B Oosugi
2B Jyouma
CF Kimura
P Kanazawa

Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
CF Niiro
SS Tanaka
RF Koga
P Kakizawa
LF Seguchi (#11)
2B Nagao
3B Nakazono
C Nakano
1B Nikou

____________________________________________________________

8:01 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Ameku swings on the first pitch and hits it the opposite way to left.

Seguchi running towards the foul pole.  Eases up...

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What?  Ameku hits the first pitch for a home run (while the siren is still blaring)???

The announcers are going crazy, while I'm just speechless!  35th HR this tournament is a leadoff HR to give Kousei the 1-0 lead!

One down now and Tamura goes full befofe drawing a walk.

Houjyou with a drive to left center!  Seguchi running towards the fence again!!

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you kidding me??!!

Ameku with a leadoff homerun, and now cleanup batter Koujyou hits a 2-run HR?  Where is this offensive output coming from??!!  It's 3-0 Kousei Gakuin!

Takeda and Oosugi trying to get Kakizawa while's he stunned, but they can only manage groundball outs.  Kakizawa gets out of the inning, but his team has sustained disabling damage right from the start.

Bottom 1st
Nothing doing early on for Kamimura Gakuen.  Niiro grounds to 2nd, Tanaka hits a foul fly near Kousei's dugout, and Koga makes good contact, but it's right at Oosugi who fields it for the 3rd out.

Top 2nd
After a quick flyout by Jyouma, Kimura gets a single through to right.  Kanazawa tries to lay down the bunt, but Kakizawa calmly fields it, throws to 2nd for one and the relay to 1st in time to get a not so speedy Kanazawa for the double play.

Bottom 2ndKakizawa with a grounder that sneaks under Jyouma's glove into right for a leadoff single.

Just as quickly, the runner is erased as Seguchi grounds into the easy 1-6-3 double play.

Nagao flies to right and the inning is over.

Top 3rd
Top of the order and Ameku.  He lines one up and pulls it past a diving Nagao for a base hit.  Murase tries to lay down the bunt, but it's right in front of home.  Nakano makes the quick throw to 2nd for the out.

Nakai-kantoku replaces Murase at 1st with #18 Sekiguchi.  Wonder what that was about.

Tamura with a drive to left center!!  Seguchi and Niiro running back to the wall!  Still running!! NO WAY!!!

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm completely speechless!  What the heck is going on here!  That's now 3 HR's by Kousei Gakuin!!!  5-0!!!

And Yamamoto-kantoku has seen enough.  #7 Hirayabu comes in for Seguchi and takes the hill, pushing Kakizawa to left.

First up, cleanup batter Houjyou.  And you wouldn't blame Hirayabu for being careful and walking him on a full count.

Takeda first pitch tries to get in on the HR parade, but his swing is more of a golf swing and he flies out to left.

Nakai-kantoku goes with the hit-and-run, Oosugi singles to left to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

But Jyouma puts another golf swing on the ball, flies out to center, and Hirayabu prevents further damage.  Still yet another HR contributes 2 more runs to Kousei's good.

Bottom 3rd
Well, I think Kamimura's in shock a bit.  Nakazono can't connect on a slider over the plate and strikes out.

Nakano reaches out on an outside fastball and grounds to 2nd.  And Nikou can't get level on a high slider and flies out to center.

Top 4th
Kimura with a grounder to 3rd.  Nakazono's throw is off line and Kimura avoids the tag. Kanazawa tries the safety bunt, but the infield is crashing in and they retire the lead runner yet again.

Hirayabu works around Ameku, to pitch to Sekiguchi.  Once again they try the bunt, but again, a crashing Nikou fires to 3rd to get the lead runner in Kanazawa for the 2nd out.

(Gotta keep them honest with the bust-and-run).

Again Hirayabu is careful with Tamura, and he walks him too.

But now it's manrui for Houjyou, who also hit a homerun, and there's nowhere to put him.

Houjyou with a drive to center, but it's off the end of his bat, and Niiro camps under it (still near the wall!) for the 3rd out.  Hirayabu works out of the pinch and can breath a slight sigh of relief for next inning.

Bottom 4th
One down and Tanaka draws a 4-pitch walk.  But Koga hits one right to Jyouma who goes to 1st and doubles off Tanaka to end the inning!

Top 5th
After Hirayabu strikes out Takeda, Oosugi singles to left on the next pitch.  Jyouma standing in, gets hit in the back by a Hirayabu fastball.

Runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 down, and Kimura takes another uppercut hack that results in a fly to right.

Kanazawa swinging all over the place, chases a slider in the dirt for strike 3.

Bottom 5th
Kanazawa unable to find the plate against Kakizawa and gives him the leadoff walk.  Hirayabu then hits a chopper up the middle right in-between Jyouma and Houjyou.  Nagao lays down a successful bunt, and now a base hit can score 2!

Nakazono with a grounder to 3rd.  Oosugi with it, throws home!

Ball bounces out of Tamura's glove and Kakizawa slides in safely!  Tamura just didn't close the glove on that one and Kamimura Gakuen is on the board!  5-1!

Hit-and-run for Kamimura!  But Nakano pops it up!  Houjyou under it for the the 2nd out.

Kanazawa freezes Nikou on a slow curve and the side is retired.  Kamimura Gakuen gets one back right before the break, but still find themselves down by a good margin.

Top 6th
It's obvious now that Hirayabu and Kamimura are pitching out the HR hitters.

Ameku decides to swing away anyways and grounds to 2nd.

After hard-hit groundout to 1st by Sekiguchi, Tamura walks on 4 straiight.  Houjyou too draws a 5-pitch walk.

They're going to make #5 batter Takeda beat them.

He hits a ball right at Nagao, who flips to Tanaka for the out.

Bottom 6th
Niiro stars the 6th with a liner back up the middle.

Now Kanazawa on a pickoff throw throws it away!  Niiro advances to 2nd, and that gets Nakai-kantoku to call time.  For Kousei, this is no time to be complacent.  They may not score any more runs as they're walking their big hitters.

But the home plate umpire calls Tanaka on a swing and he's down on strikes (I don't get what they call as "going around" as some of the check swings that are called for strikes look like they held up).

