高校野球 (Kokoyakyu)

Well, I'm back, and the scene at Koushien is not what I quite expected. On this half of the bracket, if you had put a gun to my head, I would have picked 2 teams from the Kinki region, but just not these two. Instead I would have picked Shiga Gakuen and Akashi Shougyou.

The Chiben Gakuen appearance here really surprises me. They weren't any big shake in their first game, but certainly could have held their own against Kajitsu. But Shiga Gakuen seemed to be having the better of things going into their quarterfinal matchup. Instead, Murakami throws a 2-hitter against the runner-ups and they're here now!

Weirdly, while both semifinalists here played someone from the Kinki region in the quarterfinals, it wasn't any type of revenge match from the super-regionals. And even more odd, neither is this one. Heian's road is a bit more believable as they had Kousei in the 2nd round (who hadn't graded out all that well) and Akashi Shougyou (who rightfully provided an equal challenge).

I can't really speculate on games I haven't seen, but these teams initially graded out about the same. The pitchers have been equally effective at limiting runs, but it seems that at this point (a) Chiben Gakuen has been able to put runs on the board more consistently, and (b) Heian despite the day off has to recover from a 12 inning game. On both sides the advantage should favor Chiben Gakuen to reach their first ever final.

Ryuukokudai Heian (Kyoto)
CF Ogawa Koutarou
2B Kubota Yuu
SS Nishikawa Ranse
1B Hashimoto Kazuki
P Ichioka Souma
3B Tomita Shintarou
LF Okada Yuuki
RF Takeuchi Yoshinori
C Takeba Akahito

Chiben Gakuen (Nara)
2B Osame Daichi
C Okasawa Tomoki
SS Oota Hidetake
RF Fukumoto Yuuma
1B Takahashi Naoki
P Murakami Shouki
3B Oohashi Shunpei
LF Nakamura Akita (#13)
CF Aoki Yuudai

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11:04 - First Pitch!

Huh, Ogawa on the first pitch with a routine chopper to Oota, but he hustles out of the box and reaches safely! Kubota tries to pitch a ball that puts him on his kiester, and that never turns out well. Pops out to Okazawa.

Murakami though seems to be hitting the ground running. He's already working the sides of the zone. While Nishizawa and Hashimoto do try to go the other way, they can do no better than flying out.

Meanwhile, Ichioka isn't as on his game for Heian. Despite getting the first out, Okazawa lines a bender back up the middle for a single.

Both managers seem to want to keep the running game going as Kosaka-kantoku also gives the green light to his runners. He doesn't need to though as Oota draws a walk, creating an early pinch.

Ichioka seems to work exclusively away to Fukumoto to take away his power and I can't tell if he jus doesn't adjust, but he falls for a changeup wide for the 2nd out.

And Kosaka goes for a double steal for I don't know why and Okazawa is out by a country mile. 3 out and Ichioka walks away unscathed.

I thought Murakami was going to get an easy 2nd inning, as his first two pitches were flown out to right. However he then goes to issue a 4 pitch walk to Okada. The struggles continue as Takeuchi doesn't bite on the outside pitches, instead taking one at 3-1 back up the middle for a base hit.

Takeba though wipes it all out with one pitch, swinging at a ball up at his eyes, and not surprisingly popping out to Oota behind 2nd to end the inning. Still a 0, but perhaps a little more work than he really needed.

Ichioka continues to work exclusively outside to the batters. Takahashi falls victim the same way Fukumoto did, but when Murakami doesn't bite he gets a better pitch to hit and pulls a single through the left side.

But when Oohashi goes down swinging the same way the last 2 went, I notice that Ichioka's release on his Ks looks like he's trying to put reverse side spin to make it go away from the righties.

Nakamura does make contact, but grounds out to 2nd leaving the game scoreless.

It doesn't last for long though. After a single by Kubota, Hashimoto delivers a 2 out single to left. But bench starter Nakamura has the ball bounce off the heel of the glove and it gets by him. Kubota scores and Heian takes the 1-0 lead.

Ichioka tries to add on with a single to center, but Aoki shows how it's done with a seed to home throwing out Hashimoto by a wide margin.

Chiben Gakuen though is getting baserunners, but seems to be running themselves out of innings. Last batter Aoki gifts his team with a leadoff hit. But there's a failed bunt by Osame, and then he's picked off 1st to boot, effectively killing the inning.

Okada is really becoming a pain in the side of Murakami as he draws his 2nd walk. Not only that, but he picks the right time to take off for 2nd as Murakami's pitch is in the dirt and Okazaki can't cleanly pick and make a throw. However, they can't bring him home this time either as Takeuchi and Takeba both ground out.

Chiben Gakuen isn't even getting breaks when things seem to go right. After Fukumoto gets a one-out single, Takahashi scorches a ball up the 3rd base line. Tomita though, makes the diving stop right over the bag, fires to 2nd and just gets Fukumoto for the out. That stops that rally too and Heian still leads.

Murakami continues to put himself in bad situations. He walks Ogawa to lead off the 5th, then Ogawa takes off on the next pitch and just gets under the tag. A bunt over and Heian looks to double their lead.

Murakami blows one chance when he gets Nishikawa to fly out out center, and Hashimoto can only wince when he's called out on a change that just grabs the outer edge.

He's held serve, but his offense can't get anything going. Aoki gets on with 2 outs, but Osame's struggles at the plate continues, popping out in foul ground to send us to the break.

As much as I'd though Chiben Gakuen would have the advantage, it's actually been the reverse. Murakami looks like the more tired pitcher while Ichioka is giving the batters fits.

Post-break, the game seems to be giving the breaks to Heian. Bottom 6, Oota at 1st with 2 out and Takahashi hits another ball up the 3rd base line, and once again Tomita makes the stop and throw to 1st for the 3rd out.

And now in the lucky 7, Takeuchi's grounder to 1st takes a high bound at the last minute and goes over Takahashi for what turns out to be a double. After an apparent hit-and-run that is fouled off the non-protected part of Okasawa, Murakami goes top shelf to strike out Ogawa.

Kubota makes things interesting with a slow chopper to the middle, but Osame cuts it down, and makes the running throw across his body to 1st to get the 3rd out.

Kosaka-kantoku is running out of time and is resorting to pushing the envelope. Oohashi draws a one-out walk and gets bunted to 2nd for the one-timer. However, that forces him to send him home when Aoki gets a single to left. Okada comes up with a great throw home, and the side is retired with just 6 outs to go for the Chiben squad.

It's about this time that the MBS stream breaks repeatedly. But I'm able to get parts of the game where Osame singles to left and after a bunt Oota singles through the left side. Kosaka-kantoku doesn't send him this time with just one down.

But Chiben Gakuen cannot solve the problem of the outside pitch. Fukumoto chases that mysterious change away, and then Takahashi chases the high fastball away for the 3rd out.

The stream continues to break as Chiben makes one last rally in the 9th. But I catch Oohashi with a single through the left side, then the short clip when Nakamura singles to center, and then of Aoki with a single to right! Amazingly it's manrui!

But it breaks one more time. Am I really going to miss a sayonara hit?

Well no. But Osame singles back up the middle, 1 run will definitely score, but when Ogawa misplays the ball, the game is over and out of nowhere Chiben Gakuen comes back with 4 hits to win 2-1!

No, I don't understand what happened. Chiben Gakuen didn't get a break, couldn't get a hit, couldn't figure out Ichioka's changeup. And 4 hits later, they have a win.

*throws book out window*

Go figure.

I don't know if the better team won. Maybe they did because the other team couldn't finish. But maybe it was Heian who paid for all those breaks earlier that they couldn't cash in on. Either way Chiben Gakuen is in the finals.

Our matinee game of the day features 2 familiar schools, but both seem to be off their A game this year despite qualifying.

It's hard to figure out who has the better resume. Heian has defeated Fukuchiyama Seibi, who has at least stayed relevant though not a top team. Meitoku Gijyuku's key win was defeating Tosa (twice).

Both teams have strong offensive numbers, though oddly, despite a 0.329/0.393/0.569 line, in 5 of Meitoku Gijyuku's 7 games they scored 5 runs or less - meaning that they seemingly aren't able to drive in runs despite getting on base. Though perhaps a 30-0 win over Kochi Kaiyou may be some of the reason why the numbers are inflated.

On the other hand, Heian scored 7 or more runs in every game up until their loss against Shiga Gakuen (who we've established is no slouch). While it's perhaps not fair to upgrade one team based upon seeing a performance yesterday, it is more information to use and as a result it's probable that Heian has the advantage in the matchup.

Ah, Heian is back yet again. One of the multiple 5 kanji schools in Kyoto (I always seem to make a point of that, but it's something I notice because the schools are always in contention).

Heian for the most part was like Akashi Shougyou - they managed to dodge most of the schools in their prefectures only needing to pass through Fukuchiyama Seibi in the finals and they did that with ease too. In fact, they basically breezed their way through until they suddenly ran into a wall in Shiga Gakuen (of all schools).

Their ace, Ichioka Souma (市岡 奏馬) supposedly throws average (low-mid 130s) with a slider and curve. The peripherals are nothing to write home about, and his stamina can be put into question with him and reliever Oono (who by the way didn't record an out in the loss), issuing 12 free passes in 7 innings.

