There is no preface needed given my reviews of the teams. It will come down to which ace, or perhaps which relief staff can hold the team up.
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
Maebashi Ikuei (Gunma)
CF Kudou Youhei
2B Takahashi Tomoya
SS Tsuchiya Keisuke
3B Arai Kento
C Ogawa Toshiki
RF Itagaki Fumiya
P Takahashi Kouna
LF Tamura Hayato
1B Kusunoki Hiroki
____________________________________________________________
11:00 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Kouna going outside to Aoki to start, he rolls over a 2-seamer to 2nd for the out.
Nakano with a ball back up the middle gets by Tsuchiya dives for it, but it gets past for a single.
Mineta with a base hit to center! Uh oh, these hits are back up the middle so far and Nichidai Yamagata is threatening.
Kouna despite the pinch, not giving in to Okumura, he tries to nibble the bottom of the zone, but to no avail! He's behind 3-0!
And he winds up walking him! Manrui for Nichdai Yamagata as Araki-kantoku calls time...
Shot to the right side! Tomoya with the pick! Throws to 2nd for 1, back to 1st...
DOUBLE PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kouna gets an assist from his 2B as he makes a spectacular play to get his ace out of the inning!
Bottom 1st
Kudou with a single just past a ranging Nakano for a leadoff single. Tomoya to bunt the runner..
NO!! It's a bust-and-run!
And Tomoya executes it perfectly! It goes right though the hole in the left side of the infield and now there's runners on 1st and 2nd with no out! This time Tsuchiya bunts the runners along looking for a timely.
Arai delivers! He hits a fly to right and Kudou tags up! Throw in not nearly in time and Maebashi Ikuei has the 1-0 lead!
Ogawa grounds out to short, but the first strike goes to the first timers!
Top 2nd
Kouna working away to Asanuma, he winds up early and pulling a slider right to Arai for the first out.
Takeda gets a high fastball, but get the bat behind it and flies out to Kudou for the 2nd out.
And it's a 9 pitch inning for Kouna as Shouji liked what he saw from the Kouna's curveball, but he too is under it and flies out to right to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd
Itagaki with a hard grounder to the right side, but Tomoya's counterpart Nakano makes a great stop of his own for the 1st out.
Kouna, after seeing two pitches out of the zone, goes after the first good one, but it's a fastball down and in and he can't quite get the bat level on it. Skies into the air and Okumura takes it on the mound for the 2nd out.
あ。
Tamura with a powerful level swing sends one down the right field line. Takeda running over, slides... but can't get to it! He scrambles to get it in, but not before Tamura is in with a triple!
Kusunoki up.
Liner to 1st, off Yoshioka's glove!!! It goes into right and Tamura scores to make it 2-0 Maebashi!!
That's Kusunoki's first hit this Koushien and it's an unfortunate one for Yoshioka and Nichidai Yamagata!!
Kudou grounds to short, but once again, Maebashi Ikuei puts a runner on the board.
Top 3rd
Itasaka ball back up middle, off Kouna! Ah, but it deflects right to Tomoya who goes to 1st for the out! What bad luck!
And Aoki follows that up with a basehit past a racing Tomoya.
Kouna though looking to settle down, freezes Nakano on a forkball for the 2nd out.
But I think the Nichidai batters have Kouna's timing down though as Mineta hits yet another ball back through the middle for a base hit.
Of course timing is one thing, hitting the ball is another! Okumura goes down swinging on Kouna's slider and the inning is over!
Bottom 3rd
#16 Ajiki in for Takeda at RF.
Tomoya moving from #9 to #2 in the order immediately paying dividends for Maebashi! He hits a ball to the opposite way, Ajiki charging in... but he can't get there! Tomoya in with a double! He's moved over to 3rd by Tsuchiya. Arai up with another RBI opportunity.
And he delivers! This time he pulls one through short and Tomoya scores to make it a 3-0 ballgame!
Ogawa and Itagaki both fly out to end the inning, but this game is accelerating out of hand!
Top 4th
Yoshioka chopper back up middle, guess who's there? Tomoya at 2nd fields and fires to 1st for the first out!
After that though Kouna walks Asaunma on 4 straight.
But it's like he's toying with them because Ajiki goes down swinging on an inside forkball, and Shouji guesses wrong on the slider for the 3rd out.
Bottom 4th
Shouji trying to get back on track, feeds Kouna steady diet of fastballs, then puts him away with the slider.
Tamura ball the other way, Nakano makes a great sliding stop and Yoshioka with the pick at 1st for the 2nd,
And it's finally a 1-2-3 inning for Shouji! Kusunoki flies out to left to retire the side!
Top 5th
Itasaka way ahead of a Kouna offering flies out to center.
Aoki also seeing Kouna well, singles to right. Nakano with the bunt up the 3rd base line, but Arai is there and fires to 2nd!! They get the lead runner!
Mineta up liner to right, Tamura going back, leaps!
Just makes the catch! I think he was fooled a little there, but he still makes the catch for the 3rd out!
Bottom 5th
Kudou ball back up middle, Okumura trying to get to it, but it just gets past him. Tomoya, despite the 2 hits, bunts him over.
And Araki-kantoku pulls the plug! #11 Satou Kazumasa comes in to replace Shouji on the mound!
Kazumasa though not finding the zone on Tsuchiya walks him.
It feels like he's overthrowing as all the pitches are outside or up, and he's behind 3-0 to Arai!
Liner to 3rd, Itasaka makes the catch! 2 out!
Ogawa flies out to left, and we hit the break with Maebashi Ikuei getting to ace Shouji early and often. Does Nichidai Yamagata have an answer this time against Takahashi Kouna?
Top 6th
Okumura drives the first pitch to center right! Kudou scrambling to get there, but it'll fall in and one hop to the wall! Okumura headed to 2nd, AH!
Kudou's throw misses the cutoff man and Okumura takes 3rd on the error! Chance to get one back!
And they do! Yoshioka with a deep ball to left, Tamura makes the catch, but Okumura easily scores to make it 3-1!
What's this? Kouna being careful with Asanuma? He walks him again! Araki-kantoku has Ajiki bunt him along for a one-timer from Kazumasa.
Ah, but he twirls like a ballerina on a slider from Kouna and the inning is over. Still, they get one run ack!
Bottom 6th
Kazumasa still struggling a bit there with control, but goes up and in on Itagaki and he has no chance at it for the 1st out.
Oh?! He goes a really nice slider away that Kouna just waves the bat at for the 2nd out.
Tamura will not give Kazumasa the clean inning though, he singles just under the glove of Kazumasa into center.
Tamura takes the right opportunity to slide as the pitch as wide outside.
Kusunoki, looking for his 2nd hit skies one to shallow right, Ajiki comes in, slides and makes the catch for the 3rd out.
Top 7th
Itasaka can't replicate that first knock as Kouna whips out the slider and Itasaki has no chance.
Aoki chases a slider inside and pops out to Tsuhchiya.
And Nakano swings on a high slider and pops it to foul territory, Arai heading to the edge of the camera well near the bullpen, and makes the catch to retire the side!
Bottom 7th
#10 Satou Ryouta comes in now for Kazumasa and takes the hill.
Kudou immediately with a ball to the gap in short. Okumura stops it in the gap, fires to first... SAFE!! Kudou just beats that one out.
Bust and run! But Tomoya misses! Throw to 2nd, SAFE!!
Kudou straight steals the base!
Tomoya with the bunt, Saitou goes to 3rd!
SAFE!!!!
The throw is a bit low and Arai doesn't have it when he goes to tag Kudou! Araki-kantoku calls time, but this situation will be hard to get away with without damage now...
Tsuchiya showing bunt, but doesn't offer. Ah! But Tomoya takes off for 2nd! Throw not in time!
Ahead 1-2 though, Saitou goes full.
Tsuchiya shot to right side! Nakano is in front of it! But he has no play at home and begrudgingly can only go to 1st... Maebashi reestablishes 4-1 lead!
Saitou gets a key 2nd out! Arai pops out to Yoshioka up the 1st base line and he's can limit the damage to 1.
Ah... but it's not that easy as he plunks Ogawa...
And now Ogawa takes off for 2nd! Throw from Asanuma has him, so he scrambles back! Okumura chasing him sees Tsuchiya breaking for home! He runs down Ogawa as Tomoya scores! Which came first?!
It's the out! The umpires rule the tag out came first and the run doesn't count!
Top 8th
But Nichidai Yamagata is surely pressing now. The side is retired in just 7 pitches and it really looks bad for them.
Bottom 8th
Well, Maebashi doesn't mind being retired in 8 pitches. Nichidai gets their first 1-2-3 inning, but it may well be too late.
Top 9th
Kouna at a neat 95 pitches entering the 9th.
Asanuma hits a curve back into center for a leadoff single.
#13 Mito hits for Ajiki, but succumbs to the slider, 1 down.
Saitou grounder to 2nd! Tomoya with it! Goes to 2nd for one, goes to 1st... double play!! Game set!
Takahashi Kouna and Maebashi Ikuei sends his team to the championship game with a 4-1 win over Nichidai Yamagata!!
It's really too bad for Nichidai Yamagata, having reached the semifinals for the first time in school and prefectural history, they were almost taken out of the game right off the bat. It looked like there still might be some fight left in them after scoring the run in the 6th, but Kouna would shut them down thereafter.
But it was a great run for the boys from Yamagata. I know they're crying because they lost and perhaps lost without a chance, but considering their run, they should still be proud of their achievements. Hopefully it won't be another 7 years before we see another team make a run.
For Takahashi Kouna, this has to be one of the best scenarios for him. Just a shade over 100 pitches in a winning effort and while he may not still be able to go the full 9, he will be able to go longer than perhaps they were expecting.
Just one more game before making history for his school.
Showing posts with label Nichidai Yamagata. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nichidai Yamagata. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Day 12 - Quarterfinal 2 - Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata) vs. Meitoku Gijyuku (Kochi)
Meitoku Gijyuku under the flag of ace Kishi has brought the team back to the best 8. He did so while revenging the loss to Osaka Touin last year. He will not rack up the K's like other aces, but he exhibits a level of control which makes him very successful.