Koga with a chopper back up the middle!  It's off Kanazawa's glove and deflects to short!  But Houjyou was headed for the center and has to redirect!  By the time he gets to the ball, he has no play!

Bad luck for Kousei turns into a run as Kakizawa hit a fly to left!  Sekiguchi easily there, but it's deep enough to score Niiro to make it 5-2!

2 down for Hirayabu, and Kanazawa is struggling with the zone, he falls behind Hirayabu and walks him!

Situation now for Kousei as this could become an issue.  Yamamoto-kantoku passes a message to Nagao as #10 Itou warms up for Kousei.

Nagao fouls two pitches and is quickly behind.

Reaches down and pokes one to the right side!  Jyouma dives, but can't get to it!  Koga scores on the single and it's now 5-3!!

Only now does Nakai-kantoku make the pitching change.  He sends in Jyouma to take the hill while #14 Kishigawa comes in for Kanazawa to play 2nd.

Jyouma comes in with 2 down and runners at the corners.  Nakazono drives a ball to center, but it's not deep enough!  Kimura there with the catch and the side is retired!  But what was a comfortable 5-1 lead, has become a hand-wringing 2-run lead!  And with 3 innings to go, they cannot be giving up runs every inning.

Top 7th
Especially since the Kamimura side has decided to take the bat away from their 3 best hitters.

Oosugi slices down a ball deep down the left field line fair.  He slides into 2nd, but notices too late the throw was wild.

Jyouma with a grounder to short, Tanaka misses it!  He whiffs on the ball and now Oosugi is being waved around!  Throw from Murase not in time!  Nakano goes to 2nd to try and cut down Jyouma, but the throw is way high!  Jyouma advances to 3rd on the 2nd error!  6-3 on the error!

Wild pitch from Hirayabu!  It goes away from Nakano and Jyouma comes in to score!  3 straight errors by the Kamimura defense/battery and just like that Kamimura has given back those 2 runs they just scored.  7-3!

Hirayabu aftewards has no trouble retiring Kimura and new 2B Kishigawa.  But back atop the lineup Ameku singles to left for his 3rd hit on the day.

And another way too high pitch from Hirayabu sends Ameku to 2nd.

Sekiguchi with a carbon copy single to left, and Ameku is waved home!

Boy, that's going to end bad...

And it predictably does as Ameku is easily thrown out at home for the 3rd out.

There is not so smart bunting and baserunning on Kousei's part here in this game.  Not smart at all...

Bottom 7th
Nakano trying to re-start the Kamimura offense with a single to center.

Nikou with a drive to right!  Ameku running back, running, jumps.. and makes the catch!  Nakano has to go back on the catch!

Niiro with a slow chopper to the right side.  Kishigawa charging tries to make the tag on Nakano, but can't, so he has to toss to 2nd for the out.

Jyouma having problems with Tanaka, but Tamura throws to 3rd on a ball in the dirt?

AH!  Niiro was going on the wild pitch, but froze when he realized it wasn't far enough!  He's run down 2-5-4-1-6 (I think) for the 3rd out!

Top 8th
And as expected Tamura walks for the 4th time (don't be surprised if Kousei's next opponent does this).

So Tamura takes off for 2nd, and Nakano's throw is high!  He takes 2nd!

They still pitch to Houjyou for some reason, and he slices one down the left field line for an easy double, scoring Tamura and making it 8-3.

With a runner on, Takeda can do something... bunt.  And so he does.

Oosugi with his 4th hit on the day!  He singles to center scoring Houjyou to make it 9-3.

That'll be it for Hirayabu as he and Kakizawa switch places once again.

On the first pitch, Oosugi takes off for 2nd, and gets no throw.

But Kakizawa gets Jyouma to fly out to center, and Kimura to go down swinging to retire the side.

Bottom 8th
Two quick outs for Kamimura before Kakizawa singles past Kishigawa.  Hirayabu hits one up the middle, but Houjyou makes a great grab behind 2nd, and throws to 1st for the 3rd out!!

Top 9th
One down, and Ameku hits a grounder to 2nd.  It takes a very high hop, but Nagao makes a quick leap and snocones it.  Throws to 1st for the second out.

I looked up after typing and saw 4 straight balls, but it wasn't Tamura, it was the in-between batter Sekiguchi!

They finally pitch to Tamura, and he lines out to Koga without him having to move.  So he's finally retired, and so is the side.

Bottom 9th
So it's the last chance now for Kamimura.

Nagao after hitting one just foul, he hits a no doubter to center for a leadoff single.

Nakai-kantoku calls for a quick conference.

Nakazono goes down swinging for the first out.

Nakano tries to keep the inning going with a base hit past Kishigawa the opposite way.

And now a snap throw by Tamura trickles past Takeda and Nagao goes to 3rd.  Why are you even throwing it to 1st when that run doesn't matter??

Now Nikou with a copy of Nakano's single and Nagao scores to make it 9-4!

Niiro with a short grounder to 2nd!  Kishigawa charging in fields it and collides with Nikou!  Kishigawa holds onto the ball for the out, but that was pretty hard.

2 down now for Kamimura as Tanaka steps in.

Comebacker up the middle!  Jyouma kick-saves it!  It deflects right to Oosugi who throws to 1st for the 3rd out!

A bizzare play to ends a game that was bizarre in it's own right.  3 early HR's from a team not known for one.  Subsequent shutdown of the offense by basically pitching around those batters, a possible comeback when the ace quickly tires, only to see that lead expand back when they lose all sense of fielding.  And then the final out.

Kamimura was certainly in shock after that first inning and had to find a way to regroup.  But the deficit was just too much for them to come back from.  They're eliminiated, but there's more promise in this team each year we see them, I think,

For Kousei Gakuin, they've cleared the first part where they could have tripped themselves up, and now will need to play for their lives starting in the Best 8.