Offensively, while the team does get their fair share of hits, its not surprising that the middle of the order is where their strength lies. This includes SS Nishikawa Hirotaka (西川 寛崇), and 1B Hashimoto Kazuki (橋本 和樹). They also certainly benefited from free passes in many of their victories - something Shiga Gakuen limited and once again perhaps will be a weakness of the school in their chances of taking the senbatsu title.

And now our final matchup of Day 3. Can I please get a close game (before Tenri preferrably)? I'm not sure I'm going to get one here because Urawa Gakuin is also a serious contender, but I guess we'll see.

Urawa Gakuin (Saitama)
3B Suwa Tadayoshi
2B Dai Kouta
SS Tsuda Shouki
1B Yamazaki Kouta
CF Kouki Yuushi
RF Takahashi Tsukasa
LF Araki Yuuya
C Nishino Shinya
P Egichi Shouri

Ryuukokudai Heian (Kyoto)
CF Jyoujima Hiroki
C Yoshimura Hayate
2B Hashimoto Kazuki (#14)
RF Nishikawa Hirotaka (#9)
1B Masaki Tatsuya (#13)
P Takahashi Keiji
3B Horikita Akito
SS Jyougahara Kazuki
RF Ichioka Souma (#17)

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14:05 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
And before the siren finishes off, Suwa lines a ball back up the middle for a base hit. Dai moves him along into scoring position.

Despite the quick start from Urawa Gakuin, ace Takahashi is hitting the high 130s. Not sure if he goes to 140, but it's at least a tick higher.

Tsuda gets ahead of an offspeed pitch and rolls it to the left side. Horikita has to charge in so Suwa advances to 3rd.

The form looks like it could lead to walks as there is some extra motion I'm not used to seeing and as I think that he offers a pass to Yamazaki.

He also has several pitches including a changeup, splitter and slider. The splitter should be a key for him to be successful.

Kouki makes good contact, but lines out right to Hashimoto for the 3rd out. No damage, but it's a shaky start for Takahashi as well.

Bottom 1st
The only problem with Urawa Gakuin being a contender is the fact their ace doesn't strike out a lot of batters. For the Kanto region, it might be understandable, but his rates are really low.

Well, Jyoujima hits a soft looper to Dai to start, and then Yoshimura hits a slow dribbler to 3rd.

He's getting a lot of weak contact, works really quickly on the mound, but isn't really pinpoint accurate as he walks Hashimoto.

Nishikawa goes down and gets under a changeup and lines it down the left side! Araki runs it down, but Hashimoto advances to 3rd and Heian has a chance to get on the board first.

Nishino makes a snap throw to 1st and almost picks off Nishikawa. The 1B umpire was really close to calling that one.

But Eguchi gets himself out of it as Masaki swings and misses on a changeup in the dirt. Nishino goes to 1st and the side is retired. Not exactly a strong start either from the Meiji Jingu runner-ups.

Top 2nd
Keiji (there are two Takahashi's playing, one on each side) seems to be settling down. Tsukasa (the other Takahashi) grounds out right to 1st. He then pulls out the slider on Araki for his first K of the game.

Nishino breaks up the rhythm with a first pitch single to left. That will at least let the lineup turn over first thing next inning.

And it will as Eguchi flies out to left to end the inning.

Bottom 2nd
Eguchi though hasn't quite gotten himself straightened out yet. After a first pitch out to Keiji, he walks Horikita on 4 straight, and then hits Jyougahara on his first pitch!

Ichioka chases a ball outside, but dribbles it like a bunt to the left side! Suwa charges in, but his throw to 1st is late! All safe and manrui for Heian!! And it's the top of the lineup in Jyoujima!

Eguchi jams him! Jyoujima hits the ball right to Dai who starts the 4, 6, 3 double play to end the inning. Again Eguchi gets himself out of the jam with the help of good fielding behind him.

Top 3rd
One down for Urawa and Dai pokes a ball back up the middle and out of the reach of the infielders for a base hit.

Tsuda just golfs a ball inside in the air into shallow left. Jyougahara and Nishikawa converge, and it's Jyougahara that makes the catch - though just barely as he rolls over a ducking Nishikawa.

Keiji isn't quite out of the inning just yet, as cleanup batter Yamazaki battles for an 8 pitch walk.

But that effort winds up wasted when Kouki swings on the first pitch and pops out to Hashimoto to end the inning.

Bottom 3rd
Eguchi continues to miss the zone, going 3-0 to Yoshimura before throwing a strike. He gets the out though when he grounds out to 2nd.

Hashimoto quickly pops out to 1st, but after that Eguchi gets himself behind yet again, giving the batters something hittable. Nishikawa drives one to right, but Tsukasa is there to make the catch

Top 4th
If nothing else, Keiji has not only settled down, but his delivery perhaps now is throwing off the Urawa batters. Tsukasa and Araki both go down swinging on offspeed pitches.

Nishino is able to work the count in his favor and get a pitch to hit, but it's just a fly to right for the 3rd out. Keiji certainly is winning the battle on the mound even though the game is scoreless.

Bottom 4th
Masaki with a grounder to 3rd, but Yamazaki is off the bag for the play and Masaki winds up safe!

Harada-kantoku will play for the run as this appears to be a low scoring game. Keiji moves him along.

Horikita does the right thing, as he pulls the ball to the right side advancing the runner. Now it's up to Jyoujima to get the timely hit.

But he won't get a chance! Despite being up 0-2,. Eguchi hits Jyougahara to put runners at the corners! That'll bring up Ichioka who already has a hit on the day.

Eguchi gets him to be ahead of a cut ball and rolls it over the right side! Dai charging in, makes the pick and tosses to 1st for the 3rd out! Nice play by Dai to prevent the run from scoring!

Top 5th
Eguchi apparently trying to hit the ball the other way where there apparently are gaps, but he flies out instead.

Suwa seems to have a beat on Keiji though as he hits a slicing liner to left for a base hit, his 2nd of the day.

After a Dai flyout, Suwa is sent by Mori-kantoku! Yoshimura drops the ball on the transfer and Suwa is in without a throw. But like the batters before him, Tsuda is late to the ball and he flies out to right. Ichioka makes all 3 putouts.

Bottom 5th
Despite having success against Eguchi working deep into counts, the top of the order does the exact opposite. 7 pitches and the side is retired.

So we hit the break with the game deadlocked at 0-0. It's the second time we've had a close game where you feel that both teams are in it. Keiji is still having the better of it versus the competition, but Eguchi might finally be rounding into form - though not quite yet. Urawa Gakuin is certainly in the more precarious position, but it's not dire by any stretch.

Top 6th
Yamazaki looks to break the standoff as he singles past Horikita into left. Kouki bunts him along.

Tsukasa grounds out, but again moves the runner along. But now Araki needs a base hit to give his team the lead.

Araki chops one to the left side! Jyougahara runs it down in the gap, throws to 1st... and Masaki stretches for the out! Good defense from Heian keeps the game scoreless!

Bottom 6th
Nishikawa gets a hold of a changeup and sends it down the right field line! Tsukasa tries to run it down, but will have to play it on a hop! He quickly gets it in, but not before Nishikawa is in with a leadoff double!

Masaki squares to bunt him over, and somehow lays it down after he has to duck to avoid the ball hitting him! That's impressive (or lucky) no matter how you look at it.

And now it's Keiji's turn to help his own cause...

Grounder to 3rd! It's a contact play! Nishikawa breaks for home as Suwa throws home! Nishino make the tag... OUT!

They get him at home! I think. That looked like a quick tag and I'm not completely convinced he got him, but the umpire called it and that's all that matters!

Horikita grounds to short, and Tsuda goes the short way to end the inning. The game remains scoreless!

Top 7th
Will the lucky 7 prove to be for one of these teams?

Not for Urawa so far. Nishino and Eguchi both ground out before Suwa has a chance to hit. Suwa gets his 3rd single of the day to put a runner on, but Dai can't do much with it as he chases a ball low and pops it up to left. Nishikawa comes in to put it away and the side is retired.

Bottom 7th
Eguchi trying to hold serve, freezes Jyougahara on a fastball inside for just his 2nd K. Ichioka can fare no better, hitting a ball back to Eguchi.

Jyoujima send a ball to deep right, and while Tsukasa is backpedaling, he still makes the catch for the 3rd out. No dice for either side in the lucky 7.

Top 8th
Tsuda gets the Urawa offense going here in the 8th with a ball back up the middle and just past Keiji's glove into center. Despite the scoreless draw, Mori-kantoku is not going for a bunt (This is actually where I would consider laying one down - but with Yamazaki up, I can understand why not to as well though that is oddly MLB thinking).

Keiji wins the battle as Yamazaki chases a ball low and golfs it to center for the 1st out.

Kouki tries to get around on a fastball inside, but instead pops out to Jyougahara.

Desperate to get anything started #15 Araya comes in to hit for Tsukasa. But he too pops one up to short! Jyougahara camps under it and makes the catch!

Bottom 8th
Harada-kantoku tries the drag bunt for a base hit, and while Yoshimura lays it down, Yamazaki and Eguchi play it perfectly for the out.

