高校野球 (Kokoyakyu)

I'm still mad, not that Kousei lost, but that they had to lose because of incompetence instead of the play on te field.. Here are the lineups.

Yokohama (Kanagawa)
2B Tobori Atsuya (戸堀 敦矢)
3B (6)Endou Kakeru (遠藤 駆)
CF Masuda Tamaki (増田 珠)
LF Murata Yuuta (村田 雄大)
P (10)Ishikawa Tatsuya (石川 達也)
1B (5)Kuge Kyou (公家 響)
RF (1)Fujihira Shouma (藤平 尚真)
C Tokuda Yuudai (徳田 優大)
SS (16)Watanabe Shou (渡辺 翔)

Well, this is certainly the marquee game on the docket for today. Yokohama, back for the first time since the retirement of Watanabe-kantoku. Tohoku trying to get back to the days of Darvish yore.

But as of right now, despite both teams having strong schedules in the run-up to the title, it goes without saying that Kanagawa is much more stronger than Miyagi and that Yokohama Hayato-Toukou Gakuen-Keio Gijyuku is generally tougher than Sendai Ikuei-Rifu.

Yokohama (Kanagawa)
2B Tobori Atsuya (戸堀 敦矢)
3B (6)Endou Kakeru (遠藤 駆)
CF Masuda Tamaki (増田 珠)
LF Murata Yuuta (村田 雄大)
RF (10)Ishikawa Tatsuya (石川 達也)
1B (5)Kuge Kyou (公家 響)
P Fujihira Shouma (藤平 尚真)
C Tokuda Yuudai (徳田 優大)
SS (16)Watanabe Shou (渡辺 翔)

Touhoku (Miyagi)
SS Sugisawa Ryou (杉沢 龍)
RF Sasanuma Takumi (笹沼 匠)
P Watanabe Housei (渡辺 法聖)
1B Ueki Riku (植木 利久)
3B Ise Jyun (伊勢 隼)
C Fuse Touichi (布施 東壱)
LF Chiba Takuya (千葉 拓哉)
CF Tanaka Ryuuta (田中 隆太)
2B Satou Shouta (佐藤 翔大)

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13:20 - First pitch!

Top 1st
Tobori rips a pitch down the right field side for a leadoff hit. Add in a SB and it's game on for Yokokou. Sac bunt, sensei run in 90 feet away.

Satou temporarily saves a run as he snags a hot shot by Masuda. And he was drawn in no less.

Murata though guarantees that run as he hits a clean single through the 6-hole. 1-0.

After a walk, Agatsuma-kantoku calls for time. Watanabe battles, and finally gets Kuge to chase a ball in the dirt for the 3rd out.

Bottom 1st
Um there's not much to say. 148 kph fastball, 3 up, 3 down, 3 Ks. Hello.

Top 2nd
Bottom of the lineup not so much like the top to start. Tokuda gets on base when Sugisawa throws the ball wide. Thankfully he gets a K from Watanabe and a groundout to out up a needed bagel.

Bottom 2nd
Fujihira looked like he was going to get 6 straight K's to start the game, but he seemed a little squeezed on the inside edge. Fuse grounds out, but 5/6 via the K is kinda a big deal.

Top 3rd
Watanabe in trouble again as Masuda splits the outfield in right center for a triple. He gets a key K in Murata on a slider away, but then gives it back by walking Ishikawa.

Then you hear the ping off of Kuge's bat and you didn't have to think about it. Chiba give a token chase, but it's over the wall for a 4-0 lead.

Bottom 3rd
Tanaka finds the way to a base hit - hit it *at* Fujihira. The ball glances off the glove and dribbles to short for a 1-out single.

Satou working the count, checks his swing and draws a walk! It's the bottom of Tohoku's lineup getting on base!

Fujihira bearing down getting Sugisawa all tied up on an inside fastball, but he can't get out of the jam!

That's because Sasanuma hits a single to left center and Tanaka comes home to make it 4-1! It's all they're going to get in the frame, but getting the first run out of the way is always a plus.

4th Inning
Yokohama, perhaps a little perturbed with giving up a run, gets it back.

Watanabe starts with a single through the left side, then steals 2nd as Tohoku can't throw out a runner to save their life.

Then with 2 down Endou singles through to center and the lead is back at 4 at 5-1.

In the bottom of the frame Fujihira is actually looking a little hittable. Ise gets a single, and 2 batters later, after a failed double play puts Chiba at 2nd, Fuse also singles, this to center.

But Fujihira goes all power to Tanaka and strikes him out on a letter high fastball to retire the side.

Top 5th
Watanabe was one out away from a 1-2-3 inning but Kuge spoils it with a soft liner to center.

He does get the final out - a loud fly ball to right knocked down by the hamakaze.

Bottom 5th
Fujihira probably needed an inning like the 5th to get back on track. He retires the side in order adding two more bats to the rack. 10 Ks through 5 and his team in control.

Top 6th
Watanabe almost got a clean inning again post-break. Tokuda got a base hit, but when Yokohama's Watanabe tried to lay down a bunt, he stepped out of the box and was called out. Then Tokuda got picked off and there were 2 down.

But then Tobori singles, steals 2nd, Endou singles through the right side and Masuda finished the trifecta with another single, making it 6-1.

Bottom 6th
I think perhaps Fujihira is getting hit because he's trying to get quick outs for balls in play.

But it's having the opposite effect as Ueki and Chiba get base hits. And Fujijhira still is still racking up the Ks. (2 more this inning)

Rest of game
At this point it's pretty clear Yokohama is on their way to a win. They tack on a run in the 7th to make it 7-1 thanks to a questionable fielder's choice decision by their C.

As for Fujihira, Hirata-kantoku does the right thing and with 2 outs in the 7th sends in Ishikawa from RF to pitch. Fujihira stays in the game in RF just in case.

Touhoku makes things a little interesting in 9th, though Yokohama's defense did a lot of that by booting balls, but the game wasn't in doubt. Fujihira gets some rest not going the full 9 and they should be in good standing going forward.

After a day off due to rain, we're reaching the halfway point of the tournament (timewise anyways), and the first round will finally end with the second matchup I was dreading (Nihon Bunri-Toyokawa was the other).

