高校野球 (Kokoyakyu)

Well, guess who's on a roll now?

After finally getting back to Koushien this past summer, Toukai Dai-yon decided that they liked it there enough to go back there again in the spring!

Oddly, they had trouble in the quarterfinals of the super-regional against Kitami Kougyou, as they rallied from down 2-0 in the final 2 innings with 2 in the bottom of the 9th to walk off to the semifinals. Compare that to the very next game where they mercy-ruled Komadai Tomakomai 14-7 in 7 innings!

They would have to face a Hokkai squad looking to wipe the bad taste of the summer from their mouths, and having to face Hokkaido Sakae, Hokushou and Sapporo Nichidai just to reach the finals - certainly more difficult that what Toukai Dai-yon had to face,

And yet, while the game was close, Toukai Dai-yon never trailed - scoring a run in the first on their way to a 3-2 win for their 5th title and 1st in 14 years.  This guarantees them a bid at senbatsu and a chance to earn the region one more bid at the Meiji Jingu tournament.

So we're well underway in the Aki Taikai's - the fall tournaments that will give the best indicators who will be invited to Senbatsu.

Here's where things stand in the Hokkaido Super-Regionals:

Hokkaido only gets 1 allocated bid, so all of Hokkaido competes in their own super-region. Before that, teams have to qualify out of their regionals.

• Hakodate Regionals - Hakodate Kougyou, Hakodatedai Yuuto

 Hakodate Kougyou did face difficulty in the A block, while Hakodatedai Yuuto faced almost none.

• Muroran Regionals - Komadai Tomakomai, Hokkaido Sakae

Both schools won their games very easily.

• Sapporo Regionals - Sapporo Nichidai, Hokkai, Sapporo Dai-ichi, Toukai Dai-yon

Sapporo only gets 4 spots given the combined taikai. None of the schools here are surprising, though Toukai Dai-yon is certainly weaker than where they were in the summer.

• Otaru Regionals - Hokushou

Otaru Chouryou almost did it again. Facing Hokushou in the semifinals, they took a 5-4 lead in the 5th, but ace Chiba couldn't hold it, giving up 2 as Hokushou revenged the summer loss with a 6-5 win. That was their only opposition

• Asahikawa Regionals - Asahikawa Kougyou, Asahikawa Ryuukoku

This region was much more competitive, though admittedly Asahikawa Kougyou did have to face Asahikawa Jitsugyou and Asahikawa Meisei.

• Nayoro Regionals - Wakkanai Ootani

Wakkanai Ootani got a great performance from ace Endou, shutting out Shibetsu Shouun 2-0 to win the regionals.

• Kitami Regionals - Kitami Kougyou, Kitami Hokuto

Kitami Kougyou came from behind to defeat Engaru in the opening round 3-2. After that, the rest was a breeze in Block A. Kitami Hokuto after obliterating Kuneppu 32-0 stumbled a bit thereafter in the immediate game thereafter, but otherwise was unchallenged.

• Tokachi Regionals - Obihiro Sanjyou, Shirakaba Gakuen

No Obihiro Ootani this year either, they were mercy ruled by Obihiro Sanjyou in the Block A final. Shirakaba Gakuen had no issues getting through in Block B.

• Kushine Regionals - Kushiro Hokuyou, Nakashibetsu

Kushiro Hokuyou took out one of the regulars in the Block A final, defeating Bushuukan 9-5 in the final. Nakashibetsu comes through with close games versus Kushiro Koryou, Betsukai and a 10-inning final against Kushiro Konan.

And that ticket goes to the Hokkaido Super-Regional champion...

...Komadai Tomakomai!

Yes, they will return to haru koushien for the first time in 8 years.  After advancing past the first two rounds without trouble against Kushiro Meiki and Asahikawadai, they were snared in a low-scoring affair against Toukai Dai-yon - a very strong C level team in the semifinals.  12 innings later and they finally got to Toukai ace Nishijima to score the only run in the game moving them into the finals.

With schools like Hakodatedai Yuuto and Hokushou on the same side of the bracket and eliminated early, there was little competition left it would seem.  But Shirakaba Gakuen drew the other half of the bracket and would appear to be on a collision course for a powerhouse final.

Indeed, after 2 mercy rule wins over Bushuukan and Hakodate Shougyou, then a shutout of Tomakomai Chuo, they were just one game away from that matchup.  Standing in the way was an unknown Sapporo Ootani squad whose only notable win was their first game in a 6-4 win over Kitami Hokuto.

And yet when the final horn sounded, Ootani 1st year ace Okamoto Rinden (岡本 凛典) had pitched a complete game shutout and upset the favorites 4-0 and now were one game away from punching their own ticket to not only the Meiji Jingu tournament, but to Haru Koushien!

In the final, Okamoto gave Komadai Tomakomai all they could handle, keeping his underdog team in the game long enough to allow his offense to tie it up in the top of the 8th.

But a costly error allowed the go-ahead run to reach 3rd base for Komadai, and with one out and runners at the corners, Niiyama would hit the sac fly to left regaining the lead at 3-2 as reliever Itou closed it out for the victory.

So Komadai Tomakomai will head down to Tokyo and more importantly will be headed to Haru Koushien.  I don't think this is the last we'll see of Sapporo Ootani either.

Other taikais are underway, and I'll have those updates in the next couple of days.

While the Aki Taikai is important for determining teams who will go to Haru Koushien, information on brackets and the like is not as well covered.

Hokkaido
Unlike the summer where they split Hokkaido, here there is only 1 spot, which I guess while warranted because of the weakness in prefecture, is somewhat disappointing.

Anyways, we have our teams as follows going to the Super-Regional:

Hakodate Regionals

• Hakodatedai Yuuto - Perhaps in a rebuilding year, struggled against Hakodate Kougyou and Shiritsu Hakodate.
• Hakodate Shougyou - Went on an offensive rampage before eking a 2-0 win over Hakodate Ootani.  Did not have to face Hakodate LaSalle

Muroran Regionals

• Komadai Tomakomai - They advance, but a 2-1 block win over Hokkaido Sakae does not instill confidence.
• Tomakomai Chuo - Only runs given up in opening game versus Muroran Sakae. Will get tested in Super-Regional play.

Sapporo Regionals

• Sapporo Ootani - Had close calls versus Sapporo Nichidai and unknown Hokkaido Kokusai Jyouhou.
• Sapporo Minami - Routed all opponents, though had a 15-8 barnburner against Sapporo Atsubetsu.
• Toukai Dai-yon - Once again, they make it with no issues (including a convincing win over Sapporo Dai-ichi!), but you have to wonder if they'll ever breakthrough.
• Sapporo Seishuu -  Had several close games before blowing out Sapporo Touryou in block final. But no quality opponents and team is a relative unknown.

Otaru Regionals

• Hokushou - Need I say more?

Sorachi Regionals

• Komadai Iwamizawa - A very close call with a 10 inning win over Takigawa Nishi, but otherwise smooth sailing.

Asahikawa Regionals

• Asahikawadai - They're back in the spotlight, and had quality wins over Asahikawa Jitsugyou and a 14 inning marathon against Furano. Did not give up a single run in the block.
• Asahikawa Meisei - Makes just their 3rd appearance, and only after outlasting Asahikawa Minami 8-7.

Nayoro Regionals

• Teshio - Makes their 4th appearance after defeating Wakkanai Ootani 3-1 in block final.

Kitami Regionals

• Abashiri Keiyou - A real unknown who gave up runs only in a 11 inning 5-4 win over Kitami Kougyou.
• Kitami Hokuto - Got stronger as they progressed, struggling against Kitami Hokuyou before defeating Engaru and Memanbetsu.

Tokachi Regionals

• Shirakaba Gakuen - Had an uncharacteristic hiccup in 4-3 10 inning win over Shimizu, but otherwise breezed through.
• Obihiro Sanjyou - The fabled Obihiro Ootani couldn't make it back as they lost 4-1 in the block final.

Kushine Regionals

• Kushiro Meiki - Another unknown, walked off Kushiro Hokuyou 4-2 to advance.
• Bushuukan - Had to walk off against Nakashibetsu, but routed everyone else otherwise.

Hokkaido Super-Regional
Finishing up the first round, Hakodatedai Hakuryou edged out Obihiro Kita 2-1, while Towa no Mori San-ai continues to struggle on the big stage, mercy ruled by Hokushou.

The quarterfinals went almost as quietly.  Komadai Tomakomai mercy rules Hakodate LaSalle 8-1 in 8, Kushiro Kouryou was shutout 3-0 by Sapporo Nichidai, and so was the aforementioned Hakodatedai Hakuryou against Hokushou.

The only team tested was Komadai Iwamizawa, who trailed early 2-0, then 6-3 against Kitami Hokuto.  But even in weaker prefectures, either the teams who have been there before exert their experience or the teams facing them cave under pressure.  Komadai Iwamizawa rallies for 4 late to defeat Kitami Hokuto 7-6.

This left the possibility of an all-Komadai final.  Tomakomai obliged, keeping Sapporo Nichidai at arms length in a 7-4 win.  However, while Iwamizawa was able to take an early 3-1 lead, Hokushou would score in 5 of the final 6 innings to run away with a 10-4 win.