Hashimoto's struggles at the plate continue as he's twisted on a fastball inside, and immediately knows it.

And Nishikawa goes after the first pitch, but it's a routine grounder to short. Tsuda makes the play to 1st and we head to the 9th still scoreless!

Top 9th
Urawa Gakuin gets another leadoff runner as Araki pokes a ball over Jyougahara for a base hit! Will Mori-kantoku call a bunt with the bottom of the lineup up?

Yes! BUt it's right back to Keiji! He goes to 2nd for one, throw from Jyougahara... OUT!!! Double play! Oh, the time they go for it late and it backfires!

Eguchi goes down swinging on three straight and Urawa will have to play for enchousen!!

Bottom 9th
Eguchi trying to lock things down, but Masaki isn't making it easy as he's fouling off pitches. But he can't hold up on the outside change for the 1st out.

Horikita is just trying to get the ball in play, defending the plate when he falls behind 0-2. Eguchi gets him though on an inside fastball for the 2nd out and back-to-back Ks and now 5 in all.

Horikita with a chopper up the middle, but Eguchi makes a spinning grab! Throws to 1st and we're headed to enchousen!!

Top 10th
Suwa finally gets a chance to leadoff again with no outs.

Chopper up the middle! Off Keiji's glove! But Jyougahara is there! Throw to 1st, OUT!!!

The throw beats out a head-sliding Suwa for the first out! (Ugh, the head-sliding thing again)

Dai with a slow chopper to the left side, Horikita gets rid of the ball quickly and just gets Dai for the 2nd out.

Tsuda goes for it all! He drives a ball to deep left! But Nishikawa is there near the fence to make the catch and the side is retired.

Bottom 10th
I barely have time to get the inning ready when it's already over. Eguchi needs just 4 pitches to retire the side. I think Heian may be pressing just a little.

Top 11th
Yamazaki having success of his own at the plate having drawn 2 walks. He works the count full, and gets his 3rd walk when Keiji just misses on the outside corner! He's nonplussed as the go-ahead runner gets on! Kouki lays down a good bunt and the runner goes on to 2nd.

Keiji looks to bear down now, as Araya steps in. He gets ahead 1-2.

SANSHIN!!!!!!!

Araya is all turned around on a fastball on his fists and he's gone for the 2nd out! That leaves it to Araki to get the timely hit that both teams have been lacking. He got a base hit in his last AB. Does he have Keiji figured out?

He's certainly fighting, that's for sure. Keiji is coming at him inside and he's fouling off pitches.

At the same time Keiji has to mind Yamazaki as they'll be pressing the action.

He takes off! Araki hits the ball to the right side.. and it's past Horikita!!! Nishikawa ready to fire home... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He muffs the ball and Yamazaki comes home without a throw! Araki scrambles into 2nd and Urawa Gakuin takes the 1-0 lead here in the 11th!!

Nishino with a scorcher up the 1st base line... FAIR!!!!!

Masaki can't make the diving stop and it goes into right! Araki rounding 3rd, he's sent home! Throw in is cutoff and it's 2-0 Urawa Gakuin!! That is a key insurance run for the Kanto champs!!

Eguchi pops out to Hashimoto, but Urawa Gakuin has taken the lead!

Bottom 11th
Eguchi has a chance to close out the game, but instead he walks Yoshimura! Now Hashimoto represents the tying run as he steps in.

But he hits a grounder to 3rd! Suwa goes to 2nd for one, throw from Dai... Double play!!!

The throw beats a seemingly slow Hashimoto and there's 2 out! Urawa Gakuin just one out away from advancing to the next round.

And Nishikawa hits a grounder to 3rd! Suwa flubs the ball, but stays with it. Throw to first and Yamazaki secures the catch and the game is over! Urawa Gakuin outlasts the reigning spring champs 2-0!!!

We finally get our first close game and it is one worthy of Koushien! Eguchi and Takahashi trade 0's for 10 innings, but Urawa Gakuin finally breaks the tie in 11!

The teams weren't great offensively, and the pitching certainly wasn't "dominating" by general definition. But the pitchers were hitting their spots and inducing poor contact all around. Eguchi certainly took more time to get himself started, but once he was on, Heian had little opportunity to score a run. Meanwhile Urawa Gakuin was starting to get hits off of Keiji and was getting closer and closer to breaking through.

Now, I had given the edge to Urawa Gakuin given the performances in the fall. The fact that Heian hung in so long against Urawa Gakuin is impressive, but this brings up an interesting problem.

Ryuukokudai Heian and Osaka Touin played Tenri in the super-regionals. Heian was defeated soundly, while Osaka Touin lost narrowly. But we've also seen Ritsumeikan Uji and Naradai Fuzoku defeated soundly. This could mean that instead of the entire Kinki region being weak, it was just the half of the bracket that Ritsumeikan Uji came out of, in which you have to reassess Tenri's chances (we've already done that with Osaka Touin). If Heian can do something about their offense, they may stand a chance in the summer.

As for Urawa Gakuin, it perhaps isn't a good sign when after 8 blowouts, your game is the only close one. The fact that Eguchi took a while to warm up isn't good either, but it's his first game in a tournament setting since the fall, so there can be some excuses there. As mentioned before, the bracket opens up from here, so perhaps he'll get more chances to shake the rust off, though 11 innings right off the bat probably isn't good. They still profile as contenders, but the offense will need to show something more next game.

Ryuukokudai Heian makes a quick turnaround from Natsu Koushien by qualifying for their 3rd consecutive Senbatsu (and their 39th overall!). They had a poor showing, falling to Kasukabe Kyouei in the first round 5-1, so have they improved since then?

Well, first of all, par of the reason why they lost was that the starter Harada-kantoku chose for that game, Motouji Reiji, completely cratered out of the blocks. #10 Takahashi Keiji (高橋 奎二) was sent in and pitched 6.2 innings of shutout ball while striking out 8 and allowing just a pair of hits and walks.

Takahashi now has become the staff ace. He can throw in the mid-140s with a slider, curve, and changeup. And unlike last year, Harada-kantoku does not appear to have a backup plan. Like Ritsumeikan Uji's Yamashita, Takahashi was also thrown out there for every inning of every game. Unlike Yamashita, his numbers look at least more normal. His K/9 rate is just a shade under 8, and his WHIP sits at a tidy 1.13.

At the same time though, their level of competition looks a bit softer. They played Tier 3 schools Kyoto Shouei and Kyoto Seishou and blew them out. And as mentioned in the previous article, they narrowly beat Ritsumeikan Uji 2-1 to win the prefecture. Things started well in the super-regionals as well when they shutout Osaka Shoudai Sakai. But then they played a close game against Kita-Ootsu (who did not make the field), and then were beaten soundly by Tenri.

On offense, the team batted an almost even 0.300. More promising to some extent is that their ISO sits at 0.141. Of the 8 starting numbers who played all 8 games, half batted over 0.300 though 2 were in the 0.310s. Their best hitter is cleanup hitter 1B Nishikawa Hirotaka (西川 寛崇) who batted 0.379 with 3 doubles and 3 triples. At the same time, 2 of the 3 batters hit under 0.240. The doubles are good because it might suggest that they have gap power, but that's not a guaranteed assumption.

Heian's prospects, directly compared to fellow participant Ritsumeikan Uji, looks better. But I'm not sure on the whole how much better. Takahashi as he was last year shutout Kasukabe Kyouei, and you have to assume there is improvement. But the loss to Tenri with just 1 run to show for it is not good. Of course, in a single game elimination format, all it takes is one bad game so perhaps there are excuses. But they draw Urawa Gakuin first, and that's not good at all. If they can win that game, the bracket opens up all the way to the semifinals, but this is a very high hurdle to clear first up.

What an interesting draw this is.  The spring champions Ryuukokudai Heian immediately put to the test in the opening game versus the Lucky Star school Kasukabe Kyouei (who actually is not that bad at baseball), they're like a Tier 2 school (good in prefecture, but not in the list of top schools).

Ryuukokudai Heian, if you look at the scores, seem to be picking up where they left off with their only close game in the 3rd round in a 3-0 win over Saikyou.

But they didn't have to face any of the top schools.  In fact, the closest is Tier 3 Kyoto Subaru in the finals, and that was a 10-0 win.  So while they did what they were supposed to, they did what they were supposed to.

Supposedly then we might get an idea of how they've improved today in the opening game.

But maybe not.  While Kasukabe Kyouei did manage to make their return trip back to Koushien this year, like Ryuukokudai Heian they didn't face any of the top tier schools in the prefecture.  The closest thing perhaps was their Round of 16 game versus Kawagoe Higashi where they narrowly won 2-1.

Kasukabe Kyouei ace Kaneko Daichi doesn't have overpowering stuff, but seems to be effective with a low 130s fastball with a shuuto go to with the standard slider and curve.  It'll be interesting to see how it plays against the spring champs.

But from the little information I have (I don't have the official program yet), it looks like Ryuukokudai Heian handled their business better against their opponents and as a result should be able to advance. Neither team has been tested, so it's really down to recent performance.