The problem with them is their offense. Yes, they did enough win the battle with Setouchi ace Yamaoka, then jumped on Osaka Touin ace Kuzukawa. The problem is they didn't score anything thereafter when Kuzukawa was replaced, garnering just 2 hits.
Nichidai Yamagata has been on a run similar to the run they made in 2006 when they got to this point. Ace Shouji has carried them past Nichidai-san and then against Sakushin Gakuin - two generally strong stalwarts in the kokoyakyu world. He has a very sharp slider that can confound batters - see the 12Ks against Sakushin Gakuin. The one nagging bit is the 7 walks in the first game. Not all of them were because he wasn't locating the slider, it just seemed like he was plain missing the plate. Will a patient team at the plate possibly expose him?
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
Meitoku Gijyuku (Kochi)
CF Yano Masao
2B Hata Hikaru
3B Itsuzaki Tomonari
P Kishi Jyunichirou
1B Nishioka Takashige
LF Son Ho Kyun (#9)
RF Ozaki Yuuto (#15)
C Baba Yuudai
SS Iwami Takashi
____________________________________________________________
11:00 - First Pitch
Top 1st
First pitch swinging, Aoki hits slop chopper up middle. Iwami there and goes to 1st for the out.
Nakano late on the Kishi offering, also rolls one to short.
Nichidai Yamagata attacking Kishi early when they know they'll get strikes, but Mineta flies out to Son in left and he side is retired in 7 pitches.
Bottom 1st
Yano tries to size up a curveball, but grounds out to short.
Hata slices a slider the other way and it goes to left center for a base hit.
Itsuzaki not bunting here, but grounds to 2nd. Hata cuts down the lead runner. Mabuchi-kantoku sending Itsuzaki! Throw from Asanuma... just late!
Kishi with a drive to righ! Takeda running back, but he knows it's over his head! Itsuzaki scores as the the throw comes in and Kishi has his first base hit, a run scoring double! 1-0 Meitoku Gijyuku!
Nishioka grounds to 2nd, but Nichidai Yamagata behind it early as they already trail after 1.
Top 2nd
Nichidai Yamagata's batters are so concerned with falling behind they are swinging away very early in counts.
Okumura with a quick grounder to 2nd, Yoshioka hits the very definition of a swinging bunt as Kishi throws him out.
Asanuma at 1-1 swings on two consecutive sliders to retire the side.
Bottom 2nd
Son gets under one, Takeda settles under it for the first out.
Same with Ozaki as he hits a silo HR to Okumura.
Baba tries to time the curve, but grounds to Itasaka for the 3rd out.
Top 3rd
Just to keep the batters off balance, Kishi on 2-1 goes slider, fastball to Takeda for his 2nd K.
Shouji checks in against his counterpart lacing a fastball to left.
Araki-kantoku will try for the one-timer with Aoki as Itasaka bunts the runner along.
Kishi looking for the edges can't find against Aoki, falls behind 3-0 fires a couple of balls to fill up the count.
But Kishi goes for another fastball and Aoki is all over it! Yano sprinting back as it lands behind him and one bounds to the wall! Shouji will score and we're all tied at 1-1!
Nakano is called around on a slider to end the inning, but Kishi gives in too much at 3-2 and we're tied!
Bottom 3rd
With the game tied, Shouji goes to work on the Meitoku batters.
Works outside to Iwami, who grounds to short.
Yano goes after a slider outside, but is ahead of it and pulls it to 2nd. And Iwami is jammed inside and rolls one to more over to Nakano and the side is retired
Top 4th
Both pitchers in a groove as Kishi needs just 6 pitches to retire the 3-4-5 batters from Nichidai Yamagata. Still trying to attack Kishi before he gets the advantage.
Bottom 4th
Itsuzaki able to draw a walk after working the count full.
Mabuchi-kantoku calls for the hit-and-run! Kishi puts one to the left side, Okumura scrambling back, runs it down in the gap, goes to 1st... gets Kishi! One down, but Itsuzaki advances to scoring position.
Once again, Nishoka work the count full on Shouji.
Liner back up the middle, Shouji goes for cover as it whizzes by him! Itsuzaki being waved home an the throw is cutoff! 2-1 Meitoku Gijyuku!
Hit-and-run again! Son with a fly to left, but Mineta is back towards the wall! Naw it can't be, right?
Nope. He catches it with some room to spare for the 2nd ou.
Ozaki goes down on a slider to retire the side but Meitoku retakes the lead!
Top 5th
Kishi continuing to keep the batters off balance. Asanuma jammed on fastball up and in, hits soft pop to 2nd.
Takeda reaches out on a slider and grounds out 2nd.
Ahead 1-2 to Shouji, Kishi tries slider after slider, but Shouji doesn't bit and takes a walk.
Itasaka would have fouled out to Nishioka if he didn't flub the ball, but no damage done as on the next pitch he grounds to short
Bottom 5th
Shouji still cruising though for the most part. Baba chases slider outside for another K.
Iwami an easy comebacker to Shouji for out #2.
But instead of a 1-2-3 inning, Shouji grazes Yano's butt.
Yano goes for 2nd! It's a slow curve, but Asanuma quick throws to 2nd... Yano slides into Okumura... OUT! Nice play by the Nichidai catcher!
We hit the break with our expected pitcher's duel. Shouji has given up a couple of untimely hits but has been fairly effective nonetheless. Kishi has been just as effective, with perhaps the mistake to Aoki being the only one so far.
Top 6th
Aoki with a grounder to the right side, Nishioka makes great stop, hesitates, flips to Kishi, SAFE!
Kishi can't get his footwork at 1B down right and the douten runner is on base! Nakano bunts him along to 2nd for Mineta as Mabuchi-kantoku calls time.
Mineta though flies out to center and there's 2 out. Okumura up to bat.
Swings at a way high fastball! Yano springing back to right center! Are you kidding me?
It lands in front of the wall! Aoki will easily score from 2nd as Okumura is in with a triple! How in the world?!
Yoshioka fouls out to Nishioka, but once again we're level!
Bottom 6th
Hata with a high chopper to the left side. Itasaka waiting for it, fires to 1st.... just gets Hata for the out!
Itsuzaki with a ball to left center, Aoki charging in dives... has it, no! It pops out! Itsuzaki to 2nd and Meitoku has a chance to retake the lead!
Oh? Shouji pitching around Kishi? He gives him nothing to hit and he draws a walk.
Nishioka makes him pay! Single to right and Shouji can only give a laugh as Meitoku retakes the 3-2 lead!!
He clamps down though getting Son to ground into the 6-4-3 double play, but Nichidai Yamagata will have to play catchup once again!
Top 7th
Asanuma responding immediately with a single to right center! Takeda bunts, but Kishi goes to 2nd! They get one, Iwami's throw to 1st... beats a head-sliding Takeda (would have been safe if he ran).
2 down!
Shouji drive to right! But the wind knocks it down! Ozaki in front of the wall makes the catch for the 3rd out!
Bottom 7th
Defensive change for Nichidai Yamagata. #16 Ajiki comes in for Takeda to play RF. Wonder if he hurt himself in the dive to 1st.
Baba looking to distance his team from Nichidai singles through short. Mabuchi-kantoku will play for the one timer as Iwami bunts him along for Yano.
Yano draws a walk, and that gets Araki-kantoku to call time.
On the very next pitch, he "hits" Hata, though he really grazes his butt if at all. Manrui for Meitoku!
And Shouji gets out of it! Itsuzaki gets under a high fastball and flies out to center! They're still in it!
Top 8th
Itasaka liner, but right at Iwami for the 1st out. Back to the top of the order and Aoki.
Man he's got a good swing, nice and level. Lines one right back to center.
Nakano with the safety bunt, but Itsuzaki makes the strong throw for the out.
Kishi leaves one over for Mineta! He drives it to deep left center! Yano scrambling back... no chance! Mineta in with a triple and we're tied again at 3-3!!!
And now they're intentionally walking Okumura to get to Yoshioka. Ball 4 and in steps Yoshioka, 0-3 on the day.
LINER TO RIGHT!!!!! That's in for a base hit! Mineta scores and Nichida Yamagata has their first lead in the game here in the 8th! It's 4-3!!!!
Asanuma flies out to right, but it's now Meitoku Gijyuku under the clock!
Bottom 8th
Shouji being just as cautious with Kishi, winds up walking him to start the inning. Nishioka will bunt him along for Son.
And perhaps also in the same vein, Shouji pitches around Son to get to Ozaki. Ball 4 and gyakuten run is on base.
Mabuchi-kantoku counters by sending in #13 Takahashi to bunt for Ozaki.
But he's down 0-2, and he just checks his swing.
2-2 and he gets fooled, but has a quick bat to foul it off.
Pitch way outside and it's 3-2!
DEAD BALL!
Shouji goes inside and hits Takahashi with the fastball in the shoulder! Manrui for Meitoku as Araki-kantoku calls time. 138 pitches for Shouji, and they're leaving him in!
#7 Oonishi in to run for Takahashi.
OH! First pitch inside makes Baba hit the deck!
SQUEEZE!!!
Baba kneeling lays it down but it goes foul!
And now swinging away falls behind 1-2! Should he have been patient with a tired Shouji on the mound?
SQUEEZE!!!!
But Baba pops it up! Asanuma doesn't need to catch it, but does anyways for the 2nd out!
Iwami up to bat, and he gets one final message from Mabuchi-kantoku.
But he pops it up! Okumura secures it and Shouji holds serve here in the 8th!
Top 9th
Oonishi stays in at LF, Son moves to RF.
Ajiki up for his first AB, singles back up the middle! Playing for insurance, Shouji bunts him along for Itasaka.
But Itasaka pops out to Hata on the first pitch.
Aoki flies out to right, and it's hang on time for Shouji! Did Meitoku blow their best chance last inning, or are there some theatrics left in the bottom of the 9th?
Bottom 9th
Top of the order due for Meitoku. Yano steps in...
