Our final quarterfinal is an all western matchup (well, west of Koushien at least). These are the last 2 teams in that direction left here.
Kurashiki Shougyou has advanced mostly in part due to a rather weak schedule. First was a comeback win against Matsusaka that included balls inexplicably dropping into play when it seems like they should have been caught. Then they faced arguably the weakest offense at Koushien in Akita Shougyou (not by runs scored during per se, but by thinking about how an offense would do against the same average level team's pitching/defense).
And those two wins have put them here in the Best 8.
Their offense has scored runs for them, but again given the competition, it is not a good indicator of how the team will be going forward.
What luck for them too, as they are facing another offensively challenged team in Meitoku Gijyuku. They haven't set the world on fire in their two games against again, not so good prefectures in Yamagata and Niigata.
They do take walks though, and at least have that in their favor. The Fuku/Fukunaga pair continue a trend of low strikeout/low walk pitchers who live on the edge.
Meitoku Gijyuku profiles as a stronger opponent against Kurashiki Shougyou, but to what extent I'm not sure. I see this game as a 50-50 for either side (yeah, it's a copout, but I really don't know).
Meitoku Gijyuku (Kochi)
3B Itsuzaki (#11)
CF Gouda
2B Iyota (#5)
RF Kishi (#12)
LF Son
C Sugihara
1B Nishioka
P Fuku
SS Imazato
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
3B Fujii
RF Harukawa
CF Sakata
C Michishita
1B Okada
2B Shimizu
SS Katayama
LF Kataoka Hiroyuki (#17)
P Nishi
____________________________________________________________
11:40 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
One down for Meitoku, Gouda singles through the left side.
And no bunt, he takes off for 2nd and reaches safely!
But the sinker appears again as Iyota swings and misses for the 2nd out!
Nishi having trouble with location and they walk cleanup batter Kishi (he's a 1st year btw!). Michishita goes out to talk to Nishi as Son steps to the plate.
But Son goes down on a sinker and the side is retired with no harm done.
Bottom 1st
Fujii with a grounder to 1st. Imazato with a great stop, but a bad throw as it goes way high and into the stands. He's awarded 2nd.
Bunt by Harukawa, Fuku quickly turns and throws to 3rd! It's a great throw right at the legs of Fujii as Iyota makes the tag for the out!
And then Sakata grounds into the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Top 2nd
Sugiwara is hit by Nishi to start the inning. Nishioka not bunting, singles through to right!
2 runners on with no down as Morimitsu-kantoku calls time. Afterwards, Fuku lays down the bunt and advances the runners for Imazato.
But the sinker shows it's face once again! Imazato swings and misses for the 2nd out!
That makes it up to Itsuzaki. As Mabuchi-kantoku relays a message to him.
Nishi gets out of the pinch! Itsuzaki pops it up to right! Harukawa is there for the catch and the side is retired!
Bottom 2nd
Ball back up the middle, takes an irregular high bound, but Imazato has it! Throw to 1st is high again, but this time Nishioka has it and tags Michishita for the out.
Okada gets Kurashou's first hit as he hits a solid single through the left side. And now they're going for the one-timer as Shimizu bunts him to 2nd.
But Katayama swings and misses on a forkball to end the inning.
Top 3rd
Meitoku still can't figure out the sinker. Gouda goes down swinging on one, Iyota rolls a ball to 2nd.
And Kishi throws in another strikeout for free as he swings and misses on another sinker.
Bottom 3rd
Fuku crusing along, getting a groundout from Hiroyuki and Nishi to strike out swinging.
Fujii with a blast to left! Son running back to the foul pole... still running! Pulls up!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fujii breaks the deadlock in a big way! 1-0 Kurashou!
Harukaw grounds out to 1st, but now Nishi is pitching with the lead!
Top 4th
Son with a drive to center!! Sakata running back! He's at the fence!!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Son emphatically returns fire for Meitoku Gijyuku with a homerun to center! We're all tied at 1-1!!
Now Suguwara with a base hit through the left side. Is Nishi becoming hittable?
Well, they're making contact. Nishioka hits a towering fly to shallow center that Katayama has for the 1st out. So Mabuchi-kantoku has Fuku bunt Sugawara ahead for Imazato.
But Nishi freezes Imazato on a sinker in the zone for strike 3 and the side is retired! But Son comes back to tie the game for his team!
Bottom 4th
Fuku almost gets a 1-2-3 inning as he gets 2 quick ground outs beofre he walks Okada. But they try to press the initiative and instead Okada is thrown out at 2nd to end the inning.
Top 5th
Itsuzaki battles Nishi to an 11-pitch AB only to strikeout swinging on another sinker.
Gouda is able to make contact, but ground to short. Iyota fares no better, rolling one to short as well for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
One down, Katayama hits a single to center. They elect not to have Hiroyuki bunt, and he pops out to Iyota.
Nishi goes down swinging on the slider and we hit the break.
Each pitcher has basically shut down the other's offenses outside of the HR's they gave up. Fuku get bad contact, Nishi uses the slider for the K.
Top 6th
Kishi stars off the inning pulling a ball through the gap for a base hit.
Son standing in, immediately shows and lays down the bunt.
Sugihara with a ball to right. Harukawa charging in, charging in, just misses making the catch by inches! Kishi advances to 3rd and there's a situation brewing for Meitoku as Morimitsu-kantoku calls for time.
Nishioka up, swings away at the first pitch. But he's hit by Nishi! Manrui now for Meitoku Gijyuku ace ace Fuku steps in. Having sacrificed twice, what will he do now?
He swings away on the first pitch and fouls it off!
Now he hits a ball to the left side! Fujii can't field it and it's into left! Kishi scores and it's 2-1 Meitoku!
SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mabuchi-kantoku calls for the squeeze, but Nishi buries it! Imazato can't hit it and Michishita fields it and tags Sugawara for the out! 2 down!
SANSHIN! Imazato goes down for the 3rd time, this time looking on a fastball on the outside corner.
But Meitoku Gijyuku takes the lead right after the break!
Bottom 6th
Being careful with Fujii, Fuku gives him a walk. Harukawa not bunting, becomes a victim of the slider.
Sakata hits a ball to 3rd. It's slow enough Itsuzaki's only play is to 1st for the 2nd out.
And Fuku gets the better of Michishita as he pops up to right to retire the side!
Top 7th
One down Gouda singles to left. No bunt, but Iyota still advances the runner despite grounding to short. But Kishi can only manage a grounder to 3rd to end the inning.
Bottom 7th
Okada is called going around by the home plate umpire as the ball gets away from Sugiwara, but no one notices. Eventually everyone does, and Okada is thrown out at 1st.
Shimizu cannot do much better grounding out to 2nd.
SANSHIN!
Katayama down on an inside fastball and the side is retired!
Top 8th
Nishi with 119 pitches on the day, the 120th to Son is singled back up the middle for a leadoff single. Sugahara bunts him along for Nishioka.
He hits it to short! He looks to 3rd and makes a gesture then throws to 1st for the out. Wonder if he was saying that Fujii was to cover 3rd to throw him out.
Fuku with a ball to right, that falls in! Son scors to make it a 3-1 ball game!
Imazato with the safety bunt! Fujii charges in, but the throw is late and everyone's safe!
So back to the top of the order and Itsuzaki, who is hitless for far this Koushien.
He gives it a ride to right, but Harukawa is there for the catch. But Fuku with his 2nd timely hit this game extends his lead on the mound!
Bottom 8th
Now the tables are turning as now Kurashou's batters can't hit against Fuku!
Hiroyuki goes down swinging. #7 Fukumori hits for Nishi and he grounds to 1st.
Fujii finally gets their first hit since the 5th with a single to left.
Harukawa with a single through the right side and the douten runner is on base! Mabuchi-kantoku calls for time.
Sakata stepping as the gyakuten runner.
Grounder up the middle. Imazato blocks it, and it leaks away from him! He grabs it and tags the base with the glove for the out! Side retired!
Top 9th
#13 Oonaka comes in for PH Fukumori to take the hill.
Gouda welcomes him with a single through the right side. Iyota bunts him into scoring position as an insurance run never hurts.
Kishi lines one at Gouda who has to duck to avoid being hit before heading to 3rd.
Son with a hard hit to 3rd. Fujii is able to field it, and seeing no play at home quickly fires to 2nd where they get Kishi. But it's now 4-1.
Sugiwara goes down swinging to end the inning, but they have one more run to make up now...
Bottom 9th
Michishita leads off the inning. He pops it up though, and while Iyota fights off the sun, he makes the catch.
Okada laces one at Itsuzaki and it bounces off of him and into foul territory! He's on for Shimizu.
Shimizu with another hit at Itsuzaki! It deflects off his glove and into left! 2 on for Kurashiki as the douten run comes to the plate in Katayama!
Mabuchi-kantoku calls for time.
They go to the well one too many times! Grounder to 3rd this time Itsuzaki does have! He tags 3rd for one, throw to 1st... double play!! Meitoku Gijyuku holds off a potential late rally from Kurashiki Shougyou for the win!
Meitoku Gijyuku advances to the semifinals on the back of a great pitching performance by ace Fuku! Offensively, they were able to reply to Kurashou's opening HR with one of their own and then started to pull away in the latter half of the game. They were able to do just enough today to advance to the semifinals, and a date with Osaka Touin. No time to rest boys, you've got a game tomorrow!