So the final once again featured two well-known teams.  Komadai Tomakomai took the first advantage with a 2-0 lead, Hokushou would level the score eventually in the 4th.  Tomakomai would pull away soon thereafter, scoring 5 unanswered runs to win 7-2 for their 4th spring title.

Tohoku Super-Regional
Tohoku perhaps went as planned, but perhaps questions still remain.

In Noshiro Shouyou's (Akita 1) fka Noshiro Shougyou's bracket, they easily handled a Morioka Dai-yon (Iwate 3) squad who earlier managed just two hits but defeated Sendai Dai-san (Miyagi 3) 1-0.  That set them up against a Fukushima Higashi (Fukushima 2) squad who surprisingly upset Rifu (Miyagi 2) 6-3.

And in a bigger surprise, Fukushima Higashi scores 3 in the first after giving up 2.  They'd score one more and held on to defeat Noshiro Shouyou 4-3!!

In Moriokadai Fuzoku (Iwate 1)/Aomori Yamada (Aomori 1) quadrant, both teams easily advanced via mercy rule over their opponents - Odaka Kougyou (Fukushima 3) and Kunori Gakuen (Yamagata 2).  But when push came to shove, Aomori Yamada once again falls flat, mercy ruled themselves 8-1 in 7 innings.

The only 1 seed to not advance past their first game?  My boys from Haguro (Yamagata 1).  In fact Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi (Aomori 2) dispatched them easily 8-2.  I won't make excuses, but to be fair, Haguro had the hardest 1st game.

Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi would face the dreaded Seikou Gakuin (Fukushima 1).  Apparently Honjyou (Akita 2) just can't catch a break.  Seikou Gakuin would easily pass through the Aomori squad with a 7-0 mercy win.

And finally, in Sendai Ikuei's bracket (Miyagi 1), they had no issues with Akita Chuo (Akita 3) with a 9-1 victory.  Their quarterfinal game would be against none other than Sakata Minami (Yamagata 3) who had no problems with Hachinohe Kougyou (Aomori 3) 8-2, then against Senshuudai Kitakami (Iwate 2) trailing 6-1, scored 9 answered runs then survived a 3-run 9th to win 10-9.

Sakata Minami couldn't pull one more upset, and was mercy ruled 9-1 in 8 innings.

So while we had a possibility of an all-Fukushima final, the chances were slim as Fukushima Higashi needed to upset Moriokadai Fuzoku, while Seikou Gakuin must face Sendai Ikuei - who is in all likelihood trying to redouble their efforts after a poor Haru Koushien showing.

Since we're all familiar with the other schools, I tried to find something on Fukushima Higashi.  All I could find were videos on their oen-dan, which aren't bad.

Indeed, both Fukushima teams lost rather handily.  Fukushima Higashi did score the first run against Moriokadai Fuzoku, but couldn't make it last after the 5th inning break as Moriokadai scored 6 runs afterwards.  Sendai Ikuei led wire-to-wire in a 6-2 win over Seikou Gakuin.

And in the final Sendai Ikuei had no trouble with Moriokadai Fuzoku, cruising to a 5-1 win for their 11th title - and 1st in 14 years.

So Sendai Ikuei wins another Super-Regional.  But the poor showing at Senbatsu still raises questions on their abilities outside of the Tohoku region.  It also could raise questions on the Tohoku region as a whole come time for Natsu Koushien.

Hokushinetsu Super-Regionals
In the Hokushinetsu Super-Region things did, and didn't go as planned.  Big statement, I know.

The draw for the super-regionals wound up as follows and did not necessarily play favorites:

• Seiryou (Ishikawa 1) vs. Winner of Harue Kougyou (Fukui 2)-Shibata Chuo (Niigata 2)
• Toyama Dai-ichi (Toyama 1) vs. Winner of Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi (Ishikawa 3/4)-Tokyo Shidai Shiojiri (Nagano 2)
• Ueda Nishi (Nagano 1) vs. Winner of Tsuruga Kehi (Fukui 1)-Kanazawa (Ishikawa 3/4)
• Murakami Sakuragaoka (Niigata 1) vs. Winner of Yuugakukan (Ishikawa 2)-Toyama Shougyou (Toyama 2)

That's right, Tsuruga Kehi got the short end of the stick, and drew Kanazawa - who isn't a powerhouse per se, but is definitely one of the upper level teams in the region.

In the opening round, Harue Kougyou continued to disappoint.  After taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd, they quickly let Shibata Chuo level the score in the 4th, then a bases loaded walk in the 6th opening a 3-run inning from which they could not recover, falling 5-3.  Tokyo Shidai Shiojiri with the help of a 3rd inning, 3-run homerun by RF Ishihara.  Tsuruga Kehi went all out against Kanazawa, sending out ace Kishimoto.  CF Mine then helped out with a leadoff HR.  And while Kanazawa would tie the game in the 1st, hits by Asai, Hiranuma and Iwata gave the cushion they needed as Kishimoto struck out 10 in a 4-1 win.  And finally, Yuugakukan did what it normally does, mercy ruling Toyama Shougyou 10-1 in 7 innings.

Onto the quarterfinals where all 1 seeds are in play, and it was a mixed bag.  Seiryou expectedly had no trouble with Shibata Chuo mercy ruling them in 7 innings.  Tokyo Shidai Shiojiri tried a 9th inning rally, but could only cut the deficit in half, losing 5-3.  I truly wanted Ueda Nishi to succeed, but it will have to wait for the summer.  After fighting back to tie the game at 2 in the 7th, they would play 7 more as Tsuruga Kehi scored one in the 14th for the 3-2 win.  Also of note is that Kishimoto was not used in the game at all - which sadly may be a bigger notch against Ueda Nishi.  And while Murakami Sakuragaoka may have won Niigata, they were no match for the veteran Yuugakukan mercy ruled in 7.

So the semifinalists were well-known names.  Results though, were a bit surprising.  Seiryou continues to hit a ceiling, losing to Toyama Dai-ichi.  After taking a 2-0 lead, they give up the lead, only to fight back in the bottom of the 8th to tie it at 3... only to have Toyama score 5 in the 9th to wipe out the Ishikawa champions.

And Tsuruga Kehi?  Let's just say it wasn't a good day for Kishimoto.  He gives up 5 runs early, and while the team pulls within one, reliever Mosome couldn't keep his team in it, giving up a 3-spot in the 8th as Yuugakukan moves on with the 9-5 win.

Yuugakukan looked to be the favorite in the super-regional final, but it was Toyama Dai-ichi who scored first with a pair in the opening frame.  They couldn't hold the lead though for long as Yuugakukan struck back with 3 in the 3rd, and opened the lead to 5-2.  Toyama could only manage one run the rest of the game as Yuugakukan takes just their 3rd title, but first in two years.

Kinki Super-Regional
The Kinki Super-Regional is rather small given the prefectures involved.  Only host prefecture Nara qualifies more than just 1 team.  So it really is win and advance for most teams in the spring.

Oumi advances out of Shiga, but had to survive many close games against not so well known teams such as Oumi Kyoudaisha and Yasu, and some we have heard of such as Shiga Gakuen before rallying in the bottom of the 9th against Hachiman Kougyou for a gyakuten sayonara 3-2 victory.

In Kyoto, there were no surprises in the 1st stage of play as teams such as Kyoto Subaru, Ritsumeikan Uji, Kyoto Gaidai Nishi, Kyoto Seishou, Toba, and Fukuchiyama Seibi joined Senbatsu participants Ryuukokudai Heian and Kyoto Shouei.

It was almost amazing then that the aforementioned 8 teams were almost all separated.  The only exception was Kyoto Shouei and Kyoto Gaidai Nishi.  In that matchup, the Kinki fall champions routed Kyoto Gaidai Nishi 13-3 in 7 innings.  Other than that, all other teams had relatively little problems, except for Kyoto Seishou who gave up a 4-spot to Kita-Saga in the 3rd inning in a 5-3 loss.

Kita-Saga continued their run, and in rather shocking fashion.  I need to go back and see if I can't pull up particulars, but the game was tied 1-1 going into extras.  Kyoto Shouei scored 4 in the 13th and seemed to have the game in hand.  But much like the White Sox-Mariners game, Kita-Saga mounted a comeback.  Instead of tying the game though they score 5 to completely shock the fall champions 6-5!!

Elsewhere, Ryuukokudai Heian had no problems with Otokuni 6-4, Fukuchiyama Seibi surprisingly was nowhere to be seen against Toba, and Ritsumeikan Uji routed Kyoto Subaru in 7.

It would be a surprise for the finals as Toba defeated Ryuukokudai Heian 4-1, while Kita-Saga continued their surprising run, once again rallying late after giving up the lead in the bottom of the 8th for a gyakuten win against Ritsumeikan Uji.

In the final, Kita-Saga held a lead against Toba, but Toba would tie it up in the 6th at 3.  The game would go into enchousen, but not for long as Toba scores one in the 10th.  There would be no rally this time though as Toba would take it 4-3.  I would say though that Kita-Saga has surprised me here in the spring.  All I know so far is their pitchers are Katabuchi Wataru(?) (潟淵 亘) and Komori Naoki (小森 直己).