Kasukabe Kyouei (Saitama)
SS Shimizu Shouta
2B Sano Naoki (#14)
C Moriya Genki
3B Harada Hiroki
1B Hiratsuka Taiga (#13)
P Kaneko Daichi
CF Nagaoka Daichi
RF Kobayashi Shintarou
LF Takano Ryouji

Ryuukokudai Heian (Kyoto)
CF Tokumoto Kentarou
RF Ootani Tsukasa
LF Nakaguchi Daichi
1B Kawai Taisei
C Takahashi Yuuya
SS Ishikawa Takuya
2B Himeno Taisei
3B Tsune Hitoshi
P Motouji Reiji (#11)

____________________________________________________________

10:30 - First Pitch!!

Top 1
Motouji on the mound for Heian to start the game.

Shimizu opens with a solid base hit to left.  Sano puts down a great bunt, but Motouji throws it away at 1st!  Shimizu goes to 3rd and Kasukabe is threatening early!

Moriya does his job as he lifts ball to left center, Tokumoto catches it, but Shimizu can walk in for a 1-0 lead!

Motouji continues to look shaky as his pitches are anywhere but in the zone.  Behind 3-1, Harada gets a pitch he likes and singles to shallow left.

And now he hits Hiratsuka!  Manrui as #10 Takahashi Keiji goes out to the bullpen.

Kaneko with a grounder to Tsune, but he can't handle the hop!  It goes into left and now it's 2-0 Kasukabe Kyouei!

Nagaoka drive to right center!  Tokumoto running back to chase it, but it falls in behind him!  One runner scores, 2 runners score!  Kaneko held up at 3rd wisely.

Still no movement from Harada-kantoku.

Kobayashi takes a ball the other way!  That's over the infield and drops softly in the grass!  Kaneko scores, it's 5-0 Kasukabe Kyouei and now finally #10 Takahashi Keiji relieves Motouji!

Honda-kantoku continues to press as he has Kobayashi take 2nd!  Throw is cut off as Heian considers a delayed double steal.

Keiji finally gets out #2 as Takano K's looking on a ball down the middle.  And finally ends the inning on a comebacker from Shimizu.

Kasukabe Kyouei though bats around for 5 runs.  Now it'll be a matter of how they play the game going forward.

Bottom 1st
Tokumoto with the swinging bunt and Kaneko flubs the pickup! Infield base hit to lead off for Heian.

Ootani trying to but the runner along, but falls behind 0-2... Still tries it then and manages to lay down a beauty.

Kaneko by the way has a funky compact sidearm delivery that barely goes over 130.

Nakaguchi chases a ball outside, but manages to poke it to 2nd to at least advance the runner.  But Kawai grounds to 3rd! Harada makes the pick and throw as Heian is left off the board.

Top 2nd
Moriya continues to see the ball well, despite the P change.  He hits a hard 1-out single to center.  This after Sano is caught looking.

But Harada hits into a 3-6-1 double play and that threat is done.

Bottom 2nd
Harada takes an extra second after the ball goes right to him, makes the easy throw to 1st.  Quick fly to right by Ishikawa and there's 2 down.

Yuuya is jammed and pops one right to Sano to end the inning.  Kaneko making quick work so far on Heian.

Top 3rd
Hiratsuka fouls off a couple (just) before popping out to Kawai.

Keiji doing great work in relief, getting Kaneko to ground to 1st, while Nagaoka K's.  He's at least holding the deficit at 5, but they will need to start scoring runs sooner rather than later.

Bottom 3rd
1B Hiratsuka leaps into camera well to make a catch on Tsune's foul fly.  He can't however get in front of Keiji shot down the 1st base line and Heian has a runner in scoring position.

Kaneko wanted the K on his 2-2 pitch, but didn't get it. Gets something close in a grounder to 2nd, but Keiji advances to 3rd on the play.

Ootani is jammed though and grounds to short, and once again Heian's runner is stranded at 3rd.

Top 4th
More of the same from Keiji, as he gets his 4th K v Kobayashi, followed by 2 routine plays and it's another 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 4th
But Heian really does need to score some runs.

Nakaguchi not helping things as he pops out to Hiratsuka near the coaches' box.

Kawai trying his darnest to get on base, continues to foul off pitch after pitch, gets a break when Shimizu and Takano.  He finally makes good contact, but it's right at Nagaoka for the 2nd out.

Yuuya though prevents the clean inning as he singles past a diving Shimizu.

Ishikawa trying to put one in the same place, but Shimizu gets to this ball!  Stands, throws to 1st... fine play to retire the side!

Top 5th
Keiji racking up the Ks as Sano waves on the slider outside and in the dirt for the 1st out.

And now it's 6 Ks as Moriya also chases the slider.

Harada refuses to go down on a K, but grounds to 2nd instead.  As a result, he's faced the minimum.

Bottom 5th
Meanwhile, Kaneko finally records his 1st K in Himeno when he puts a changeup on the outside edge for the 1st out.

I guess along with the first K goes the first BB as Kaneko just misses inside on a 3-1 fastball to Tsune.

Kaneko refuses to be beaten twice by Keiji, gets him to roll over a ball to 2nd.  It's not fast enough to double off Tsune, so they go to 1st.

Tokumoto lifts a ball to left center, Tokumoto sprinting to his left, and just manages to run it down in the gap to end the inning!

Kaneko isn't throwing hard, isn't overpowering, but is doing the most important thing... putting up 0's.

Top 6th
Hiratsuka with an excuse me swing puts the ball up the middle.  Himeno cuts off Ishikawa and makes a leaping throw for the out.

Ouch.  Kaneko plunked right on the hip.  Wonder if that will affect him later.

Keiji looks like his control is fading, but Kasukabe's batters haven't caught on yet.  Nagaoka chases the slider in the dirt for the 2nd out.

Whoa.  Keiji has to fight for his life there as Kobayashi hits a liner right at his head! Keiji gets the glove up to block the ball, but it trickles to behind the mound and they have no play.

Kasukabe has their best opportunity in a while, but the batters are still chasing.  Takano goes after a slider outside as well, that's 8 Ks for Keiji and despite the shaky inning still puts up 0s.

Bottom 6th
One pitch, one out.  Ootani with a hard liner, but right to Takano.  Nakaguchi can't square up the ball either, and it's an easy fly to Kobayashi.

Kawai prevents the clean inning with a ball though the left side.

But what's this?  Yuuya is fooled on a changeup and Kaneko gets his 2nd K to end the 6th!

Top 7th
Shimizu drive to deep left! Nakaguchi backs up, backs up.... Makes the catch at the wall for the 1st out.  That was really close for Keiji there.

I think though the Kasukabe batters are getting the idea, because Sano continues to take pitches in his AB, eventually drawing the walk.  That gets the attention of Harada-kantoku.

Ah, but Sano gets caught trying to steal 2nd too early and is caught in a pickle!  He's run down and that's 2 out!  That's a break for Heian.

Moriya drive down the left field line!  Nakaguchi running towards the pole, still running...  Makes the catch right before he hits the padding and once again Keiji hangs up a donut. (though it's getting a bit shaky)

Bottom 7th
Ishikawa with a ball to shallow left center, Takano ranging over, slides... but can't secure the ball!  It hits the heel of his glove and Ishikawa is on with a single!

And with 3 innings to go Harada-kantoku can't bunt anymore.  Himeno attacks the 1-0 pitch, but flies out to Nagaoka who was waiting in deep CF.

Harada-kantoku though wants to be aggressive and he has Ishikawa take off!  Tsune makes contact on the ball outside and hits it to center!  Nagaoka has to play it on the hop and there's runners on the corners!

That's also going to be it for Keiji as #15 Nishikawa comes in to hit for him.

He doesn't get a base hit, but does the next closest thing which is to hit a sac fly to RCF.  Heian is at least on the board at 5-1.

Kaneko shuts it down though, freezing Tokumoto on a fastball that just gets the outside corner!  Heian scores the run, but Kaneko cedes no more to the spring champs!

Top 8th
Ace Nakata finally takes the hill here in the 8th with his team trailing by 4.

Kawai with the quick reflexes, still snags the ball on the irregular high hop! Runs it himself for the 1st out.

Whoa, and Nakata is rudely welcomed as PH Miura hits one right back up the middle!  Nakata can[t react fast enough gloveside and it goes into center for a base hit.

Honda-kantoku also tries the hit and run, but only prevents the DP as Kaneko hits one back to Nakata.

Nagaoka single to center!  Miura takes the wide turn but heads back to 3rd on the throw home.  That still leaves an opportunity for Kobayashi.

Nakata settles down enough though to get Kobayashi to swing on a ball inside and pop out to center to end the inning.  Another 0 for Kasukabe Kyouei, but Heian is down to their final 6 outs.

Bottom 8th
Miura stays in the game to play 1B as he PH for Hiratsuka.

Ootani attacks a high curve and easily singles it to center for a leadoff base hit.

Uh oh, now Kaneko hits Nakaguchi and Honda-kantoku calls for time.  This has the chance to be very dangerous for Kasukabe Kyouei.

#10 Watanabe heads to the bullpen, but he needs time to warm up.  Meanwhile, Kaneko has thrown 2 balls to Kawai.