Notable Players
Tamura Tatsuhiro (Kousei Gakuin) - 1-2, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 4 BB
Houjyou Fumiya (Kousei Gakuin) -2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Ameku Shouto (Kousei Gakuin) -3-5, HR, R, RBI, BB
Oosugi Akinobu (Kousei Gakuin) - 4-5, 2B, R, RBI
Nagao Ryou (Kamimura Gakuen) - 2-3, R, RBI
Kakizawa Ryou (Kamimura Gakuen) - 2-2, R, RBI, BB

We're full into the 2nd round of games (Kousei Gakuin-Yuugakukan was the first), and we're now into the teams that get one less game to win the title - but trade it off with a bit shorter schedule and recovery time.

So our first game of the day are between two regulars at Koushien now. - Chiben Wakayama and Kamimura Gakuen.

Chiben Wakayama's story is more of the usual... kind of.

You see, they've now represented Wakayama now for the 8th straight year, and since 2000 have only missed Koushien in 2001 and 2004.  That's domination that almost rivals that of Tenri and Chiben Gakuen in Nara.

But if you look at their Koushien results since 2000, it's actually gone downhill.  In 2000 & 2002 they reached the finals.  From 2003 to 2008, they for the most part reached the Best 8 and Best 4.  But since 2009, they have not been able to progress reach the Best 8.

Is that because of better competition from other prefectures?  Is it perhaps the loss of managing skills by Takashima-kantoku?  Is it the loss of talent to other schools or perhaps other prefectures?

It's hard to say really.  But what is obvious is that their foothold in the prefecture is slipping.

In 3 of their 5 games, they were at risk of losing.  1st round against Tanabe, they did 1-hit them, but only won 2-0.  In their next game they trailed Minabe 4-3, but rallied for 2 to win the game.  And in the final against Naga, they had to go 14 innings to win the title by the score of 4-2.

The team batted just 0.263 in their 5 games (0.250 in the last 2).  That really isn't that good at all.

The good news is that the pitching staff does average a K/IP.  Though again, given it's still against a Wakayama field that is still catching up, it's may not be surprising.  Takashima-kantoku relies on a pitching staff to carry the team.  Not just ace Oojino, #10 Doi, #11 Yoshikawa and to a lesser extent #13 Hara.

Opposing Chiben Wakayama is Kamimura Gakuen.  They appeared in recent years as evidenced by the fact that all 3 Natsu appearances have happened since 2007 - and all combined appearances have happened since 2005.

They were challenged twice during their run, a 2-0 won over Ei, and a 6-3 win over Kagoshima Kougyou in the quarterfinals.  Offensively, they batted 0.368 in the prefecturals (0.382 in their last 3 games).

On the mound, Yamamoto-kantoku uses a tandem of ace Kakizawa and reliever (and LF) Hirayabu.  However Hirayabu is only good for about 2 innings per game, so it's not a true timeshare.  Neither are really strikeout pitchers, so the defense will need to be above par.

Chiben Wakayama's domination shouldn't be underestimated.  However, it's possible that the dominance may be coming to an end, and sooner rather than later.  Will Kamimura Gakuen send them home?  Hard to say.  Chiben's pitching staff may limit Kamimura Gakuen's offense, but their own offense may prevent them from scoring themselves.  It may be a close game.


Kamimura Gakuen (Kagoshima)
CF Niiro
SS Tanaka
RF Koga
P Kakizawa
LF Matsuki (#17)
2B Nagao
3B Nakazono
C Nakano
1B Nikou

Chiben Wakayama (Wakayama)
CF Numakura
2B Sakamoto
3B Ookura
SS Shima
P Yoshikawa (#11)
LF Takagaki
RF Amano
1B Noyama
C Kawasaki

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8:00 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
One down and Tanaka singles past a diving Tanaka into center.  Koga grounds to 3rd, but avoids the double play.  Kakizawa though looks at a fastball for strike 3 to end the inning.

Bottom 1st
Numakura with a hard it to center.  Niiro ranging to his left, makes a spectacular diving catch!

Sakamoto though continues the hard hitting with a solid base hit up the middle.

Ookura with a hard grounder to 1st, and it's off Nikou and defects towards 2nd!  Nagao retrieves it, but the glove toss is too late!

Trouble for Kamimura early!

Shima though grounds to 1st.  Nikou tries for the 3-6-3 double play, but they can't turn the back end.

Now things get as bad as it can get as Yoshikawa works a walk to load the bases!

But Takagaki chases a slider away for strike 3 and the inning is over!

Top 2nd
Matsuki becomes Yoshikawa's 3rd K victim as he goes down swinging.

Kamimura's batters are really working the count on Yoshikawa.  Nagao goes full against him, and hits a line to left!  Takagaki running back, but it's over his head!  He runs it down as it goes to the wall, but Nagao's in with a triple!

Nakazono too works the count a little to 2-1, but pops out to Noyama for the 2nd out.

That leaves it to catcher Nakano.

He goes ahead 3-0, but Yoshikawa fills up the count.  Chopper to 3rd, Ookura goes to tag Nagao, but he misses and the umpire calls safe!  Nagao isn't called for going too wide off the baseline!

Wow.  Will that cost them?

YES!!

#9 batter Nikou drives a hanging change to left!  Takagaki back, going back...

It's off the wall!  Nagao scores, Nakano from 1st being waved around 3rd and he scores!  2 out, 2-RBI double for Nikou gives Kamimura Gakuen the 2-0 lead!

Back to the top of the order and Niiro, he tries to sell a HBP, but the home plate umpire isn't buying it as he didn't move.

However, Yoshikawa walks him on 4 straight and now there's runners at 1st and 2nd for Tanaka who hit a sharp single in the 1st.

Tanaka though lines out to right, and the inning is over.  But a bad decision for what would have been the 3rd out costs Chiben Wakayama a pair of runs!

Bottom 2nd
Amano slices one past a diving Tanaka into center for a leadoff single.  Noyama swinging away grounds to short but Tanaka has no one at 2nd, so he makes the play at first.

After a flyout, Kakizawa throws a wild pitch allowing Amano to advance to 3rd.

But Numakura hits an easy grounder to 1st and the side is retired.

Top 3rd
So for the info on Yoshikawa.  He a southpaw throws in the upper 130s and has a slider (high 120s), curve (110s) and forkball (low 120s).