In Osaka, despite the large field, it was predominantly business as usual.  Despite 172 teams in the field, the Best 4 were all well-known names - Riseisha squaring off against Osaka Touin, and Konkou Osaka versus Daishoudai (aka Osaka Shougyoudai).  In the blockbuster semi, Riseisha had led right from the get-go until Osaka Touin's lucky 7 where they scored 3 to tie the game at 5.  The game would head to enchousen, but for just one inning as Riseisha scored 4 on starter Amimoto for the win.  They would play Konkou Osaka, who had little difficulty with Daishoudai.  And in the final, Konkou Osaka would give Riseisha all they could handle as Sakashita and Honno would limit them to a 1st inning run by Okita.  Unfortunately, that's all Riseisha would need as ace Higashino would spread out 9 hits in a complete game shutout to take the title.

Moving on to Hyogo, they only sent in 36 teams - no Nishinomiya Kita for me (sorry Haruhi).

Anyways, the main players were there, but the first to fall is the always precarious Touyoudai Himeji.  After uncharacteristically getting through their first game easily, they lost another low-scoring affair to Shiritsu Amagasaki 3-2.  Amagasaki's run didn't last much longer sadly as they found themselves on the wrong end of the 3-2 score in the next game versus Yashiro.  Looking back, they've gone to just one Koushien, the 2004 Haru where they got to the semifinal game, losing to Aikoudai Meiden.  Interestingly, they used a two pitcher system in Oomae and Tsuboi.  This time around, it looks like the same thing, with dual aces Niimi and Hirauchi.

Joining Yashiro would be Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku and Houtoku Gakuen - though Houtoku had to come back against Takigawa Dai-ni.  The final semifinalist would be Akashi Shougyou, who literally outlasted Suma Shoufuu (who apparently has a radio station) with 5 runs in the 15th for a 7-2 victory.

What was more interesting was that both semifinal games would head to enchousen.  For Akashi Shougyou, that would be bad news - especially against Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku.  After fighting back to tie the game in the 8th, they would lose 4-3 in 11.

As for Yashiro, they and Houtoku Gakuen would go 15 innings without a winner.  In the replay the next day, Yashiro's kantoku would go into their bullpen and started Nagao (永尾).  That didn't work out as Houtoku would score 3.  Another Nagao (長尾) and Niimi held down the fort, but the offense couldn't muster a run as they fell in the replay 3-0.

To add insult to injury perhaps, while the game didn't count for qualification for the super-regional, the 3rd place game between Akashi Shougyou and Yashiro would also go into enchousen.  14 innings in fact before Akashi Shougyou finally ended it 4-3.

As for the final, Houtoku Gakuen's 4th game in 4 days took its toll against Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku as they fell behind quickly and lost 8-2.

Chiben Wakayama's hold on Wakayama prefecture may be waning.  Despite breezing through to the semifinals, Minoshima's triumvirate of Ueshiba, Takagawa and Susami defeated them 2-1.  They would go on to defeat Kinkidai Shinguu in the final despite blowing a 6-0 lead 11-7.

And as for host Nara, the prefectural tournament was a mess - if you were a big name.  Tenri was unceremoniously ousted 5-2 by Nara Suzaku in the first round.  Haru Koushien participant Yamato Kouryou had the unfortunate task of playing Chiben Gakuen right off the bat, and were routed 10-1 in 7 innings.

So Chiben Gakuen remained the big name remaining and their title to lose.

And they did.

In uncharacteristic fashion, they let Naradai Fuzoku score in 5 consecutive innings with the nail in the coffin a 5-run 7th which led to them winning 11-10!  In the 3rd place game, Kashihara Gakuin defeated Kashihara 4-3 to take the final spot in the super-regionals.

Onto the Super-Regionals, and it's no surprise that of the 3 Nara teams that qualified, only veteran Chiben Gakuen advanced to the semifinals.  However, they blew a 4-1 lead to Minoshima in the top of the 9th before Nakanishi delievered the sayonara manrui hit to win 5-4.  Naradai Fuzoku actually gave Riseisha a challenge though tying the game a 2-2 in the 8th before Okita delivered the sayonara hit for Riseisha.  Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku and Toba had no problems in their games.

The semifinals were no-contests as both Kobe Kokusaidai Fuzoku and Riseisha breezed through Chiben Gakuen and Toba respectively.

The finals were a completely different story.  After taking a 3-0 lead early, Kobe Kokusaidai yielded 5 runs in the 3rd, only to claw back in the 5th.  The teams traded a run in the 8th, and then Takahashi for Kobe would blast his 2nd HR of the game, giving his team the 7-6 lead.  But like the 8th they couldn't hold it as Inoue delivered the sayonara 2-run double with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th for the sayonara gyakuten victory.  Interestingly, this is Riseisha's 1st ever Haru title.

(Chuugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu recaps to come shortly)

So, here's what's going on in the Haru Taikai's.

Hokkaido Super-Regional
In Hokkaido, it's much of the same process, each region qualifies a team - Sapporo has 4 blocks, Hakodate 2.  Hokushou and Engaru automatically advance having played at Haru Koushien.

They still won their regionals, but since they got automatic bids, the losers of the finals were guaranteed to advance - Otaru Ouyou out of the Otaru region, and Kitami Hokuto out of Kitami.

Many familiar names reached the 2nd stage.  Both Komadai Tomakomai and Komadai Iwamizawa advanced, along with Hokkai and Sapporo Nichidai.  Lesser known teams such as Towa no mori san-ai and Hakodate LaSalle both advanced as well.

Missing from the list of teams is Asahikawa Jitsugyou, who lost 4-1 to Asahikawa Ryuukoku as well as Shirakaba Gakuen who fell 8-7 to Obihiro Kita after they rallied for 5 in the 7th before hanging on by the slimmest of margins.

The super-regionals started the other day and we already have a few casualties.  Hokkai fell 7-5 to Hakodate LaSalle while Engaru couldn't get past the first round falling to Sapporo Nichidai 4-3.  In other games, Komadai Tomakomai had no problems with Wakkanai Ootani, while Otaru Ouyou's reprieve lasted just one game, losing to Kushiro Koryou.  Kitami Hokuto and Komadai Iwamizawa has also advanced.

Tohoku Super-Regional
Prefectures have finished up their qualifiers, and there are not many surprises.

In Aomori, Aomori Yamada cleans up on Hachinohe Koudai Dai-ichi with Hachinohe Kougyou taking the 3rd spot.

No Hanamaki Higashi in Iwate, instead Moriokadai Fuzoku outlasts Senshuudai Kitami 7-3 to take the title while Ichinoseki Gakuin loses out yet again, this time a 5-1 loss to Morioka Dai-yon.

Newly formed Noshiro Shouyou (merger between Noshiro Shougyou and Noshiro Kita) takes Akita in sayonara fashion in the 10th over tough-luck Honjyou with Akita Chuo winning the 3rd place match.

We haven't really heard from Haguro recently out of Yamagata recently, but they defeat Kunori Gakuen 5-2 to take the spring title.  Sakata Minami was relegated to 3rd after an 11-4 win over Yonezawa Chuo.

Miyagi is still missing Tohoku.  Meiji Jingu champ Sendai Ikuei and Rifu have filled the gap in the meantime - though a 16-9 score doesn't exactly instill confidence in the prefecture in the summer.  Sendai Dai-san blanked Sendai Shougyou 4-0 to take the last spot.

And in Fukushima, status quo is maintained.  Seikou Gakuin wins once again, this time a 25-2 whitewashing over Fukushima Higashi.  Odaka Kougyou finishes in 3rd.

Kanto Super-Regional
Kanto for the spring includes Tokyo, so they're grouped in with everyone else in the region.  Play has been completed, and it perhaps sheds some light for the summer.

With Tochigi hosting, they receive 4 bids while all others get 1.  No real surprise from those 4 teams - Sano Nichidai, Ootawara, Sakushin Gakuin and Hakuoudai Ashikaga.

Urawa Gakuin got a free pass but still won Saitama in an 8-0 win over Hanasaki Tokuharu. That meant that the 3rd place team advanced from Saitama and that team was Washinomiya in a 5-3 win over Saitama Sakae.  Going over the results, my Kasukabe Kyouei squad had to face Urawa Gakuin and gave them the best fight in-prefecture, losing 2-1 in 12 inning.  I was going to hope those two teams were going to be split up this year (Saitama will be split up this time around along with other major prefectures), but with Kasukabe Kyouei an ~20 min drive to Urawa Gakuin... my guess is no.  Darn.

Elsewhere...