For Kurashiki Shougyou, it's the 2nd consecutive year now a team from Okayama has made it to the Best 8 only to fall. Last year it was Kanzei againt Nichidai-san, this year it's Kurashiki Shougyou against Meitoku Gijyuku. Nishi's understandibly crying over the loss, but he's proven to be a good pitcher in a Koushien that had a lot of the same types of pitchers. He didn't reach the ultimate goal, but he helped carry this team a long ways. And he should be proud of that.
Notable Players
Fuku Takeyuki (Meitoku Gijyuku) - CG, ER, 8 H, 7 K, 2 BB
Fuku Takeyuki (Meitoku Gijyuku) - 2-2, 2 RBI
Son Ho Kyun (Meitoku Gijyuku) - 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, K
Gouda Satoru (Meitoku Gijyuku) - 3-5, R, SB
Fujii Shouri (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 3-3, HR, R, RBI, BB
Okada Seiji (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 2-3, BB, K
Showing posts with label Kurashiki Shougyou. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kurashiki Shougyou. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Day 10, Game 4 - Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama) vs. Akita Shougyou (Akita)
Well, after the rain delay, this game will be played under the lights.
Kurashiki Shougyou honestly looked dead to rights against Matsusaka. Even though they were down 3-2 heading into the 8th, they hadn't been able to do a whole lot against ace Takeuchi. But when CF Manabe let that ball drop allowing the douten run to score, it all collapsed. It'll be hard to expect being ineffective like that again and advancing to the Best 8.
Though I suppose that if you have a team that it might be able to work against, it would be Akita Shougyou. They were basically given gifts by Fukui Koudai Fukui in the form of walks in which they used to turn into runs. 7 to be exact enroute to an 8-3 win. They certainly can't expect gift horses like that as well.
So which team will perform better under normal circumstances? Well, outside of the damp field. My bet will be Kurshiki Shougyou.
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
3B Fujii
RF Harukawa
CF Sakada
C Michishita
1B Okada
2B Shimizu
SS Katayama
LF Kataoka Hiroyuki (#17)
P Nishi
Akita Shougyou (Akita)
SS Yanagida
2B Oozeki
LF Sugiya
P Kondou
CF Wada
3B Ootomo
1B Sakaya
C Miura Kentarou
RF Satou Sou
____________________________________________________________
17:45 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Fujii with a hit to deep left. Sugiya running back towards the foul pole...
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, so two leadoff homeruns in the same day?? Kurashou takes the 1-0 lead!
Kondou settles down after that, getting 3 straight groundouts. The defense is still a bit tentative playing on the diamond-dry filled infield, but no big issues.
Bottom 1st
Yanagida with a drive to deep center! Sakada running back! Are we going to have another leadoff homerun??
No! The ball bounces off the fence as Yanagida is in with a leadoff double!
Oozeki bunts him over for Sugiya and a one-chance.
But Oota-kantoku calls for a three bunt when Sugiya falls behind 1-2! He fouls it off and is down on strikes. 2 down.
That leaves it up to Kondou... who singles right back between Nishi's legs into center! We're tied at 1-1!
Wada grounds to 1st, but Akita Shougyou's found a way to level the score!
Top 2nd
The cooler and less humid weather may benefit Akita Shougyou though as they certainly don't have to worry as much about fatigue as much starting at 5:45 PM.
Okada with a foul fly to the right side. Sakaya makes the catch right at the fence.
Shimizu looks to get the lead back as he singles just fair down the right field line. Sou mishandles the ball , allowing Shimizu to advance to 2nd.
Hiroyuki with a foul fly, Miura right at the back screen, makes the catch! 2 foul flies caught at the fence and the side is retired!
Bottom 2nd
Ootomo gives Akitashou antoher leadoff runner with a single to left center (Sakada runs the ball down very quickly). So Sakaya bunts him into scoring position. Bunts will also die sooner on the ground, which may or may not be a good thing.
After falling behind Kentarou 2-0, he manages to level the count before getting him to swing on a slider down and away for the 2nd out.
So it'll be up to last batter Sou to try and give Akitashou the lead.
But he flies out to right and the inning is over.
Top 3rd
After a groundout by Nishi, it's back to the top of the lineup and Fujii.
Kondou wins this battle as Fujii grounds to Yanagida for the 2nd out. But just when he thinks he'll have a 1-2-3 inning, he hits Harukawa.
Sakada with a hard shot down the 3rd base line! Ootomo knocks it down, but has no play! But it's still a good stop to prevent extra bases.
Still, it brings up Michishita.
He takes a pitch outside and singles to center! Harukawa comes around to score and it's 2-1 in favor of Kurashou!
Okada continues to struggle at the plate as he flies out to left to end the inning, but a 2-out rally sparked by a hit batter gives Kurashou the lead!
Bottom 3rd
It's a 1-2-3 inning for Nishi as he gets a groundout from Yanagida, and two flyouts from Oozeki and Sugiya.
Top 4th
Shimizu swings early but keep the bat in the zone enough to hit a ball back up the middle past a diving Yanagida into center. Katayama bunts him along to 2nd.
Hiroyuki witha single through the right side! Shimizu will score without a throw and it's 3-1 Kurashou!
Oota-kantoku goes with a pitching change after that. #10 Abe comes in for Sou and takes over on the mound which Kondou goes to right.
Nishi lays down the bunt looking for a one-timer from Fujii.
Abe is careful with him, but Fujii singles through the gap into left! Sugiya up with the throw, but it's not in time. Miura fires to 2nd where Fujii is tagged out easily. But Kurashiki doubles their run total and now lead 4-1.
Bottom 4th
Kondou leads off the inning with his 2nd hit of the game a single to shallow center. After a sac bunt, Ootomo hits a hard grounder to the left side. Katayama dives and makes a great stop. Looks to 1st, determines he has no play, then tosses to 3rd, though it's way too late.
So now Akitashou has a chance here to cut into the deficit with Sakaya up.
But he goes down swinging on a sinker and there's 2 down! And Kentarou swings on the first pitch and hits a comebacker to Nishi! He has trouble fielding it from the mound, but eventually makes the play at 1st for the 3rd out. And Akitashou can't chip into that 3-run deficit.
Top 5th
Abe finally gets a 1-2-3 inning for Akitashou, with two quick groundouts to 2nd, and a flyout to right from cleanup batter Michishita.
Bottom 5th
One down for Akitashou and leadoff batter Yanagida gets his 2nd hit, a single through the left side.
Oozeki swings on the first pitch and makes good contact, but flies out to center.
Sugiya hits a hard ball to the right side, but Shimizu makes a great diving stop and throws to first to retire the side.
Kurashiki Shougyou as expected leads Akita Shougyou 4-1. And without help from opposing ace Nishi, it'll be hard to make a comeback.
Top 6th
It's another quick inning for Abe as Kurashou's batters appear to be hacking away at everything. He just needs 8 pitches to retire the side.
Bottom 6th
Unfortunately for Akitashou, their bad offense has reared its head again, as not even Kondou now is impervious to the K. In fact, all three batters in the inning strike out.
Top 7th
One down and last batter Nishi singles to left.
Abe gets his first K as he strikes out, of all people, top batter Fujii on a high and ouside fastball!
2 down, but not out of the woods yet as he wasks Harukawa. Oota-kantoki calls for time.
Sakata with a chopper down the first base line, and Sakaya can't field it! The ball seems to elude his attempts and Sakata's safe on the error!
From the replays it looke like the ball hit the bag, and that was where all the trouble started.
Abe gets out of the jam though as Michishita grounds to 3rd, and Ootomo takes it to the bag to retire the side!
Bottom 7th
Akitashou's lucky 7 goes without much fanfare as try as they might, taking pitches, swinging early, nothing can get their offense going.
Top 8th
This time it's Abe's turn to strike out the side, getting 2 of the 3 to watch the fastball go by them.
Bottom 8th
But Nishi goes to his sinker time and time again because he knows that none of the Akitashou's batters can hit it. He racks up two more K's while Fukumori makes a great running catch in left.
Top 9th
One down, and Nishi gets his 2nd base hit, and once again it's to left. Fujii lays down the bunt, Abe goes to 2nd, but the throw is high and pulls Yanagida off the base!
Harukawa with a base hit to left! Nishi has to hold off at 3rd.
Sakata with a fly to left! Sugiya makes the catch and Nishi comes in to make it 5-1.
Fujii is picked off 2nd to end the inning, but the Best 8 is in sight for Meitoku Gijyuku.
Bottom 9th
Two quick outs in the last ups for Akitashou as Kondou lines out to short and Wada goes down on 3 straight sinkers.
Ootomo gets his 3rd base hit with a drive over Harukawa's head for a double.
Nishi finally finishes the game as Sakaya hits a comebacker to him for the 3rd out.
Kurashiki Shougyou honestly looked dead to rights against Matsusaka. Even though they were down 3-2 heading into the 8th, they hadn't been able to do a whole lot against ace Takeuchi. But when CF Manabe let that ball drop allowing the douten run to score, it all collapsed. It'll be hard to expect being ineffective like that again and advancing to the Best 8.