After a quick out by Koga, Kakizawa works the count full, but strikes out again, this time swinging on a slider in the dirt.

Matsuki goes down on a slider to strike out for his 2nd time and Yoshikawa seems to have settled down.

Bottom 3rd
Kakizawa for throwing mid 140's doesn't generate a lot of Ks.  He uses his variety of offspeed pitches (cutter, slider, curve, sinker and change) to get his outs.  If you're watching, don't even ask me to try and figure out which pitch is which.

After a routine grounder to Nagao, Ookura hits one back up the middle on the 2nd base side.  Nagao makes a great sliding stop, pop and throw to retire Ookura.

Shima goes down swinging on a sinker down and away for Kakizawa's 2nd out and first 1-2-3 inning.

Top 4th
Nagao becomes Yoshizawa's 6th K swinging on a slider down and away.

Nakano with the team's 4th hit a solid single past Shima to center.

With 1 down, the graphic comes up on bunting for Kamimura Gakuen.

They don't.

Seriously, no sac bunts.  A #5 batter once attempted one but apparently missed.  Or maybe feinted one and got called at offering.

And so Nakazono on a hit-and-run flies out to right. 2 down.

Nikou with his 2nd base hit!  He gets around on an inside pitch and singles to left!  Runners on 1st and 2nd!

AH!  Now Niiro is hit by Yoshizawa!  Manrui for Kamimura and Tanaka!

Yoshikawa gets ahead 0-2 though, and looks to get out of the pinch.  But he steps off twice, odd.

0-2 pitch is your traditional waste pitch, not even close.  Next one is buried away.

Tanaka reaches down and hits one to the right side!  That's past Noyama into right!  Nakano scores!  Amano up with the throw as they send Nikou... and he's thrown out with relative ease.  Not sure why you'd press there especially on a short ball like that one, but Kamimura Gakuen does extend their lead to 3-0.

Bottom 4th
Yoshizawa gets on for the 2nd time without the benefit of a hit.  He's hit in the foot.

Takagaki with the grounder up the middle, Nagao there for the AH!!!!!!!!

The ball takes a bad hop and gets past Nagao to center!  Yoshizawa advances to 3rd!  Nagao probably would've had it anyways if he hadn't been setting himself up for the double play!

Yamamoto-kantoku calls for time.

Amano with a drive to left!  Matsuki turns out and runs back!  Still running!  It's over his head and to the wall!  Yoshikawa scores!  Takagaki from 1st is waved around!  Throw home... not in time!  The HBP and error cost then a pair of runs, Amano narrows the deficit to 3-2!

Noyama not bunting with one down, grounds out to short and is unable to advance the runner.  Kawasaki does with his grounder to 2nd, but there's now 2 outs.

Numakura hits a hard liner, but right at Niiro for the 3rd out.  Still Chiben Wakayama has pulled to within 1.

Top 5th
Koga with a single to left-center.  Wait!  He's running through to 2nd!  Numakura fires the ball in and he's SAFE!!

The throw looks like it beat him, but either he slid around the tag or it wasn't made fast enough!

Kakizawa moves the runner along with a grounder to 2nd.

And playing a lefty/righty matchup or just replacing Matuski, Yamamoto-kantoku sends in #7 Hirayabu to hit.  But he hits it straight to Sakamoto who checks the run before going to 1st.  2 down now for Nagao.

He draws a walk, and so there's runners at the corners with Nakazono up next.  But flies out to 2nd and the threat is gone.

Bottom 5th
Hirayabu stays in and goes to LF.

Quick out for Kakizawa as Sakamoto flies out to left.

Ookura with a dive to left!  Hirayabu running back towards the foul pole...  makes the running catch at the fence for the 2nd out!  Nice play!

Shima flies out to right and we hit the break with Kamimura Gakuen leading Chiben Wakayama 3-2!  Yoshizawa has settled down after the 2nd inning and has 6 K's.  Kakizawa has pitched very well, but an error leads to a pair of unearned runs.

Top 6th
Nakano swings at a fastball letter high and way away for Yoshikawa's 7th K.

Two down, and Yoshikawa issues his 2nd walk to Niiro.

Yamamoto-kantoku goes for the hit-and-run, but Tanaka hits a ball back up the middle where Shima is waiting and tags 2nd for the out.

Bottom 6th
Hirayabu now goes to the mound as Kakizawa goes to left.

And he does a great job in his first inning of relief, inducing 3 groundouts for a 1-2-3 inning.

Top 7th
One down, and Kakizawa slices a ball past a diving Shima into left.

Hirayabu up and they do the hit-and-run!

But Hirayabu swings and misses for the K!  Kawasaki throws to 2nd and they get Kakizawa for the strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play!

Bottom 7th
Noyama hits a grounder to short, Tanaka makes a great backhand on the ball, and he makes a strong throw to 1st for the out!

Kawasaki with a base hit to center and Chiben has their first runner since the 4th.  Back to the top of the order and Numakura.

Grounder to short!  Tanaka starts the 6-4-3 double play and they're out of the inning.

Top 8th
#12 Nakatani is in the game now for Takagaki in left.

Well, Yoshizawa is keeping his team in the game, not letting a ball leave the infield in a 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 8th
#14 Nakanishi to hit for Sakamoto and he pops out to Nagao.

Ookura draws a walk and the douten run is in scoring position.

But Shima hits a grounder to short!  Tanaka starts the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and Chiben Wakayama has just 1 inning left!

Top 9th
Crap, there's defensive changes all over the place and the broadcast did a non-existent job of saying any of them.

Ok, got it:

• PH Nakanishi stays in and plays 2B.
•  #15 Ikezoe comes in for Numakura and goes to RF.
• Amano goes from RF to CF.
•  #1 Oojino comes in for Yoshikawa and takes the hill.

Anyways, Nikou draws a 4-pitch walk, and for the first time Kamimura Gakuen does a bunt for the first time and succeeds!

Uh oh, now Oojino hits Tanaka.  He's creating his own pinch.

Wild pitch from Oojino!  Nikou goes to 3rd!  And on the next pitch Tanaka steals 2nd wih no throw!

Now a base hit can put the game almost out of reach!