Yokohama did not look like a special squad, even by Yokohama standards.  A team that never scored more than 6 runs even in early round games, and an ace who does limit hits but on the other hand gives up a lot of walks.

Kousei's ace Satou looks to be stronger than Yokohama's, and he got promoted to the ace number after his fall efforts (though he probably had that already secured before then).  The problem will be with their offense.  Against supposedly stronger competition, the strong numbers they exhibited apparently disappeared... and so did their run production.

Hachinohe Gakuin Kousei (Aomori)
3B Houjyou Hiroyuki (#6)
SS Adachi Yuuya (#14)
LF Moriyama Hiroki
2B Fukae Taisei
1B Sai Seiu
RF Arai Katsunori
CF Arai Katsutaka
C Baba Ryuusei (#12)
P Goya Kai (#18)

Yokohama (Kanagawa)
CF Asama Daiki
RF Nemoto Kouta
3B Kawaguchi Ryou
SS Takahama Yuuto
1B Watanabe Yoshiaki
P Itou Masashi
LF Kasugai Jinto (#16)
C Kuraya Kouhei (#13)
2B Matsuzaki Kanzou

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09:00 - First Pitch!

Top 1
Watanabe-kantoku already playing games as before the game startes, he sends out #7 Oono to replace Kasugai in LF.  It's a pure R for L switch as Goya, not Satou is starting.

One down for Kouei and Adachi rips a ball through the right side for a base hit.  But while Moriyama isn't bunting, Itou gets the call on the outside corner for the 2nd out.

Fukae lifts a ball to right, and outside of the base hit and a rip foul by Moriyama, a decent start for Itou.

Bottom 1st
Interesting that Nakai-kantoku goes with lefty Goya against the LH heavy lineup, we've seen this one before.

Well, it's not off to a great start as Goya hits leadoff batter Asama on a slider.  Nemoto bunts him over.

Interestingly, despite throwing a lefty to face same handed pitching, they're actually pitching inside to the LH!  2 balls to Kawaguchi inside, instead of perhaps going outside.  It works though as he pops up to Sai in foul territory.

Uh oh.  (The righty) Takahama clubs a pitch left over by Goya into center!  Katsutaka running back to the wall.  Looking up!

It falls in at the base of the wall!  (Couldn't he have caught that?)  Asama can walk home as Takahama gives Yokohama the 1-0 lead!

Watanabe grounds to short, and Sai makes a great stretch to keep his foot on the bag, but Yokohama jumps on the spot starter!

Top 2nd
Sai jumps on the first pitch and drives it to center!  Asama going back... still going back... stops in front of the wall, and makes the catch for the 1st out.  Just got under that one.

Itou missing outside on all his pitches, walks Katsunori to give Kousei a runner.  But they're deciding to go with the bunt?  At 1-1 though he pulls it back, so which is it?

It's the bunt.  So they're going to go with Baba to get the base hit?

Well, that helps, Kuraya kinda gets lazy backhanding a ball and it gets away!  Katsunori advances to 3rd on the play.

And that proves costly!  Baba indeed gets his base hit, a solid knock through the left side to level the score at 1-1!

Goya very choosy in his pitches, even taking a borderline pitch for a ball.  However, the forkball gets him as he grounds to Watanabe for the out. Still, we're all tied at 1 after a passed ball leads to the tying run!

Bottom 2nd
Hm, Oono to face Goya stretches down and lines the fastball just outside the glove of a diving Houjyou.  Righties are now 2-2 early against Goya.

Despite being a RHB, Kuratani bunts him over to 2nd - where he is left after Matsuzaki grounds to 2nd.  Fukae has to make a charging throw and just gets the out, but Goya does his job.

Top 3rd
Houjyou up for his 2nd AB, and rips the fastball down the 3rd base line for a leadoff double.

Watanabe-kantoku calling time as Takai comes out to talk with his team.

Adachi up, already showing bunt.  Pulls back on the first pitch.  Maybe he's like me in that you have to do the buster technique to hit the ball.

He does! Liner to center, but it's right at Asama for the 1st out.

And Kousei gets another gift!  This time it's on Itou's end as he throws one in the dirt that gets away from Kuraya!  Houjyou goes to 3rd.

Ahead 0-2, Itou entices Moriyama to chase 3 sliders in the dirt, but he doesn't bite once.  Fastball outside... but just a bit too much!  Runners at the corners for Fukae,

Itou is all over the place.  None of his pitches are even close for Fukae and he's behind 3-0.  Kuraya goes out to talk with Itou.

It's another walk!  After the leadoff double, Itou has walked the bases loaded!

Still missing with his pitches, he finally gets a strike after Sai goes after the change low.

Itou leaves a slider up! Sai laces that to center for a base hit! Houjyou scores to make it 2-1!

Katsunori up looking to break open the game.  Turns on the low slider and lines one to right! Nemoto is there for the catch, but Moriyama can walk home to make it 3-1.

Itou trying to catch every edge it seems, but not quite doing so consistently.  As a result he goes full on Katsutaka.

And he walks Katsutaka too!  His changeup isn't even close, and it's manrui again for Kousei, with who else but Baba up to bat!

First pitch a clean single through the left side.  Up a station for everyone and it's 4-1!

Goya up to help his own cause, probably will do his best to get a walk.  He soon finds himself down 0-2 though and has to defend.  Luckily, Itou's next two pitches are close, but not close enough to get rung up.

Goya swings!  Its a grounder to the left side..  Kawaguchi can't get to it!  And neither can Takahama!  Sai scores, Katsutaka being sent home!  Throw in from Oono... Katsutaka slides around the tag and is safe!  It's 6-1 and Itou is immediately pulled!  #10 Higure comes in from Oono and takes the hill while Itou goes to LF.

Houjyou unfortunately swings at the first pitch and grounds back to Higure, but Kousei bats around and takes a big lead early!

Bottom 3rd
Asama must be wondering what he did to Goya, as he gets hit for the 2nd time (though it was on an offspeed pitch again).

Goya has an apparent double play when Nemoto hits a ball back to him, but he short arms the throw and it goes past Houjyou.  E1, and Yokohama is building something.