Though I suppose that if you have a team that it might be able to work against, it would be Akita Shougyou. They were basically given gifts by Fukui Koudai Fukui in the form of walks in which they used to turn into runs. 7 to be exact enroute to an 8-3 win. They certainly can't expect gift horses like that as well.
So which team will perform better under normal circumstances? Well, outside of the damp field. My bet will be Kurshiki Shougyou.
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
3B Fujii
RF Harukawa
CF Sakada
C Michishita
1B Okada
2B Shimizu
SS Katayama
LF Kataoka Hiroyuki (#17)
P Nishi
Akita Shougyou (Akita)
SS Yanagida
2B Oozeki
LF Sugiya
P Kondou
CF Wada
3B Ootomo
1B Sakaya
C Miura Kentarou
RF Satou Sou
____________________________________________________________
17:45 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Fujii with a hit to deep left. Sugiya running back towards the foul pole...
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, so two leadoff homeruns in the same day?? Kurashou takes the 1-0 lead!
Kondou settles down after that, getting 3 straight groundouts. The defense is still a bit tentative playing on the diamond-dry filled infield, but no big issues.
Bottom 1st
Yanagida with a drive to deep center! Sakada running back! Are we going to have another leadoff homerun??
No! The ball bounces off the fence as Yanagida is in with a leadoff double!
Oozeki bunts him over for Sugiya and a one-chance.
But Oota-kantoku calls for a three bunt when Sugiya falls behind 1-2! He fouls it off and is down on strikes. 2 down.
That leaves it up to Kondou... who singles right back between Nishi's legs into center! We're tied at 1-1!
Wada grounds to 1st, but Akita Shougyou's found a way to level the score!
Top 2nd
The cooler and less humid weather may benefit Akita Shougyou though as they certainly don't have to worry as much about fatigue as much starting at 5:45 PM.
Okada with a foul fly to the right side. Sakaya makes the catch right at the fence.
Shimizu looks to get the lead back as he singles just fair down the right field line. Sou mishandles the ball , allowing Shimizu to advance to 2nd.
Hiroyuki with a foul fly, Miura right at the back screen, makes the catch! 2 foul flies caught at the fence and the side is retired!
Bottom 2nd
Ootomo gives Akitashou antoher leadoff runner with a single to left center (Sakada runs the ball down very quickly). So Sakaya bunts him into scoring position. Bunts will also die sooner on the ground, which may or may not be a good thing.
After falling behind Kentarou 2-0, he manages to level the count before getting him to swing on a slider down and away for the 2nd out.
So it'll be up to last batter Sou to try and give Akitashou the lead.
But he flies out to right and the inning is over.
Top 3rd
After a groundout by Nishi, it's back to the top of the lineup and Fujii.
Kondou wins this battle as Fujii grounds to Yanagida for the 2nd out. But just when he thinks he'll have a 1-2-3 inning, he hits Harukawa.
Sakada with a hard shot down the 3rd base line! Ootomo knocks it down, but has no play! But it's still a good stop to prevent extra bases.
Still, it brings up Michishita.
He takes a pitch outside and singles to center! Harukawa comes around to score and it's 2-1 in favor of Kurashou!
Okada continues to struggle at the plate as he flies out to left to end the inning, but a 2-out rally sparked by a hit batter gives Kurashou the lead!
Bottom 3rd
It's a 1-2-3 inning for Nishi as he gets a groundout from Yanagida, and two flyouts from Oozeki and Sugiya.
Top 4th
Shimizu swings early but keep the bat in the zone enough to hit a ball back up the middle past a diving Yanagida into center. Katayama bunts him along to 2nd.
Hiroyuki witha single through the right side! Shimizu will score without a throw and it's 3-1 Kurashou!
Oota-kantoku goes with a pitching change after that. #10 Abe comes in for Sou and takes over on the mound which Kondou goes to right.
Nishi lays down the bunt looking for a one-timer from Fujii.
Abe is careful with him, but Fujii singles through the gap into left! Sugiya up with the throw, but it's not in time. Miura fires to 2nd where Fujii is tagged out easily. But Kurashiki doubles their run total and now lead 4-1.
Bottom 4th
Kondou leads off the inning with his 2nd hit of the game a single to shallow center. After a sac bunt, Ootomo hits a hard grounder to the left side. Katayama dives and makes a great stop. Looks to 1st, determines he has no play, then tosses to 3rd, though it's way too late.
So now Akitashou has a chance here to cut into the deficit with Sakaya up.
But he goes down swinging on a sinker and there's 2 down! And Kentarou swings on the first pitch and hits a comebacker to Nishi! He has trouble fielding it from the mound, but eventually makes the play at 1st for the 3rd out. And Akitashou can't chip into that 3-run deficit.
Top 5th
Abe finally gets a 1-2-3 inning for Akitashou, with two quick groundouts to 2nd, and a flyout to right from cleanup batter Michishita.
Bottom 5th
One down for Akitashou and leadoff batter Yanagida gets his 2nd hit, a single through the left side.
Oozeki swings on the first pitch and makes good contact, but flies out to center.
Sugiya hits a hard ball to the right side, but Shimizu makes a great diving stop and throws to first to retire the side.
Kurashiki Shougyou as expected leads Akita Shougyou 4-1. And without help from opposing ace Nishi, it'll be hard to make a comeback.
Top 6th
It's another quick inning for Abe as Kurashou's batters appear to be hacking away at everything. He just needs 8 pitches to retire the side.
Bottom 6th
Unfortunately for Akitashou, their bad offense has reared its head again, as not even Kondou now is impervious to the K. In fact, all three batters in the inning strike out.
Top 7th
One down and last batter Nishi singles to left.
Abe gets his first K as he strikes out, of all people, top batter Fujii on a high and ouside fastball!
2 down, but not out of the woods yet as he wasks Harukawa. Oota-kantoki calls for time.
Sakata with a chopper down the first base line, and Sakaya can't field it! The ball seems to elude his attempts and Sakata's safe on the error!
From the replays it looke like the ball hit the bag, and that was where all the trouble started.
Abe gets out of the jam though as Michishita grounds to 3rd, and Ootomo takes it to the bag to retire the side!
Bottom 7th
Akitashou's lucky 7 goes without much fanfare as try as they might, taking pitches, swinging early, nothing can get their offense going.
Top 8th
This time it's Abe's turn to strike out the side, getting 2 of the 3 to watch the fastball go by them.
Bottom 8th
But Nishi goes to his sinker time and time again because he knows that none of the Akitashou's batters can hit it. He racks up two more K's while Fukumori makes a great running catch in left.
Top 9th
One down, and Nishi gets his 2nd base hit, and once again it's to left. Fujii lays down the bunt, Abe goes to 2nd, but the throw is high and pulls Yanagida off the base!
Harukawa with a base hit to left! Nishi has to hold off at 3rd.
Sakata with a fly to left! Sugiya makes the catch and Nishi comes in to make it 5-1.
Fujii is picked off 2nd to end the inning, but the Best 8 is in sight for Meitoku Gijyuku.
Bottom 9th
Two quick outs in the last ups for Akitashou as Kondou lines out to short and Wada goes down on 3 straight sinkers.
Ootomo gets his 3rd base hit with a drive over Harukawa's head for a double.
Nishi finally finishes the game as Sakaya hits a comebacker to him for the 3rd out.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Day 7, Game 2 - Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama) vs. Matsusaka (Mie)
Our brunch game features the last full match of opening games.
Kurashiki Shougyou literally had to the the cardiac kids. At least, if you were a fan of them, you probably had to be resuscitated several times.
Why?
Matsusaka was kind of the same way, though not as badly:
So, hello... ace Takeuchi. Outside of an early round game where Matsuba-kantoku went to #10 Matsue, the reins are his. But it's odd. He supposedly has a fastball which can reach 148 kph and carries a two-seam, slider, fork and curve. Yet his strikeout numbers are not indicative of someone who throws hard. So perhaps he's the type of pitcher that tries to induce bad contact to cut down on his pitch count?
This game is a tough call. Both prefectures have pretty much struggled in recent years to get out of the first round (outside of Kanzei last year from Okayama). Mie's struggles go way back - outside of a win by Mie in 2009, the last time they advanced out of the first round was Kaisei in 1998.
Matsusaka may have the better ace though, and a good pitcher will always keep a team in the game (assuming the defense isn't poor). So I expect Matsusaka to make it more interesting, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Kurashiki Shougyou advance out of this game.
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
3B Fujii
RF Harukawa
CF Sakada
C Michishita
1B Okada
2B Shimizu
SS Katayama
LF Fukumori
P Nishi
Matsusaka (Mie)
CF Manabe
LF Nishikawa
P Takeuchi
C Takahashi
1B Kishi
3B Goutou
2B Jyoutou
SS Sakamoto
RF Nakamura (#18)
____________________________________________________________
10:30 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Takeuchi's first pitch is a eephus pitch, I mean slower than a slow curve, for a ball.
Fujji swings on the 2nd pitch and hits a comebacker to Takeuchi. It's off his glove and deflects towards right. Jyoutou has to change direction, and by that time it's too late! Harukawa bunts him along to 2nd.
Sakada though though can't drive in the run and pops out to 2nd.
Michishita can though! He hits a liner down the right field line just fair! Fujii easily scores on the single and Kurashou takes a 1-0 lead!
Okada goes down swinging to end the inning, but Kurashou strikes first against the newcomers!