• In Ibaraki Kasumigaura held on for dear life to defeat Jyousou Gakuin 3-2.
• Shifting to Gunma, Takasaki Kenkou Fukushidai re-emerges but cannot hold a lead late and falls just short against Maebashi Ikuei losing 5-4 in 12.
• To the southwest in Chiba, Toukaidai Bouyou finally wins the prefecturals, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to Senshuudai Matsudo winning 5-4.
• Tokyo qualified 2 familiar faces with Teikyou defeating Nichidai-san.  Teikyou survived back-to-back enchousen games against the aforementioned Sanko and Nichidai Tsurugaoka.  Their schedule was littered with Koushien-brand teams - before Nichidai Tsurugaoka was Kanto Dai-ichi, Yasuda Gakuen, and Kokushikan.
• Ace Matsui out of Toukou Gakuen struggles to get more support as they cannot win it all as they fall to Touin Gakuen in the Kanagawa final.  This after defeating Yokohama, Yokohama Hayato and Nichidai Fujisawa.
• And finally in Yamanashi, Fuji-kawaguchiko - a team that has done fairly well in the prefecture, reached the final, but couldn't overcome Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku.

As for the super-regional, the games were for the most part were close.  Teikyou couldn't get past their first game, falling to Jyousou Gakuin 5-4.  Toukou Gakuen, with no Matsui almost got to the semifinals, but a 4-run 7th by Maebashi Ikuei squashed their chances.

Uragaku had an immediate test in the Super-Regionals facing ever-present Sanko.  However, they were able to shut them down in a surprising 2-0 score.  In fact, Ojima was used just twice.  Once in part against Sanko, and then again in the semifinals against Toukaidai Bouyou as Urawa Gakuin took the Kanto Super-Regionals over the aforementioned Maebashi Ikuei.

Hokushinetsu Super-Regional
Ishikawa is the host this year for the Hokushinetsu Super-Regional, so they qualify 4 teams while all others send 2.

And Godzilla's alma mater is trying their darnest to get to Koshien this year.  Well, if the spring taikais are any indication.  Seiryou had to survive two 8-7 ballgames against Kanazawa and Yuugakukan to take the spring title.  On a slightly unrelated note, they also defeated my friend's JET assignment Komatsu Meihou.  Joining the trio is Kanazawa Gakuin Higashi.

In Fukui, the secret is out.  Tsuruga Kehi is good.  So while I suppose you can hide some things, there probably isn't a whole lot to hide anymore.  With that said, they won the rematch against Harue Kougyou 6-3 in the final.

I really wish Ueda Nishi would get to Koushien one day.  I don't know why Ueda Nishi other than that Ueda was used for bits of the Onegai Twins! series.  I guess for now a spring prefectural victory will have to do.  They defeated both Matsushou Gakuen and Chikyuu Kankyou before defeating Tokyo Shidai Shiojiri 2-1.

Over in Toyama, Toyama Dai-ichi will look to challenge this summer after defeating both Tonami Kougyou and runner-up Toyama Shougyou.  A 3-0 11 inning win though in the final means they'll probably have their hands full.

And finally in Niigata, there are two names I am not totally familiar with.  Murakami Sakuragaoka almost fritters away a 6-0 lead, but holds on to defeat Shibata Chuo 6-5.  I haven't really been able to find anything about either team, so I will be curious to see the summer taikai as both Nihon Bunri and Niigata Kenou Kougyou both reached the semifinals.

Tokai Super-Regional
Tokai has already completed play and I can't say I'm completely surprised by the teams that made it.

Since it's a non-Koshien taikai, each prefecture sends just 2 teams to the super-regional.

Shizuoka is always a focus for me because of Tokoha Kikugawa and Tohoha Tachibana.   Sadly, both were in the same half, and wound up facing each other in the semifinals.  Tachibana held the slim 2-1 lead before Kikugawa scores a run in the 8th, then walks off in the 9th to reach the super-regionals.  Joining them will be Shizuoka, who never really competed with Kikugawa in the final.

Gifu brings back one of the possible contenders at Haru Koushien - if not for injuries.  So how did Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou bounce back?

Well, they did win Gifu, but it looks like they didn't use Fujita. It showed as they went through several close games against many seemingly non-contenders... and still won the prefecture.  Oogaki Nichidai joins them, but don't look to be serious contenders at this moment.

In Mie, Inabe Sougou Gakuen takes out a possible contender in Komono in the quarterfinals, then almost coughs up the victory against recent newcomer Tsu Shougyou before winning 6-5 in 11 innings.  Not sure that Tsu Shougyou has in their arsenal that has made them contenders in Mie at least, but I don't think we've seen the last of them.

(I did try to look up players from Tsu Shougyou, and all I can find is the battery of Moriyama Takuma 森山　拓魔, and Shimizu Tomoki 清水　智貴 - who happen to be the 3-4 batters for the team)

Aichi happens to be the only surprise out of the 4.  Both Chuukyoudai Chuukyou and Aikoudai Meiden both lost in the quarterfinals, opening the field up for the title - which would be taken in spectacular walkoff fashion by Haruhigaoka 3-2 over Eitoku.

Onto the super-regionals and it looks like Fujita isn't 100% yet.  He started versus Shizuoka, but did not last long as they got to him early and often in an 8-3 loss.  Oogaki Nichidai proved my premise right about Gifu as they lost to Inabe Sougou Gakuen, while Tsu Shougyou only yielded a 9th inning run against Haruhigaoka.

Much to perhaps all the other prefectures' dismay, it was an all-Shizuoka final as Tokoha Kikugawa and Shizuoka squared off yet again.  After trading 3-spots in the 1st, another 3-run inning by Kikugawa in the 5th proved to be just enough as they take the spring Tokai tournament 6-5.

The biggest concern has to be for Kengifushou and Fujita.  If he's not 100%, they're just another team.  They need him to be fully ready for the run this summer... or it really was a pyhrric victory over Osaka Touin.

Welcome to morning baseball!  With the Takasaki v. Oumi game cancelled due to rain, we're having a NCAA 1st weekend type of day with 4 games on the docket!  Get your bento boxes ready, it's going to be a long day...

And in the first game, life at Koushien can be rather unfair at times. In what might be a schedule match between teams during the year due to their close proximity, the Hokkaido and Tohoku champions square off to begin day 4.

Hokkaido hasn't had a successful team at Koushien since Komadai Tomakomai.  But that was in 2006 and still counting.  Sapporo Dai-ichi, Hokkai, Komadai Iwamizawa have all tried to bring prominence back to the northern territory, and this time around, it's Otaru-shi's Hokushou.

Hokushou actually defeated Hokkai and Sapporo Dai-ichi on their way to the title, though they did need 10 innings to defeat Sapporo Dai-ichi in the title game.

Offensively, on paper the team looks like a juggernaut.  I mean, 0.392 batting average?  But put it in the context of Hokkaido, and you realize that about the only games you can really count are the ones in the super-regional itself.  Unfortunately, I don't have that data.

Pitching-wise Ooguchi may be the ace, but his numbers look rather bad considering they were playing teams in Hokkaido.  Despite posting a 1.62 ERA, his WHIP stood at a high 1.36, while almost only striking out one batter every 3 innings.  THREE!

Reliever Miura's numbers look a lot better than that, but then again, he wasn't really tasked with the super-regional games outside of Kushiro Kougyou.  So again, it's all about context.

And now there's the context of their opponent - Natsu Koushien runner-up Kousei Gakuin.

This fall Kousei Gakuin was out for blood.  Or so the scores would suggest.  In their 11 games, including the Meiji Jingu tournament, they scores 6 or less runs twice.

That's right, in 9 of 11 games they scored 7 or more runs.  One game was the Tohoku Super-Regional final against Seikou Gakuin, and the other was the Meiji Jingu Final against Aikoudai Meiden.  Of C Tamura's 24 hits, 9 were doubles and 3 were HR's.  That is a slash line of 0.522/0.577/0.913.  Yes, there's context in that it's Tohoku.  Yes there's context in that they defated Oominato 21-3 in the prefectural final.  No mercy rule in the final, Oominato had to take it all.

Still, that's just sick.  Why even pitch to him if you were facing him?

The key for Kousei though, like every other team will be the guy on the mound.  Kanazawa takes over the reins, and his numbers are... well.... huh?

So, 46 K's in 39.2 IP?  Very good.  19 H in the same innings?  Even better.  18 BB in those innings...  Um... what?

Yes, that's right.  He issued almost as many walks as hits.  And yet when combined it STILL averages to less than 1 H+BB per inning!

So what does that mean?  Well, it could mean he's effectively wild.  It could mean that against better competition those walks will come back to bite him.  I really have no idea because I've never remembered seeing numbers like this before.  And even if Kanazawa is ineffective, Jyouma might be able to come in and not embarrass himself.

Hokushou, I don't envy your position at all.  There appears to be very few holes in your opponent.  Perhaps be patient and you can get to Kanazawa.  Or you'll be sitting on 3 straight.  I have no idea.

RF  Ameku Shouto
LF  Murase Daijyu
C  Tamura Tatsuhiro
SS  Houjyou Fumiya
3B  Oosugi Akinobu
1B  Takeda Toshiki
P  Jyouma Ryuuhei (#4)
CF  Sekiguchi Takayoshi (#17)
2B  Kishigawa Kenta (#14)

CF  Yoshida Yuuto
RF  Takayama Nobuyoshi (#18)

LF  Takayama Daisuke
1B  Kobayashi Eitarou (#9)
SS  Satou Sena
3B  Tomita Kaito
C  Wada Kouta
P  Oogushi Kazuya
2B  Nishiya Keisuke

__________________________________________________

08:30 - First Pitch!