Kawaguchi bunts the runners along, but with 1st open, Goya doesn't have to go after Takahama and he walks him on 4 straight to load the bases.  They'll go after Watanabe, but not Goya.  #11 Nakagawa comes in relief.

But Nakagawa is missing too.  He falls behind 2-0, but gets it back level 2-2.  Slider in the dirt, but he checks his swing says the 3B umpire.

Ball back up the middle! Nakagawa deflects it and Houjyou has to change direction! He goes back to his right, flips to 2nd for 1, but Fukae's throw to 1st isn't in time.  1 run scores and it's 6-2 now.

Hmmm... but Nakagawa is still having location issues, not even close to the plate at times, and he walks Itou to load the bases again!!

SANSHIN!!!  Luckily for Nakagawa, Higure isn't a very good hitter and he chases the slider away for the 3rd out.  Yokohama isn't able to do as much as Kousei, and still find themselves behind by 4.

Top 4th
Kousei gets a baserunner right off the bat as Adachi is hit by Higure.  Moriyama moves him over to 2nd.

Fukae can't bring him home as he quickly flies to right.

Sai with a liner to right!  Nemoto charging in, slides... and makes the catch for the 3rd out!

Bottom 4th
I like the fact the home plate umps aren't giving the HBP like candy.  Kuraya gets hit, but doesn't make an attempt to move, so it's just a ball.  He winds up rolling a slider to 3rd.

Matsuzaki doesn't really move either, but it's a fastball inside, so I'll give that one to him.  But we're now back to the top of the lineup.

AHH!

Nakagawa with the snap throw to 1st, and they get Matsuzaki!  2 out!

And that really hurts Yokohama because Asama scorches a fastball down the 1st base line for a double!

Nemoto with a base hit to left!  Moriyama goes home with the throw, but it's not nearly in time and Yokohama climbing back in it with the score at 6-3 now.

Nakagawa gets out of the inning as after a bevy of fastballs, Nakamura pulls out the change and Kawaguchi gets under it.  Houjyou near the camera well, makes the catch for the 3rd out, but Yokohama chips away at the deficit.

Top 5th
Yokohama isn't going away quietly, so Kousei should continue to put pressure whenever possible.

Katsunori check in with a base hit as he laces a single down the right side.  Katsutaka's bunt is too hard and Higure goes to 2nd to cut down the lead runner.  Which is a shame as Baba steps in.

He turns on a pitch inside, but just doesn't get enough of it.  Itou makes it slightly interesting as he has to make a small jump to get it, but there's 2 down.

Nakagawa is even less of a hitter than Higure it seems, going down on 3 straight to end the inning.  Higure doing a nice job in relief.

Bottom 5th
The internet giving me fits again, but from what I was able to tell, Takahama pulled a ball weakly to 3rd.  After a first pitch single to left by Watanabe, Itou flied out to shallow left, and Higure also pulled an outside pitch to the left side - this time Houjyou fielding it for the 3rd out.

We hit the break with Kousei leading Yokohama 6-3, but the game is far from decided at this point

Top 6th
Higure struggling with his control a bit here post-break  Houjyou works the count full, but goes after the slider low.  Adachi catches a bit of a break when his ball back up the middle is stopped by Matsuzaki, but he can't quite find the handle on the ball.

Moriyama hits a hard grounder to 1st.  Watanabe there to flip to Higure and there's 2 outs.

AH HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fukae crushes a ball to left!  Itou going back, but he's not sprinting!  In fact, he's slowing down!!

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

Fukae just tatooed that hanging slider about 10-15 rows up!  In one swing Kousei retakes their largest margin here at 8-3!!

Sai with a single to right, and that'll be it for Higure.  Itou retakes the hill as #18 Suzawa goes into LF replacing Higure.

Sai tries to take off for 2nd, but is thrown out and the inning is over.  But Kousei answers the questions about letting Yokohama back into the game.  For now at least.

Bottom 6th
This is probably about as settled as you're going to get with Nakagawa.  Not enough control to be an ace, but enough to be slightly above replacement level.

He gets 3 groundball outs and Yokohama looks to be in bad shape with 3 innings to go.

Top 7th
If it wasn't clear that I was unhappy about Yokohama getting selected over Nisshougakushadai Fuzoku, it will be now.

Katsunori blasts a ball to right.  Nemoto goes to the foul pole, but he can only watch as it goes out for another HR!!!!!  Kousei making Yokohama look bad as it's now 9-3.

After 1 official AB, back Itou goes banished to LF.  #11 Oda comes in the game.

Baba continues to confound every Yokohama pitcher as he gets his 3rd hit of the game.  After a sac bunt my Nakagawa, Houjyou goes down swinging to end the inning.

Bottom 7th
With one down Adachi stops a Kawaguchi hit in the gap and despite the looping throw, Sai does the splits and beats out the diving Kawaguchi for the 2nd out in a clean inning for Nakagawa.

Top 8th
Adachi with a gapper to left center for a leadoff double.  At this point Nakai-kantoku is having the top of the order swing away.  Moriyama chases the changup in the dirt, and Fukae hits an off-balance grounder to short.

Sai hits a liner to left, but Itou can't make the catch!  Adachi is sent home, but Itou gathers the ball quickly and fires home just in time to make the tag.

Bottom 8th
Watanabe leading off the 8th here with a ball to left center.  Katsutaka ranging over, chances the dive and misses!  Moriyama has to chase it down, but it's still only a double for Watanabe.  Nakai-kantoku calls time.

Kousei is happy to give up the run if it means out.  Itou grounds out to 2nd, and #2 Takai in for Oda grounds to 2nd scoring the run to make it 9-4 with 2 down.

Watanabe-kantoku emptying the bench as #15 Ono hits for Kuraya and hits a single past a diving Adachi.

Matsuzaki pops out to Houjyou in foul territory and that's the inning.

Top 9th
Watanabe-kantoku empties the bench.  #17 Yamaguchi comes in for PH Takai and takes over in LF, #12 Yamada comes in for PH Ono and takes over at C, and #14 Kurashima comes in for Matsuzaki and takes over at 2B.  Itou takes over on the hill.