Koga with a chopper in front of the plate!  Oojino with the ball, throws to 1st, and hits Koga!  Everyone's safe!!

No, wait.  Koga is called out for not getting out of the throwing lane.  2 down.

Kakizawa work the count full for the 2nd time and draws a walk.  Manrui for Kamimura!

But Hirayabu hits a fly to center!  Amano there for the catch and Kamimura is denied a run!

Bottom 9th
Down to their last 3 outs, is there a rally in them?

#16 Yamaguchi to hit fo Oojino.  But he first pitch flies out to center.

Nakatani in for his first AB and he grounds out to 2nd.

Last chance for Chiben Wakayama, but Amano grounds to 2nd!  Nagao with it, throws to 1st, and Kamimura Gakuen advances!

As expected, it was a close game with Kamimura's offense for the most part slowed down by Yoshizawa, but not completely stopped.  And while some help from the defense allowed Chiben to make it close, they couldn't get the douten run across.

So Chiben Wakayama's summer ends in the first round, and the slide at Koushien continues.  For Kamimura Gakuen, their drive for respectability will continue as they must face runner-ups Kousei Gakuin for a spot in the Best 8.  The pitching staff was not challenged by the Chiben batters, so it'll be intersting to see how Kousei's offense fares.  As for their offense, the certainly had some solid hits, but Yoshikawa was effectively wild, striking out and walking his fair share of batters.  Jyouma and Kanazawa will not be that way.


Notable Players
Kakizawa Takahiro (Kamimura Gakuen) - W, 5 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 K, 2 BB
Hirayabu Jyunichirou (Kamimura Gakuen) - SV, 4 IP, 0 ER, H, BB
Nikou Takuma (Kamimura Gakuen) - 2-3, 2 RBI, BB
Tanaka Koudai (Kamimura Gakuen) -2-4, RBI, HBP
Yoshikawa Yuudai (Chiben Wakayama) - L, 8 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 8 K, 4 BB
Amano Yashuhiro (Chiben Wakayama) - 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI

We're quickly going through the 2nd round games on our way to the best 8.  First up today will be two teams who had little trouble moving on.  For the most part.

Kamimura Gakuen had the fortunate draw of playing 21st century team Ishinomaki Kougyou.  Well, that ws the thinking anyways.  But when mental lapses and unseen forces (it seems) suddenly gave Ishinomaki Kougyou the lead, Kamimura Gakuen found a way to answer immediately.

Sure, an Ishinomaki win could lift the town's spirits and inspire people, but Kamimura Gakuen is competing for a title like everyone else.

Takasaki Kenkoudai Fukushi would seem to be in a bit of a close game against Tenri, but the actual game was anything but.  Despite Tenri taking the lead shortly in the 5th, Kendai dominated the game from start to finish, creating more opportunities and holding Tenri's offense at bay.  Their batters tend to work counts, and steal as many bases as the opponents will let them.

Should make for one interesting game!


CF  Takeuchi Tsukasa
2B  Nakayama Keita
C  Nagasaka Kenya
3B  Uchida Ryouta
1B  Oosawa Yoshiyuki
RF  Kanbe Kazuki
LF  Kobayashi Ryuutarou
SS  Akiyama Kousuke
P  Miki Keita

CF  Niiro Shinya
2B  Tanaka Koudai
P  Hirayabu Jyunichirou
RF  Koga Iori
1B  Ootsubo Naoki
LF  Seguchi Takuya (#11)
3B  Nakazono Fumitaka
C  Nakano Daisuke
SS  Nikou Takuma

__________________________________________________

09:00 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Some clouds overhead, but a small percentage chance of rain.  Shouldn't be a problem today *crosses fingers*


Takeuchi draws a leadof walk.  I'm expecting him to try and steal 2nd.

Instead it's a hit-and-run!  Nakayama hits it right where Nikou vacated on the hit-and-run!  Takeuchi takes 3rd and it's an early pinch for the Kyushu champs!

Nagasaka makes it 3 straight runners on safely!  He lines a ball to left and Kendai is quickly up 1-0!

It's actually cleanup batter Uchida who puts down a bunt to advance the runners!

And Oosawa with an unintentional swinging bunt gets Nakayama home!  It's 2-0 Kendai!

Kanbe flies out to Koga to end the inning, but Kendai is sprinting out of the gates!

Bottom 1st
Hirayabu denies Miki a 1-2-3 inning as he singles through the right side.  But Koga is ahead of the change and grounds out to 1st to end the inning.

Top 2nd
Better start to the 2nd as Kobayashi hits a routine grounder to 1st.  Hirayabu then gets Akiyama to chase a ball outside and ground to 2nd.

Miki chases another slider outside and Hirayabu retires the bottom of the order

Bottom 2nd
Again, Miki does not get his 1-2-3 inning, this time because he walks Nakazono on 4 straight with 2 down.

Nakano flies out to center though, and it's another stressless inning for Miki

Top 3rd
Cruel Angel's Thesis starts playing as Takeuchi steps in.  Gets ahead 3-1, and eventually works his 2nd walk on a ball just outside!

And there goes Takeuchi!  The throw from Nakano isn't in time!

Nakayama grounds to short, but Nikou as a play at 3rd!  Takeuchi is run down, but Nakayama takes 2nd, so no loss in the end.

Another hit-and-run from Aoyagi-kantoku!  Nagasaka grounds out to short, but Nakayama advances.  Uchida though lines out to shot and the inning is over.

Bottom 3rd
Miki continues to take care of business on the mound.  Despite giving up a 2-out single to Tanaka, Nagasaka guns him down trying to steal 2nd and that's that.

Top 4th
One down and Kendai gets another man on!  Kanbe singles down the right field line!  Nakano can't block a pitch effectively and Kanbe takes 2nd!

And it's another hit-and-run!  Kobayashi bails his swing and pops it up!  Nakazono makes the catch right next to the camera well and there's 2 down.

But on the next pitch, he hits Akiyama.  That brings up Miki, and regardless of the result, we're back to the top of the order again.

Hirayabu gets Miki looking on a full count fastball outside for the 3rd out.

Bottom 4th
Uchida with a great diving snag on a Hirayabu grounder for the first out!