The field looks a lot better, and more importantly the sky looks a lot better too.  No cancelled games today.

Top 1st
Ameku immediately gets the offensive ball rolling with a deep drive down the right field line!  Nobuyoshi runs towards the foul pole and it bounces off the fence for a leadoff double!

Murase trying to lay down the bunt, but instead Oogushi walks him!

Their best batter is up next in Tamura, and he's not swinging away.

And Oogushi throws a pitch wide and the runners advance!  Tamura takes full advantage on the next pitch and hits a deep fly to center.  Yoshida is easily under it for the catch, and the run is conceded.  Kousei quickly on the board 1-0!  After cleanup batter Houjyou is retired, Murase tries a delayed steal to 2nd, and well... is out by a wide margin.

Bottom 1st
Not sure what to say about Hokushou's first half inning except that Houjyou got a workout that inning.  Three straight assists, and Kousei is quickly on the bats again.

Top 2nd
Oogushi records his first K a little ahead of schedule, freezing Takeda on a curveball no less.

Starting pitcher Jyouma drills a ball to right center, Nobuyoshi runs and makes a dive, but can't come up with it.  Jyouma's in with a double.

Sekiguchi grounds out to short and the small threat is over.

Bottom 2nd
Kobayashi continues the whole "working the shortstop" theme by hitting another ball to him.

Satou finally breaks that trend, softly lining out to right.  Tomita grounds out to 1st and we're moving right along.

Top 3rd
Ooguchi's fastball must not be as fast as I thought.  It's sitting in the mid 120s, with a slider in the low 110s and a curve in the 100s.  That would explain the 1 K/3 innings thing.

Kishigawa and Ameku both with routine grounders for the first two outs, but when Murase hits one to the right side, Nishiya runs over, but doesn't slide or dive to make the grab.  It leaks into the outfield for a base hit!

Tamura rips a ball past Tomita for a double!  Murase stops at 3rd, but Kousei threatens again!

Cleanup batter Houjyou up, and Oogushi gets ahead 0-2!  Hm.  He hit 129 on that waste pitch.

Meanwhile, Oogushi is challenging Houjyou inside, and he's able to foul off the pitches.

He finally goes outside, and Houjyou hits a short fly to left!  Daisuke charges in and dives, but can't make the catch!  Houjyou's 2-RBI double makes it 3-0!

Oosugi flies out to center to end the inning, but Kousei extends their lead.  That had to go on Nishiya.  When you have a pitcher that puts as many balls in play as Oogushi does, you're going to have to play excellent defense.  While it was a hard play, he needed to keep that in front of him instead of letting it go.  It arguably cost them 2 runs.

Bottom 3rd
Whoops, almost forgout the bottom of the 3rd.  This time around, the bottom of the order takes pitches against Jyouma, but unfortunately none are about to get on base.  Jyouma with 3 1-2-3 innings to start!

Top 4th
Hard grounder to 1st, bounces off Eitarou!  He can't recover and Kousei has a man on yet again!

Jyouma is unable to bunt the runner along, and goes down swinging on a fastball inside!  Nakai-kantoku elects to have Jyouma bunt anyways with 1 down for Kishigawa.  If he gets a base hit, they probably score.  If not, they're back to the top of the order next inning.

But Kishigawa gets under one and pops out to Nishiya to end the inning.

Bottom 4th
Yoshida taking a fastball outside the other way like he should and gets Hokushou their first hit!  Nobuyoshi bunts him over for Daisuke. But while he makes good contact, he flies out to left.

That leaves it to Kobayashi.  But he strikes out on a slider and Hokushou gets their first hit, but now their first run.

Top 5th
That was quick.  Trying to keep myself awake after eating too much, and before I know it, Oogushi retires the side in order for his first stressless inning!

Bottom 5th
Hokushou was quickly on their way to the break before Wada bloops one in down the right field line.

But they try to push the issue with Wada trying to steal 2nd, but it's not close.  We hit the break with Kousei able to string hits together for base hits against the light tossing Oogushi.

Top 6th
Oogushi gets Houjyou to fly out to right, but then gives up a gapper to Oosugi.  Daisuke can't get a hand on the ball and that allows Oogushi to reach 3rd!  Chance for Kousei right after the break!

It looks like the intentionally unintentionally walked Takeda to setup the DP.  Kawakami-kantoku calls time as #11 Miura warms up.

Jyouma up and it doesn't look like the squeeze is on here.

But Oogushi pops him up foul!  Wada goes back the the screen, and it just gets out of play!

Jyouma instead with a slow nubber back to Oogushi!  He catches Oosugi off the bag at 3rd and runs him down, but not before the other baserunners advance to 2nd and 3rd.  So Oogushi still in a bit of a pickle here as Sekiguchi is up next.

(Also, does Kousei's band know anything else other than the same 2 rally songs??)

SANSHIN!!

The music stops as Oogushi gets Sekiguchi to swing and miss on a slider away!

Bottom 6th
Ooguchi goes down and gets a base hit to right center!  Leadoff man for Oogushi!

Nishiya compounds his effort earlier by striking out bunting...

Yoshida advances the runner along, but when #16 Murakami comes in to PH, he swings on the first pitch and fouls out to Takeda to end the inning.

Top 7th
 Murakani stays in the game at RF.

And the lucky 7 comes and passes as quickly as... as quickly as... the sunshine in Seattle.  Oogushi needs just 4 pitches to record 3 outs and now it's their turn for the lucky 7.

Bottom 7th
Oh geez, I forgot to mention about Jyouma on the mound. He seems to have a fastball in the mid-high 130s, shuuto in the low 130s, slider in the mid 120s, and change in the 110s.

Cleanup batter Kobayashi with a drive to center!  Sekiguchi running back, but it's just over his glove!  He's in with a double!

Satou follows that up with a drive to right center!  Ameku taking a bit of a jagged route, but runs it down.  Kobayashi advances to 3rd, but there's 2 down.

And Tomita grounds out to 2nd.  He just is beaten out by the throw, but another key opportunity lost.

Top 8th
Tamura with a big swing, but he just a tick quick and it goes foul.  He winds up getting under one and flying out to left.

I thought Oogushi would have a 1-2-3 inning, but instead he walks Oosugi on 4 straight.  Takeda makes it not that much longer as he hits one right to Kobayashi for the 3rd out.

Bottom 8th
Hokushou is running out of time, but so far have been rendered ineffective by 2B Jyouma.

Wada tries the safety bunt, but it dies right in front and Tamura throws him out.

Somehow, it's Oogushi who's making the hits!  He drives one to left center for a stand up double!

#3 Obata comes in to PH for Nishiya and quickly falls behind 0-2.

Sanshin!  But the ball gets away from Tamura!  Obata reaches first, goes for 2nd when the ball goes around some equipment on the 3rd base side!  The throw goes to 2nd... SAFE!

Chance for Hokushou as #17 Gotou comes to run for Obata.

Now it's the top of the order and Yoshida...

Grounder to short, and Oogushi is heading home!  The throw goes home and Oogushi is out by a good margin.  2 down and it's down to Murakami.

But he pops it up!  Jyouma walks in front of the mound and make the catch to end the inning!

*sighs* no need to go home on that grounder to short, but I guess it wouldn't have mattered in the end.

Top 9th
Defensive changes for Hokushou as Gotou stays in the game at RF, and #14 Igarashi comes in for Murakami and plays at 2B.

And Oogushi retires the side in order once again.  He's done a great job this game, but has received no offensive support.

Bottom 9th
Daisuke quickly flies out to center for the 1st out.

Cleanup batter Kobayashi workes the count full and gets a walk.  Going to need a couple more of those as Satou steps in.

Chopper up the middle... Kishigawa and Houjyou bump into each other and neither makes the play!  All safe for Tomita!  Nakai-kantoku calls time.  Satou with a base hit through the right side!

THEY'RE SENDING HOME KOBAYASHI WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?????????

Ameku makes the throw home, and Tamura can sit and wait for Kobayashi.  2 down.

And Wada grounds back to Jyouma, and that's game.

Hokushou can blame themselves for losing the final opportunity there.  That first run doesn't matter as you're still down 2 even if you score.

But Kousei was the better team today and their march towards the title will continue.  You have to give credit to Oogushi for pitching a great game despite his lack of velocity.


Notable Players
Jyouma Ryuuhei (Kousei Gakuin) - CG, 0 ER, 7 H, 2 K, BB
Houjyou Fumiya (Kousei Gakuin) - 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Oogushi Kazuya (Hokushou) - 2-3, 2B
Kobayashi Eitarou (Hokushou) - 1-3, 2B, BB

All right, we're off and running with the 84th Haru Koushien, and while the games have been a bit underwhelming as a whole, things (hopefully) will get more interesting today.

At least that's what 21st century invitee Memanbetsu hopes for anyways as Kyushu Super-Regional runner-up Kyushu Gakuin sets them in their sights.