Shows bunt, takes strike 1. Slider inside, swung and missed.
Shouji gets a generous outside strike and Yano spins around in frustration! One down.
Hata rolls over one. Yoshioka keeps calm, recovers and goes to 1st for the 2nd out!
Last chance in Itsuzaki.
Puts a slider inside for strike 2, 1-2 now... fastball outside, 2-2.. slider high 3-2...
Kishi waiting on deck...
Line down the 1st base line.. foul!
Grounder to 2nd! Nakano with it, goes to 1st..
GAME SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nichidai Yamagata fights from behind all game, come through in the top of the 8th and take their very first lead, and win 4-3!!
Kishi is in tears understandably after the loss. He pitched so well up until this point, but he left pitches in the zone in key situations (Not to Okumura, you just tip your hat there). Even still, he pitched very well, and was let down by his kantoku's strategy more than anything. Yes, for most of the team the summer is over, but the team has absolutely nothing to be disappointed about.
For Nichidai Yamagata, they succeed their performance back in 2006 (when I got to see them in person) with an impressive win. Perhaps Hanamaki Higashi's grittiness is carrying over because it never felt like they were out of it and continuously fought back.
Ace Shouji will need that day of rest as he was certainly laboring in the 8th. Will he be rested enough for the semifinal?
The problem with them is their offense. Yes, they did enough win the battle with Setouchi ace Yamaoka, then jumped on Osaka Touin ace Kuzukawa. The problem is they didn't score anything thereafter when Kuzukawa was replaced, garnering just 2 hits.
Nichidai Yamagata has been on a run similar to the run they made in 2006 when they got to this point. Ace Shouji has carried them past Nichidai-san and then against Sakushin Gakuin - two generally strong stalwarts in the kokoyakyu world. He has a very sharp slider that can confound batters - see the 12Ks against Sakushin Gakuin. The one nagging bit is the 7 walks in the first game. Not all of them were because he wasn't locating the slider, it just seemed like he was plain missing the plate. Will a patient team at the plate possibly expose him?
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
Meitoku Gijyuku (Kochi)
CF Yano Masao
2B Hata Hikaru
3B Itsuzaki Tomonari
P Kishi Jyunichirou
1B Nishioka Takashige
LF Son Ho Kyun (#9)
RF Ozaki Yuuto (#15)
C Baba Yuudai
SS Iwami Takashi
____________________________________________________________
11:00 - First Pitch
Top 1st
First pitch swinging, Aoki hits slop chopper up middle. Iwami there and goes to 1st for the out.
Nakano late on the Kishi offering, also rolls one to short.
Nichidai Yamagata attacking Kishi early when they know they'll get strikes, but Mineta flies out to Son in left and he side is retired in 7 pitches.
Bottom 1st
Yano tries to size up a curveball, but grounds out to short.
Hata slices a slider the other way and it goes to left center for a base hit.
Itsuzaki not bunting here, but grounds to 2nd. Hata cuts down the lead runner. Mabuchi-kantoku sending Itsuzaki! Throw from Asanuma... just late!
Kishi with a drive to righ! Takeda running back, but he knows it's over his head! Itsuzaki scores as the the throw comes in and Kishi has his first base hit, a run scoring double! 1-0 Meitoku Gijyuku!
Nishioka grounds to 2nd, but Nichidai Yamagata behind it early as they already trail after 1.
Top 2nd
Nichidai Yamagata's batters are so concerned with falling behind they are swinging away very early in counts.
Okumura with a quick grounder to 2nd, Yoshioka hits the very definition of a swinging bunt as Kishi throws him out.
Asanuma at 1-1 swings on two consecutive sliders to retire the side.
Bottom 2nd
Son gets under one, Takeda settles under it for the first out.
Same with Ozaki as he hits a silo HR to Okumura.
Baba tries to time the curve, but grounds to Itasaka for the 3rd out.
Top 3rd
Just to keep the batters off balance, Kishi on 2-1 goes slider, fastball to Takeda for his 2nd K.
Shouji checks in against his counterpart lacing a fastball to left.
Araki-kantoku will try for the one-timer with Aoki as Itasaka bunts the runner along.
Kishi looking for the edges can't find against Aoki, falls behind 3-0 fires a couple of balls to fill up the count.
But Kishi goes for another fastball and Aoki is all over it! Yano sprinting back as it lands behind him and one bounds to the wall! Shouji will score and we're all tied at 1-1!
Nakano is called around on a slider to end the inning, but Kishi gives in too much at 3-2 and we're tied!
Bottom 3rd
With the game tied, Shouji goes to work on the Meitoku batters.
Works outside to Iwami, who grounds to short.
Yano goes after a slider outside, but is ahead of it and pulls it to 2nd. And Iwami is jammed inside and rolls one to more over to Nakano and the side is retired
Top 4th
Both pitchers in a groove as Kishi needs just 6 pitches to retire the 3-4-5 batters from Nichidai Yamagata. Still trying to attack Kishi before he gets the advantage.
Bottom 4th
Itsuzaki able to draw a walk after working the count full.
Mabuchi-kantoku calls for the hit-and-run! Kishi puts one to the left side, Okumura scrambling back, runs it down in the gap, goes to 1st... gets Kishi! One down, but Itsuzaki advances to scoring position.
Once again, Nishoka work the count full on Shouji.
Liner back up the middle, Shouji goes for cover as it whizzes by him! Itsuzaki being waved home an the throw is cutoff! 2-1 Meitoku Gijyuku!
Hit-and-run again! Son with a fly to left, but Mineta is back towards the wall! Naw it can't be, right?
Nope. He catches it with some room to spare for the 2nd ou.
Ozaki goes down on a slider to retire the side but Meitoku retakes the lead!
Top 5th
Kishi continuing to keep the batters off balance. Asanuma jammed on fastball up and in, hits soft pop to 2nd.
Takeda reaches out on a slider and grounds out 2nd.
Ahead 1-2 to Shouji, Kishi tries slider after slider, but Shouji doesn't bit and takes a walk.
Itasaka would have fouled out to Nishioka if he didn't flub the ball, but no damage done as on the next pitch he grounds to short
Bottom 5th
Shouji still cruising though for the most part. Baba chases slider outside for another K.
Iwami an easy comebacker to Shouji for out #2.
But instead of a 1-2-3 inning, Shouji grazes Yano's butt.
Yano goes for 2nd! It's a slow curve, but Asanuma quick throws to 2nd... Yano slides into Okumura... OUT! Nice play by the Nichidai catcher!
We hit the break with our expected pitcher's duel. Shouji has given up a couple of untimely hits but has been fairly effective nonetheless. Kishi has been just as effective, with perhaps the mistake to Aoki being the only one so far.
Top 6th
Aoki with a grounder to the right side, Nishioka makes great stop, hesitates, flips to Kishi, SAFE!
Kishi can't get his footwork at 1B down right and the douten runner is on base! Nakano bunts him along to 2nd for Mineta as Mabuchi-kantoku calls time.
Mineta though flies out to center and there's 2 out. Okumura up to bat.
Swings at a way high fastball! Yano springing back to right center! Are you kidding me?
It lands in front of the wall! Aoki will easily score from 2nd as Okumura is in with a triple! How in the world?!
Yoshioka fouls out to Nishioka, but once again we're level!
Bottom 6th
Hata with a high chopper to the left side. Itasaka waiting for it, fires to 1st.... just gets Hata for the out!
Itsuzaki with a ball to left center, Aoki charging in dives... has it, no! It pops out! Itsuzaki to 2nd and Meitoku has a chance to retake the lead!
Oh? Shouji pitching around Kishi? He gives him nothing to hit and he draws a walk.
Nishioka makes him pay! Single to right and Shouji can only give a laugh as Meitoku retakes the 3-2 lead!!
He clamps down though getting Son to ground into the 6-4-3 double play, but Nichidai Yamagata will have to play catchup once again!
Top 7th
Asanuma responding immediately with a single to right center! Takeda bunts, but Kishi goes to 2nd! They get one, Iwami's throw to 1st... beats a head-sliding Takeda (would have been safe if he ran).
2 down!
Shouji drive to right! But the wind knocks it down! Ozaki in front of the wall makes the catch for the 3rd out!
Bottom 7th
Defensive change for Nichidai Yamagata. #16 Ajiki comes in for Takeda to play RF. Wonder if he hurt himself in the dive to 1st.
Baba looking to distance his team from Nichidai singles through short. Mabuchi-kantoku will play for the one timer as Iwami bunts him along for Yano.
Yano draws a walk, and that gets Araki-kantoku to call time.
On the very next pitch, he "hits" Hata, though he really grazes his butt if at all. Manrui for Meitoku!
And Shouji gets out of it! Itsuzaki gets under a high fastball and flies out to center! They're still in it!
Top 8th
Itasaka liner, but right at Iwami for the 1st out. Back to the top of the order and Aoki.
Man he's got a good swing, nice and level. Lines one right back to center.
Nakano with the safety bunt, but Itsuzaki makes the strong throw for the out.
Kishi leaves one over for Mineta! He drives it to deep left center! Yano scrambling back... no chance! Mineta in with a triple and we're tied again at 3-3!!!
And now they're intentionally walking Okumura to get to Yoshioka. Ball 4 and in steps Yoshioka, 0-3 on the day.
LINER TO RIGHT!!!!! That's in for a base hit! Mineta scores and Nichida Yamagata has their first lead in the game here in the 8th! It's 4-3!!!!
Asanuma flies out to right, but it's now Meitoku Gijyuku under the clock!
Bottom 8th
Shouji being just as cautious with Kishi, winds up walking him to start the inning. Nishioka will bunt him along for Son.
And perhaps also in the same vein, Shouji pitches around Son to get to Ozaki. Ball 4 and gyakuten run is on base.
Mabuchi-kantoku counters by sending in #13 Takahashi to bunt for Ozaki.
But he's down 0-2, and he just checks his swing.
2-2 and he gets fooled, but has a quick bat to foul it off.
Pitch way outside and it's 3-2!
DEAD BALL!