Katsutaka gets a 1-out hit, but Baba is retired for just the 2nd time today as Itou induces the 6-4-3 double play.

Bottom 9th
Asama gets a leadoff hit for Yokohama and then steals 2nd.  But Nemoto goes down swinging, and Kawaguchi flies out to right not soon after.

Takahama tacks on another run as his single back up the middle makes it 9-5.

However, Watanabe grounds out to 2nd, and his head first slide ends the game.

Yokohama did make things close early, but by the 2nd inning it seems a bit clear who had more opportunities.  The 5-run 3rd pretty much set the pace for the rest of the game, though to be honest Kousei's pitching is still a bit sketchy for my liking (well, at least Goya to some extent and Nakagawa to an even bigger one).  Still, the offense was still able to tee off on Yokohama's pitchers and keep the game at arm's length.

I didn't think Yokohama deserved to be here and from this performance they certainly didn't.  And now we'll never know how Nissougakushadai Fuzoku would have done had they been invited.

Kousei Gakuin will advance to play Ryuukokudai Heian, and their pitching might need to be shored up a little before then.

Notable Players
Goya Kai (Hiroshima Gakuin Kousei) - 2.1 IP, ER, 2 H, 0 K, BB, HBP
Nakagawa Masashi (Hiroshima Gakuin Kousei) - 6.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 K, BB, HBP
Baba Ryuusei (Hiroshima Gakuin Kousei) - 4-5, 2 RBI
Adachi Yuuya (Hiroshima Gakuin Kousei) - 3-4, 2B, R, HBP
Arai Katsunori (Hiroshima Gakuin Kousei) - 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB
Asama Daiki (Yokohama) - 2-3, 2B, 4 R, SB, 2 HBP
Watanabe Yoshiaki (Yokohama) - 2-5, 2B, R, RBI

For me this selection was made by the JHBF for all the wrong reasons. Yokohama had lost to a 2nd tier team in Sano Nichidai while Nisshougakushadai Fuzoku from the Tokyo Super-Regional had reached the final, defeated several quality teams and almost beat Kanto Dai-ichi who they had beated last summer (remember though that here in the fall the 3rd years are not eligible to play).

So I admittedly will be looking at their resume with a lot of scrutiny now.

Road to Senbatsu
Kanagawa Prefecturals

• def. Yokohama Hayato 6-2
• def. Shounan 5-2
• def. Tachibana Gakuen (橘学苑) 3-2
• def. Keio Gijyuku 6-5 (10 inn)
• def. Toukaidai Sagami 4-0
• def. Nichidai 4-2

Super-Regionals

• def. Shiritsu Kawagoe 5-0
• lost Sano Nichidai 5-3

This resume doesn't help the JHBF's case at all in my opinion and it just furthers my theory that they wanted ratings and selected them over a more deserving Nisshougakushadai Fuzoku.

Against Keio, who was vying for top-tier status in prefecture several years ago, but has fallen to 2nd tier status Yokohama gave them 3 runs in the 8th, then had to rally in the 9th and 10th to pull out the victory.  Now, they did 3-hit Toukaidai Sagami, but Sagami has also kind of fallen to 2nd tier status.  And in the final, the Cinderella Nichidai squad kept up with Yokohama though they lost 4-2.

The Super-regional games do not help either as they expectedly defeated Shiritsu Kawagoe before falling to Sano Nichidai (who would lose one round later).

The ace still remains Itou Masashi (伊藤 将司) who has average velocity on his fastball and has a two-seamer and change in addition to the standard.  During the fall tournament though he only struck out 7.2 per 9 while almost issuing 4 walks in that same interval.  This despite the fact that people look at his 14 K performance against Marugame back in the summer.  Looking at his 9 K performance against Nichidai it was obvious that in that game he got his Ks knowing that Nichidai couldn't hold up on the high strike.

Offensively, probably the 2 consistent performers are the 2-3 combo of 1B Watanabe Yoshiaki (渡辺  佳明) and CF Asama Daiki (浅間 大基).  Cleanup batter Takahama Yuuto (高濱 祐仁), younger brother of Takuya who plays for Chiba Lotte is trying to be part of the power trio but hasn't quite lived up to that just yet.

Can Yokohama win a game?  Certainly. Can they win another one after that? Mm.... not so sure.

Yokohama has to be happy about the situation they're in, solid first round game, and away from the bloodbath on the first half of Day 12.

Asama is definitely as advertized. Officially 5-5 (I had him at 4-5 w/an E), it may be that pitchers would be better going around him. Except that Takahama follows him up. And while he was 1-5, that 1 was a 3-run HR that certainly broke the game open.

Outside of those two production is a bit more spotty, though 2nd year starter Nemoto is a quiet surprise for them so far.

Ace Itou has contradicting and probably more alarming numbers. He struck out 14 Marugame batters, but also allowed 8 hits, walked 3 and hit 2. It's not on the same level as a Hifumi Shinta fomerly of rival school Toukaidai Sagami, but wildly effective is the best way to describe his opening game.

Maebashi Ikuei will be hard pressed to repeat their first two games. Against Iwakuni Shougyou and then against Shounan, ace Takahashi Kouna pitched back-to-back 5-hit shutouts in 1-0 victories. His opening line of 13Ks perhaps raised expectations on him, as he would only strike out 6 in his next outing. He's very stingy with the walks - 3 total in his 2 games total, and gets batters for bad contact with a nasty slider and forkball.

With the offense not scoring runs, Kouna will be pressed to pitch like this for the rest of Koushien. Can he survive under shorter rest and under the relentless summer heat?

Maebashi Ikuei (Gunma)
CF Kudou Youhei
LF Tamura Hayato
SS Tsuchiya Keisuke
3B Arai Kento
C Ogawa Toshiki
P Takahashi Kouna
RF Itagaki Fumiya
1B Uchida Shouji (#14)
2B Takahashi Tomoya

Yokohama (Kanagawa)
3B Kawaguchi Ryou
2B Matsuzaki Kenzou
CF Asama Daiki
SS Takahama Yuuto
1B Watanabe Yoshiaki
C Takai Daichi
P Itou ShoujiLF Hasegawa Hiroyuki
RF Nemoto Kouta (#15)

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13:17 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Well, Kudou started the waiting game, but he goes after the 3-1 slider in the dirt.