Bottom 1st
So, the announcers were saying about Nishi that he carries a curve, slider, sinker, curve and forkball, and I may have even missed one while writing it down.
Well, whatever his repertoire is, Matsusaka struggles early. Manabe swings on a sinker up and away, Nishikawa with an excuse me swing fouls out to 3rd near the press box, and then Takeuchi swings and misses on a high fastball.
Top 2nd
This is strange. Takeuchi, despite the reports of a 148kph fastball mark, is throwing in the 130s...
Still though he settles down, getting Katayama to fly out to center, and Fukumori and Shimizu to hit ground balls to retire the side.
Bottom 2nd
Ah, I apparently missed a cutter in his pitch selection.
Well, Takahashi hits a soft liner to Katayama for the 1st out. Kishi gets fooled on a sinker and goes down.
But Goutou takes a curve and singles through the left side! Jyoutou with a hit off the end of the bat and into right for a single! Goutou takes the extra base and the douten run is 90 feet away!
But there's 2 down for Sakamoto.
Skamoto gets the green light at 2-0, but swings an a slow curve low! He grounds to 1st and the threat is over!
Top 3rd
One down, and Fujii is hit by Takeuchi. Harukawa grounds to 1st, Okada tries to run the 3-6-1 double play but can't turn the backend.
Sakada with a hard hit to the left side. Goutou makes a spectacular diving catch! Throw to 1st ends the inning!
Bottom 3rd
Nakamura unable to solve Nishi as he swings over a forkball for the first out.
Manabe with a dying liner to center, but Sakada running in makes the catch!
And Nishikawa is in front of yet another off-speed pitch and hits weakly back to Nishi for the 3rd out. They're just unable to figure him out right now.
Top 4th
I'm still wondering where the reports of 148 kph came from for Takeuchi. He's just not throwing that fast, not even close.
One down, Okada with a grounder to short. Sakamoto with it, but his plant and throw is way over everyone and into the camera well! Okada is awarded 2nd and Kurashou threatens again.
Now Takahashi mishandles the pitch from Takeuchi! Okada advances to 3rd!
Katayama with a foul fly down the right field side. Nakamura running over, makes the sliding catch, but that allows Okada to score easily extending the lead to 2-0.
Perhaps he should have let it go to try and get the out without giving up the run?
Well, Fukumori up and he singles past a diving Sakamoto to center. Not to say that would have scored the run anyways because the pitch sequence might have been different, but I guess you get your outs when you can.
Shimizu grounds to short and Sakamoto takes it to the bag for the 3rd out, but an error by the aforementioned Sakamoto costs them a run.
Bottom 4th
Two quick and easy comebackers for Nishi and he's about to have another quick inning.
Kishi denies him that with a hot shot down the 1st base line that Okada can't quite keep in the glove.
But the struggles against Nishi's off-speed pitches continue as Goutou swings and misses on a sinker for his 5th K.
Top 5th
Takeuchi with just his 2nd K as Nishi throws a 136 fastball past him on the outside (that's his fastest pitch so far).
Fujii flies out to center, and Jyoutou handles a tricky hop for the 3rd out. Kurashou is making some good contact, but Takeuchi is handling himself.
Bottom 5th
Jyoutou a little surprised as he draws ball 4 on a 3-1 pitch. But he'll gladly take his base. Sakamoto up and he's squaring to bunt. He lays it down the 1st base line and gets the job done.
Large oen-dan section for Matsusaka cheering them on, hoping for something good.
Nakamura tries to bunt, but can't lay it down! Instead he hits a slow grounder to the left side! Nishi though is late getting to the ball and Katayama charging in has no play! Runners at the corners for Matsusaka as Morimitsu-kantoku calls time.
Top of the order and Manabe. He's not showing squeeze and he gets ahead in the count 2-0.
Gets the fastball and sends it back past Nishi into center for a base hit! Jyoutou scores to make it 2-1, and Matsusaka is still threatening!
Nishikawa with the safety bunt! Fujii up with the ball, and the throw beats a diving Nishikawa!
*sighs* Stop diving into 1st...
Takeuchi with a shot to the right side! Shimizu dives, but it goes through! Nakamura scores! Manabe rounding 3rd, throw from Harukawa offline! Takeuchi hits a hanging off-speed pitch and delivers a gyakuten 2-run single that gives Matsusaka the 3-2 lead!!
Takahashi waits patiently on Nishi, works the count full and draws the walk! Morimitsu-kantoku calls for time as things seem to be going awry here.
Kishi stepping in looking to continue the inning.
And he's hit! Nishi hits him on the first pitch and it's manrui for Matsusaka!!
Goutou the 9th batter to come to the plate, and he has a base hit on the day.
Gives a good swing, but misses. Can he be patient? Not really as he can't check his swing on a sinker for strike 2. He does even the count on an outside pitch, but goes down swinging on another change. However, Matsusaka scores 3 to take the lead as we head to the break!
Top 6th
So, how will Takeuchi fare now that his team, well - to be more precise, he has given his team the lead?
Sakada with a high pop fly, Sakamoto fighting the sun a bit, makes the catch in shallow left.
Michishita inside outs one to right for a base hit.
Okada with a drive to left! Nishikawa running back towards the foul pole! He's at the left field opening!
Makes the catch at the fence for the 2nd out! ABC shows the wind graphics and it's blowing in from left at 5m/s. Unlucky!
Katayama tries to vie for a deep ball, but it's a routine fly to Nishikawa.
Bottom 6th
Takeuchi needed the break as it's given him time to settle down. It's a quick retirement of the bottom of the order and Kurashiki is back on the bats.
Top 7th
Well, Kurashou has made a living on close game, and I guess it doesn't change here at Koushien! One down and Shimizu flicks one to right for a base hit. Nishi lays down the bunt, but Takahashi tries to go for 2nd! The throw is high and it's off Sakamoto's glove - all safe!
The situation gets worse as Takeuchi hits Fujii. Now it's manrui with just one down for Kurashou!
But Harukawa hits a grounder to 2nd! Jyoutou starts the 4-6-3 double play and Takeuchi is out of the jam!!
Bottom 7th
Nishi trying to keep the game close, is back to inducing bad contact. Manabe and Nishikawa ground out, while Takeuchi hits a liner - but right at Shimizu for the 3rd out.
Top 8th
Well, I'm expecing comeback attempts from Kurashou as they seem to have a flair for the dramatic.
Sure enough, Sakada singles back up the middle putting the douten runner on base. Morimitsu-kantoku is calling for Michishita to bunt, but instead Sakada takes off for 2nd, and Takahashi's throw is high. He's in safely!
Takeuchi not giving Michishita much, but winds up walking him! Okada sure to bunt and he lays it down! Now the douten and gyakuten runs are in scoring position!
Katayama steps in and hits a hits a fly to shallow center! Manabe running in, then holds up, and the ball falls in in front of him! Sakada scores on the single and it's 3-3!
I don't get it! He was charging in and had he continued on could have had the catch, and yet let it fall in!
Now Katayama goes for 2nd and Takahashi's throw is high! He's in safely!
Fukumori with a ball to right! Nakamura charging in, but he holds up and lets it fall in! Michishita scores and now it's 4-3! What is with the fielding out there?
Shimizu up now and SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He lays down the safety squeeze and Kishi charges in past the ball! He has to double back and everyone's safe! Katayama scores and now it's 5-3!
Takeuchi gets a much needed 2nd out as Nishi hits a hard grounder to 3rd for the 2nd out.
But Fujii singles to left! Fukumori scores! Shimizu being waved home, and he scores! Things are falling apart for Matsusaka here in the 8th! It's 7-3!
Harukawa with another single to left. That scores Fujii and now it's 8-3.
Sakada up for the 2nd time this inning, and he lays down the safety bunt! Kishi there to get it, but Jyoutou isn't covering! Sakada beats both to the bag and he's safe!
The inning continues as Michishtia delivers a single to left! They send Harukawa home as Nishikawa comes up firing! Throw in is caught by Takahashi and they get him out!
But some questionable fielding leads to a big inning and almost no hope for Matsusaka.
Bottom 8th
Down 8-3 and probably with their best inning behind them, Matsusaka goes down 1-2-3.
Top 9th
#15 Miyahara in for Nakamura in right.
Kurashou more than happy to take the lead into the bottom of the 9th as they go down in order.
Bottom 9th
#15 Oosugi in to play LF for Fukumori.
#11 Matsumoto hits for Jyoutou and goes down on another off-speed pitch.
#14 Kawaguchi in to hit for Sakamoto and draws the walk.
#13 Yamaguchi comes in to pinch run for Kawaguchi while #12 Hashimoto hits for Miyahara.
Hashimoto goes down swinging and the pitch gets away from Michishita. Sadly, Hashimoto can't take first and there's 2 down. Yamaguchi does advance to 2nd.
#16 Ogura hits for Manabe at the top of the order.
But he goes down swinging and the game is over.
Kurashiki Shougyou advances with an 8-3 win, but the impression I will be left with is that top of the 8th inning fro Kurashiki Shougyou. It was just an odd inning because I'm used to seeing the outfielders go all out and dive for balls that are as important with the douten run at stake. Unlike a foul ball you can let go and have another shot at an out, a fair ball you have to play. And yet with two fly balls that the outfielders appeared to have a beat on, they held up and let them fall in. Yes, the wind was blowing in, but was it really a case of misjudging it?