Shouji goes inside and hits Takahashi with the fastball in the shoulder! Manrui for Meitoku as Araki-kantoku calls time. 138 pitches for Shouji, and they're leaving him in!
#7 Oonishi in to run for Takahashi.
OH! First pitch inside makes Baba hit the deck!
SQUEEZE!!!
Baba kneeling lays it down but it goes foul!
And now swinging away falls behind 1-2! Should he have been patient with a tired Shouji on the mound?
SQUEEZE!!!!
But Baba pops it up! Asanuma doesn't need to catch it, but does anyways for the 2nd out!
Iwami up to bat, and he gets one final message from Mabuchi-kantoku.
But he pops it up! Okumura secures it and Shouji holds serve here in the 8th!
Top 9th
Oonishi stays in at LF, Son moves to RF.
Ajiki up for his first AB, singles back up the middle! Playing for insurance, Shouji bunts him along for Itasaka.
But Itasaka pops out to Hata on the first pitch.
Aoki flies out to right, and it's hang on time for Shouji! Did Meitoku blow their best chance last inning, or are there some theatrics left in the bottom of the 9th?
Bottom 9th
Top of the order due for Meitoku. Yano steps in...
Shows bunt, takes strike 1. Slider inside, swung and missed.
Shouji gets a generous outside strike and Yano spins around in frustration! One down.
Hata rolls over one. Yoshioka keeps calm, recovers and goes to 1st for the 2nd out!
Last chance in Itsuzaki.
Puts a slider inside for strike 2, 1-2 now... fastball outside, 2-2.. slider high 3-2...
Kishi waiting on deck...
Line down the 1st base line.. foul!
Grounder to 2nd! Nakano with it, goes to 1st..
GAME SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nichidai Yamagata fights from behind all game, come through in the top of the 8th and take their very first lead, and win 4-3!!
Kishi is in tears understandably after the loss. He pitched so well up until this point, but he left pitches in the zone in key situations (Not to Okumura, you just tip your hat there). Even still, he pitched very well, and was let down by his kantoku's strategy more than anything. Yes, for most of the team the summer is over, but the team has absolutely nothing to be disappointed about.
For Nichidai Yamagata, they succeed their performance back in 2006 (when I got to see them in person) with an impressive win. Perhaps Hanamaki Higashi's grittiness is carrying over because it never felt like they were out of it and continuously fought back.
Ace Shouji will need that day of rest as he was certainly laboring in the 8th. Will he be rested enough for the semifinal?
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Day 10 - Game 4 - Round of 16 - Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi) vs. Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
Well, after that blowout, let's hope this one doesn't end the same way, shall we?
I'm worried about that though. Sakushin looks as strong as they were last year when they reached the best 8. And Nichidai Yamagata, though they defeated Nichidai-san maybe proved Sanko to be a false powerhouse this year.
I actually do worry this game will also get out of hand.
Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
CF Suzuki Masashi
3B Soeda Shinkai
1B Nakamura Kouichiro
C Yamashita Yuuto
RF Kobayashi Yuusuke
SS Kawakami Shuugo
LF Takanohashi Hiroki
2B Yamanashi Kouta
P Watanabe Yuuma
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
____________________________________________________________
16:07 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Suzuki with a drive down the right field line. Takeda running towards the line, makes the leaping catch as he runs into the padding.
But as expected, Sakushin looking to jump on Nichidai early. Soeda takes a fastball outside and actually drives it to right center. That falls in near the wall and Soeda is off to the races for a triple.
Nakamura to look for the quick timely or even a sac fly.
But Shouji working the upper part of the strike zone gets Nakamura to swing and miss on a slider.
The gig might be up early though as Yamashita booms another fastball on the outer half to almost the same spot. Once again Aoki and Takeda converge, but can't get there in time. He's in with a double. and it's 1-0.
Kobayashi goes down on three straight to end the inning, but already Sakushin Gakuin is on the board.
Bottom 1st
Aoki looking to launch a quick counter singles back up the middle.
Nakano tries the safety bunt, but it's like a grounder to Soeda instead. He goes to 2nd and they cut down the lead runner.
Mineda takes the outside fastball the other way over Kawakami and into center. Kobari-kantoku calls time as cleanup batter Okumura comes to bat.
Watanabe places a perfect fastball on the inside corner and there's 2 down.
Yoshioka on the first pitch singles back up the middle! Nakano's held up at 3rd as the throw goes high.
Manrui 2 outs for Asanuma...
Singles through the left side! Nakano scores, they're sending Mineta! Throw home... SAFE!!!!
Mineta goes on the fair side of the line and goes around the tag! Nichidai Yamagata takes the 2-1 lead!
Takeda with a ball to the right side, Yamanashi is there, AHHHH!!!
It's just out of his reach and it goes to right! Yoshioka comes around 3rd and he scores, Yamashita sees Asanuma caught in between throws, AHHH!!!
He throws it away allowing both runners to scramble back! It's 3-1 and a mess of an inning for Watanabe! He gets Shouji to fly out to end the inning, but once again Nichidai Yamagata emphatically responds in the 1st.
Top 2nd
And it may be that Shouji needs to work out the kinks in the 1st inning as he induces Kawakami to chase a fastball outside for the first out.
But this Sakushin team can hit. Takanohashi puts one in the gap in left center this time for a double.
Yamanashi does advance the runner after he pulls a slider to 1st. 2 down though.
Watanabe up to help his own cause...
But Shouji goes outside with the slider and Watanabe chases it for the 3rd out! No damage done!
Bottom 2nd
Oy, it's not Sakushin that's hitting, but Nichidai! Itasaka goes down and lines the low slider down the left field side for a leadoff double!
Aoki tries to lay down the bunt twice, but fouls off both attempts. When you're hitting, just continue.
Ah, but Itasaka follows the base hit with terrible running. Aoki hits one to the left side, Itasaki breaks for 3rd, but Kawakami has time to go to 3rd. Itasaka is run down and that's a mistake for Nichidai Yamagata.
Nakano then proceeds to get ahead of a slider and pop out to center.
Mineda fouls out and the early threat is dissipated.
Top 3rd
Szuki with a hot shot to 1st, Yoshioka makes the spinning pick and goes to the bag for the out.
Shouji, perhaps a little skittish with Soeda up to bat, walks him.
Hit-and-run from Sakushin! But Nakamura waves at a ball way outside! Throw to 2nd from Asanuma is offline and goes off Okumura's glove! Soeda cannot advance to 3rd though.
2 out for Yamashita, and this time Shouji is not squeamish. Put a slow curve and slider in for a strike, then gets the generous call on a ball outside to end the inning!
Bottom 3rd
Watanabe on a slow curve hits Okumura on the back.
Yoshioka swinging away booms one to deep left center! Takanohashi and Suzuki converging, it's Suzuki who stretches out and makes the catch!
But Kobari-kantoku has seen enough. #10 Asayama comes in to relieve Watanabe.
Asanuma goes for the bunt! Asayama fields it goes to 2nd, throws it away!! Okumura advances to 3rd and Sakushin is in another pinch!
Takeda trying to bunt? Takes a couple of pitches, but falls behind 1-2.
SANSHIN! Takeda swings right through that fastball for the 2nd out. Shouji up to help his own cause, but if last AB was an indication, it may not be likely.
Yep, he gives a regretful swing for strike 2, then can't pull the trigger on the fastball and the side is retired.
Top 4th
Kobayashi gives Sakushin a leadoff runner with a single to left.
He then takes off for 2nd! Kawakami swings and misses but the throw to 2nd is late.
Kawakami though can't take advantage. He grounds to short. Okumura loses the ball for a second, but then recovers 180 spins and throws to 1st to get the out.
Working the outside half, Shouji gets Takanohashi to swing on a slider outside and hits it off the end of the bat to left center. Mineda there to catch it for the 2nd out.
Yamanashi hits a comebacker to Shouji who snags and walks it over to Yoshioka for the 3rd out!
Bottom 4th
Asayama a bit careful with Itasaka runs the count full, does give in with the full count pitch, but Itasaka grounds out to short.
Aoki unable to catch up to the fastball gets a small piece of it and hits a pop out to Kawakami for the 2nd out.
Nakano way out in front of the slider, one-hands it to Nakamura who tosses to Asayama for the 3rd out.
Top 5th
Asayama very patient at the plate, doesn't give into any of the balls outside, fills up count. But Shouji gets the bottom of the zone on the slider and Asanuma turns back to the dugout.
Suzuki attacking early, but grounds to Itasaka for the 2nd out.
Soeda, like Asayama goes behind 1-2, takes 2 pitches to full up the count. He does swing at the strike, but grounds to short for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
Asayama hits his first batter in Mineta to start the 5th. Okumura showing bunt for the first pitch, but back to hitting. After getting ahead 2-0, Asayama levels the count. Tries to go inside, but Okumura just gets a piece of it and fouls it off.
Asayama climbs the latter on the fastball and Okumura swings under it for the 1st out.
Nichidai batters seem less apt to swing it seems. Yoshioka on a 0-1 pitch just watches a fastball down the middle for strike 2.
Yoshikoka hot shot to 1st! It's off Nakamura's glove! He goes to recover, tosses to sprinting Asayama, just beats Yoshioka to the bag for the 2nd out.
Asanuma liner, but right to Soeda for the 3rd out.
So we hit the midgame break with a situation similar to Nichidai Yamagata's first game, where they trailed early, came back immediately to take the lead. Asayama has done really well in relief for his 2nd straight relief outing, while Shouji is confounding the Sakushin batters.
There is still 4 innings left to go and usually if something happens it's then.
Top 6th
Nakamura puts a bal between a diving Itasaka and Okumura for a leadoff hit.
But Yamashita hits into a tailor made 6-4-3 double play. Quickly 2 out.
Kobayashi with a blast to left! Mineta running back, but he gives up!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That DP becomes even more important because with it Nichidai Yamagata still leads by 1!
Shouji comes back to paint the inside corner to Kawakami to end the inning, but that lead for Nichidai Yamagata got that much more tenuous!