Drive to left center! Asama back to the wall, leaps!

It's off the top of the padding! Asama gets it in, but not before Kudou's in with a double!

Ah....  Tamura goes for the bunt, but a crashing Watanabe goes to 3rd and Kudou is out by a good margin.

Oho! Tsuchiya's ball to the right side finds he grass! Tamura takes 3rd!

Chance here for Maebashi Ikuei early as cleanup batter Arai steps in.

He's playing the patience game too, gets ahead 3-1...

Base hit!!  He takes one the opposite way through the right side! Tamura walks in and Tsuchiya takes 3rd! It's 1-0 Maebashi Ikuei!

Ogawa drive down the right side... fair! Tsuchiya scores as Ogawa slides in with a double! 2-0 Maebashi and Watanabe-kantoku calls time.

But perhaps thinking Itou is on the ropes, Kouna goes attacking Itou, falls behind, takes a close pitch... then wastes the effort chasing a pitch at the eyes.

Itagaki doesn't even wait that long, takes just 1 pitch before grounding to 3rd to end the inning.

Maebashi scores 2, but it could have been much more!

Bottom 1st
Kawaguchi looking to mount Yokohama's counter-attack singles to center.

Matsuzaki lays down the bunt, but it's right in front of home! Ogawa pops out, fires a strike to 2nd, Tsuchiya goes to 1st... double play! That runner for Yokohama is erased!

And Asama grounds to short! A base hit, but that's it for Kouna!

Top 2nd
Uchida goes after the first pitch, grounds to 3rd.

Tomoya back to being patient, works the count full... draws the walk!

And now he hits Kudou! 2 on 1 out for Maebashi! Itou doesn't look sharp at all.

Tamura tries to play the waiting game, but he goes 2-2 after chasing a high fastball. He flies out to right.

Tsuchiya trying for it all! Fly to deep right! Nemoto going back, going back!

But the hamakaze knocks the ball down (as always), and he makes the catch!

Once again, Maebashi has the right idea but doesn't understand the situation (hamakaze). Itou still only tagged for the 2 runs!

Bottom 2nd
One down, and a ball to 1st from Watanabe doesn't take a hop and skips under him for a base hit!

Takai follows that up with a proper base hit through the right side! Developing situation for Maebashi!

AH!

Kouna throws it away to 2nd! Watanabe goes to 3rd!

And Itou comes through! Once again, singles through to right and it's 2-1 Maebashi!

But Hasegawa grounds to 3rd! Arai goes 2nd for 1, throw to 1st...

Just beats Hasegawa for the double play! Inning over, but Yokohama back on the warpath!

Top 3rd
Arai quick groundout to short, looks like they're abandoning the waiting game.

Ogawa with a weird swing, bloops one to right! All I can describe it as is like hopping back while doing a golf swing.

Kouna on the first pitch a grounder past a diving Matsuzaki into center! Maebashi threatening again!

But it's quickly wiped out! He hits it right to Kawaguchi who tags 3rd and goes to 1st for the double play! Side retired!

Bottom 3rd
Nemoto ball up the middle! Tsuchiya dives, makes the stop!

Ah! but he loses it getting up and Nemoto is safe! Still, nice play there to get to the ball.  Kawaguchi will move the douten runner to scoring position.

Kouna jams Matsuzaki, chops one to 1st. Uchida takes it himself for the 2nd out.

But Asama is up at the wrong time for Kouna.

Apparently Kouna thinks so too and walks Asama on 4 straight. Only problem is that it brings up Takahama...

Kouna goes for the slow curve! Takahama bites and pops it up! Tsuchiya out on the grass makes the catch for the 3rd out!

Top 4th
Itou seemingly can locate the fastball well enough, he punches out Uchida with one over the plate. The offspeed stuff not as much.

Tomoya gets ahead of Itou 3-0, but Itou puts 2 in there to fill up the count.

Tomoya gets jammed inside and hits a simple comebacker to Itou for the 2nd out.

AH!

Kudou booms a ball to right! Nemoto back... to the wall!!

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

Well, so much for not trying to fight the wind, Kudou does it! 3-1 Maebashi Ikuei!

えええええええええええええ??!!

Tamura with another big swing! No way!!!

Hasegawa going back to the wall!

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

Back-to-back by the top of Maebashi's order, WHAT?! It's 4-2 Maebashi Ikuei!!

Tsuchiya goes down swinging to end the inning, but this is a shock!!

Bottom 4th
Watanabe goes after the slow curve from Kouna, grounds right to Uchida.

Takai gets ahead of Kouna 3-0, but Kouna fights back to make it full.

And he pulls out the slider and Takai goes down for the 2nd out!

Itou making Kouna work, gets the count full.. found a pitch he liked and single to right.

Kouna falling behind batters and having to work his way back.  2-0 to Hasegawa, levels it at 2-2, then puts him away with the slider!

Top 5th
Arai and Ogawa quickly fly out for 2 outs.

Kouna falls behind, rolls over a ball to short and the side is finally retired in order for the first time

Bottom 5th
Nemoto up... and down on 3 straight... Kouna hits outside corner for the first out.

Kawaguchi liner down the line, Arai with a great leaping snag for the 2nd out!

Asama up, and swings at the 1-1 pitch but it gets away from Ogawa! Matsuzaki takes 2nd!

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

Asama swings over the forkball and the side is retired! We're at the break and Maebashi Ikuei has made a statement in the early innings against the Koushien mainstays!!

Top 6th
Itagaki singles back up the middle for a base hit! Uchida bunts him over.

Ball in the dirt bounces off of Takai and he loses sight of it as it falls behind him! Itagaki takes 3rd!

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

Tomoya lays down the squeeze, and Itou can't go home in time! Gets out at 1st, but it's now 5-1!

Kudou grounds out to end the inning, but Yokohama looks in real bad shape.

Bottom 6th
Yokohama seemingly folding before our eyes. Takahama quickly flies out to left, Watnabe grounder to short.

Takai bloops one to right, Itagaki almost makes sliding catch, but it pops out. He's in with a double.