Not being there and having a good view, it'll be hard to say, but sadly that's the impression I'll be left with. Kurashiki Shougyou indeed fought hard like all the close games they've had and they will move on. I'm just left with more questions after this one.
Notable Players
Fujii Shouri (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HBP
Michishita Kouta (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 3-4, R, RBI, BB
Fukumori Yasumasa (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Takeuchi Ryou (Matsusaka) - 1-34, 2 RBI, K
Kurashiki Shougyou literally had to the the cardiac kids. At least, if you were a fan of them, you probably had to be resuscitated several times.
Why?
- 3rd round game vs. Okayama Shoudai Fuzoku - Led 6-0 after 2, gave up 5 in 3rd. Scored 2 runs in 7th and 8th, gave up 5 runs in bottom of 8th. Wins 13-11 in 12 innings.
- Quarterfinals vs. Koujyoukan - Scores 1 in 1st, makes it stick through 9.
- Semifinals vs. Okayama Ridai Fuzoku - Down 5-2 going into final 3 innings, scores 1-2-1 to win 6-5.
- Finals vs. Soushi Gakuen - Closely contested game which they win 4-3 in 10.
Matsusaka was kind of the same way, though not as badly:
- 1st round vs. Yokkaichi Minami, 3-0 win
- Quarterfinals vs. Shiroko, 3-2 win
- Semifinals vs. Yokkaichi Kougyou, scores only run in top of 9th
- Finals vs. Inabe Sougou, hold on for 3-2 win
So, hello... ace Takeuchi. Outside of an early round game where Matsuba-kantoku went to #10 Matsue, the reins are his. But it's odd. He supposedly has a fastball which can reach 148 kph and carries a two-seam, slider, fork and curve. Yet his strikeout numbers are not indicative of someone who throws hard. So perhaps he's the type of pitcher that tries to induce bad contact to cut down on his pitch count?
This game is a tough call. Both prefectures have pretty much struggled in recent years to get out of the first round (outside of Kanzei last year from Okayama). Mie's struggles go way back - outside of a win by Mie in 2009, the last time they advanced out of the first round was Kaisei in 1998.
Matsusaka may have the better ace though, and a good pitcher will always keep a team in the game (assuming the defense isn't poor). So I expect Matsusaka to make it more interesting, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Kurashiki Shougyou advance out of this game.
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
3B Fujii
RF Harukawa
CF Sakada
C Michishita
1B Okada
2B Shimizu
SS Katayama
LF Fukumori
P Nishi
Matsusaka (Mie)
CF Manabe
LF Nishikawa
P Takeuchi
C Takahashi
1B Kishi
3B Goutou
2B Jyoutou
SS Sakamoto
RF Nakamura (#18)
____________________________________________________________
10:30 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Takeuchi's first pitch is a eephus pitch, I mean slower than a slow curve, for a ball.
Fujji swings on the 2nd pitch and hits a comebacker to Takeuchi. It's off his glove and deflects towards right. Jyoutou has to change direction, and by that time it's too late! Harukawa bunts him along to 2nd.
Sakada though though can't drive in the run and pops out to 2nd.
Michishita can though! He hits a liner down the right field line just fair! Fujii easily scores on the single and Kurashou takes a 1-0 lead!
Okada goes down swinging to end the inning, but Kurashou strikes first against the newcomers!
Bottom 1st
So, the announcers were saying about Nishi that he carries a curve, slider, sinker, curve and forkball, and I may have even missed one while writing it down.
Well, whatever his repertoire is, Matsusaka struggles early. Manabe swings on a sinker up and away, Nishikawa with an excuse me swing fouls out to 3rd near the press box, and then Takeuchi swings and misses on a high fastball.
Top 2nd
This is strange. Takeuchi, despite the reports of a 148kph fastball mark, is throwing in the 130s...
Still though he settles down, getting Katayama to fly out to center, and Fukumori and Shimizu to hit ground balls to retire the side.
Bottom 2nd
Ah, I apparently missed a cutter in his pitch selection.
Well, Takahashi hits a soft liner to Katayama for the 1st out. Kishi gets fooled on a sinker and goes down.
But Goutou takes a curve and singles through the left side! Jyoutou with a hit off the end of the bat and into right for a single! Goutou takes the extra base and the douten run is 90 feet away!
But there's 2 down for Sakamoto.
Skamoto gets the green light at 2-0, but swings an a slow curve low! He grounds to 1st and the threat is over!
Top 3rd
One down, and Fujii is hit by Takeuchi. Harukawa grounds to 1st, Okada tries to run the 3-6-1 double play but can't turn the backend.
Sakada with a hard hit to the left side. Goutou makes a spectacular diving catch! Throw to 1st ends the inning!
Bottom 3rd
Nakamura unable to solve Nishi as he swings over a forkball for the first out.
Manabe with a dying liner to center, but Sakada running in makes the catch!
And Nishikawa is in front of yet another off-speed pitch and hits weakly back to Nishi for the 3rd out. They're just unable to figure him out right now.
Top 4th
I'm still wondering where the reports of 148 kph came from for Takeuchi. He's just not throwing that fast, not even close.
One down, Okada with a grounder to short. Sakamoto with it, but his plant and throw is way over everyone and into the camera well! Okada is awarded 2nd and Kurashou threatens again.
Now Takahashi mishandles the pitch from Takeuchi! Okada advances to 3rd!
Katayama with a foul fly down the right field side. Nakamura running over, makes the sliding catch, but that allows Okada to score easily extending the lead to 2-0.
Perhaps he should have let it go to try and get the out without giving up the run?
Well, Fukumori up and he singles past a diving Sakamoto to center. Not to say that would have scored the run anyways because the pitch sequence might have been different, but I guess you get your outs when you can.
Shimizu grounds to short and Sakamoto takes it to the bag for the 3rd out, but an error by the aforementioned Sakamoto costs them a run.
Bottom 4th
Two quick and easy comebackers for Nishi and he's about to have another quick inning.
Kishi denies him that with a hot shot down the 1st base line that Okada can't quite keep in the glove.
But the struggles against Nishi's off-speed pitches continue as Goutou swings and misses on a sinker for his 5th K.
Top 5th
Takeuchi with just his 2nd K as Nishi throws a 136 fastball past him on the outside (that's his fastest pitch so far).
Fujii flies out to center, and Jyoutou handles a tricky hop for the 3rd out. Kurashou is making some good contact, but Takeuchi is handling himself.
Bottom 5th
Jyoutou a little surprised as he draws ball 4 on a 3-1 pitch. But he'll gladly take his base. Sakamoto up and he's squaring to bunt. He lays it down the 1st base line and gets the job done.
Large oen-dan section for Matsusaka cheering them on, hoping for something good.
Nakamura tries to bunt, but can't lay it down! Instead he hits a slow grounder to the left side! Nishi though is late getting to the ball and Katayama charging in has no play! Runners at the corners for Matsusaka as Morimitsu-kantoku calls time.
Top of the order and Manabe. He's not showing squeeze and he gets ahead in the count 2-0.
Gets the fastball and sends it back past Nishi into center for a base hit! Jyoutou scores to make it 2-1, and Matsusaka is still threatening!
Nishikawa with the safety bunt! Fujii up with the ball, and the throw beats a diving Nishikawa!
*sighs* Stop diving into 1st...
Takeuchi with a shot to the right side! Shimizu dives, but it goes through! Nakamura scores! Manabe rounding 3rd, throw from Harukawa offline! Takeuchi hits a hanging off-speed pitch and delivers a gyakuten 2-run single that gives Matsusaka the 3-2 lead!!
Takahashi waits patiently on Nishi, works the count full and draws the walk! Morimitsu-kantoku calls for time as things seem to be going awry here.
Kishi stepping in looking to continue the inning.
And he's hit! Nishi hits him on the first pitch and it's manrui for Matsusaka!!
Goutou the 9th batter to come to the plate, and he has a base hit on the day.
Gives a good swing, but misses. Can he be patient? Not really as he can't check his swing on a sinker for strike 2. He does even the count on an outside pitch, but goes down swinging on another change. However, Matsusaka scores 3 to take the lead as we head to the break!
Top 6th
So, how will Takeuchi fare now that his team, well - to be more precise, he has given his team the lead?
Sakada with a high pop fly, Sakamoto fighting the sun a bit, makes the catch in shallow left.
Michishita inside outs one to right for a base hit.
Okada with a drive to left! Nishikawa running back towards the foul pole! He's at the left field opening!
Makes the catch at the fence for the 2nd out! ABC shows the wind graphics and it's blowing in from left at 5m/s. Unlucky!
Katayama tries to vie for a deep ball, but it's a routine fly to Nishikawa.
Bottom 6th
Takeuchi needed the break as it's given him time to settle down. It's a quick retirement of the bottom of the order and Kurashiki is back on the bats.
Top 7th
Well, Kurashou has made a living on close game, and I guess it doesn't change here at Koushien! One down and Shimizu flicks one to right for a base hit. Nishi lays down the bunt, but Takahashi tries to go for 2nd! The throw is high and it's off Sakamoto's glove - all safe!
The situation gets worse as Takeuchi hits Fujii. Now it's manrui with just one down for Kurashou!