Bottom 6th
One down and Shouji is fighting the heck out of his AB. Where was this the other 2 ABs when there were runners in scoring position!
And he hits one under the glove of a diving Kawakami! Araki-kantoku has Itasaka bunt him over for the top of the lineup.
Aoki with a big swing, but it looks like he got under it. He does and Kobayashi secures it for the 3rd out.
Top 7th
Ahead 3-1 against Shouji, Takanohashi goes after a high fastball for some reason and fouls out to Itasaka near the dugout.
Once again, Shouji goes outside with his slider and Yamanashi swings through it for the 2nd out.
Asayama with a hard hit to the right side! Yoshioka reaches out to his right and makes the snag! Tosses to Shouji and the side is retired!
Bottom 7th
Defensive changes for Sakushin as #17 Tamagawa comes in for Takanohashi in LF.
Nakano with a hard liner but right to Kawakami for the out.
Mineta goes full on Asayama, but goes after the fastball inside and hits one back to Asayama for the 2nd out.
And Okumura better put someting on him because he's hit for the second time this game.
Yoshioka up and there's another hot liner right to short. Side retired.
Top 8th
Top of the order up for Sakushin Gakuin as time is starting to run out.
Suzuki out in front hits chopper to 3rd, Itasaka gets rid of it quickly and just gets Aoki for the 1st out.
Soeda looking to get on base, works count full...
SANSHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soeda leasps back, but can only tilt his head as he's punched out. 2 down.
Nakamura grounder to 2nd, Nakano goes to 1st and once again Shouji puts up a clean frame!
Bottom 8th
Asanum lines a ball to left center for a lead off single! Plays it safe as the ball bounced off Suzuki's glove and out in front of him.
Takeda with the bunt, but Nakamura charging in throws to 2nd and cuts down Asanuma!
Shouji jumps on the first pitch from Asayama! Drives one to deep right center!! Suzuki back to the wall, plays it on the hop! Takeda being waved around, relay home...
High! Yamashita has to leap up and the tag is late again! It's 4-2 Nichidai Yamagata!
Itasaka hard shot to 3rd, Soeda with a great diving stop holds the runner and goes to 1st for the 2nd out!
But Aoki with a drive to deep center! No one's going to get to that one! It's off the wall and Shouji will score to make it 5-2!!
That prompts Kobari-kantoku to pull Asayama. He's fighting showing his disappointment as he hands the ball over to #11 Fujinuma.
He comes in and strikes out Nakano on 3 straight, but the damage has been done. Their deficit just got more difficult.
Bottom 9th
Shouji still throwing strikes gets ahead of Nakamura, then puts him away with the slider! One down!
Kobayashi goes on first pitch, lines out to Aoki... 2 down!
#13 Tanaka to hit for Kawakami as their last chance...
Goes down swinging! Asanua completes the play at first and Nichidai Yamagata's done it! For just the 2nd time in the school's history they reach the Best 8 and do so in superb fashion over Sakushin Gakuin!
I'm beginning to wonder if Nichidai Yamagata is the Urawa Gakuin for me this year. I keep on panning them as they face seemingly tough competition, but they keep on winning. It's probably different because I can see how Shouji is successful, while I couldn't with Ojima.
Shouji, much like Kishi worked around the strike zone, but rarely within it, winds up striking out 12, but otherwise shutting down the Sakushin offense. Perhaps a concern is that when Shouji was hit, he was hit hard. Of the 6 hits, he gave up 2 doubles, a triple and a HR. He will have his hands full with Meitoku's offense.
As for Sakushin Gakuin, while there were those hits, they were generally few and far between. So more often than not they were spinning their wheels. They were often behind in counts and wound up having to play more defensive than offensive, which might have hurt.
It's a disappointing loss for sure, but they do have some young players on their roster and may return yet again next year.
Notable Players
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - CG, 2 ER, 6 H, 12 K, BB
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Asanuma Takanori (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-3, 2 RBI
Kobayashi Yuusuke (Sakushin Gakuin) - 2-4, HR, R, RBI, SB
Soeda Shinkai (Sakushin Gakuin) - 1-3, 3B, R, BB
I'm worried about that though. Sakushin looks as strong as they were last year when they reached the best 8. And Nichidai Yamagata, though they defeated Nichidai-san maybe proved Sanko to be a false powerhouse this year.
I actually do worry this game will also get out of hand.
Sakushin Gakuin (Tochigi)
CF Suzuki Masashi
3B Soeda Shinkai
1B Nakamura Kouichiro
C Yamashita Yuuto
RF Kobayashi Yuusuke
SS Kawakami Shuugo
LF Takanohashi Hiroki
2B Yamanashi Kouta
P Watanabe Yuuma
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
____________________________________________________________
16:07 - First Pitch!
Top 1st
Suzuki with a drive down the right field line. Takeda running towards the line, makes the leaping catch as he runs into the padding.
But as expected, Sakushin looking to jump on Nichidai early. Soeda takes a fastball outside and actually drives it to right center. That falls in near the wall and Soeda is off to the races for a triple.
Nakamura to look for the quick timely or even a sac fly.
But Shouji working the upper part of the strike zone gets Nakamura to swing and miss on a slider.
The gig might be up early though as Yamashita booms another fastball on the outer half to almost the same spot. Once again Aoki and Takeda converge, but can't get there in time. He's in with a double. and it's 1-0.
Kobayashi goes down on three straight to end the inning, but already Sakushin Gakuin is on the board.
Bottom 1st
Aoki looking to launch a quick counter singles back up the middle.
Nakano tries the safety bunt, but it's like a grounder to Soeda instead. He goes to 2nd and they cut down the lead runner.
Mineda takes the outside fastball the other way over Kawakami and into center. Kobari-kantoku calls time as cleanup batter Okumura comes to bat.
Watanabe places a perfect fastball on the inside corner and there's 2 down.
Yoshioka on the first pitch singles back up the middle! Nakano's held up at 3rd as the throw goes high.
Manrui 2 outs for Asanuma...
Singles through the left side! Nakano scores, they're sending Mineta! Throw home... SAFE!!!!
Mineta goes on the fair side of the line and goes around the tag! Nichidai Yamagata takes the 2-1 lead!
Takeda with a ball to the right side, Yamanashi is there, AHHHH!!!
It's just out of his reach and it goes to right! Yoshioka comes around 3rd and he scores, Yamashita sees Asanuma caught in between throws, AHHH!!!
He throws it away allowing both runners to scramble back! It's 3-1 and a mess of an inning for Watanabe! He gets Shouji to fly out to end the inning, but once again Nichidai Yamagata emphatically responds in the 1st.
Top 2nd
And it may be that Shouji needs to work out the kinks in the 1st inning as he induces Kawakami to chase a fastball outside for the first out.
But this Sakushin team can hit. Takanohashi puts one in the gap in left center this time for a double.
Yamanashi does advance the runner after he pulls a slider to 1st. 2 down though.
Watanabe up to help his own cause...
But Shouji goes outside with the slider and Watanabe chases it for the 3rd out! No damage done!
Bottom 2nd
Oy, it's not Sakushin that's hitting, but Nichidai! Itasaka goes down and lines the low slider down the left field side for a leadoff double!
Aoki tries to lay down the bunt twice, but fouls off both attempts. When you're hitting, just continue.
Ah, but Itasaka follows the base hit with terrible running. Aoki hits one to the left side, Itasaki breaks for 3rd, but Kawakami has time to go to 3rd. Itasaka is run down and that's a mistake for Nichidai Yamagata.
Nakano then proceeds to get ahead of a slider and pop out to center.
Mineda fouls out and the early threat is dissipated.
Top 3rd
Szuki with a hot shot to 1st, Yoshioka makes the spinning pick and goes to the bag for the out.
Shouji, perhaps a little skittish with Soeda up to bat, walks him.
Hit-and-run from Sakushin! But Nakamura waves at a ball way outside! Throw to 2nd from Asanuma is offline and goes off Okumura's glove! Soeda cannot advance to 3rd though.
2 out for Yamashita, and this time Shouji is not squeamish. Put a slow curve and slider in for a strike, then gets the generous call on a ball outside to end the inning!
Bottom 3rd
Watanabe on a slow curve hits Okumura on the back.
Yoshioka swinging away booms one to deep left center! Takanohashi and Suzuki converging, it's Suzuki who stretches out and makes the catch!
But Kobari-kantoku has seen enough. #10 Asayama comes in to relieve Watanabe.
Asanuma goes for the bunt! Asayama fields it goes to 2nd, throws it away!! Okumura advances to 3rd and Sakushin is in another pinch!
Takeda trying to bunt? Takes a couple of pitches, but falls behind 1-2.
SANSHIN! Takeda swings right through that fastball for the 2nd out. Shouji up to help his own cause, but if last AB was an indication, it may not be likely.
Yep, he gives a regretful swing for strike 2, then can't pull the trigger on the fastball and the side is retired.
Top 4th
Kobayashi gives Sakushin a leadoff runner with a single to left.
He then takes off for 2nd! Kawakami swings and misses but the throw to 2nd is late.
Kawakami though can't take advantage. He grounds to short. Okumura loses the ball for a second, but then recovers 180 spins and throws to 1st to get the out.
Working the outside half, Shouji gets Takanohashi to swing on a slider outside and hits it off the end of the bat to left center. Mineda there to catch it for the 2nd out.
Yamanashi hits a comebacker to Shouji who snags and walks it over to Yoshioka for the 3rd out!
Bottom 4th
Asayama a bit careful with Itasaka runs the count full, does give in with the full count pitch, but Itasaka grounds out to short.
Aoki unable to catch up to the fastball gets a small piece of it and hits a pop out to Kawakami for the 2nd out.
Nakano way out in front of the slider, one-hands it to Nakamura who tosses to Asayama for the 3rd out.
Top 5th
Asayama very patient at the plate, doesn't give into any of the balls outside, fills up count. But Shouji gets the bottom of the zone on the slider and Asanuma turns back to the dugout.
Suzuki attacking early, but grounds to Itasaka for the 2nd out.