But Kawai swings on a ball way too inside!  It goes right to 3rd where Harada starts the 5-4-3 double play!  Ootani goes to 3rd, but now there's only 2 runs at stake instead of 3!

SANSHIN!!

Kaneko goes up and in on Yuuya and he can't sit on the pitch!  He goes around and Kaneko leaves the mound with no damage done!

Top 9th
Kasukabe Kyouei seems to be racing for the bottom of the 9th to close the game as the first 2 batters are retired on just 3 pitches.  Sano seems to at least want to give Nakata some grief, but he eventually flies out to left.  3 up 3 down as the relief staff has not given up a run.  Problem is, their starter gave up 5.

Bottom 9th
Ishikawa with a hard shot, but it's right to Harada and there's 1 out.

Himeno chases a bad ball and pops out to Miura and the senbatsu champs are down to their last out!  Moriya goes out to talk to Kaneko.

Last chance to Tsune.

SANSHIN!!!!


Tsune spins around on Kaneko's fastest pitch of the day (135) and the game is over!

Natsu Koushien starts with a shock as the spring champs cannot even get out of the first day!  Kasukabe Kyouei defeats them 5-1!!!'

I have to say I'm shocked.  I think a lot of people were to see Motouji just completely meltdown right off the get go, giving up 5 runs and failing to record the 2nd out.

And it's not like Motouji had failed in the spring either.  It was just that he was ineffective against the Saitama champs.  The relief staff did their job, but the offense couldn't make up the early deficit.

The majority of the praise has to go to ace Kaneko who kept the bats of Heian silent throughout most of the game.  The late innings are a bit of a concern, but starting their campaign with a win against the senbatsu champs have to build confidence in the team.

Notable Players
Kaneko Daichi (Kasukabe Kyouei) - CG, ER, 7 H, 4 K, BB, HBP
Nagaoka Daichi (Kasukabe Kyouei) - 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Kobayashi Shintarou (Kasukabe Kyouei) - 2-4, RBI, K
Motouji Reiji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 0.1+IP, 5 ER, 5 H, HBP
Takahashi Keiji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 6.2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 8 K, HBP
Nakata Ryuuji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 2 IP, 2 H
Takahashi Keiji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 1-2, 2B
Kawai Taisei (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 1-4

And so we reach the championship game.  For all the potential favorites that were out there, we are left with an all-Kinki affair, and a rematch at that.

Riseisha has made it here dominating every game, until that completely nuts game against legitimate contender (and first timers!) Toyokawa.  Despite jumping on not relief starter Abe, but actually ace Tanaka Sora (who had been one of the more dominating pitchers), reliever Nagatani looked finally human for once and they found themselves seemingly in a dogfight late.

However for Toyokawa, they gambled - going all out on offense at the expense of pitching, reminding all of us of the famous (or infamous depending on who you rooted for) Teikyou-Chiben Wakayama game of 2006.  And without #11 Ochiai due to illness, they were out of legitimate pitchers.  Imai-kantoku did his best to find an emergency pitcher, but much like Teikyou, it was all in vain.

I did not have Riseisha as a possible contender for the title, mainly because the pitching didn't seem to hold water.  However, they have succeeded by jumping on their opposition early, and forcing their hand relative to pitching and their offense pressing playing from behind.  Mizota isn't really a stud ace, but has been serviceable despite giving up several runs.  Instead, the heft of the weight actually falls upon Nagatani who is generally tasked with holding the line, wherever it is when he enters the game.  But yesterday's efforts may mean that his effectiveness might be cracking just a bit.

Ryuukokudai Heian had the potential to be a contender considering that Harada-kantoku had been supposedly combining multiple pitchers together to complete a game - essentially breaking the game up into smaller parts that each pitcher could handle.

And yet, for the most part at Koushien, he instead has asked these pitchers to go a full 9 - instead alternating his starters.  This isn't new news, other teams such as Narashino have done it before.  So far, it's been #10 Takahashi Keiji and unknown #18 Motouji Reiji (he wasn't even on the fall roster!!).  Ace Nakata has been put in relief, but outside of his 4.1IP performance, has been used in short stints.  Not a surprise since I believe from reports he's actually considered their "closer".  And there's still 2 pitchers that they haven't used - #11 Inudzuka Takaya and #16 Minato Youichi.  Harada-kantoku has made his pitching as close to true pitching staff as we've seen.

The offense is also impressive from a skill standpoint.  There have been points where Heian have shown their power (hey, it's that Motouji guy hitting a HR!).  But as the Kiryuu Dai-ichi game showed us, these guys can run.  Now sure, against Sano Nichidai, they were like the Blues Brothers, just running around and around, but if done properly it looks to be a legitimate threat.  Speed doesn't slump, and Heian appears to have speed for days.

Now as mentioned before, this is a rematch.  These teams played in the Kinki Super-Regional semifinals with Heian winning that game 11-7.  In that game, Keiji started for Heian, struggled, and then handed it over to Inudzuka who gave up apparently just 1 run thereafter.

On the other side, Nagatani actually started that game, and had two bad innings where he was tagged for 4 runs apiece.  He handed it over to the relief staff who failed to record and out, before ace Mizota entered the game, and finished the final 2.2 innings while giving up another 3 runs.

There should be no secrets going into this game.  These teams are familiar with each other well enough (even #18 Motouji now that Riseisha has 2 games of data) and should make for a very competitive, high-tension final.

The ouen-dans are ready, Riseisha's yellow R, and Heian's black H displayed prominently.  For both Harada-kantoku and Okada-kantoku, it's a high point in their long tenures.  Okada's is approaching 30 years, Harada 20...

So without further ado... our championship game!

Riseisha (Osaka)
3B Tsuji Motomasa
2B Inoue Kazuya
SS Yoshida Yuuki
LF Nakayama Shouta
RF Nishimura Takahiro
C Hatta Natsu
CF Kanaoka Youhei (#13)
1B Kinuta Shouta (#14)
P Mizota Yuuto
____________________________________________________________

12:34 - First Pitch!

So Harada-kantoku will go with Keiji once more like the semifinal.  Riseisha goes with Mizota to start instead....

And a cute little elementary school girl throws out the championship game's ceremonial 1st pitch.  Aw....

Top 1st
Tokumoto scorches a slider down the right field line!  He's going for 3!  Riseisha has to throw as he gets in standing triple!

Ootani ball back up middle!  Inoue runs it down, glove tosses to Yoshida, but he has no throw!  Nice try, but Tokumoto scores to make to 1-0 Heian!!

Himeno showing bunt, but can't lay it down running the count to 2 strikes.

Shows bunt!  And he lays it down.

#10 Nagatani already in the bullpen as Mizota falls behind 2-0.

Kawai slicer down left field line... just foul!

Ball 4!  Mizota puts another runner on as Hatta goes to to talk to his ace...

It doesn't help!  Mizota walks Nakaguchi on 4 straight and it's manrui for Heian!  Hatta goes out for another talk as Nagatani warms up...

Ball 1 way high!  Will Tsune hand Mizota the rope?

Doesn't need to!  Mizota hits him in the back!  Oshidashi dead ball and it's 3-0 Heian!

And still no change at P!

Finally, a first pitch strike to Ishikawa.  He swings and fouls off another, behind 1-2.

Checks his swing, just....  Umpire doesn't give go around.

Jammed!  Pops it up to 2nd.  Inoue on the outfield grass, makes the catch,  2 down.

Mizota still struggling with the zone.  Falls behind Yuuya 2-0 before firing 2 to level the count.

Pops it up!  Kinuta near the bullpen, makes the catch to retire the side.

But Heian has decided to take the fight to Riseisha and put them on their heels!  Despite the barrage Mizota stays in.

Bottom 1st
How will Riseisha respond?

Before that, Himeno is apparently getting treatment for something.  For what I'm not sure.  He emerges, and looks ok, but not sure what happened there.

Keiji not looking too sharp, falling behind Tsuji 3-0, and then hits him!  Oy.

The wildness works to Keiji's advantage against Inoue who was trying to bunt.  Winds up behind 0-2.

Lunges to bunt, and pushes it foul!  1 out!  Why bunt on that pitch?

Keiji at least missing in the right places, but still not close and wait a sec.. a pitch that looked over the plate is called ball 4??

Nakayama up now with the douten run on base.

And suddenly, against the righty, he gets ahead 0-2?!  Then gives one back on a waste pitch.

Nakayama ball down the right field line... foul!!!  Just foul!

Fastball inside, just a little too much...

SANSHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keiji throws out the curve and Nakayama is way out in front for the 2nd out!

Nishimura high chopper in front of the plate!  Keiji waits for it, turns and fires.. 3 out!  Keiji has his own issues on the mound, but unlike his counterpart, gets the donut!

Top 2nd
A better start to the inning for Mizota as Keiji rolls one to short for the first out.

Tokumoto still going after Mizota, but gets under a pitch this time.  Nakayama coming in, makes the sliding catch for the 2nd out.

Ootani up, behind early, he works the count full... only to watch the changeup go right down the middle for the 3rd out.  Well, for at least an inning, Mizota has settled down.

Bottom 2nd
Hatta sharp liner through the left side for a leadoff single.  Kanaoka, getting a start after his efforts last game,bunts the runner along.  Riseisha fine with playing for 1 run early.