Saying that Memanbetsu is a bit of an underdog is quite the understatement.  Hokkaido has not generally been known for good baseball teams, and throw in the fact that Memanbetsu only made the 2nd round of the super-regional, and it really suggests a weak team.  Add in that they're batting statistics mirror that of Hanamaki Higashi, and it's not really good at all.  Ace Nikaidou Seiji is the only pitcher they have, so he'll have to keep them in the game.

Kyushu Gakuin were the Kyushu runner-ups, but looking at their road, there isn't any waypoint we could use other than the 8-1 loss to Kamimura Gakuen to determine their real strength.  And even then all 9 runs in that game were scored in the first inning!

So it's really hard to gauge how good Kyushu Gakuin really is.  Offensively, their numbers look better than Memanbetsu's and against what probably would be a higher level of competition (even if slightly), means that Kyushu Gakuin should be favored to advance in this matchup.

SS  Mizowaki Hayato
2B  Yamashita Yuuma
CF  Hagiwara Hideyuki
3B  Oota Kouhei
1B  Okayama Shirou
LF  Yonei Kenta
C  Asakawa Ryou
RF  Shimada Kairi
P  Ootsuka Takahito

C  Hirata Yuuto
2B  Andou Satoshi
1B  Kondou Rui
CF  Toshino Jyunya
RF  Sugawara Kento
SS  Maeda Kento
3B  Sakiyama Michiya
P  Nikaidou Seiji
LF  Yasumura Shouto

__________________________________________________

9:00 - First pitch!

Top 1st
Not a good start for Nikaidou as he walks leadoff batter Mizowaki.  But Yamashita can't lay the bunt down and bunts foul for the strikeout!

Hagiwara though continues the attack with a single through the left side!

I'm surprised though.  Nikaidou is still going after batters and gets strikes out Oota for the 2nd out!  He's almost out of the jam!

Okayama is a stubborn batter though and he works a 7-pitch walk to load the bases.

And before the atmosphere could get tense, Yonei lines a single to right!  Mizowaki scores!  Hagiwara is being sent home!  The throw is late and it's 2-0 Kyushu Gakuin!

Asakawa continues the barrage!  He hits a ball just fair down the right field line!  Sugawara runs it down, but not before both runners score making it 4-0!  Just like that Memanbetsu risks letting the game slip away here in the 1st!

Nikaidou stops the bleeding for now though as he strikes out Shimada to end the inning.

Top 2nd
Nikaidou continues to have inconsistent results as Mizowaki hits a one-out double down the left field line.  After yet another K to Yamashita, Hagiwara takes the first pitch to right for a single, scoring Mizowaki and making it 5-0.  Oota strikes out yet again to end the inning.

Bottom 2nd
Sugawara goes way down on a pitch and shoots it past Oota for a base hit!  However, Maeda's bunt attempt is too hard and it goes back to Ootsuka.  His throw to 2nd is just in time to get the lead runner.

Sakiyama strikes out on 3 straight, and it'll be up to Nikaidou to keep the inning running.  But he flies out to right to end the inning.

Top 3rd
Nikaidou looks to finally have a clean 1-2-3 inning, but Asakawa ruins that with a soft liner to left.  Two pitches later, though and Shimada grounds into a fielder's choice at short and Nikaidou finally puts up a 0!

Bottom 3rd
However, the Memanbetsu offense continues to put up 0's of their own.  Yasumura, Hirata and Andou go down in order and Nikaidou has to hurry back onto the mound.

Top 4th
Ootsuka with a slow roller up the 1st base side, Kondou charges in, but his toss is behind Nikaidou!

But after a sac bunt, the next two batters are retired quickly and we're quickly into the bottom of the 4th!

Bottom 4th
Toshino records Memanbetsu's 3rd hit with a solid one-out single past a diving Okayama!

But Sugawara goes down swinging, and while Maeda makes good contact, it's a liner right to Shimada for the 3rd out.


Top 5th
It looks like the nerves that perhaps plagued Nikaidou are gone, as he retires the side in order really quickly, but they're still facing a 5 run deficit.

Bottom 5th
I was about to write another 1-2-3 inning before the break, but Yasumura swings at a high fastball for strike 3, but reaches when it gets by Asakawa.  Then Hirata hits a liner to short center, and when Hagiwara's throw deflects off of Mizowaki, Hirata takes 2nd!

So runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 down and perhaps Memanbetsu can get something back before the break!

But Ootsuka gets Andou to hit a grounder to 3rd.  Oota makes the throw to 1st and they're denied.

Top 6th
Asakawa hits a hard ball back up the middle.  Maeda makes the stop, but the throw is late.  After a sac bunt, Ootsuka steps in and hits a ball softly to left!  Yasumura comes up throwing, but the ball is cut off and the run scores!  6-0 now for Kyushu Gakuin.

Oy.  A errant throw to 1st advances the runner and the 6th might end up like the 1st.

But Nikaidou gets Mizowaki strikes out and Ootsuka is caught off 2nd to end the inning,

Bottom 6th
The news break encompasses the entire bottom of the 6th.

Toshino gets a one out single up the middle, but Sugawara grounds into the 6-4-3 inning ending double play.


Top 7th
Finally I can get around to the pitchers, Nikaidou is indeed what he is, throws a fastball that can get to the low 140's.  He has a shuuto and slider in the 120's and a forkball in the 110's, but...

Oops.  Yamashita hits a soft single down the right field line.  Then steals 2nd on a not so good throw.

Hagiwara walks and Nikaidou is in another pinch.

Oota with a single to right!  Yamashita holds at 3rd and it's manrui!

Okayama though grounds to 1st.  Kondou goes home for the force for one.

Nikaidou then gets Yonei to strike out, and he's one out away from getting out of the jam!

And he does!  Asakawa hits a popup to 2nd!  Andou settles under it and Kyushu doesn't score!

Bottom 7th
Now, can Memanbetsu score in their lucky 7?

Maeda give the ball a good run, but Hagiwara settles under it for the first out.  Sakiyama also gets a good charge on the ball, but Yonei is there for the out.

Nikaidou strikes out and the inning is over.

Top 8th
Nikaidou settles down again, recording 2 K's in a 1-2-3 inning.  He has recorded a fair amount of K's despite the score.

Bottom 8th
Kazama comes in for Yasumura but strikes out.  Another 1-2-3 inning and Kyushu Gakuin is one inning away from wrapping it up/

Top 9th
#13 Nomiya comes in to play LF.

Nikaidou was about to record a 1-2-3 inning, but Sugawara misjudged the ball.  #16 Tsutsumiuchi comes in to run for Sugawara.

No matter though.  Okayama flies out to center to end the inning

Bottom 9th
#17 Masuda comes in for Tsutsumiuchi and plays LF.  #13 Tanaka goes to 1B.

Kondou starts off the inning with a single back up the middle!

But when Toshino lines out to right, Kondou is caught running ahead and is doubled off.

Sugawara strikes out looking, and the game is over.

The game went pretty much as expected with Memanbetsu unable to do anything against Kyushu Gakuin.  They did get a couple of good hits in, and Nikaidou wasn't bad on the mound, just probably a case of nerves and good competition did them in.

So now we move onto the next baseball year.  2nd years and 1st years will continue on as seniors cheer them on.  Unlike previous years, I am scaling back on coverage such as brackets because it was very time consuming working on them alone and led to my recent burnout.

But without further ado... off we go!

So Hokkaido was back to it's block play to determine the prefectural field.  Of the 19 blocks, 4 made a return after a long hiatus, and 2 were complete newcomers.  Your field was as follows:

• Sapporo A - Sapporo Shinkawa (4th appearance, 1st in 5 years).  Received scare from Sapporo Kaisei in the semis, but cleared otherwise.
• Sapporo B - Sapporo Ryuukoku (1st appearance) - Always appeared to be a solid team, finally broke through this year defeating such teams as Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo and Toukai Dai-yon!
• Sapporo C - Hokkai (37th appearance, 6th consecutive) - Outscored their opponents 16-2 in their 4 games which included 3 shutouts.  Fairly low scoring for a team of that calibur.
• Sapporo D - Sapporo Dai-ichi (19th appearance, 3rd consecutive) - Showed more offensive output winning their 4 games 35-5
• Muroran A - Hokkaido Sakae (14th appearance, 2nd consecutive) - No issues for Hokkaido Sakae though started slow against Tomakomai Kougyou.
• Muroran B - Shizunai (1st appearance) - Shizunai earned their 1st appearance as they defeated a well-known Mukawa 8-7!  Then they held on against Urakawa 5-4 to make it to the show (prefectural anyways).
• Hakodate A - Hakodate Kougyou (20th appearance, 1st in 4 years) - Hakodae Kougyou won their first 3 games 2-0, 2-0 and 1-0 before exploding for 8 runs to deny Hakodate LaSalle 8-3.
• Hakodate B - Hakodatedai Yuuto (33rd appearance, 4th consecutive) - Hakodatedai Yuuto breezed through their block in a bid to make it back once again.
• Otaru - Hokushou (33rd appearance, 11th consecutive) - Hokushou continues to dominate the town known for its canals and the anime Saishuu Heiki Kanojyou.  49-3 in their 3 games.
• Sorachi - Takikawa Nishi(16th appearance, 3rd consecutive) - With Komadai Iwamisawa eliminated at the hands of Takikawa Kougyou, it was an all-Takikawa final.  Nishi would beat the industrial school 3-1.
• Asahikawa A - Asahikawa Kougyou (9th appearance, 3rd consecutive) - Asahikawa Kougyou almost didn't make it for the 3rd straight year.  Asahikawa Nougyou gave them a run but fell short 6-5.
• Asahikawa B - Furano (6th appearance, 1st in 45 years) - Furano returns after 45 years having to get there the hard way winning 4 games topping it off with a 3-0 shutout of Asahikawa Jitsugyou.
• Nayoro - Teshio (3rd appearance, 1st in 23 years) - When Wakkanai Ootani fell to Shibetsu Shouun 3-2, it opened the door in the regional.  Teshio had to beat out Nayoro Sangyou 2-0 before thanking Shibetsu Shouun by defeating them 10-2.
• Kitami A - Memanbetsu (2nd appearance, 2nd consecutive) - Memanbetsu earns their 2nd consecutive appearance with ease.
• Kitami B - Kitami Shougyou (2nd appearance, 1st in 28 years) - Kitami Shougyou almost stumbles right out the blocks just sliding by Abashiri Minamigaoka 4-3.
• Tokachi A - Shirakaba Gakuen (10th appearance, 7th consecutive) - Shirakaba Gakuen was tested immediately against Obihiro Ryokuryou but prevailed 3-2.  After that it was a breeze winning their next 2 games by the 10-0 mercy rule.
• Tokachi B - Obihiro Hakuyou (10th appearance, 1st in 46 years) - Obihiro Hakuyou similarly had a close game against Obihiro Nougyou, but had no issues otherwise.
• Kushine A - Nayoro Kougyou (12th appearance, 2nd consecutive) - Nayoro Kougyou was challenged by Nakashibetsu in the finals, but returns to the prefectural finals 5-3.
• Kushine B - Bushuukan (5th appearance, 1st in 2 years) - Bushuukan needed 3-1 victories over Kushine Koryou and Kushine Shougyou.

And with that the field was set.

When the draw came out, Hokkai had a quadrant mostly to themselves.  Joining them in the same half was Hokushou, Shirakaba Gakuen and Asahikawa Kougyou.  On the other side, Hakodatedai Yuuto had a quadrant to themselves with Sapporo Dai-ichi and Bushuukan on the other quadrant.

As the games played out, Hokkai advanced, but still seemed a bit lackluster on offense.  Asahikawa Kougyou soundly defeated Shirakaba Gakuen, but fell to Hokushou... who then mercy ruled Hokkai 9-1!

Their opponent in the finals became clearer as Hakodatedai Yuuto lost 1-0 to the hungry Furano squad.  They almost made the semifinals, but fell to Sappporo Shinkawa.  It would be an all-Sapporo semifinal as Sapporo Dai-ichi had no problems with Bushuukan.  And while Sapporo Shinkawa has done better as of late - the powerhouse Dai-ichi moved to the finals.

In that final, it was as expected hotly contested.  Sapporo Dai-ichi took a 2-1 lead early only to see it slip away in the later innings.  But in the bottom of the 9th, with 2 out and a runner on 3rd, Sapporo Dai-ichi managed to tie the game, sending it into extras and the chance to earn their 1st title.

But it was not to be.  In the first extra frame Hokushou's #9 batter Takayama delivered a 2-out single to center to break the tie.  Ace Oogushi Kazuya closed out the frame and earned Hokushou their 4th title, 1st in 2 years.  More importantly, they will receive an invitation to Haru Koushien.

Automatic Bid - Hokushou - 4th appearance, 1st in 2 years

Tohoku at least baseball-wise is getting back to some normalcy.  Now it will never be the same for schools that were say in places such as Minami-Sanriku or Iwaki, but it probably helps them cope with the events of the past year.

Each prefecture would receive 3 bids for the super-regionals.  They were awarded as follows:

Aomori
Because of their summer qualification, Kousei Gakuin got an automatic pass to the prefectural finals.  Everyone else had to go through block play.

Of the ones that qualified, the most notables were Aomori Yamada, Touou Gijyuku, Hachinohekoudai-ichi, and Oominato.

Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately depending on who you were), the major players were split up into the different quadrants.  Oominato and Touou Gijyuku were on one side while the more prominent teams in Kousei Gakuin and Aomori Yamada on the other.  Hachinohekou Dai-ichi drew the short straw and was stuck with Kousei Gakuin.

The tournament though wasn't close.  At least for the title anyways.  Kousei Gakuin's lowest margin of victory was 6 (7-1 against both Hachinohekoudai-ichi and Aomori Yamada), and they demolished Oominato 21-3 in the final earning their 4th consecutive fall title and 13th overall.  Joining the pair would be Aomori Yamada, who defeated Touou Gijyuku 5-2.

Akita
Similar to Kousei Gakuin, Noshiro Shougyou also got a free pass to the fall prefectural.  Always nice to get a free pass when you can in single elim tournaments.  On the other side, Akita Chuo and Oodate Houmei were in one quadrant while Akita Kougou held the other quadrant down.

The draw was not as kind though as both Akita Shougyou and Meiou both were drawn into the same quadrant.  Thankfully for them they'd have to face only one of the 2 teams.  Honjyou did not make out of pool play, losing immediately to Akita Shougyou and Akita.

It seemed apparent that it was a matter of who could stop Noshiro Shougyou.  Akita Shougyou almost pulled off the feat, but fell 5-4.  Otherwise, it was a breeze for the Natsu Koushien representative shutting out Akita Kougyou in the finals 9-0.  Akita Chuo would shutout Oomagari 3-0 for the final spot.

Iwate
Hanamaki Higashi had no such help - they'd have to qualify like everyone else.  Not that it was hard, mind you. Other notable teams joining them were Moriokadai Fuzoku, Ichinoseki Gakuin, and Kuji.

The tournament itself was barely a challenge.  Hanamaki Higashi did get a small challenge against Moriokadai Fuzoku, but won 5-2.  Ichinoseki Gakuin, despite their continued futility in the super-regionals made it to the finals despite a challenge from Fukuoka Kougyou.

The final was all Hanamaki Higashi, shutting out Ichinoseki Gakuin 6-0.  Meanwhile in the battle of Morioka schools Morioka Dai-san, who had defeated Kuji, defeated Morioka Dai-yon 7-1 for the final bid.

Yamagata
Yamagata saw a lot of the prefecture's main players make it out of pool play.  Nichidai Yamagata, Sakata Minami both advanced along with secondary players Haguro, Yamagata Chuo and Tsuruoka Higashi.

The team though that surprised the field was Toukaidai Yamagata.  They not only shutout Yamagata Chuo, but then broke a 4-4 deadlock in the 9th with 7 runs against Nichidai Yamagata guaranteeing themselves a spot in the super-regionals.

Now, to win the title, they would have to face Sakata Minami, who uncharacteristically had close games against Yamamoto Gakuen and Yonezawa Chuo.

Toukaidai more than held their own against Sakata Minami, but couldn't form a reply to a 2-spot in the 6th - right after they had tied the game at 1.  Sakata Minami would earn their 7th title and 2nd consecutive fall title.

Joining the pair would be Nichidai Yamagata, who denied Yonezawa Chuo 8-3.

By the way, I would almost like to see Toukaidai Yamagata make it because of their pitcher's last names:

• 飯屋崎 - Iyazaki
• 勅使河原 - Deshigawara

Miyagi
Looking at who qualified out of block play, we found new powerhouse Rifu as well as Sendai Ikuei.  Cinderella story Furukawa Kougyou's road ended in double defeat to Furukawa Gakuen and Iwagasaki.

Missing from the picture was Tohoku.  They were sent immediately into the repechage with a 5-0 loss to Sendai Shougyou.  And after working their way up through, they were finally sent home by Seiwa Gakuen 5-4.

In the prefecturals, once Sendai Ikuei was laid to the roadside by Ishinomaki Shougyou 3-2, the title was Rifu's to lose.

They almost did.

In the semifinals, down to their last 3 against Furukawa Gakuen, Rifu's Sasaki hits a sayonara 3-run homerun to guarantee them a spot in the super-regionals.  Only Ishinomaki Kougyou stood in their way to the title.  In an 11-6 shootout, they claimed their 2nd title in 3 years.

Furukawa Gakuen then outlasted the aforementioned Ishinomaki Shougyou 13-7 for the 3rd spot.

Fukushima
As muddled as Fukushima's baseball picture is, there is apparently one shining light when it comes to the fall tournament.

That team would be Seikou Gakuin.  Advancing straight to the prefectural finals, they had just one hiccup when Kounan limited them to 2 runs.  Too bad they only managed 1.  And while Shouin Gakuin Fukushima also limited the Seikou offense, they were still shutout 3-0.  It would be Kousei's 6th consecutive fall title.