Soeda, like Asayama goes behind 1-2, takes 2 pitches to full up the count. He does swing at the strike, but grounds to short for the 3rd out.
Bottom 5th
Asayama hits his first batter in Mineta to start the 5th. Okumura showing bunt for the first pitch, but back to hitting. After getting ahead 2-0, Asayama levels the count. Tries to go inside, but Okumura just gets a piece of it and fouls it off.
Asayama climbs the latter on the fastball and Okumura swings under it for the 1st out.
Nichidai batters seem less apt to swing it seems. Yoshioka on a 0-1 pitch just watches a fastball down the middle for strike 2.
Yoshikoka hot shot to 1st! It's off Nakamura's glove! He goes to recover, tosses to sprinting Asayama, just beats Yoshioka to the bag for the 2nd out.
Asanuma liner, but right to Soeda for the 3rd out.
So we hit the midgame break with a situation similar to Nichidai Yamagata's first game, where they trailed early, came back immediately to take the lead. Asayama has done really well in relief for his 2nd straight relief outing, while Shouji is confounding the Sakushin batters.
There is still 4 innings left to go and usually if something happens it's then.
Top 6th
Nakamura puts a bal between a diving Itasaka and Okumura for a leadoff hit.
But Yamashita hits into a tailor made 6-4-3 double play. Quickly 2 out.
Kobayashi with a blast to left! Mineta running back, but he gives up!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That DP becomes even more important because with it Nichidai Yamagata still leads by 1!
Shouji comes back to paint the inside corner to Kawakami to end the inning, but that lead for Nichidai Yamagata got that much more tenuous!
Bottom 6th
One down and Shouji is fighting the heck out of his AB. Where was this the other 2 ABs when there were runners in scoring position!
And he hits one under the glove of a diving Kawakami! Araki-kantoku has Itasaka bunt him over for the top of the lineup.
Aoki with a big swing, but it looks like he got under it. He does and Kobayashi secures it for the 3rd out.
Top 7th
Ahead 3-1 against Shouji, Takanohashi goes after a high fastball for some reason and fouls out to Itasaka near the dugout.
Once again, Shouji goes outside with his slider and Yamanashi swings through it for the 2nd out.
Asayama with a hard hit to the right side! Yoshioka reaches out to his right and makes the snag! Tosses to Shouji and the side is retired!
Bottom 7th
Defensive changes for Sakushin as #17 Tamagawa comes in for Takanohashi in LF.
Nakano with a hard liner but right to Kawakami for the out.
Mineta goes full on Asayama, but goes after the fastball inside and hits one back to Asayama for the 2nd out.
And Okumura better put someting on him because he's hit for the second time this game.
Yoshioka up and there's another hot liner right to short. Side retired.
Top 8th
Top of the order up for Sakushin Gakuin as time is starting to run out.
Suzuki out in front hits chopper to 3rd, Itasaka gets rid of it quickly and just gets Aoki for the 1st out.
Soeda looking to get on base, works count full...
SANSHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soeda leasps back, but can only tilt his head as he's punched out. 2 down.
Nakamura grounder to 2nd, Nakano goes to 1st and once again Shouji puts up a clean frame!
Bottom 8th
Asanum lines a ball to left center for a lead off single! Plays it safe as the ball bounced off Suzuki's glove and out in front of him.
Takeda with the bunt, but Nakamura charging in throws to 2nd and cuts down Asanuma!
Shouji jumps on the first pitch from Asayama! Drives one to deep right center!! Suzuki back to the wall, plays it on the hop! Takeda being waved around, relay home...
High! Yamashita has to leap up and the tag is late again! It's 4-2 Nichidai Yamagata!
Itasaka hard shot to 3rd, Soeda with a great diving stop holds the runner and goes to 1st for the 2nd out!
But Aoki with a drive to deep center! No one's going to get to that one! It's off the wall and Shouji will score to make it 5-2!!
That prompts Kobari-kantoku to pull Asayama. He's fighting showing his disappointment as he hands the ball over to #11 Fujinuma.
He comes in and strikes out Nakano on 3 straight, but the damage has been done. Their deficit just got more difficult.
Bottom 9th
Shouji still throwing strikes gets ahead of Nakamura, then puts him away with the slider! One down!
Kobayashi goes on first pitch, lines out to Aoki... 2 down!
#13 Tanaka to hit for Kawakami as their last chance...
Goes down swinging! Asanua completes the play at first and Nichidai Yamagata's done it! For just the 2nd time in the school's history they reach the Best 8 and do so in superb fashion over Sakushin Gakuin!
I'm beginning to wonder if Nichidai Yamagata is the Urawa Gakuin for me this year. I keep on panning them as they face seemingly tough competition, but they keep on winning. It's probably different because I can see how Shouji is successful, while I couldn't with Ojima.
Shouji, much like Kishi worked around the strike zone, but rarely within it, winds up striking out 12, but otherwise shutting down the Sakushin offense. Perhaps a concern is that when Shouji was hit, he was hit hard. Of the 6 hits, he gave up 2 doubles, a triple and a HR. He will have his hands full with Meitoku's offense.
As for Sakushin Gakuin, while there were those hits, they were generally few and far between. So more often than not they were spinning their wheels. They were often behind in counts and wound up having to play more defensive than offensive, which might have hurt.
It's a disappointing loss for sure, but they do have some young players on their roster and may return yet again next year.
Notable Players
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - CG, 2 ER, 6 H, 12 K, BB
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Asanuma Takanori (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-3, 2 RBI
Kobayashi Yuusuke (Sakushin Gakuin) - 2-4, HR, R, RBI, SB
Soeda Shinkai (Sakushin Gakuin) - 1-3, 3B, R, BB
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Day 6 - Game 2 - Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata) vs. Nichidai-san (Nishi Tokyo)
Nichidai-san was the other half of the Tokyo taikai that was just a complete bloodbath. Generally Sanko is a powerhouse team in Tokyo to begin with, but out of nowhere it seems they took it to another level (much to the pleasure of some of my friends). All but 1 game was ended via mercy-rule and that was the finals against Hino, where even though they only won 5-0, all 9 innings are played no matter what anyways.
Despite the entire offense firing on all cylinders, the lynchpin of the offense is probably Oota Kazuki. On the mound, Ooba Ryoutarou has given up no more an 1 run in any of his outings in the natsu taikai. He's a righty who throws low 140s with a slider and curve. Oddly he doesn't strike out a lot of batters for the higher than average velo.
Nichidai Yamagata returns after several years away from Natsu Koushien having ceded the spot to Yamagata's mainstay Sakata Minami. This year they emphatically took it from Sakata Minami, and dominated Yonezawa Chuo for the title.
Ace Shouji Yutaka despite having upper 130s-lower 140s stuff was prone to giving up several runs in a game, so the pressure might go to the offense, which against Nichidai-san... good luck. If they are going to do it, they'll need production from their 3 & 4 batters Mineda and Okumura, but they can't afford to go through lulls in their lineup because Sanko will put pressure every inning.
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
Nichidai-san (Nishi Tokyo)
2B Kawatsu Kazuya
CF Inami Yuuki (#17)
LF Mori Ryouma
1B Sasaki Yuu
3B Oota Kazuki
RF Igarashi Masahiro (#6)
P Ooba Ryourtarou
C Yumoto Yuuki
SS Funayama Takahiro (#16)
____________________________________________________________
10:45 - First Pitch
Top 1st
Uh, what? Nakano comebacker to Ooba, who soft tosses over Sasaki for an E1 and Nakano ends up on 2nd.
And now a ball gets away from Yumoto allowing Nakano to 3rd? Boy that seems sloppy.
Mineta with a short looper that Funayama backs up and catches for 2nd out. Looks like Ooba will get out of the jam.
Okumura with a ball to deep center. Inami backing up, slowing down at the wall. Backs into it?!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAA!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
え？
Okumura hits a ball that just gets over the fence in center right for a 2-run HR. 2-0 Nichidai Yamagata?!
Yoshioka now with a grounder to 2nd, and that's booted by Kawatsu! Yoshioka safe, and Ogura-kantoku calls for time.
Asanuma strikes out to retire the side, but color me surprised (at least to start).
Bottom 1st
Kawatsu with a heck of an AB versus Shouji. Continuously spoils balls that he puts on the outside. 11th pitch of the AB makes a bid for a single with a ball to the right side, Nakano sprints over to cover turns and fires to just get Kawatsu for the 1st out.
Inami up, gets hold of a fastball. Takeda running back to the fence, tries to leap onto the padding...
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that was quick. Shouji hangs fastball, gets penalized for a run. 2-1 Nichidai Yamagata.
Mori follows that with a ball to right center. Takeda runs that down to limit it to a single.
But it looks like the HR has rattled Shouji because not only does he walk Sasaki, but Oota as well.
Manui for Sanko with Igarashi up... and Shouji cannot throw a strike. #11 Satou is warming up early.
Igarashi gives him an assist chasing a high ball and fouling out to Yoshioka.
Thar brings up Ooba to help his own cause. Fouls off a couple of pitches...
SANSHIN! A changeup (I think?) freezes Ooba to leave the bases loaded! But Sanko gives notice that a 2-run 1st won't phase them.
Top 2nd
Defensive change already for Sanko. #8 Ishida in for Igarashi and goes to CF, Inami goes to RF.
Much more regular inning for Ooba on the mound. Takeda with a soft pop to Sasaki, Shouji fails to check his swing, and Itasaka grounds to 3rd. A quiet 2nd inning which means...
Bottom 2nd
Sanko can get back on the bats that much faster.
Yumoto cues a grounder to 1st where Yoshioka beats him to the bag for the out.
Shouji then issues his 3rd walk to Fujiyama and the lineup turns over for Kawatsu.
Kawatsu with a grounder to short. Okumura to 2nd for 1, Nakano with a weird turn towards 1st, but there in time for the double play to end the inning!
Top 3rd
Aoki with popup around the mound, no one really calling for it until Fujiyama finally catches it.
Nakano rips one up the 1st base line, but Sasaki lunges and makes the snag! Goes to 1 for the 2nd out.