But Harukawa hits a grounder to 2nd! Jyoutou starts the 4-6-3 double play and Takeuchi is out of the jam!!
Bottom 7th
Nishi trying to keep the game close, is back to inducing bad contact. Manabe and Nishikawa ground out, while Takeuchi hits a liner - but right at Shimizu for the 3rd out.
Top 8th
Well, I'm expecing comeback attempts from Kurashou as they seem to have a flair for the dramatic.
Sure enough, Sakada singles back up the middle putting the douten runner on base. Morimitsu-kantoku is calling for Michishita to bunt, but instead Sakada takes off for 2nd, and Takahashi's throw is high. He's in safely!
Takeuchi not giving Michishita much, but winds up walking him! Okada sure to bunt and he lays it down! Now the douten and gyakuten runs are in scoring position!
Katayama steps in and hits a hits a fly to shallow center! Manabe running in, then holds up, and the ball falls in in front of him! Sakada scores on the single and it's 3-3!
I don't get it! He was charging in and had he continued on could have had the catch, and yet let it fall in!
Now Katayama goes for 2nd and Takahashi's throw is high! He's in safely!
Fukumori with a ball to right! Nakamura charging in, but he holds up and lets it fall in! Michishita scores and now it's 4-3! What is with the fielding out there?
Shimizu up now and SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He lays down the safety squeeze and Kishi charges in past the ball! He has to double back and everyone's safe! Katayama scores and now it's 5-3!
Takeuchi gets a much needed 2nd out as Nishi hits a hard grounder to 3rd for the 2nd out.
But Fujii singles to left! Fukumori scores! Shimizu being waved home, and he scores! Things are falling apart for Matsusaka here in the 8th! It's 7-3!
Harukawa with another single to left. That scores Fujii and now it's 8-3.
Sakada up for the 2nd time this inning, and he lays down the safety bunt! Kishi there to get it, but Jyoutou isn't covering! Sakada beats both to the bag and he's safe!
The inning continues as Michishtia delivers a single to left! They send Harukawa home as Nishikawa comes up firing! Throw in is caught by Takahashi and they get him out!
But some questionable fielding leads to a big inning and almost no hope for Matsusaka.
Bottom 8th
Down 8-3 and probably with their best inning behind them, Matsusaka goes down 1-2-3.
Top 9th
#15 Miyahara in for Nakamura in right.
Kurashou more than happy to take the lead into the bottom of the 9th as they go down in order.
Bottom 9th
#15 Oosugi in to play LF for Fukumori.
#11 Matsumoto hits for Jyoutou and goes down on another off-speed pitch.
#14 Kawaguchi in to hit for Sakamoto and draws the walk.
#13 Yamaguchi comes in to pinch run for Kawaguchi while #12 Hashimoto hits for Miyahara.
Hashimoto goes down swinging and the pitch gets away from Michishita. Sadly, Hashimoto can't take first and there's 2 down. Yamaguchi does advance to 2nd.
#16 Ogura hits for Manabe at the top of the order.
But he goes down swinging and the game is over.
Kurashiki Shougyou advances with an 8-3 win, but the impression I will be left with is that top of the 8th inning fro Kurashiki Shougyou. It was just an odd inning because I'm used to seeing the outfielders go all out and dive for balls that are as important with the douten run at stake. Unlike a foul ball you can let go and have another shot at an out, a fair ball you have to play. And yet with two fly balls that the outfielders appeared to have a beat on, they held up and let them fall in. Yes, the wind was blowing in, but was it really a case of misjudging it?
Not being there and having a good view, it'll be hard to say, but sadly that's the impression I'll be left with. Kurashiki Shougyou indeed fought hard like all the close games they've had and they will move on. I'm just left with more questions after this one.
Notable Players
Fujii Shouri (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HBP
Michishita Kouta (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 3-4, R, RBI, BB
Fukumori Yasumasa (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Takeuchi Ryou (Matsusaka) - 1-34, 2 RBI, K
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Day 3 - Game 2 - Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama) vs. Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
Next up for today are the runner-ups of the Kanto and Chuugoku regions, Sakushin Gakuin and Kurashiki Shougyou.
Sakushin Gakuin made the Best 4 at Natsu Koushien last year before losing to eventual runner-up Kousei Gakuin. In the fall, they defeated teams such as Hanasaki Tokuharu and Yokohama before being shutout by Urawa Gakuin in the championship.
Offensively, they look like they have some power through the lineup, but suffer the same issue that Kamimura Gakuen has - below-average contact. They have two speedsters at the top of the lineup, so expect them to try and run and run often when the order turns over.
On the mound is ace Ootani, another contact-type pitcher who doesn't strikeout a bunch of hitters (4.4 K/9), but counters it by limiting runners (1.11 WHIP).
Kurashiki Shougyou's keystone win was a 7-5 gyakuten win over Jyosuikan in the first round of the super-regionals. They would eventually lose 4-1 in the finals to Tottori Jyouhoku. They have almost the reverse problem Sakushin has, good contact, but little in extra base hits - which has been a recurring theme of a lot of teams which have played so far.
In addition, their ace Nishi allows a high number of baserunners (1.56 WHIP), and still doesn't strike out a lot of batters (5.29 K/9).
This game will probably be another one of those where the team from the more populous region will win out. I say this because the talent pool tends to be greater in more populous areas. It's just a general fact.
RF Harukawa Yasunori
CF Sakada Jyunichi
1B Okada Seiji
C Michishita Kouta
LF Yokota Yamato
SS Katayama Yoshiki
3B Shimizu Shigeru
P Nishi Ryuusei
LF Haneishi Hiroki
SS Ishii Kazunari
1B Takayama Ryousuke (#9)
P Ootani ShigehiroC Yamashita Yuuto
RF Fuse Kyouhei (#16)
2B Asano Shouya3B Takashima Shouma
__________________________________________________
Looks like the rain which was was though to have passed is back again. There was some rain near the end of the last game, and has come back before the start of the game. But it looks like it's cleared up enough and the players take the field! It looks like Shinohara may be injured so Takayama shifts to 1B and Fuse holds the fort in right.
11:45 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Fujii with a short liner over Takayama's head! Asano backing up the play throws to Ootani covering, but he can't hold on! Base hit!
Harukawa not bunting, and takes a ball away through the left side! No out, runners on 1st and 2nd for Sakada!
Sakada with the quick safety bunt! Takashima charges in but Sakada beats out the throw! Manrui immediately and Ootani in trouble!
But Okada swings at the first pitch and grounds it to Ishii! He steps on 2nd for one, throws to 1st for the double play! They concede the run for the 2 outs and Kurashiki takes a 1-0 lead!
The rain is coming down harder now it seems.
Michishita grounds out to 3rd for the third out and Ootani is fortunate to have given up just the one run.
Bottom 1st
After Nishi records two outs to start the inning, he walks Ishii. Then on two consecutive pitches, one is blocked but still allows Ishii to steal 2nd, then a wild pitch sends him to 3rd.
Nishi loses Takayama on 4 straight and he doesn't look comfortable on the mound at all in the rain.
Ootani up and he's thrown two more balls before getting the outside corner. Ootani gets fooled on a screwball and the count's even at 2-2.
SANSHIN! Nishi gets it together, getting Ootani on a slider inside for the 3rd out!
Top 2nd
The rain may play a part in this game one way or another before it ends here.
And it already is as the grounds crew is called out to work on the mound. And it looks like the umpires have called in the players while they put some equivalent of diamond dry onto the field. The rain continues to fall though, but I think they're trying to get this game in one way or another having already lost a day.
After about a 5 minute delay, the players are out again and we're ready to start play again.
Yokota gets the Kurashou offense going with a single to right!
And Katayama on a bunt attempt hits him on his right hand, and Ootani is in a pinch again here in the 2nd!
Wild pitch from Ootani! Runners advance a base and now Kobari-kantoku calls time.
Another wild pitch from Ootani! Yokota scores and Kurashou is up 2-0!
Shimizu with a single to center scoring Katayama! No reprieve this time around as Nishi sacrifices the runner along. Fujii grounds to 2nd, but advances the runner to 3rd.
Harukawa K's to end the inning, but Ootani's mistakes cost them a couple more runs.
Bottom 2nd
Yamashita with a hard liner to left. Yokota trying to make the sliding catch, but instead it deflects off him! Yokota comes in with a double!
Fuse with a liner up the middle! Katayama just misses it, but Yamashita has to hold because he had to wait for the ball to get through first. Runners on 1st and 2nd as Morimitsu-kantoku calls time.
Asano tries to bunt the runners along, but fouls it off and now is down 0-2. He still manages to lay it down and advance the runners.
Now it's Nishi's turn to be in a pinch! He hits Takashima and its manrui as the lineup turns over!
But he doesn't panic and strikes out Tsuruta on a slider inside. 2 outs!
He continues aggressively, getting ahead on Haneishi 1-2. But Haneishi holds off on a slider outside and the count goes full. Everyone will take off on the next pitch...
Grounder to the right side... base hit! One run will score... 2 runs will score! Haneishi's timely hit pulls Sakushin within 1. It's 3-2!!
Haneishi takes off on the first pitch! No throw from Michishita! Now a base hit could give them the lead.
After getting ahead of Ishii 1-2, again the count runs full. There is an open base but would you really?