Kinuta goes after a high pitch and hits it up the middle!  Inoue looks to be there, but no!  It somehow gets by him and into center!  Hatta being sent home!  Throw from Tokumoto... not in time!  Kinuta gets a run back with a timely single!  2-1!

Mizota up, and he bunts the runner along for the top of the order.

Tsuji ball up middle!  Ishikawa just picks it up off the end of his glove!  Square and throws to 1st... 3 out!!!  Nice play by Ishikawa to keep the lead!

Top 3rd
One down, and I don't think Mizota wants to face Kawai at all.  He winds up walking him for the 2nd time.

And now he's missing the zone on Nakaguchi as well, and walks him again on 4 straight!

Are they trying to work around the 4 & 5 batters?? So they'll walk 2 batters just to get to Tsune?

It might work though!  Tsune grounds to 2nd.  Yoshida to 2nd for 1, throw to first high!  Kinuta tries the tag, but he's safe!  Heian still has a chance!

Ishikawa grounder to the right side!  That's by Kinuta!  That gets by Inoue too!! Base hit!  Kawai scores!  Tsune to 3rd!  Ishikawa going to 2nd... throw from Tsuji... OUT!!!

Ishikawa runs himself out of the inning trying to take an extra base!  The run does score, but Riseisha avoids more.  3-1 Heian!

Bottom 3rd
Inoue gets Riseisha another leadoff runner with a hard single past a diving Ishikawa.  Yoshida not bunting though.

Yoshida takes the slider the other way!  It slices down the left field line fair!  Inoue heads to 3rd and Riseisha with a great opportunity here!

And it looks like it's forced Harada-kantoku's hand here.  #18 Motouji comes in for Keiji to take the hill.

Okada-kantoku elects to bunt!  Nakayama lays it down, and advances Yoshida to 2nd.  Interesting...

Nishmura chopper!  Runners going on contact!   Tsune goes home... and Inoue doesn't even make it there.  2 out.

Motouji though being very careful with Hatta.  Borderline pitches all the way, yet he sneaks one in and gets a swinging strike on a change.  Full count.

Grounder to 2nd!  Himeno gathers it in!  Takes his time, goes to 1st... 3 out!  Motouji gets Heian out of a no out, runners at the corners situation!

Top 4th
Yuuya swings on a high fastball and drives it to right center.  Tateishi and Nishimura headed towards the wall!  It lands just in front of it!  Yuuya already around 2nd, and reaches 3rd without a throw!

Motouji looking for any decent fly ball to get the runner in, has the count run to 2 strikes and fights a pair off.

But Mizota wins the battle, twisting him on a fastball inside.

Now the hard part begins.  Leadoff batter Tokumoto steps in.

However, he is not eager.  Takes his pitches, gets ahead 3-1.  Takes a change for strike 2.

Fastball outside and up!  Tokumoto takes it the other way!  Yoshida has no play and Yuuya makes it 4-1!

And Tokumoto takes off for 2nd!  Throw from Hatta, not nearly in time!  Now a base hit from Ootani could tack on another!

But again, he's patient.  Not chasing, and works his count full.

SANSHIN!

This time though, Mizota breaks out the change and Ootani swings and misses for the 2nd out.

If Riseisha is really unintentionally intentionally walking the 4-5 batters, they probably would like to get Himeno out.

And they do.  Himeno flies to left to end the inning.

Bottom 4th
Kanaoka with a screamer towards 2nd.  Himeno smothers it, goes to 1st for the out.

But Kinuta needs a moment at 1st after Motouji hits home on the first pitch.  Okada-kantoku has Mizota bunting.

You don't suppose in this case, Harada-kantoku had Kinuta put on base so Okada-kantoku would waste an out with a bunt?

Well with the count 1-2, he tries it anyways, lays it down on the line, and Yuuya makes the executive decision to make the play at 1st since they were running out of time for any play whatsoever.

Top of the order and Tsuji.

He's looking for his pitch, but Motouji makes the decision for him with a slider for strike 2.

And he gets him to chase the slider down and away for the 3rd out!

Top 5th
Well, it looks like my working around of the middle batter theory isn't really valid.  Mizota is going after Kawai and strikes him out swinging on the slider.

Goes after Nakaguchi as well.  And on a full count, he climbs the ladder on him and it's back-to-back K's.  That's just weird for the 4-5 batters...

Tsune grounds to short for the 3rd out  and it's just Mizota's 2nd 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 5th
Inoue with a liner to center, but perhaps off the end of the bat and Tokumoto is there for the catch.

Yoshida ball up middle.  Himeno slides over, but can't field it cleanly!  Desperate throw to 1st, not in time!  E4.

AH!  And a low pitch from Motouji scoots on the grounder under Hatta!  Yoshida advances to 2nd!

Nakayama with a ball up the middle!  Himeno makes a great sliding catch!  Double clutches, goes to 1st, gets the out!  He comes back with a great play after the error!

AH!  Nishimura gets a hold of a pitch!  Tokumoto sprinting to the wall!   Leaps!  Just out of his reach!  Yoshida scores and it's a 4-2 ballgame on Nishimura's double!

Hatta looking to make it a one-run game with a base hit.

But he can't!  Motouji with the change gets him swinging and keeps the lead at 2!  We hit the break with Riseisha continuing to chase Heian.  But Motouji in relief has for the most part kept Riseisha at bay.  It's possible in the final Harada-kantoku will go back to splitting the game up into parts like he did in the fall taikais.

Top 6th
Ishikawa badly fooled on a fastball outside, goes down on 3 straight.

Yuuya making it look easy, liner to right for a single. Motouji not bunting, not after that HR in the first game  Makes decent contact, but it's a fly right to Kanaoka for the 2nd out.

Tokumoto with his 3rd hit of the day, a single through the opposite way.

Ootani waiting for his pitch, takes a real borderline one for ball 3... but can't get fortunate twice. He gets rung up and the inning is over.

Bottom 6th
Kanaoka with a blooper to right center.  Tokumoto and Himeno converge, but can't get there in time!  Leadoff runner on again for Riseisha!

After Kinuta bunts the runner over, Mizota is called back.  His day is done as #17 Tsujii comes to hit.  He grounds to 2nd, and advances the runner for the top of the order.

Tsuji though, doesn't have a hit so far...

SANSHIN!!!

And still doesn't!  He chases the forkball and the side is retired!

Top 7th
#10 Nagatani as expected, comes to the mound looking to maintain the line for Riseisha.

His job starts against the 3-4-5 hitters for Heian.

Himeno having a better time of it against Nagatani, has an 9 pitch AB capped off with a liner to center for a base hit.  Kawai, despite having 2 strikes, successfully bunts him along.

Nakaguchi in a prolonged AB against Nagatani, fouling off several pitches...

But Riseisha wins again!  Nagatani has him chasing the slider way outside for the 2nd out.

Tsune trying to get his first base hit, but Nagatani pulls out the slider again, and he foul tips it into the glove for the 3rd out!  Nagatani giving up the leadoff hit, but bearing down after that.  Holds the line for now, but they're slowly running out of time.

Bottom 7th
Lucky 7 for Riseisha, can they start a rally?

0-2 for Inoue, grounder to short for the 1st out.

Motouji issues his first walk of the game, walking Yoshida on 4 straight.

But Nakayama swings on the first pitch and grounds to 3rd!  Tsune goes to 2nd for 1... Himeno to 1st... double play!!  They turn the double play to end the inning!

Top 8th
Defensive changes for Riseisha.  #8 Tateishi comes in for Nakayama and goes to CF.  Kanaoka goes to LF.

Ishikawa a quick flyout to left.

Yuuya with his 3rd hit, waiting on the slider hits it to left.

Motouji hitting, but chases the fastball away for the 2nd out.

Oh?  Balk called on Nagatani? Ah, he really didn't step towards first on that pickoff throw.

Tokumoto with a controlled swing, tries to poke one the other way, but it's hit too hard and Kanaoka makes the catch.

Bottom 8th
Nishimura grounder to short, throw to 1st.  LATE!!!  Ishikawa takes too much time getting the ball off and it's a base hit for Riseisha!  Oh, that's a mental error there from Ishikawa.

Riseisha meanwhile not bunting.  With just 6 outs to play, you might not be able to afford giving one up.

They may not have to!  Motouji falls behind Hatta 3-1 and just gets the call on an inside fastball.

Hit and run!  Grounder to short!  Ishikawa bounces it to first.. and Kawai makes the pick for the out!  Oh, that's dangerous.

And #11 Inudzuka is warming up with the count 2-0 to Kanaoka.  Make that 3-0!  Will we see his first appearance in the finals?

Well, Motouji gets two strikes in to fill up the count, but then bounces a ball for ball 4!  Runners on 1st and 2nd for Riseisha as indeed #11 Inudzuka makes his first appearance on the mound!

His first batter will be Kinuta, no easy out at all.

Hard liner down the right field line foul!

Inudzuka has a weird motion that almost looks like he throwing overhand, yet trying to create a sidearm action?

Either way, after that first foul, he falls behind 3-1!  AND WALKS HIM!!!  Manrui for Heian!!