And another 1-2-3 inning as Mineta hits easy grounder to 2nd to retire the side.
Bottom 3rd
Shouji gets back at Inami for the HR by freezing him on a curve for his 2nd K.
Mori grounds to short for the 2nd out, but when Shouji tries to go for the curve with 2 strikes to Sasaki he just says thank you and lines it to center.
But Shouji gets Oota to swing and miss on a... well, I'm not sure what. It looks like something that comes back on a RHB, but no clue what it is (maybe I'm just seeing things). Anyways, side retired.
Top 4th
Okamura with ball to 1st, takes high hop but Sasaki leaps and secures it, goes to 1st for the first out.
Asanuma finally breaks the 9 straight retired by Ooba. He singles past a diving Funayama into center.
Ooba one strike away from getting out of the inning and Ooba runs one in on Takeda to push Asanuma into scoring position for Shouji.
Shouji with hard ball, but right at 3rd. Oota goes to 2nd to retire the side, hit hard, but not in the right place.
Bottom 4th
There's that pitch again. What looks like a sinker or something like that gets Ishida frozen for the first out.
Ooba swings on the first pitch and flies out to Aoki in center.
Yumoto with a two out single to left, but Yoshioka snares a Funayama liner for the 3rd out!
Top 5th
Itasaka with a drive to left!! Mori running back, still running back... over his head! He plays it off the wall as Itasaka has a double!
But Yamagata goes backwards on the basepaths when Aoki's bunt goes to 3rd to cut down Itasaka.
And Yamagata goes even further backwards as Aoki breaks for 2nd... and is thrown out.
Which becomes a shame because Nakano singles past Kawatsu, and then on the next pitch Mineta singles to center. Which if they didn't do the initial bunt would be at least 1 run.
Instead Okumura chases a slider for the 3rd out and Nichidai Yamagata gets nothing and will have to like it.
Bottom 5th
Kawatsu with grounder to gap in short. Okumura runs it down, slides, throws strong looping ball to get a springing Kawatsu!
But then he gets careful with Inami and walks him.
Mori with a deep drive to center, but Aoki ranging to his left catches it with some room to spare at the wall.
Sasaki up and once again Shouji is careful and winds up walking him for the 2nd time.
The walks don't come back to bite him as Oota grounds to short to end the inning.
We hit the break with Nichidai Yamagata surprisingly in the lead at 2-1. but it's been Sanko who's had the chances as of late.
Top 6th
Yoshioka looking rather silly sticking his butt out trying to bend down and hit a change he can't hit.
Asanuma catching the ball off the end of the bat and grounding right to Kawatsu for out #2.
Takeda also chasing outside pitch, meekly grounds to short and Ooba back to 3 up, 3 down.
Bottom 6th
#10 Saitou warming up in bullpen as Araki-kantoku might make change in next inning or two (since he did that in the prefecturals).
Meanwhile, Shouji continues to record outs.
Ishida and Ooba go back to back grounders to Itasaka, and Yumoto flies out to right.
That's Shouji's first 1-2-3 inning. but he's still preserving a razor thin lead.
Top 7th
Shouji with a single through the left side. Chances are Itasaka will bunt... and he shows it.
But he takes a strike and then just whiffs on an attempt. Still showing bunt and takes a ball. They still seem committed to it as he takes another ball to fill up the count.
Buster hit! Chopper back up the middle, off Ooba's glove! Funayama has to change course, but by that time everyone's safe! Another bad break for Sanko!
Aoki up and he's bunting... but he too can't lay it down and falls behind 0-2.
Still committed, takes ball 1.
Hitting!
Aoki hitting, goes down to hit a slider and sends it through the right side for a base hit! Ogura-kantoku calling time as a pitcher warms up in bullpen.
Nakano up with no-out manrui. Not showing squeeze, but not surprised if it comes out.
No, swinging and fouls one off to fall behind 1-2.
Nakano in a repeat of the last AB, goes down again and lines a ball to right! Itasaka being waved around as Inami fires home! But the throw is late and 2 runs score on the timely! 4-1 Nichidai Yamagata!!
Now Araki-kantoku calling for the bunt??!
Mineta lays it down and Ooba throws slightly high but beats a diving Mineta.
And with 1st open, Sanko says thank you and intentionally walks Okumura to get to Yoshioka who is hitless on the day.
And still hitless. He pops it up. Funayama on the 2nd base side makes the catch for the 2nd out.
Asanuma jammed on the first pitch! Blooper to the right side, Kawatsu sprinting back and to the 1st base line, dives...
And it falls in!!
2 runs score on the blooper and it's 6-1 Nichidai Yamagata!?
That's it for Ooba as #10 Ogino comes in for him. He didn't pitch badly, just got rather unlucky it seems.
Takeda single through short and another run scores! It's 7-1!?!
Ogino finally gets out of the inning with a groundout by Shouij, but Sanko is in a world of hurt right now. But there's still some time to claw back.
Bottom 7th
#13 Tadokoro in to hit for Funayama.
Full count pulls off a blooper for his own just out of the reach of a diving Nakano. He's replaced by #14 Arai.
Grounder to 2nd. Nakano to 2nd for one, Okumura spins and throws to 1st, double play!
Wow, that looked good.
Once again Shouji goes around Inami and walks him for the 2nd straight AB.
And maybe a small bit of karma, Shouji and Asanuma try to sell the 2-2 pitch for strike 3, don't get call, then give up walk. Which brings Sasaki who they've walked twice already. If convention holds, they aren't going to pitch to him.
But they are?! AND THEY GET HIM SWINGING, ON 3 PITCHES, WTF?
I do not understand this at all. When it looks like they've been going around Inami and Sasaki they decide to after him now and it works?!
Top 8th
Arai stays in to play SS.
Itasaka ahead 3-0, tries to walk to 1st twice, gets called back... twice. After a foul ball he can finally walk to 1st when Ogino's offering went wide.
After a sac bunt, Ogura-kantoku replaces Ogino with #11 Kugimiya.
He starts off jamming Nakano into a dribbler to the left side that he takes and throws to 1st.
Mineta apparently thinks that's a cool thing to do and basically carbon copies it to end the inning.
Bottom 8th
After Oota grounds out, #9 Watanabe comes into hit for Ishida and I hear Zankoku na tensha no teeze.
He pops out to Itasaka.
#15 Doi hits for Kugimiya, and flies out to center to end the inning.
Top 9th
Doi stays in to play CF, #18 Miwa comes in for Watanabe and takes the hill...
Throwing upper 140s - though with no control as he walks Okumura.
He settles down after that with Yoshioka flying out to center, Asanuma a failed bunt attempt that Yumoto catches, and Takeda goes down swinging.
Bottom 9th
Ogura-kantoku with #12 Suzuki hitting for Yumoto completely empties the bench. That's an indicator that they know they're done.
And in fact, the side is retired so quickly I can't even type it. Itasaka secure the last popup from Kawatsu and Nichidai Yamagata wins 7-1!!
Well, I don't know if anyone saw that coming. I sure didn't. Nichidai Yamagata under the excellent pitching of Shouji completely shuts down a team that seemed on fire coming in.
I really have no explanation for this. None.
About the only reasoning I can give is that since the only opposition they faced was 2nd tier Souka followed by 3rd tier Hino, the nubmers were inflated....
...But to this extent? Impossible.
The only other explanation is Araki-kantoku wanted to take the bat away from Inami and Sasaki and force the other players to drive in runs, which they couldn't. It that's the case, I applaud them because it worked.
Notable Players
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - CG, ER, 5 H, 5 K, 7 BB
Okumura Hiromu (Nichidai Yamagata) - 1-3, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB
Nakano Takumu (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI
Itasaka Hiroki (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-3, 2B, R
Itami Yuuki (Nichidai-san) - 1-2, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB
Sasaki Yuu (Nichidai-san) - 1-2, 2 BB
Despite the entire offense firing on all cylinders, the lynchpin of the offense is probably Oota Kazuki. On the mound, Ooba Ryoutarou has given up no more an 1 run in any of his outings in the natsu taikai. He's a righty who throws low 140s with a slider and curve. Oddly he doesn't strike out a lot of batters for the higher than average velo.
Nichidai Yamagata returns after several years away from Natsu Koushien having ceded the spot to Yamagata's mainstay Sakata Minami. This year they emphatically took it from Sakata Minami, and dominated Yonezawa Chuo for the title.
Ace Shouji Yutaka despite having upper 130s-lower 140s stuff was prone to giving up several runs in a game, so the pressure might go to the offense, which against Nichidai-san... good luck. If they are going to do it, they'll need production from their 3 & 4 batters Mineda and Okumura, but they can't afford to go through lulls in their lineup because Sanko will put pressure every inning.
Nichidai Yamagata (Yamagata)
CF Aoki Tatsuya
2B Nakano Takumu
LF Mineta Jyunnosuke
SS Okumura Hiromu
1B Yoshioka ?
C Asanuma Takanori
RF Takeda Shouhei
P Shouji Misaki
3B Itasaka Hiroki
Nichidai-san (Nishi Tokyo)
2B Kawatsu Kazuya
CF Inami Yuuki (#17)
LF Mori Ryouma
1B Sasaki Yuu
3B Oota Kazuki
RF Igarashi Masahiro (#6)
P Ooba Ryourtarou
C Yumoto Yuuki
SS Funayama Takahiro (#16)
____________________________________________________________
10:45 - First Pitch
Top 1st
Uh, what? Nakano comebacker to Ooba, who soft tosses over Sasaki for an E1 and Nakano ends up on 2nd.
And now a ball gets away from Yumoto allowing Nakano to 3rd? Boy that seems sloppy.
Mineta with a short looper that Funayama backs up and catches for 2nd out. Looks like Ooba will get out of the jam.
Okumura with a ball to deep center. Inami backing up, slowing down at the wall. Backs into it?!
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAA!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
え？
Okumura hits a ball that just gets over the fence in center right for a 2-run HR. 2-0 Nichidai Yamagata?!