Nubber up the first base line. Okada with it, tosses to Nishi, SAFE?
The 1st base umpire calls him not touching the bag! He hurriedly throws home, but it's not in time! 2 runs score on the error and Sakushin Gakuin gets the gyakuten run, 4-3!
Takayama flies out to right, but the miss at 1st proves costly. Did he really miss it??
Top 3rd
The rain has returned again and it's coming down hard. Sakada pops out to short.
Ootani seemingly picking up the pace as a game after 5 is an official game and they're ahead.
Okada strikes out swinging on a high fastball and Michishita pops out to left. 3 outs and they're one step closer.
Bottom 3rd
Looks like the rain has stopped, but the errors haven't. Okada muffs the grounder from Ootani and Nishi is late in covering.
Yamashita swinging away, hits a liner to center that Sakada just gets to.
Fuse tries the surprise bunt, but Okada is there quickly. Fujii is a little tardy getting to 1st, but they get the out.
Asano goes down and hits one to center! Ootani scores and it's 5-3 Sakushin Gakuin!
Takashima strikes out to end the inning, but Sakushin extends their lead.
Top 4th
Ootani doing a decent job given the conditions. He appears to have a fastball in the mid 130s, a two-seamer, and at least a slider in the high 110s-low 120s.
Yokota and now Katayama both are frozen by fastballs from Ootani and there's quickly 2 down.
Shimizu lines out to 1st and Kurashiki has to head out to the field again
Bottom 4th
The camera points to the skies past right field, and there's clear blue skies, so I don't think there's much to worry about for a called game. Not sure who that would have wanted that when, but no matter anymore.
Ootani was on his way to a quick inning, but when Haneishi hit a grounder to short, Katayama airmailed the throw. Ishii's K would have been the 3rd out, instead it's the 2nd and Haneishi steals 2nd to boot.
Takayama makes Kurashou pay! He drives a ball over Yokota's head for a double! Haneishi scores to make it a 6-3 game!
But Nishi can't get the inning to end. He walks Ootani, then throws a wild pitch allowing the runners to advance.
Yamashita with a hard hit ball up the middle! Fujii with the diving stop, fires to first... in time! Nice play to prevent more runs for scoring! But they do fall one more run behind.
Top 5th
Kurashou's offense has stalled over the last couple of innings. None of Kurashiki's batters are making good contact and are retired in order.
Bottom 5th
Sakushin's batters are having about as much luck, but are getting breaks. One out, Asano hits a popup to shallow center, but no one can get to it and it falls in.
Now, Michishita throws him out trying to steal 2nd, but then Takayama gets a glancing blow to the head from a pitch and takes 1st.
But Kobari-kantoku rolls the dice again, and once again Takayama is thrown out on a delayed steal to end the inning. We get to the break with Sakushin doubling up Kurashou 6-3.
Top 6th
Okada finally breaks the hit drought with a one-out single to left.
Ootani then has a ball get away from him and he hits Michishita in the wrist! Runners on 1st and 2nd with one down as Kobari-kantoku calls for time.
Oof. Another ball gets away from Ootani and Yokota has to quickly duck away.
Yokota with a solid strike, but it's right at Tsuruta for the 2nd out. Katayama stands in, with Kurashou in no position to afford not scoring here.
But Ootani blows an inside fastball by him and Kurashou is denied!
Bottom 6th
Nishi takes the mound having thrown 124 pitches. He's got a lot more work to do to keep his team in the game.
As for Nishi himself, he throws in the high 120s-low 130s with a slider sitting in the high 110s-low 120s and a change in the 100s.
Tsuruta goes down for the 3rd time, this time looking at a fastball outside.
Nishi then finally stops Haneishi from getting on base getting a groundout to 2nd.
Ishii with a low liner to center. Sakada diving, makes the catch! Risky move there, but it pays off! Nishi gets a proper 1-2-3 inning but still finds himself trailing by 3 as they enter the lucky 7.
Top 7th
Still, the Kurasho batters are not making good contact. Shimizu flies out to right. Nishi gets under one behind 0-2 and flies out to center.
Oop. The rain is back...
But even in the rain, Ootani continues to exhibit very good control.
Fujii flies out to right and well, there goes the lucky 7. 2 innings left to mount a comeback.
Bottom 7th
Takayama gets another bloop hit as the ball falls in once again between Katayama and Yokota.
Ootani tries to bunt the runner along, but is called out when the umpire deems he wasn't able to pull back his bat in time. One down.
Yamashita though singles through the left side, putting pressure back on Nishi.
Fuse grounds into a fielder's choice at 2nd, which places runners at the corners for Asano.
(Zip-a-dee-do-dah? Really?)
Asano with a grounder past Katayama into left. Takayama score to make it a 7-3 ballgame.
Takashima with another short popup, this time to right. Harukawa charges in and uses the wet turf to make a great sliding catch!
Top 8th
Harukawa inadvertantly jumps into the path of the ball as it was thrown behind him. Oh well, man on!
Sakada swinging on the hit-and-run! Asano with the diving attempt but it goes through! Runners on 1st and 2nd with no down!
No bunting anymore - Okada's swinging away!
Count runs in his favor 2-0. Two seamer inside for strike 1. Another one jams him and he flies out to left. 1 down.
Michishita hits a slow grounder to 3rd. He's retired and there's 2 down. They need to score these runs to have any chance in the 9th.
The task falls to Yokota, 1-3 on the day.
But like Michishita, he bails on an outside pitch and hits a slow roller to 3rd. Takashima makes the play and Kurashou's opportunity is wasted.
Bottom 8th
Nishi retires the side in order, tallying his 10th and 11th K's of the game. Yet it'll go for naught if they can't come back in the 9th
Top 9th
Bottom third of the order up in Katayama, Shimizu and Nishi...
Katayama grounds out to 2nd for the first out... Shimizu trying to foul off pitches looking for a better one, pops out to 2nd.
#15 Oosugi comes in to PH for Nishi, but falls behind 0-2 quickly. He's jammed and Takashima makes the catch near the mound to end the game.
Kurashiki Shougyou was never able to recover after giving up the 4-spot in the 2nd. Despite 11 K's from their ace Nishi, the offense was never able to gain traction to close the deficit. Not a bad job done by the boys from Okayama, but their road ends here. As for Sakushin Gakuin, it's yet another win at Koushien. The offense did looks sporadic at times, but they did have plenty of opportunities. Next up will be Naruto.
Notable Players
Ootani Shigehiro (Sakushin Gakuin) - CG, 3 ER, 7 H, 5 K, 3 BB
Takayama Ryousuke (Sakushin Gakuin) - 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Shimizu Shigeru (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 1-4, RBI
Sakushin Gakuin made the Best 4 at Natsu Koushien last year before losing to eventual runner-up Kousei Gakuin. In the fall, they defeated teams such as Hanasaki Tokuharu and Yokohama before being shutout by Urawa Gakuin in the championship.
Offensively, they look like they have some power through the lineup, but suffer the same issue that Kamimura Gakuen has - below-average contact. They have two speedsters at the top of the lineup, so expect them to try and run and run often when the order turns over.
On the mound is ace Ootani, another contact-type pitcher who doesn't strikeout a bunch of hitters (4.4 K/9), but counters it by limiting runners (1.11 WHIP).
Kurashiki Shougyou's keystone win was a 7-5 gyakuten win over Jyosuikan in the first round of the super-regionals. They would eventually lose 4-1 in the finals to Tottori Jyouhoku. They have almost the reverse problem Sakushin has, good contact, but little in extra base hits - which has been a recurring theme of a lot of teams which have played so far.
In addition, their ace Nishi allows a high number of baserunners (1.56 WHIP), and still doesn't strike out a lot of batters (5.29 K/9).
This game will probably be another one of those where the team from the more populous region will win out. I say this because the talent pool tends to be greater in more populous areas. It's just a general fact.
Kurashiki Shougyou (Okayama)
2B Fujii ShouriRF Harukawa Yasunori
CF Sakada Jyunichi
1B Okada Seiji
C Michishita Kouta
LF Yokota Yamato
SS Katayama Yoshiki
3B Shimizu Shigeru
P Nishi Ryuusei
Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
CF Tsuruta KouyaLF Haneishi Hiroki
SS Ishii Kazunari
1B Takayama Ryousuke (#9)
P Ootani ShigehiroC Yamashita Yuuto
RF Fuse Kyouhei (#16)
2B Asano Shouya3B Takashima Shouma
__________________________________________________
Looks like the rain which was was though to have passed is back again. There was some rain near the end of the last game, and has come back before the start of the game. But it looks like it's cleared up enough and the players take the field! It looks like Shinohara may be injured so Takayama shifts to 1B and Fuse holds the fort in right.
11:45 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Fujii with a short liner over Takayama's head! Asano backing up the play throws to Ootani covering, but he can't hold on! Base hit!
Harukawa not bunting, and takes a ball away through the left side! No out, runners on 1st and 2nd for Sakada!
Sakada with the quick safety bunt! Takashima charges in but Sakada beats out the throw! Manrui immediately and Ootani in trouble!
But Okada swings at the first pitch and grounds it to Ishii! He steps on 2nd for one, throws to 1st for the double play! They concede the run for the 2 outs and Kurashiki takes a 1-0 lead!
The rain is coming down harder now it seems.