Nagatani up to hit, but he doesn't really.  What will Okada-kantoku do?

Slow curve way high.  Curve way low!

And after that pitch, Harada-kantoku can't afford to wait any longer.  In comes the first right hander, their closer ace Nakata.

But he enters the game with the bases loaded and the count 2-0!  Not much room for error at all!  Did Harada-kantoku mismanage the bullpen?

Pitch high!  3-0!!

Fastball over for a strike.  3-1.  Fastball again... full count!!!

SANSHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nakata goes for the slider on a full count and gets the K!  Oh, that takes a lot of balls...

Tsuji up and Nakata gets ahead 1-2!  Waste pitch, 2-2 (Can you really afford that?)

Tsuji jammed!  Grounder back to Nakata!  Goes to 1st... 3 OUT!!!!!

Kawai pumps his fist as Nakata gets out of a manrui 1-out pinch!!!

Top 9th
Ootani walks on 4 pitches to start.  Oh, is this the end for Riseisha?  Himeno bunts him along.

OH?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kawai crushes a ball! Is it gone?  Is it gone??  Nishimura looking up!

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kawai all but puts the game away with a 2-run HR!  6-2 Heian!!!

Nagatani gets the final 2 outs, but Heian is all but on the precipice of winning the 86th Haru Koushien!

Bottom 9th
Inoue at least will not give up without a fight.  He singles to left center.

Nakata falls behind Yoshida 3-1, but fills up the count, and gets a popup!  Ishikawa secures it for the first out!

#3 Miura to hit for Tateishi, hits a ball down the right field line.. foul!

Count goes to 2-2... now 3-2.

Liner!  But right to Ishikawa!  2 down!! Nishimura the last chance.

Flyball to center!  Tokumoto under it.  Makes the catch!

The team runs out of the dugout as Ryuukokudai Heian wins their first ever senbatsu, 6-2!!

Ryuukokudai Heian had the whole package this Koushien, with a deep pitching staff and an offense that flashed both power and speed.   And outside of the Kiryuu Dai-ichi game, they never trailed in any matchup.  And when they were down, they continued to fight inning after inning putting extreme pressure on a team already tired from 2 consecutive games. Finally, they always seemed to understand the situation at hand.

It was about as complete a performance you could find from a champion.

Credit should be given to Riseisha as well.  Perhaps not considered a title contender to start the tournament, they slowly made their case game after game, putting teams away with their offense and the combination of Mizota and Nagatani on the mound.  And after laying ace Tanaka Sora and Tokoyawa to rest in the semifinal, you had to wonder if this would be their year, especially with the opportunity to avenge the loss they suffered in the Kinki Super-Regional semifinal.

It was not to be though, as it was Heian who played their own game to perfection.  They will have to wait for another time, perhaps a possible draw at Natsu Koushien for another shot.

But congratulations are in order for both teams and for the first time champs Ryuukokudai Heian!

Notable Players
Takahashi Keiji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 2+ IP, ER, 4 H, 2 K, BB, HBP
Motouji Reiji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - W, 5.1+ IP, ER, 3 H, 3 K, 2 BB, HBP
Nakata Ryuuji (Ryuukokudai Heian) - SV, 1.2 IP, 0 ER, H, K, 0 BB
Tokumoto Kentarou (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 3-5, 3B, R, SB
Kawai Taisei (Ryuukokudai Heian) - 1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Takahashi Yuuya (Ryuukokudai Heian) -3-4, 3B, R
Mizota Yuuto (Riseisha) - L, 6 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 7 K, 4 BB, HBP
Nagatani Takahiro (Riseisha) -  3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 K, BB
Nishimura Takahiro (Riseisha) - 2-5, 2B, RBI
Inoue Kazuya (Riseisha) - 2-5

Things are always what they seem, it seems... so perhaps this matchup isn't what I think it is.

I say that because Ryuukokudai Heian looked rather average against Kiryuu Dai-ichi - a team that had played 24 innings over the last 2 days.  They started a "relief" pitcher as it were, and from all indications Heian should have dominated.

But perhaps they let their guard down, or looked past them in some way, because Kiryuu came out swinging and put the title contender on their heels.  Give credit to them, they didn't panic, continued to play their own game - which was putting pressure on the basepaths, and the plan worked beautifully as Kiryuu finally had to go to the ace who had gone the aforementioned 24 innings.

Sano Nichidai was given a gift by Meitoku Gijyuku.  Mabuchi-kantoku wanted to play the same-handed matchup so much, he intentionally walked a batter with 3rd base open to do so.  He had tried it in the 7th and it worked out - but not for the reasons perhaps that he thought, but this was a bridge way, way too far to cross.  At some point you have to believe that your team is good enough to get an out.  Instead, Meitoku gave up 2 runs in the 11th, and that pretty much sent them home.

The bigger issue is that Tajima allowed Meitoku to even get back in the game.  They're not a high-scoring squad, but somehow strung 5 consecutive hits to score 4 runs and take the lead.  It's its a symptom of his mentality, then Sano Nichidai had better give him the lead, or else they could be in trouble.

Ryuukokudai Heian still looks like the stronger team, but the shine has been dulled a bit.  An all-Kinki final is at stake if they can win, but Sano Nichidai stands in the way.

Sano Nichidai (Tochigi)
SS Takemura Ritsuki
CF Nagasawa Yoshitaka
2B Yoshida Toshiki
LF Inaba Kousei
RF Koizumi Keita
1B Tamura Kaito
3B Kakizawa Fumiya
P Tajima Daiki
C Sagawa Shou

Our last game may just be a formality now.  With the rest day gone, in order for Kiryuu Dai-ichi will have to win an unprecedented 5 games in 5 days, having already played 24 innings in those first 2 steps of that feat.

And given the fact that in the replay they went with ace Yamada again - it lends itself to not if, but when his arm will finally collapse.  With the team's offensive struggles to boot their prospects don't look too good, not that they were anyways but at least got an extra game in.

Heian has looked rather impressive, dispatching the Tohoku champs in their most recent game (though Kousei didn't look like they showed up to play).  What is also noteworthy is that they have used a different pitcher for each of the first two games, allowing his staff to pretty much get rest - especially since it's 3 games in 3 days for the title now.

There's nothing that would indicate that Heian won't advance to Best 4 today.

Kiryuu Dai-ichi (Gunma)
LF Yoshida Ryuuto
2B Ishii Shouta
RF Yanagiya Sansuke
1B Yamada Tomoki (#1)
C Onoda Toki
CF Kubo Shunsuke
3B Kubota Shinji
SS Takahashi Shoukei
____________________________________________________________

15:19 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Motouji on the mound again for Heian and he's off and running.  Strikes out Yoshida looking on a slider.

Ishii with a ball to the gap in short, Tsune ranges to field it, but it bounces off his glove and into the air!  It goes behind Ishikawa for a base hit!

But Yanagiya hits a grounder to short!  Ishikawa starts the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning!

Bottom 1st
Going to Toumiya for Fukuda-kantoku probably can't be helped with Yamada going 24 innings in 2 days.  He's at first, so if Toumiya struggles (which his peripherals suggest), he might yet still enter.

And it indeed is a shaky start as Toumiya walks Tokumoto to start his campaign.

But Tokumoto has the twichy foot and takes off for 2nd too early!  Toumiya starts the rundown and there's 1 out!

Again a deep count to Ootani, but he flies out to left.

Looks like it's going to be a lot of near walks as Himeno goes to 2-2.  But Toumiya puts over the slider for strike 3!!

One down, 8 to go...

Top 2nd
Yamada leads off with a clean single through the left side!  Onoda puts down the bunt, but Kawai elects to go to 2nd!!  His throw is high and Ishikawa can't secure it!  All safe!

Kubo now looking to bunt as well, but winds up fouling a couple off.  2 strikes, and he's still bunting!  He lays it down and successfully advances the runners!

Kubota with the first pitch single to center!  Yamada scores and it's Kiryuu Dai-ichi that takes the early lead! 1-0!

Shoukei up now to perhaps extend the lead with a sac fly or base hit.

Chopper to 3rd!  Onoda has to scramble back, and Tsune goes to 2nd!  They get the runner there and keep the force at either 1st or 2nd.

Toumiya to try and help his own cause with a base hit.

Drive to left!!  Nakaguchi going back, going back!! Makes the, NO!!

Nakaguchi tries to make the basket catch, but can't finish it!  Onoda scores!  Shoukei running all the way from 1st, he scores!!  Kiryuu Dai-ichi is up 3-0!!

Yoshida grounder to 1st.  Kawai makes the tag, AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ball somehow gets knocked out of Kawai's glove and that means Yoshida is safe!  Even more important, Toumiya scores from 2nd and it's 4-0 Kiryuu Dai-ichi!

Ishii flies out to right, but this is certainly a surprise!

Bottom 2nd
Of course, it's back to the nail-biting game that is Toumiya.

He walks Kawai to lead off the inning, and is bunted over.

Tsune with a single to left!  Yoshida tries to go home with the throw, but it's not in time and it allows Tsune to take 2nd!  4-1 Kiryuu.