Yoshioka now with a grounder to 2nd, and that's booted by Kawatsu! Yoshioka safe, and Ogura-kantoku calls for time.
Asanuma strikes out to retire the side, but color me surprised (at least to start).
Bottom 1st
Kawatsu with a heck of an AB versus Shouji. Continuously spoils balls that he puts on the outside. 11th pitch of the AB makes a bid for a single with a ball to the right side, Nakano sprints over to cover turns and fires to just get Kawatsu for the 1st out.
Inami up, gets hold of a fastball. Takeda running back to the fence, tries to leap onto the padding...
HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that was quick. Shouji hangs fastball, gets penalized for a run. 2-1 Nichidai Yamagata.
Mori follows that with a ball to right center. Takeda runs that down to limit it to a single.
But it looks like the HR has rattled Shouji because not only does he walk Sasaki, but Oota as well.
Manui for Sanko with Igarashi up... and Shouji cannot throw a strike. #11 Satou is warming up early.
Igarashi gives him an assist chasing a high ball and fouling out to Yoshioka.
Thar brings up Ooba to help his own cause. Fouls off a couple of pitches...
SANSHIN! A changeup (I think?) freezes Ooba to leave the bases loaded! But Sanko gives notice that a 2-run 1st won't phase them.
Top 2nd
Defensive change already for Sanko. #8 Ishida in for Igarashi and goes to CF, Inami goes to RF.
Much more regular inning for Ooba on the mound. Takeda with a soft pop to Sasaki, Shouji fails to check his swing, and Itasaka grounds to 3rd. A quiet 2nd inning which means...
Bottom 2nd
Sanko can get back on the bats that much faster.
Yumoto cues a grounder to 1st where Yoshioka beats him to the bag for the out.
Shouji then issues his 3rd walk to Fujiyama and the lineup turns over for Kawatsu.
Kawatsu with a grounder to short. Okumura to 2nd for 1, Nakano with a weird turn towards 1st, but there in time for the double play to end the inning!
Top 3rd
Aoki with popup around the mound, no one really calling for it until Fujiyama finally catches it.
Nakano rips one up the 1st base line, but Sasaki lunges and makes the snag! Goes to 1 for the 2nd out.
And another 1-2-3 inning as Mineta hits easy grounder to 2nd to retire the side.
Bottom 3rd
Shouji gets back at Inami for the HR by freezing him on a curve for his 2nd K.
Mori grounds to short for the 2nd out, but when Shouji tries to go for the curve with 2 strikes to Sasaki he just says thank you and lines it to center.
But Shouji gets Oota to swing and miss on a... well, I'm not sure what. It looks like something that comes back on a RHB, but no clue what it is (maybe I'm just seeing things). Anyways, side retired.
Top 4th
Okamura with ball to 1st, takes high hop but Sasaki leaps and secures it, goes to 1st for the first out.
Asanuma finally breaks the 9 straight retired by Ooba. He singles past a diving Funayama into center.
Ooba one strike away from getting out of the inning and Ooba runs one in on Takeda to push Asanuma into scoring position for Shouji.
Shouji with hard ball, but right at 3rd. Oota goes to 2nd to retire the side, hit hard, but not in the right place.
Bottom 4th
There's that pitch again. What looks like a sinker or something like that gets Ishida frozen for the first out.
Ooba swings on the first pitch and flies out to Aoki in center.
Yumoto with a two out single to left, but Yoshioka snares a Funayama liner for the 3rd out!
Top 5th
Itasaka with a drive to left!! Mori running back, still running back... over his head! He plays it off the wall as Itasaka has a double!
But Yamagata goes backwards on the basepaths when Aoki's bunt goes to 3rd to cut down Itasaka.
And Yamagata goes even further backwards as Aoki breaks for 2nd... and is thrown out.
Which becomes a shame because Nakano singles past Kawatsu, and then on the next pitch Mineta singles to center. Which if they didn't do the initial bunt would be at least 1 run.
Instead Okumura chases a slider for the 3rd out and Nichidai Yamagata gets nothing and will have to like it.
Bottom 5th
Kawatsu with grounder to gap in short. Okumura runs it down, slides, throws strong looping ball to get a springing Kawatsu!
But then he gets careful with Inami and walks him.
Mori with a deep drive to center, but Aoki ranging to his left catches it with some room to spare at the wall.
Sasaki up and once again Shouji is careful and winds up walking him for the 2nd time.
The walks don't come back to bite him as Oota grounds to short to end the inning.
We hit the break with Nichidai Yamagata surprisingly in the lead at 2-1. but it's been Sanko who's had the chances as of late.
Top 6th
Yoshioka looking rather silly sticking his butt out trying to bend down and hit a change he can't hit.
Asanuma catching the ball off the end of the bat and grounding right to Kawatsu for out #2.
Takeda also chasing outside pitch, meekly grounds to short and Ooba back to 3 up, 3 down.
Bottom 6th
#10 Saitou warming up in bullpen as Araki-kantoku might make change in next inning or two (since he did that in the prefecturals).
Meanwhile, Shouji continues to record outs.
Ishida and Ooba go back to back grounders to Itasaka, and Yumoto flies out to right.
That's Shouji's first 1-2-3 inning. but he's still preserving a razor thin lead.
Top 7th
Shouji with a single through the left side. Chances are Itasaka will bunt... and he shows it.
But he takes a strike and then just whiffs on an attempt. Still showing bunt and takes a ball. They still seem committed to it as he takes another ball to fill up the count.
Buster hit! Chopper back up the middle, off Ooba's glove! Funayama has to change course, but by that time everyone's safe! Another bad break for Sanko!
Aoki up and he's bunting... but he too can't lay it down and falls behind 0-2.
Still committed, takes ball 1.
Hitting!
Aoki hitting, goes down to hit a slider and sends it through the right side for a base hit! Ogura-kantoku calling time as a pitcher warms up in bullpen.
Nakano up with no-out manrui. Not showing squeeze, but not surprised if it comes out.
No, swinging and fouls one off to fall behind 1-2.
Nakano in a repeat of the last AB, goes down again and lines a ball to right! Itasaka being waved around as Inami fires home! But the throw is late and 2 runs score on the timely! 4-1 Nichidai Yamagata!!
Now Araki-kantoku calling for the bunt??!
Mineta lays it down and Ooba throws slightly high but beats a diving Mineta.
And with 1st open, Sanko says thank you and intentionally walks Okumura to get to Yoshioka who is hitless on the day.
And still hitless. He pops it up. Funayama on the 2nd base side makes the catch for the 2nd out.
Asanuma jammed on the first pitch! Blooper to the right side, Kawatsu sprinting back and to the 1st base line, dives...
And it falls in!!
2 runs score on the blooper and it's 6-1 Nichidai Yamagata!?
That's it for Ooba as #10 Ogino comes in for him. He didn't pitch badly, just got rather unlucky it seems.
Takeda single through short and another run scores! It's 7-1!?!
Ogino finally gets out of the inning with a groundout by Shouij, but Sanko is in a world of hurt right now. But there's still some time to claw back.
Bottom 7th
#13 Tadokoro in to hit for Funayama.
Full count pulls off a blooper for his own just out of the reach of a diving Nakano. He's replaced by #14 Arai.
Grounder to 2nd. Nakano to 2nd for one, Okumura spins and throws to 1st, double play!
Wow, that looked good.
Once again Shouji goes around Inami and walks him for the 2nd straight AB.
And maybe a small bit of karma, Shouji and Asanuma try to sell the 2-2 pitch for strike 3, don't get call, then give up walk. Which brings Sasaki who they've walked twice already. If convention holds, they aren't going to pitch to him.
But they are?! AND THEY GET HIM SWINGING, ON 3 PITCHES, WTF?
I do not understand this at all. When it looks like they've been going around Inami and Sasaki they decide to after him now and it works?!
Top 8th
Arai stays in to play SS.
Itasaka ahead 3-0, tries to walk to 1st twice, gets called back... twice. After a foul ball he can finally walk to 1st when Ogino's offering went wide.
After a sac bunt, Ogura-kantoku replaces Ogino with #11 Kugimiya.
He starts off jamming Nakano into a dribbler to the left side that he takes and throws to 1st.
Mineta apparently thinks that's a cool thing to do and basically carbon copies it to end the inning.
Bottom 8th
After Oota grounds out, #9 Watanabe comes into hit for Ishida and I hear Zankoku na tensha no teeze.
He pops out to Itasaka.
#15 Doi hits for Kugimiya, and flies out to center to end the inning.
Top 9th
Doi stays in to play CF, #18 Miwa comes in for Watanabe and takes the hill...
Throwing upper 140s - though with no control as he walks Okumura.
He settles down after that with Yoshioka flying out to center, Asanuma a failed bunt attempt that Yumoto catches, and Takeda goes down swinging.
Bottom 9th
Ogura-kantoku with #12 Suzuki hitting for Yumoto completely empties the bench. That's an indicator that they know they're done.
And in fact, the side is retired so quickly I can't even type it. Itasaka secure the last popup from Kawatsu and Nichidai Yamagata wins 7-1!!
Well, I don't know if anyone saw that coming. I sure didn't. Nichidai Yamagata under the excellent pitching of Shouji completely shuts down a team that seemed on fire coming in.
I really have no explanation for this. None.
About the only reasoning I can give is that since the only opposition they faced was 2nd tier Souka followed by 3rd tier Hino, the nubmers were inflated....
...But to this extent? Impossible.
The only other explanation is Araki-kantoku wanted to take the bat away from Inami and Sasaki and force the other players to drive in runs, which they couldn't. It that's the case, I applaud them because it worked.
Notable Players
Shouji Misaki (Nichidai Yamagata) - CG, ER, 5 H, 5 K, 7 BB
Okumura Hiromu (Nichidai Yamagata) - 1-3, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB
Nakano Takumu (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI
Itasaka Hiroki (Nichidai Yamagata) - 2-3, 2B, R
Itami Yuuki (Nichidai-san) - 1-2, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB
Sasaki Yuu (Nichidai-san) - 1-2, 2 BB
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