But on the next pitch, Itou flies out to left. Side retired.

Top 7th
They must be folding tents because Watanabe-kantoku is starting to empty the bench it seems.

#18 Oda comes in for Watanabe and takes over on the hill while Itou goes to 1B. #14 Endou comes in for Matsuzaki.

Oda not bad here as he gets Tamura to chase the slider and Tsuchiya just watches a fastball hit the outside corner.

Arai grounder to short, should be, oy...

Takahama fumbles ball, inning continues.

あ。 And now Ogawa draws a walk.

Kouna blooper down the 3rd base side... Nemoto charging in towards the right field line, dives!!

It falls in! Blooper scores both Arai and Ogawa and it's 7-1!

Oda finally retires Itagaki but the rout is on.

Bottom 7th
Not much to say from the Yokohama side. Batters are swinging away, and getting retired quickly.  Kouna just needs 9 pitches.

Top 8th
#9 Ono takes over for PH Asai (who hit for Hasegawa) and goes to LF.

Maebashi Ikuei also looking to wrap things up quickly. Only a liner down the line by Kudou for a double breaks the clean inning.

Bottom 8th
#13 Kawada come in to hit for Endou, the first pitch from Kouna goes over his head, he ducks, the ball somehow hits the bat, and it goes fair in front of the plate. Ogawa throws him out...

Asama draws a walk, then proceeds to steal 2nd and 3rd. But Takahama and #12 PH Inoue go down and leave Asama stranded at 3rd.

Top 9th
#10 Nakajima comes in for PH Kawada and takes the hill. Nemoto goes to the vacated 2B, Ono moves from LF to RF, and Inoue stays in at LF.

Once again only a single from Okawa breaks up the clean inning. But Maebashi is finally at the bottom of the 9th

Bottom 9th
Perhaps to save some face, Takai singles to center. Perhaps they can make it somewhat respectable.

But Itou pops out to Tsuchiya, and Ono grounds into the 4-6-3 double play to end the game!

Wow, I was not expecting that. Perhaps the inexperience of the 2nd years made a difference, but fortunately for them they can learn from it and be stronger for next year. It is surprising though to see 2nd years litter a roster such as Yokohama.

The growing tale of Maebashi Ikuei and ace Takahashi Kouna is growing by the day. He already is the surprise of the tournament.

What was really surprising was the offensive output. Yes, they faced difficult pitching, but to explode for 7 runs against Yokohama with 2 HRs? Unbelievable.

Seeing this game, could the sky be the limit for this team?


Notable Players
Takahashi Kouna (Maebashi Ikuei) - CG, ER, 9 H, 5 K, 2 BB
Takahashi Kouna (Maebashi Ikuei) -2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Kudou Youhei (Maebashi Ikuei) -3-4, 2 2B, HR, R, RBI, HBP
Ogawa Toshiki (Maebashi Ikuei) - 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Takai Daichi (Yokohama) -  3-4, 2B
Itou Shouji (Yokohama) - 2-4, RBI

Day 6 brings us some of the powerhouse schools who can be considered title contenders. Fortunately for these schools they drew a 1st round bye so to speak and will have to play one less game to win the title. Even better, haru-natsu candidate Urawa Gakuin got eliminated by Sendai Ikuei, making their jobs that much easier.

We start off with Yokohama. Not good enough to go to senbatsu, they wound up slogging a tough road to the finals, beginning with their quarterfinal matchup with Toukou Gakuen and ace Matsui. After his performance last year, everyone anticipated his return this year.

But this is Kanagawa prefecture, where there are a vast number of teams - very good teams. And in a single elimination format, one bad game - heck even one bad inning, can spell a team's downfall.

And so it was with Toukou Gakuen facing Yokohama. Takahama and Asama, the two players from Yokohama listed in magazines as "Matsui-killers" lived up to the billing, blasting solo HRs to send him home crying like every other team that would fall.

After that it was Yokohama Hayato, who has been a thorn in their side many times over the last couple of years. This time, they would prevail and move on to face a former powerhouse in Toukaidai Sagami - who after the loss of Hifumi Shinta hasn't quite been the same. While they went 5 scoreless, a 7-0 mercy rule loss continued that trend.

Finally it would be Hiratsuka Gakuen, a 3rd Tier team who finally had their chance to go to Koushien, if only they could beat Yokohama. They actually held their own, but in the end it would not come to pass, a 3-run 5th the only mistake they would make.

Yokohama is not considered one of the top title contenders because of their inconsistent ability to generate offense.  A team that can't hit, can't really score and therefore can't win. Ace Itou Shouji doesn't throw particularly hard (low 130s), so he'll have to be on point.

They'll start their campaign in the second round will be Marugame, a school whose only real opposition wound up being in their second game against Ootamae Takamatsu where they had to rally from 3-1 down in the final innings. Otherwise, they wound up breezing through a Kagawa taikai defeating schools such as Takamatsu Shougyou and Jinsei Gakuin with only token opposition.

Marugame apparently depends on the one big inning, having done so against the aforementioned opponents.  So Ace Miyazaki Koudai will shoulder the burden as Yamamoto-kantoku doesn't depend on anyone else.  Miyazaki throws high 120s with an apparent slider, shuuto and curve.

The fact that Yokohama would have trouble with a team like Hiratsuka Gakuen in the final could be an indicator of fatigue on their part later on in Koushien. But otherwise they could be seen as a title contender. Which is bad news for Marugame because despite the blowouts, Kagawa hadsn't been that great of a performing prefecture as of late, and having to square off against one of the larger prefectures doesn't usually mean good things.

By the way, Yokohama must have the most twitter accounts of all of them.  From ace Itou Shouji,  I can get to about 4 other accounts!   All of which, of course get a lot of attention from the girls. I've linked them here for your amusement.  Oh, and did I mention that of the the starting 9 there's 2 3rd years?