Takeuchi works his 3rd walk of the game!  And he takes off for 2nd again!  But this time, Nakano pops up and guns him down!

But Nakayama gets a runner back on with another walk.  Nakayama takes off for 2nd, and he's in safely!

And now taking off for 3rd?!!!  Nagasaka fouls it off.  Wow, they are trying to run laps around Kamimura!

Wild pitch from Hirayabu and you know Nakayama is taking 3rd.

Hirayabu strikes out Nagasaka, but it's in the dirt!  Throw to 1st, and Nakayama is going home!  Ootsubo goes home, and they get Nakayama!  But Nagasaka wasn't retired at 1st and he's on base.

Yamamoto-kantoku makes a change, bringing in #7 Kakizawa for Seguchi and taking the hill.  Hirayabu goes to left.

And now Nagasaka goes for 2nd and is in safely!

Kakizawa finally ends the insanity by getting Uchida to pop out to 2nd.  It was close though as Uchida and Koga bumped into each other there.

But man do the Kendai runners put pressure on the bases.

Bottom 5th
Kakizawa in now and he's hit on his right hand (his throwing hand).  He's taken out for an injury runner (Ootsubo) so his hand can be looked at.

It's not pretty, but Nakazono lays down the bunt to advance Ootsubo to 2nd.

Oosawa makes a fine diving stop at 1st on a hard Nakano grounder and flips to Miki for the 2nd out.  Ootsubo advances to 3rd.

Nikou goes down and loops one to left!  Akiyama leaps, but can't get it!  Ootsubo scores and it's a 2-1 ballgame!  And now a wild pitch from Miki sends him to 2nd!

The problems continue has he falls behind, then walks Niiro on 4 straight.

Tanaka with a chopper up the middle, Nakayama charges in makes a great pick and throw to retire the side.  But right before the break Kamimura Gakuen gets a run back!

Top 6th
Looks like the break was a good time for Kakizawa and his hand because he looks fine on the mound.  Before I can get settled down pos-break, he's retired the side in order!

Bottom 6th
Miki still retiring batters, but I can't tell if his control is off or they're trying to trick the batters, because Nagasaka starts in one place then shifts to another before the pitch is thrown.

Either way, he retires the heart of the Kamimura order in order.

Top 7th
Nikou with a great snag of a ball up the middle and running throw to retire Akiyama. Miki flies out to center, and Kakizawa finally does what Hirayabu was unable to do - retire top batter Takeuchi.

Bottom 7th
Kakizawa becomes Miki's 5th K on a slider away in the dirt.  And Nakazona and Nakano both ground out to 3rd and as quickly as Kendai's lucky 7 came and gone, so did Kamimura's.

Top 8th
Kakizawa had continued to cruise along with 2 outs in the 8th, but Uchida lines a ball to left and that's the first hit off the reliever.

Oosawa gets under the first pitch from Kakizawa and Koga takes it for the out.

Bottom 8th
But Kamimura still find themselves down by 1 with just 2 innings left to go.

Nikou just gets enough on a ball to hit it to left center.  Leadoff batter on as Aoyagi-kantoku calls for time!

#18 Shimoda quickly being sent out to the bullpen to warm up. Top of the order and Niiro up for Kamimura.

And Nagasaka picks off Nikou!    He takes a big lead, but can't get back on the pitch-out snap throw from Nagasaka!  What a time for a baserunning mistake!

Niiro goes down swinging, and Tanaka immediately flies out to center!  From a douten opportunity to a 1-2-3 inning, Kamimura will be down to their final 3 outs!

Top 9th
Kanbe with a chopper to the left side.  Nakazono picks it but his throw is high and goes into the camera well!  Kanbe takes 2nd on the error.  #13 Saitou goes to take the place of Kanbe.

Time is called by Yamamoto-kantoku.

Bunt by Kobayashi, and Nakano goes for 3rd!  But he has no chance there and now everyone's safe!

Yamamoto-kantoku calls for time again.  And they're going to intentionally walks Akiyama to get to Miki.  This creates a play at home, but there's no out and nowhere to put Miki!

And now Kakizawa falls behind 2-0!

Miki gets the green light, but grounds to 2nd!  Tanaka goes home and they get the force!

Takeuchi up, and he's swings and fouls off the first pitch!  Someone should be telling him that a walk = a run, but he swings and falls behind 1-2.

He swings and hits a fly to left!  Hirayabu is under it, makes the catch, but Kobayashi doesn't go!  The throw is short and rolls on the ground, but it's surprising that they didn't send the runner!  2 down, and Nakayama steps in.

He too swings away on the first and second pitches to fall behind 0-2.

Kakizawa thinks he has strike 3, but the plate umpire says no dice!  Ball outside and it's 2-2.  Kakizawa thinks he has it again on the outside corner, but the plate umpire shakes him off again!  Full count and the runners will take off!

Fouled away!

And he hits him!  Kakizawa hits him and Kobayashi scores to make it 3-1!  I'm sure they're thinking about those two pitches they didn't get calls on, but they appeared to be borderline at best.

Nagasaka flies out to right again to end the inning, but Kendai has plated that all-important insurance run!

Bottom 9th
And so Kamimura Gakuen will have to score 2 runs to extend the game, 3 to win.

#14 Kouno comes in for PH Saitou and goes to RF.

It's the heart of the order for Kamimura Gakuen.  If they can't get this done, they'll never have done it.

Miki gets ahead 2-2 and Hirayabu battles, fouling off 2 pitches before Miki freezes him on a change right down the middle.

Koga hits a foul fly!  Oosawa flanking the camera well makes the catch for the 2nd out!  Ootsubo the last chance!

And it's a comebacker to Miki!  He throws to 1st and Takasaki Kenkoudai Fukushi wins!

Interestingly, for some reason while this is still Koushien (just Haru instead of Natsu), most times teams aren't heartbroken at the end.  This time though Kakizawa is seen being a bit choked up.  He still has a chance at the summer though, so all home isn't lost.