Michishita grounds out to 3rd for the third out and Ootani is fortunate to have given up just the one run.
Bottom 1st
After Nishi records two outs to start the inning, he walks Ishii. Then on two consecutive pitches, one is blocked but still allows Ishii to steal 2nd, then a wild pitch sends him to 3rd.
Nishi loses Takayama on 4 straight and he doesn't look comfortable on the mound at all in the rain.
Ootani up and he's thrown two more balls before getting the outside corner. Ootani gets fooled on a screwball and the count's even at 2-2.
SANSHIN! Nishi gets it together, getting Ootani on a slider inside for the 3rd out!
Top 2nd
The rain may play a part in this game one way or another before it ends here.
And it already is as the grounds crew is called out to work on the mound. And it looks like the umpires have called in the players while they put some equivalent of diamond dry onto the field. The rain continues to fall though, but I think they're trying to get this game in one way or another having already lost a day.
After about a 5 minute delay, the players are out again and we're ready to start play again.
Yokota gets the Kurashou offense going with a single to right!
And Katayama on a bunt attempt hits him on his right hand, and Ootani is in a pinch again here in the 2nd!
Wild pitch from Ootani! Runners advance a base and now Kobari-kantoku calls time.
Another wild pitch from Ootani! Yokota scores and Kurashou is up 2-0!
Shimizu with a single to center scoring Katayama! No reprieve this time around as Nishi sacrifices the runner along. Fujii grounds to 2nd, but advances the runner to 3rd.
Harukawa K's to end the inning, but Ootani's mistakes cost them a couple more runs.
Bottom 2nd
Yamashita with a hard liner to left. Yokota trying to make the sliding catch, but instead it deflects off him! Yokota comes in with a double!
Fuse with a liner up the middle! Katayama just misses it, but Yamashita has to hold because he had to wait for the ball to get through first. Runners on 1st and 2nd as Morimitsu-kantoku calls time.
Asano tries to bunt the runners along, but fouls it off and now is down 0-2. He still manages to lay it down and advance the runners.
Now it's Nishi's turn to be in a pinch! He hits Takashima and its manrui as the lineup turns over!
But he doesn't panic and strikes out Tsuruta on a slider inside. 2 outs!
He continues aggressively, getting ahead on Haneishi 1-2. But Haneishi holds off on a slider outside and the count goes full. Everyone will take off on the next pitch...
Grounder to the right side... base hit! One run will score... 2 runs will score! Haneishi's timely hit pulls Sakushin within 1. It's 3-2!!
Haneishi takes off on the first pitch! No throw from Michishita! Now a base hit could give them the lead.
After getting ahead of Ishii 1-2, again the count runs full. There is an open base but would you really?
Nubber up the first base line. Okada with it, tosses to Nishi, SAFE?
The 1st base umpire calls him not touching the bag! He hurriedly throws home, but it's not in time! 2 runs score on the error and Sakushin Gakuin gets the gyakuten run, 4-3!
Takayama flies out to right, but the miss at 1st proves costly. Did he really miss it??
Top 3rd
The rain has returned again and it's coming down hard. Sakada pops out to short.
Ootani seemingly picking up the pace as a game after 5 is an official game and they're ahead.
Okada strikes out swinging on a high fastball and Michishita pops out to left. 3 outs and they're one step closer.
Bottom 3rd
Looks like the rain has stopped, but the errors haven't. Okada muffs the grounder from Ootani and Nishi is late in covering.
Yamashita swinging away, hits a liner to center that Sakada just gets to.
Fuse tries the surprise bunt, but Okada is there quickly. Fujii is a little tardy getting to 1st, but they get the out.
Asano goes down and hits one to center! Ootani scores and it's 5-3 Sakushin Gakuin!
Takashima strikes out to end the inning, but Sakushin extends their lead.
Top 4th
Ootani doing a decent job given the conditions. He appears to have a fastball in the mid 130s, a two-seamer, and at least a slider in the high 110s-low 120s.
Yokota and now Katayama both are frozen by fastballs from Ootani and there's quickly 2 down.
Shimizu lines out to 1st and Kurashiki has to head out to the field again
Bottom 4th
The camera points to the skies past right field, and there's clear blue skies, so I don't think there's much to worry about for a called game. Not sure who that would have wanted that when, but no matter anymore.
Ootani was on his way to a quick inning, but when Haneishi hit a grounder to short, Katayama airmailed the throw. Ishii's K would have been the 3rd out, instead it's the 2nd and Haneishi steals 2nd to boot.
Takayama makes Kurashou pay! He drives a ball over Yokota's head for a double! Haneishi scores to make it a 6-3 game!
But Nishi can't get the inning to end. He walks Ootani, then throws a wild pitch allowing the runners to advance.
Yamashita with a hard hit ball up the middle! Fujii with the diving stop, fires to first... in time! Nice play to prevent more runs for scoring! But they do fall one more run behind.
Top 5th
Kurashou's offense has stalled over the last couple of innings. None of Kurashiki's batters are making good contact and are retired in order.
Bottom 5th
Sakushin's batters are having about as much luck, but are getting breaks. One out, Asano hits a popup to shallow center, but no one can get to it and it falls in.
Now, Michishita throws him out trying to steal 2nd, but then Takayama gets a glancing blow to the head from a pitch and takes 1st.
But Kobari-kantoku rolls the dice again, and once again Takayama is thrown out on a delayed steal to end the inning. We get to the break with Sakushin doubling up Kurashou 6-3.
Top 6th
Okada finally breaks the hit drought with a one-out single to left.
Ootani then has a ball get away from him and he hits Michishita in the wrist! Runners on 1st and 2nd with one down as Kobari-kantoku calls for time.
Oof. Another ball gets away from Ootani and Yokota has to quickly duck away.
Yokota with a solid strike, but it's right at Tsuruta for the 2nd out. Katayama stands in, with Kurashou in no position to afford not scoring here.
But Ootani blows an inside fastball by him and Kurashou is denied!
Bottom 6th
Nishi takes the mound having thrown 124 pitches. He's got a lot more work to do to keep his team in the game.
As for Nishi himself, he throws in the high 120s-low 130s with a slider sitting in the high 110s-low 120s and a change in the 100s.
Tsuruta goes down for the 3rd time, this time looking at a fastball outside.
Nishi then finally stops Haneishi from getting on base getting a groundout to 2nd.
Ishii with a low liner to center. Sakada diving, makes the catch! Risky move there, but it pays off! Nishi gets a proper 1-2-3 inning but still finds himself trailing by 3 as they enter the lucky 7.
Top 7th
Still, the Kurasho batters are not making good contact. Shimizu flies out to right. Nishi gets under one behind 0-2 and flies out to center.
Oop. The rain is back...
But even in the rain, Ootani continues to exhibit very good control.
Fujii flies out to right and well, there goes the lucky 7. 2 innings left to mount a comeback.
Bottom 7th
Takayama gets another bloop hit as the ball falls in once again between Katayama and Yokota.
Ootani tries to bunt the runner along, but is called out when the umpire deems he wasn't able to pull back his bat in time. One down.
Yamashita though singles through the left side, putting pressure back on Nishi.
Fuse grounds into a fielder's choice at 2nd, which places runners at the corners for Asano.
(Zip-a-dee-do-dah? Really?)
Asano with a grounder past Katayama into left. Takayama score to make it a 7-3 ballgame.
Takashima with another short popup, this time to right. Harukawa charges in and uses the wet turf to make a great sliding catch!
Top 8th
Harukawa inadvertantly jumps into the path of the ball as it was thrown behind him. Oh well, man on!
Sakada swinging on the hit-and-run! Asano with the diving attempt but it goes through! Runners on 1st and 2nd with no down!
No bunting anymore - Okada's swinging away!
Count runs in his favor 2-0. Two seamer inside for strike 1. Another one jams him and he flies out to left. 1 down.
Michishita hits a slow grounder to 3rd. He's retired and there's 2 down. They need to score these runs to have any chance in the 9th.
The task falls to Yokota, 1-3 on the day.
But like Michishita, he bails on an outside pitch and hits a slow roller to 3rd. Takashima makes the play and Kurashou's opportunity is wasted.
Bottom 8th
Nishi retires the side in order, tallying his 10th and 11th K's of the game. Yet it'll go for naught if they can't come back in the 9th
Top 9th
Bottom third of the order up in Katayama, Shimizu and Nishi...
Katayama grounds out to 2nd for the first out... Shimizu trying to foul off pitches looking for a better one, pops out to 2nd.
#15 Oosugi comes in to PH for Nishi, but falls behind 0-2 quickly. He's jammed and Takashima makes the catch near the mound to end the game.
Kurashiki Shougyou was never able to recover after giving up the 4-spot in the 2nd. Despite 11 K's from their ace Nishi, the offense was never able to gain traction to close the deficit. Not a bad job done by the boys from Okayama, but their road ends here. As for Sakushin Gakuin, it's yet another win at Koushien. The offense did looks sporadic at times, but they did have plenty of opportunities. Next up will be Naruto.
Notable Players
Ootani Shigehiro (Sakushin Gakuin) - CG, 3 ER, 7 H, 5 K, 3 BB
Takayama Ryousuke (Sakushin Gakuin) - 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Shimizu Shigeru (Kurashiki Shougyou) - 1-4, RBI
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)