Yokohama (Kanagawa)
3B Kawaguchi Ryou
2B Matsuzaki Kenzou
CF Asama Daiki
SS Takahama Yuuto
1B Watanabe Yoshiaki
C Takai Daichi
LF Hasegawa Hiroyuki
P Itou Shouji
RF Nemoto Kouta (#15)

Bench Players:

• #11 - Kurata Kenji
• #12 - Inoue Kazuya

Marugame (Kagawa)
SS Kurumatani Kouta
1B Monda Naoki
3B Tsugita Atsushi
CF Ikeuchi Taketo
LF Minami Ryousuke
C Yuda Ryouhei
2B Kawamoto Akira
RF Kawanishi Yuushi
P Miyazaki Koudai

____________________________________________________________

08:00 - First Pitch

Top 1st
Kawaguchi with a liner right to Tsugita for the first out.

Matsuzaki jammed and a soft liner to Kawamoto.

Miyazaki thinks he has strike 3 on a fastball on the outside corner, but doesn't get the call.

Wouldn't you know it next pitch lined past Tsugita for a double.

No consequence though as Miyazaki cooly retires Takahama on a fly to left.

Bottom 1st
Hm... Itou struggling a bit with control as he walks Kurumatani to start the game. Monda tries to bunt him over, but Kawaguchi goes to 2nd and just gets Kurumatani for the first out.

Tsugita swings over a slider and goes down for the 2nd out.

And Ikuechi pinwheels around on an outside fastball as the side is retired.  2 K's but control isn't quite there.

Top 2nd
Well, Miyazaki returns favor by walking Watanabe (who is Watanabe-kantoku's grandson). Takai tries to bunt the runner along, but fouls off his attempts and falls behind 0-2.

Three-bunt, but it goes foul!  One down for Yokohama.

They try the hit-and-run but Hasegawa fouls it off...

Once again, but it's right to Tsugita!  Double pumps, but still goes to 2nd for one, and the throw to 1st completes the double play!

Bottom 2nd
Itou still not quite consistent with his delivery. But on a full count gets Minami to lean down and golf a ball to left.

Yuda not wasting much time, gets on a fastball and lines it to right.

After Kawamoto tries a couple of safety bunts, he connects on a slider, but the ball is on the outer half and he can only hit it to CF Asama.

Kawanishi fights off a couple of pitches, but then lunges out and misses a slider for the 3rd out.  Itou still not hitting his spots, but not missing in the wrong places either.

Top 3rd
Itou with routine grounder to short and it's last batter Nemoto.

Nemoto gets around on the fastball and lines it into the gap in left center past Minami for a double!

Kawaguchi with a ball against to the left side, this time it gets past a diving Tsugita down the line! Nemoto easily scores and it's 1-0 Yokokou (nickname for Yokohama)!

Matsuzaki with a ball to the right side, Monda makes great diving block! But he can't get the ball quickly enough to flip to Miyazaki! All safe and Yamamoto-kantoku calls for time.

No help! Asami with drive to left center!  Ikeuchi running to ball, but it's over his head.  Kawaguchi and Matsuzaki come around to score without a throw and Yokokou up 3-0 on Marugame!

Oddly enough, Miyazaki does cleanup batter Takahama out for a second time with a groundout to 3rd.  Watanabe grounds to short to end the inning, but a mini barrage puts up a quick 3 runs.

Bottom 3rd
Meanwhile Itou with a lead cruising along.  #9 Miyazaki up, hacking at everything finally grounds out to 1st.

Itou then gets Kurumatani to chase a changeup inside for the 2nd out.

And Monda his a ball off of Itou, but Takahama adjusts and throws to 1st for the 3rd out.

Top 4th
Miyazaki still catching too much of the plate. One down and Hasegawa liner to left for a single.

The bottom of the lineup for Yokokou may not be as strong as Watanabe-kantoku is having Itou bunt the runner along with one out (which he does).

Nemoto with the double that started off the 3rd, hits comebacker that Miyazaki stabs at and fields for the 3rd out.

Bottom 4th
Tsugita with a liner over a leaping Takahama for a leadoff single! Chances are Marugame will be bunting.

Ikeda does, but Itou gets to it quickly, fires to 2nd and cuts down the lead runner.

Itou plunks Minami and now Marugame has a chance to get a run back, now with Yuda up.

Lines a ball foul down the 3rd base line, but winds up chasing a high fastball away for the 2nd out! Not very happy with himself (as he should be).

Kawamoto with chopper to short. Takahama with quick throw to 1st just beats Kawamoto for the 3rd out.

Top 5th
Now Miyazaki having trouble finding the strike zone walks leadoff batter Kawaguchi to start the inning.

Miyazaki now behind Matsuzaki 2-0...

So far, not much luck on bunting on either side. Matsuzaki lays down bunt, but Miyazaki is able to go to 2nd for the force.

Asama grounder under a diving Monda for a base hit! Matsuzaki heading to 3rd. Kawanishi fumbles with the ball and allows Asama to go to 2nd.  Things appear to be getting worse for Marugame as Yamamoto-kantoku calls time.

BOOM.

Takahama does the bat flip as he absolutely crushes a ball.  Minami runs out to the wall, but is looking up the entire way.

After being quiet, Takahama declares his presence in a big way. 6-0 Yokokou.

Watanabe and Takai ground out, but Marugame may be done before we hit the mid-game break as they don't really have a relief staff for Miyazaki.

Bottom 5th
Marugame not able to really mount any type of counter. Miyazaki gets one out single, but Kurumatani grounds into fielder's choice at 2B, and Monda just waves the bat down and up on a slider for the 3rd out.

We hit the break, and I think Marugame looks rather broken.  I think it may be a struggle to score even one run at this point.

Top 6th
Well, despite that the defense is doing what they can. Miyazaki gets 3 groundouts against the bottom of the lineup with a great assist from Kurumatani on a diving stop and throw to beat out Nemoto.

Bottom 6th
With the big lead, Itou can control the game.

Tsugita chases a changeup for the first out, while Ikeuchi can only look back at Itou after watching a fastball catch the outside corner.

Minami works a walk, but Yuda quickly pops out to Takahama for the 3rd out

Top 7th
One down and Matsuzaki with a base hit to left.

Asama up and no bunting here.  But he cues a ball up the 3rd base side like a bunt!  Miyazaki scrambles to field it, and the throw to 1st is way over everything!  No one is backing up 1st and the runners run free.  Matsuzaki scores and Asama slides in safe when Yuda tries to get him at 3rd. 7-0 Yokohama.