Kendai's continued pressure on the bases finally got to Kamimura Gakuen early and often and rarely ever let the battery rest.  Meanwhile Miki's ability to challenge hitters kept Kamimura off guard for the majority of the game.  If they can continue to get baserunners and put pressure on teams, they may be a one to consider now for the title!

Rounding out Day 2 showcases the last 21st century team, Ishinomaki Kougyou, who was awarded the bid in part due to the Higashi-Nihon Daishinsai last year.  Unfortunately, much like Memambetsu, they're facing a team from the Kyushu region - and this time it's the champions Kamimura Gakuen.

And that doesn't bode well for them at all...

Ishinomaki Kougyou had the unfortunate fate of facing Natsu Koushien runner-up and Meiji Jingu champion Kousei Gakuin in the Tohoku Super-Regional and was mercy-ruled 8-1.

The team is probably the type of 21st century team that Nonomura-kantoku (now back coaching at Kaisei) was referring to when he railed (incorrectly) on Rifu.  There is very little about the team that suggests they can make a run - the pitching is to contact, the batting is decent but appears to be devoid of big power.

Kamimura Gakuen won the Kyushu Super-Regional, but something seems a bit suspect about them, despite some of the ratings they've been given by magazines and the like.

The biggest thing that stands out is that their BA during the tournament was rather low for a championship squad, yet they put out decent power numbers - 50 XBH in 135 hits for a 0.144 ISO, which is almost equivalent to a double every other hit. So they don't necessarily make a lot of contact, but when they do it can go for extra bases.

Kamimura's strength lies with their ace, Hirayabu Jyunichirou.  He averaged less than 1 H+BB per inning while striking out 1 batter an inning.  He depends on his control and mix of pitches to fool batters as his fastball only tops out in the mid-high 130's.  Hirayabu will have to keep that control at  a high level if Kamimura is to challenge for the title.

Chances are Kamimura Gakuen will move on to the next round.  However how they do going forward will be more of an issue.

CF  Niiro Shinya
2B  Tanaka Koudai
P  Hirayabu Jyunichirou
RF  Koga Iori
1B  Ootsubo Naoki
LF  Seguchi Takuya (#11)
3B  Nakazono Fumitaka
C  Nakano Daisuke
SS  Nikou Takuma

SS  Okutsu Yousuke
LF  Saitou Hiroaki
C  Abe Shouto
P  Miura Takumi
RF  Kihara Kouhei
1B  Endou Yamato (#13)
2B  Abe Katsuki
CF  Ise Chihiro
3B  Kimura Ryouya

__________________________________________________

14:00 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
First ball from Miura hits Niiro, second pitch Niiro steals 2nd and it begins...

Tanaka gets under a ball and pops out to left for the first out.

Hirayabu hits a ball back up the middle.  Okutsu ranges over, and the ball goes off his glove and deflects into center!  Niiro scores easily on the error and immediately Kamimura is up 1-0!

Miura limits the damage done as he gets Koga and Ootsubo to fly out to end the inning, but Ishinomaki will play from behind.

Bottom 1st
Hirayabu retires the first two batters for Ishiko before Shouto takes the first ball and drops it into left-center.

That brings up cleanup batter (and ace) Miura, who is the team's only power hitter really.  Hirayabu is particularly careful with him given that, much like Ootani for Hanamaki Higashi, he's the only one that could really hurt them.

But Hirayabu gets Miura to wave at a slider away letter high and the inning is over.

Top 2nd
Miura gets himself into trouble again as he gives the leadoff batter in the inning a free pass.  Yamamoto-kantoku goes for the quick run with the sac bunt.

This time around Nakano earns a base hit instead of the error, but the result is the same.  Seguchi comes home, and Shouto being in front of the plate instead of on it wastes too much time reaching for the tag.  2-0.

And much like the 1st, Miura retires the next 2 batters.  New inning, same story.

Bottom 2nd
Meanwhile, the Ishinomaki batters are having trouble recognizing pitches.  Kihara and Endou both strike out on pitches outside the zone.  And while Katsuki makes contact, it's right at 1st.  While Tanaka can't field it cleanly, it bounces back to Hirayabu who tosses it back for the third out.

Top 3rd
Kamimura Gakuen gets their 3rd leadoff runner on as Tanaka hits a ball to left center.  Saitou gets to the ball, but Tanaka is heading for 2nd!  He throws it in, but it's strangely cut off as Tanaka slides in safely!

But Tanaka returns the favor!  He's caught off 2nd and Shouto guns him down as he scurries back!

Still, the troubles remain for Miura.  He walks Hirayabu to put a runner back on base, then they take advantage of Shouto's reaction time and he steals 2nd.

And on the 7th pitch of the AB, Miura's slider inside is just too much in and they're back in a mess.

After 2 balls, Shouto goes out to talk with Miura.

Miura isn't a terrible pitcher.  He throws in the low-mid 130's with a slider in the 110's.  His control isn't bad, but the pitches get too much of the plate.

However, finally Miura gets out of a jam as Ootsubo grounds into a 4-6-3 inning ending double play!

Bottom 3rd
Hirayabu continues to feel no stress on the mound.  Ise and Kimura both ground out, and Okutsu can't get around an inside slider and strikes out.

Hirayabu isn't much different from Miura.  A lefty, he throws a fastball in the high 120's-low 130's, with a slider in the low 120's and a curve in the 100's.

Top 4th
Seguchi gives Kamimura their 4th leadoff batter with a seeing-eye single through the left side.  Nakazono executes his 2nd bunt.

Ishinomaki does itself no favors in this game.  Routine grounder to 2nd is thrown wide left of 1st.  Endou snags it but has to vacate the bag.

Kamimura continues to run on Ishinomaki and they're not contesting them anymore (well, maybe not with a runner at 3rd).  Nikou then singles to center and again the throw is cutoff seemingly unnecessarily.  2 runs score and they're back to a run per inning pace.

Niiro tries to improve on that with a base hit to left.  Saitou throws it in, Kimura relays it home, and this time they do have him!  2 out!

To top it off, Miura records his first K on Tanaka and they keep it limited to a run/inning.

Bottom 4th
Just when I tell Jason Coskrey of the Japan Times that the chances of an Ishinomaki comeback are low, Saitou hits a ball to right center.  With the outfield drawn WAY in, it goes all the way to the wall!  Saitou's in with a triple!