Fukushima Shougyou, who was mercy ruled by Seikou, edged out fellow mercy ruled opponent Tajima 4-3 to fill out the field.

Super-Regionals
The super-regional draw split up the 4 main contenders into each quadrant.  Kousei Gakuin (Aomori) and Hanamaki Higashi (Iwate) on one side, Seikou Gakuin (Fukushima) and Aomori Yamada (Aomori) on the other.

All 4 teams managed to advance to the semifinals with ease except for Hanamaki Higashi.  In usual fashion, they came from behind to defeat Nichidai Yamagata (3 runs in the bottom of the 9th), and Shouin Gakuin Fukushima (a run in the 8th and 9th innings) to advance.

In the semifinals, Hanamaki Higashi found the tables turned on them as they went up on Kousei early only to watch them rally for 2 in the 8th and 1 more in the 9th to pull off the 9-8 win.  Kousei's Tanaka Tatsuhiro went 3-4 with 2 HR's in the effort.

Joining them would be Seikou Gakuin who led wire-to-wire against Aomori Yamada 6-2.  None of Aomori's 5 pitchers could stop Seikou from a rematch.

Seikou looked to claim the title early after Saitou hit a solo HR in the 1st.  But there after, Kousei's ace Kanazawa would limit them to just one more hit in the game.  That allowed many opportunities to equalize the score - which Kimura did in the 4th with a 2-out 2-run double.  Another insurance run the next inning mean that Kousei Gakuin would claim the Tohoku title (3rd overall, 1st in 3 years)!

Automatic Bid - Kousei Gakuin (Aomori) - 5th appearance, 2nd consecutive
Projected Bid - Seikou Gakuin (Fukushima) - 3rd appearance, 1st in 4 years

So finally we head to Hokkaido. The largest prefecture by land area, the area with the mildest summers and the longest winters. Baseball here is played year round, but not necessarily in the best of conditions. Their win % rankings place them near the bottom of both the senbatsu and Natsu Koushiens despite having the 5th most Best 8 appearances (12). There are teams here that certainly have shown themselves to be above and beyond the field in Hokkaido. Yet when they head over the Tsugaru Strait, it changes.

Hokkai, with their fall win, gets a free pass to the prefecturals though they still had to play in the regionals.

Perennial team Sapporo Dai-ichi ran into Ritsumeikan Keishou who has been a good team as of late, and fell 4-3. With that out of the way, Ritsumeikan Keishou advanced out of block play.

Elsewhere in the Sapporo regionals, Hokkai's sister school Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo bested Sapporo Nichidai to advance. Sapporo Minami barely gets in with a win over Sapporo Ootani. And while Toukai Dai-yon lost to Hokkai in their regional final, because of the free pass, they advanced as well.

Komadai Tomakomai continues to struggle getting back to prominence, though they did give Hokkaido Sakae a good run in their part of the Sorachi regionals. Hokkaido Sakae advanced.

My underdog team, Hakodatedai Yuuto, advanced out of Hakodate, while Hokushou naturally advanced out of Otaru, and the same went for Komadai Iwamizawa in Sorachi and Asahikawa Minami out of Asahikawa (though they had a close game against Asahikawa Tousen).

Rounding out the field was Wakkanai Ootani (Nayoro) , Memanbetsu (Kitami), Shirakaba Gakuen (Tokachi) and Bushuukan (Kushine).

Then the draw came out and went as follows (winners of the first round are in red):

Bushuukan (Kushine) vs. Hakodatedai Yuuto (Hakodate)-Hokushou (Otaru) winner
Wakkanai Ootani (Nayoro) vs. Hokkaido Sakae (Muroran)
Sapporo Minami (Sapporo) vs. Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo (Sapporo) - how did this draw happen?

and on the other side...

Memanbetsu (Kitami) vs. Asahikawa Minami (Asahikawa)
Toukai Dai-yon (Sapporo) vs. Ritsumeikan Keishou (Sapporo) - again, how did this draw happen?
Mukawa (Muroran) vs. Shirakaba Gakuen (Tokachi)
Komadai Iwamizawa (Sorachi) vs. Hokkai (Fall Champion, Sapporo)

Only 3 of those first round games were close. Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo was shutout 3-0, Asahikawa Minami had to rally from down 4-2 to send it into extras winning it finally in the 13th (ace Saitou pitched the entire game), and Toukai Dai-yon survived a 5-run from Ritsumeikan Keishou 8th to win 8-7.

The quarterfinals had some great games. All the scoring for the Hokkaido Sakae and Sapporo Minami game happened in the 4th inning. The edge? It went to Hokkaido Sakae 2-1. Asahikawa Minami held a 4-0 lead against Toukai Dai-yon only to see it completely evaporate in the top of the 5th. Asahikawa Minami then went on to score 5 unanswered runs to win 9-5. And finally Shirakaba Gakuen held Hokkai to just 2 runs to win 4-2.

The only non-competitive game was Hakodatedai Yuuto's as they mercy ruled Bushuukan 8-1.

The semis saw Hakodatedai Yuuto continue their run as ace Tsutsumiguchi shutout Hokkaido Sakae 3-0. And in a bit of a shocker, Asahikawa Minami couldn't put up any resistance to Shirakaba Gakuen as they were mercy-ruled 10-1 in 8 innings.

So the final was Hakodatedai Yuuto and Shirakaba Gakuen. It was all Yuuto early as they scored 2 in the 1st and 3 in the 5th to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Shirakaba's offense would finally come around in the latter third of the game, but by then it was too late. Tsutsumiguchi would re-take the hill to shut the rally down as his team wins 6-3 to take their first title in 23 years! Perhaps we'll see my team in the summer?

Okay, now that I've finished up with all the regions, it's time to go back north and see what's happened.

And it's quite a lot.

Hokkaido
As we know Hokkaido is it's own "Super-Region" and gets one automatic bid.

Just like the summer, they have their local regional qualifying for the super-regionals.

Summer participant Sapporo Dai-ichi managed to get out of the locals while Asahigawadai did not. The Komadai schools also made it out as well. Hokushou came out of Otaru once again, Hokkai looked to make another run to avenge their poor performance before, and Shirakaba Gakuen looked for another taste of Koshien.

Not surprisingly enough, quite a few of the better pitchers out of Hokkaido made it to the super-regionals:

Asahigawa Jitsugyou - Naruse Kousuke
Bushuukan - Ueda Masato
Komadai Tomakomai - Imazaki Jyunjirou

As the Super-Regionals started, Sapporo Dai-ichi fell to Asahigawa Kougyou. Sapporo Minami made a strong run towards the Best 4. Shirakaba Gakuen couldn't stop the Komadai Tomakomai steamroller while their brothers from Iwamizawa were doing the same on the other side of the bracket. And Hokushou wasn't one to be ignored.

It certainly seemed like we were headed for an all Komadai final, but interestingly enough neither were able to advance. Sapporo Minami scored 3 in the first inning against Tomakomai, and then another run in the 2nd en route to a 6-3 win. Hokushou grabbed a run against Iwamizawa, and tried to extend it twice with a run in the 5th and 8th, but Iwamizawa scrapped that run back. However, they were never able to plate the equalizing run and we suddenly found ourselves with a Sapporo Minami-Hokushou final.

The scoring began early and often in the final with Minami scoring 2 in the first only to have Hokushou double that in the bottom of the frame. After trading a run in the 2nd and 4th, Hokushou blew it open in the 6th with 5 runs to advance to secure a bid to the Spring Koshien with an 11-5 win.

Hokushou is led by ace Matano Tomoya, who can hit 137 kph (~85 mph) but probably should expect to see low 80's - and sports a curve, slider and forkball. He's also one of the team's better hitters, generally occupying the cleanup spot. Another person to look out for is 1st year Oono Masaya, a converted shortstop after manning the catcher position.

The first area of fall tournaments that I will be covering is Hokkaido. This will be ongoing as I update the spreadsheet. I'm working from the championship down, so please bear with me.

(As of 1/27 all brackets are up. Translation for teams is done only for the regionals and the Sapporo sub-region.)

The winner of the tournament was Mukawa. This was only their 2nd championship, and 5 years since their first. They defeated Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo in the finals 3-1. What's more impressive was that they were one of the 8 teams that had to play an extra game.

Mukawa also possibly benefited from Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo having to go 11 innings the day before to defeat Hakodate Daifuzoku Yuuto on a sayonara run 3-2.

The 20-team field had many past Koushien participants...

• Komadai Tomakomai fell in the 2nd round of the tournament to Hokushou 5-2, faltering late giving up 4 runs in the 8th in a tie ball game.
  
• Their counterparts, Komadai Iwamizawa made it to the semifinals before falling to Mukawa 14-6. They had gone out to a 6-1 lead in the first 2 innings, but then Mukawa scored 7 runs in the next 2 and never looked back.
  
• Hokkai fell in its first game to Mukawa 7-0.
• Shirakaba Gakuen too fell in its first game to the aforementioned Hakodate Daifuzoku Yuuto 4-1.

The fact that some of the usual suspects in Hokkaido showed up in the tournament means that we could see them come back around in the summer. Remember, these teams are the ones that will be qualifying for next year's Koushien.