(Hint to Yoshida - keep the force on.  You know Toumiya isn't that great, but you're putting him an bad position)

Case in point, Ishikawa grounder to short would have been an inning ending double play.  Instead, it's 2 outs, runner on 3rd for Yuuya.

No harm this time though as Yuuya flies out to right.  But Heian is taking the slow road back to douten.

Top 3rd
Yanagiya becomes the 2nd K victim as he goes after Motouji's slider.

Meanwhile, Yamada has Kawai on his backside as he scorches a grounder to right.

But Onoda too chases the slider, and Kubo grounds to 2nd to end the inning.

Bottom 3rd
Toumiya going after Motouji, despite him being a hitting pitcher.  But he gets him all twisted on a fastball inside for the 1st out.

After getting ahead of Tokumoto 1-2, the count runs full, and he misses inside for his 3rd walk.

And it gets even more hairy when Toumiya plunks Ootani on the back.  Fukuda-kantoke calls time as #18 Takano warms up in the bullpen.

Toumiya still can't find the zone, falling behind 2-0 to Himeno as well...

DOUBLE STEAL!!!  Onoda fires to 3rd, but not in time!  And it's 3-0 to Himeno!

Toumiya puts one over, Himeno takes.  And another!!

Himeno with a ball to deep right!  Yanagiya near the foul pole makes the catch, and Tokumoto can walk home to make it a 4-2 ballgame!  Ootani advances to 3rd on the play.

Kawai up, and Toumiya falls behind him 3-1...  Gives up yet another walk...

Finally, Toumiya gets ahead for a change, 1-2 on Nakaguchi...

Liner down 1st base line, foul, but he's perhaps timing things up now.

Kawai takes off for 2nd, but it's a slow curve from Toumiya and Onoda has no throw.  Now a base hit can tie the game!

Toumiya wins!  He gets Nakaguchi to fly out to center and he yields only the 1 yet again.  He can't keep doing that though...

Top 4th
Tsune makes a great stretching catch on a liner from Shoukei on what looked like a clean inning.  But a small hiccup as Motouji walks Toumiya.

Yoshida though makes that hiccup look a bit bigger after Yoshida singles to right, putting runners at the corners!

But Ishii gets under one and flies out to center.  Tokumoto secures it for the the 3rd out.

Bottom 4th
Fukuda-kantoku will try to piece together this game on the mound.  #15 Itoi comes in to pitch and occupies Toumiya's spot in the lineup.

Good start as Tsune swings and misses on the slider for the first out.

Ishikawa with a ball back up the middle, Ishii tries to make the sliding catch, but it gets through.

Now Ishikawa getting in on stealing act!  He takes off on the 1-1 count and beats the throw!

Once again though, Itoi pulls the string on the slider, striking out Yuuya for the second out.

Itou successfully puts up the bagel as Motouji grounds to 3rd to end the inning.

Top 5th
One down and Yamada booms a ball to dead center!  Tokumoto sprinting back, makes the catch near the fence for the 2nd out.

The clean inning is ruined when Motouji walks Onoda, but that's the extent of the things as Kubo strikes out looking to end the inning.

Bottom 5th
Tokumoto finally gets to put the ball in play, but flies out to right.  Instead it's Ootani who gest a single back up the middle.

But Itou gets ahead of Himeno 0-2...  and then throws the ball away on a throw to 1st!  Now Himeno has a chance to get back yet another run.

Himeno gets more life afer Kubota can't catch a foul fly!  Will that come back to haunt them?

NO!  Himeno swings and misses on the slider and there's 2 outs!

Onoda goes out to have a word with Itoi before pitching to Kawai.  Once again, Itou is ahead of Kawai 1-2 before the pseudo-pitchout.  And another ball wide fills up the count.

Ball 4!  They elect to go outside, but he doesn't do anything.  Douten runner on base for Nakaguchi.

But Nakaguchi hits one off the end of the bat!  Kubo in cengter to field it and the inning is over!  We hit the break with Kiryuu Dai-ichi nursing a 2-run lead over Ryuukokudai Heian!

Top 6th
Harada-kantoku makes a change before the 6th.  Motouji leaves the mound and in steps ace number Nakata.

And he's working quickly on the mound.  Against the bottom of Kiryuu's lineup, he gets Kubo to foul out to Kawai and Shoukei to ground to 2nd.  He then emphatically heads to the dugout as he rings up Itou on the slider.

Bottom 6th
?  Itou walks Tsune, but that pitch even though it didn't hit the framed glove still came over for what I thought was a strike.

Tsune takes off!  Onoda fies to 2nd... OUT!!

Onoda finally wins the battle as he guns down Tsune!

But Itoi puts the runner back on 1st as he hits Ishikawa.

Ishikawa takes off for 2nd, but Onoda can't secure the ball to make the throw!  Heian is running roughshot on the basepaths!

Whatever was working for Itoi isn't as he falls behind Yuuya 3-1 before finally getting a swing.

SANSHIN!!!!!  Yuuya strikes out looking on a fastball inside!

Well, Nakata was in for his 1 inning as #17 Iwashita comes in to hit for him.  And now Fukuda-kantoku sends in sidearmer #18 Takano to counter!

And Iwashita is all crossed up!  He falls behind 0-2, but manages to take a couple to level the count.

SANSHIN!!!!!!

Iwashita feebly swings at the curve and Heian is held off the board!

Top 7th
#10 Takahashi Keiji enters the game now presumably to finish the game.  This as ace Yamada warms up in the bullpen!

As for Keiji, his inning is rather short. Just a grand total of 7 pitches and he retires the top of the Kiryuu lineup.

Bottom 7th
Fukuda-kantoku things he's gone far enough.  Ace Yamada takes the hill as #3 Hayamizu enters the last spot in the lineup and takes over at 1B.

Tokumoto greets him with a single to right.  And then he takes off for 2nd!  Onoda double-clutches and this throw is way late!

Ootani grounder to short, AHHHH!!!!

Shoukei can't field the ball and everyone's safe!!!  Fukuda-kantoku quickly calls for time...

Himeno up, looking to bunt the runners along.

AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yamada throws to 2nd, but no one's covering!  Shoukei is late and it goes into center!  everyone advances a base on the error!

Yamada makes that error effectively a bunt as Himeno strikes out on a slider outside.

Kawai up to try and possibly tie the game.  Gives the ball a rip, but foul.

Grounder to 3rd!  Kubota bounces the ball home!  Onoda's tag is late as a result and it's 4-3!

Nakaguchi with a liner to right!  Yanagiya makes the catch, Ootani tagging up!  Yanagiya's throw home... not in time!!  Heian has jumped on Kiryuu's miscues and has tied the game in their lucky 7!

Top 8th
Now how will Kiryuu respond now that their lead is gone?

After such a good start at the plate, Yamada is retired for the 2nd time chasing the slider outside.

2 down for Kiryuu, Kubo gets Kiryuu's first hit since the 4th with a single to right.

Kubo takes off for 2nd!  No throw from Yuuya!  Kiryuu with a mini-chance as they walk Kubota on 4 straight.  Harada-kantoku calls for time.

Keiji gets ahead of Shoukei 0-2, but Shoukei levels the count.

Shoukei gets one off the handle and towards 3rd!  Tsune makes the throw to 1st, 3 out!

Bottom 8th
Is this the final stanza for Kiryuu Dai-ichi?  Yamada hits Tsune to start off the inning.  Ishikawa bunts him along.

Yuuya with ball to deep center!  Kubo makes the catch, but Tsune advances another 90 feet.  It'll be up to Keiji to try and drive the run in.

Rip down the 1st base line.. Foul!!!!!

Now with 2 strikes, he starts fouling off anything close.  1, 2, 3 foul balls.  Yet another foul...  Ball 2...  Ball 3!  The top of the lineup looms large!

Grounder to short!  Shoukei up with it!  Throw to 1st.. 3 out!  Yamada sneaks out of one as we head to the final inning of regulation!

Top 9th
Hayamizu in for his first AB.  Winds up flying to center for the 1st out.

Yoshioka with a liner to right, but it's right to Otani for the 2nd out.

And Kiryuu will have to play for enchousen as Ishii lines to 2nd  for the 3rd out!

Bottom 9th
Chopper to short by Tokumoto, quick throw to 1st... in time!  But not by much!

Full count to Ootani, but he flies out to right.

Himeno pops it up!  Onoda secures it for the 3rd out.  We're headed to enchousen again!

Top 10th
Yanagiya singles to left for a base hit!  Yamada in to bunt, lays it down.

Onoda can't drive him in!  Popup to center too shallow to even advance the runner.

SANSHIN!  Kubo can only turn and head back to the dugout after being rung up!

Bottom 10th
Comebacker from Kawai hits Yamada in foot and deflects toward the right side!

Wild pitch!  Kawai advances to 2nd!  And now 3rd as Nakaguchi bunts him along.

Time from Fukuda-kantoku as the sayonara run is 90 feet away!

They will not walk Tsune and Yuuya to load the bases.  Or so I thought. Depsite getting 2 strikes, they wind up waking Tsune, and then walk Yuuya to indeed load the bases.

Wild pitch!!!!  Kawai sprints home and Heian comes back to win 5-4 in 10 innings!

(Final writeup tomorrow as I am falling asleep)