And now Shouto lines the first pitch to center!  Saitou scores and it's 4-1!

Miura's hit by Hirayabu!  The inning continues!  But it looks like Miura's going out to work on his hand.

Kihara tries to lay down the bunt, but Hirayabu is able to get the lead runner at 3rd.  One down.

Endou with a grounder to 3rd,  Nakazono falls down and the ball glances off his glove and it deflects behind Nikou covering!  All safe!  Manrui for Ishinomaki!

And Katsuki gets in on the act!  He lines one back up the middle and Saitou (running for Miura), scores!  It's 4-2!

Ise hits a grounder to short.  Nikou is there...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ball goes under Nikou's glove and into left center!  Not only that, it gets between the outfielders and they have to chase it down!  ALL THREE RUNNERS SCORE ON THE ERROR!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????!!!!!

THAT MEANS THAT ISHINOMAKI KOUGYOU HAS TAKEN THE FREAKING LEAD! IT'S 5-4!!!!!!

Kimura though can't keep the momentum going as he strikes out swinging.

But Okutsu singles through the left side!  THEY'RE SENDING ISE HOME WHY???????


Seguchi comes up throwing and Ise is out by a good margin to end the inning... WHY THE HECK DID YOU SEND HIM HOME??????

Nevertheless, in the most WTF inning I've seen in a while, Ishinomaki Kougyou scores the gyakuten run and leads over the Kyushu champions!!

Top 5th
Miura throws a couple of pitches and seems fine to go.

Hirayabu though starts work on getting that run back with a single to right.  No bunt from Koga?  He hits a chopper to 2nd and they get the lead runner.

But then Miura can't seem to find the plate.  He walks Ootsubo on 4 straight.

A fly to left by Seguchi puts them one out away from getting out of the mess.

But then he walks Nakazono on 4 straight.  A wild pitch then advances the runners.  Manrui for Kamimura.

Try as he might though, Miura can't retire Nakano.  On a full count, he walks him and thus the douten run.  It's 5-5.

That forces Matsumoto-kantoku's hand.  #10 Abe Tsuyoshi comes in for Endou and takes the hill.  Miura goes to 1st.

But a wild pitch for Tsuyoshi scores one more...  Kamimura re-takes the lead right back at 6-5.

Then Nikou hits a grounder to short.  The ball is picked cleanly by Miura, but his arm takes it in the path of Nikou who inadvertantly knocks it out!  Miura doesn't realize it and both Ootsubo and Nakazaono score to make it 8-5.  Oy.

Niiro continues the inning with a comebacker that Tsuyoshi can't field.  Runners at the corners.

Tanaka hits a grounder to 2nd, but Katsuki boots the ball!  His throw to 1st is late and one more run scores to make it 9-5...

Finally Hirayabu, who started the inning grounds into a fielder's choice at 3rd.

But Ishinomaki Kougyou gives back all 5 runs and trail again by 4..

Bottom 5th
Shouto tries to give the Ishinomaki team life with a one-out single to left, but Miura strikes out on a off-speed pitch and Kihara grounds back to Hirayabu.  Onto the break, but does Ishinomaki have any magic left?

Top 6th
So apparently, the Ishinomaki pitchers need time to settle down.  Because Tsuyoshi is pitching well after the break.  Koga lazily flies out to right, Ootsubo strikes out swinging, and then Seguchi grounds out to short!  It's a 1-2-3 inning!

Bottom 6th
So does Ishinomaki have a reply?

And Kamimura makes their own change on the mound!  Hirayabu goes to left, while #7 Kakizawa comes in for Seguchi and takes the hill!

Kakizawa is a righty who can hit 140 and has a slider that goes as slow as the high 100s!

Ishinomaki can't adjust to the change in pace as Tsuyoshi and Katsuki go down swinging.  Ise avoids the 3 strikeout inning, but weakly grounds out to 1st.

Top 7th
Tsuyoshi is really doing work now.  He gets another 1-2-3 inning and puts his team back on the sticks again.  Perhaps too Kamimura Gakuen wants to speed up the tempo.

Bottom 7th
Well, this is the lucky 7.  But perhaps things don't go as expected.

Kimura goes down on 3 straight...  Okutsu flies out to right...

Well Saitou gets his 2nd hit, a liner over Nakazono for a single.

Now it's Shouto's turn at Kakizawa.  He's 3-3 so far.

Should I be mentioning that?

Yeah, I shouldn't have.  Kakizawa climbs the ladder on Shouto and he strikes out swinging to end the inning.  It was a worthy try, but coming back once was hard enough and required help.  Coming back twice is asking for too much.

Top 8th
Tsuyoshi encounters some trouble in the 8th.  He walks Hirayabu on 4 straight, then a hard hit ball by Koga isn't fielded properly and there 2 runners on.  But Ootsubo grounds out to 1st to end the inning.

Bottom 8th
Defensive changes for Kamimura.  #14 Nagao comes in for Ootsubo and plays 2B.  Tanaka goes to SS, and Nikou goes to 1B.

Miura starts off the inning with a single to right.  Kihara fights to get on base, but winds up looking at strike 3 on a full count.

Tsuyoshi hits a hard liner, but right at Nakazono.... and Katsuki pops out to Tanaka to end the inning.

Top 9th
New P Kakizawa takes the stick for the first time, but flies out to center. #12 Yamashita comes in for Nakazono but grounds to short.  And Tanaka pops up to short to give Tsuyoshi his 4th consecutive inning of scoreless work.  But they're still down 4 with 3 outs to go...

Bottom 9th
More defensive changes for Kamimura. ##15 Matsuki comes in for Hirayabu in LF, and #16 Fujita comes in for PH Yamashita and takes over at 3rd.

Ise goes down swining, and there's one down...  Kimura put a charge into one, and Koga tumbles backwards but makes the catch.

And finally Okutsu pops up to short.. and that's the ball game.

Hey, Ishinomaki may have still lost by 4 runs, but man did they ever give us fans the ride of our lives for one half inning.  There was hope, and while it didn't last, just having it means something.