Takahama spins around and hits another swinging bunt up the 3rd base side.  But Yuda can take his time as Takahama seemed all turned around.

Watanabe still left without a hit as he grounds to 1st for the 3rd out.

Bottom 7th
Marugame getting one-off hits but not much else.  This inning it's Kawanishi who gets the one-out hit, but Miyazaki and Kurumatani strand him there.

Top 8th
Miyazaki issues another walk, this time to Takai to leadoff the inning. Once again an unsuccessful bunt, this time by Hasegawa, which leads to Itou grounding into the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Bottom 8th
Well, another lone baserunner for Marugame as Itou hits Tsugita.

Wait, what's this? Ikeda liner down the left field line.... fair!  That'll go to the wall!  Tsugita gets to 3rd and Marugame might avoid the dreaded shutout!

Not so fast says Itou! Full count to Minami, has balls to throw a slow curve that Minami just can't wait for. 2 down.

Yura up, waits for his pitch, and takes 4 straight for manrui.

Yamamoto-kantoku sends in #16 Ono to hit for Kawamoto...

But I don't think he told him a walk is a good as a hit because three pitches later, the side is retired (Itou just pounds him senseless inside).

Top 9th
#14 Tateoka comes in for PH Ono and goes to 2B.

Nemoto with a bunt to the left side, Miyazaki tries to fire to 1st, but it pulls Monda of the bag.

Kawaguchi with a ball off Miyazaki. Kurumadani makes adjustment and goes to 1st.

#9 Ono to hits for Matsuzaki. Grounds to 3rd where Tsugita realizes Nemoto is coming his way and goes back to tag him out.  2 down.

Asama collects his 4th (official scoring has it at 5) hit of the day with a ball right through the gap at short.

And while Takahama had the 3-run HR, he's been silent the rest of the game.  Full count, he goes down swinging on an inside slider.

Bottom 9th
#14 Endou comes in for PH Ono to play 2B.

Can Marugame avoid the shutout?

Kawanishi with a base hit back up the middle! Maybe they can!

But Miyazaki can only turn and head back in resignation as he's punched out on a fastball on the outside corner.

Kurumatani takes a ball the other way past Kawaguchi for a base hit! There's still a chance.

Monda though hits the first pitch and flies to center!  Kawanishi advances to 3rd but there's 2 out.

Last chance in Tsujita.

He does it! Pulls a slider through the left side and Marugame is on the board! 7-1!

Ikeuchi gives a ball a ride to deep left, but Hasegawa trotting to in front of the wall makes the catch for the 3rd out.

Yokohama with a dominating 7-1 win, Marugame at least prevents shutout.

Yokohama scored their runs in bunches, with 4 consecutive hits in the 3rd, and the big 3-run HR in the 5th accounting for most of the runs.  The bottom of the Yokohama lineup perhaps is concerning as everyone below Takahama got a total of 3 hits, 2 of them from Nemoto.

But the top of the lineup was strong enough to overwhelm Marugame.

On the mound Itou was racking up the Ks. Marugame seemed lost at the plate, and Itou wasn't missing in the wrong places until perhaps the 8th inning.  It didn't wind up being an issue, but it could be later.

As for Marugame, they had their chances early in the 1st, but after that they were scattered until the 8th where by that time there was added pressure to score.  Sadly it's another one-and-done appearance for Marugame.


Notable Players
Itou Shouji (Yokohama) - CG, ER, 8 H, 13 K, 2BB, 2 HBP
Asama Daiki (Yokohama) - 4-5 (Official line has 5-5), 2 2B, R, 2 RBI
Matsuzaki Kenzou (Yokohama) - 2-4, 3 R
Takahama Yuuki (Yokohama) - 1-5, HR, R, 3 RBI
Tsugita Atsushi (Marugame) - 2-4, RBI, HBP
Kawanishi Yuushi (Marugame) - 2-4, R

Well, at least as best as I can anyways:

Title Contenders
Urawa Gakuin (Saitama) - 2nd straight time a school goes haru-natsu?
Ok, I panned Uragaku for the longest time back in Senbatsu (Haru Koushien).  But Ojima Kazuya (小島 和哉) proved me wrong time and time again - and laughed all the way to the title.

As much as I still may have my doubts regarding him as an ace, you have to be special if you can throw a perfect game.  Yes, that's right, Ojima in the quarterfinals against Saitama Heisei went 27 up, 27 down.  That's saying something.

It looks like his stuff hasn't changed.  Still has a change and a screwball to go with the normal slider and curve.  Reports have him in the low 140s but I don't necessarily buy it especially since smaller stadiums seem to have faster radars.

And the team is on a roll - the last tournament game they lost was in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Meiji Jingu Tournament against Harue Kougyou.  The most runs Ojima's given up in a game during that timespan?  2 - against Toukaidai Bouyou in the Kanto Spring Super-Regional Tournament.

If he continues to pitch like this, despite not being a "fireballer", watch out.  We may have back-to-back Haru-Natsu Renzoku Yuushou (spring-summer champions).

Speaking of which...


Osaka Touin (Osaka) - 6th ever back-to-back Natsu champion?
Osaka Touin had a chance in the spring to be the first ever 3-time calendar consecutive Koushien champion.  But injuries to key players - Mori Tomoya (森 友哉) and Kinden Takuya (近田 拓矢) crippled their offense as they fell to Kenritsu Gifu Shougyou.

Now, both of the lynchpins are back, and the offense is chugging along as good as new.  Their weakness is probably back to where it was before Fujinami - their pitching.  Ace Kuzukawa Tomoya (葛川 知哉) and reliever Amimoto Kousuke (網本 光祐) are definitely above average, but nothing about either stands out.

But if one or both of them can be good enough, Osaka Touin may just defend their title.  This is a short blurb, on a title contender, but when you talk Osaka Touin, the story is generally the same - 打て、打て、打て!


Saibi (Ehime) - Can Anraku carry the team all the way?
The story of Anraku Tomohiro (安楽 智大) has been well heard of, 232 pitches in his first game, velocity dropped immensely by the final due to flat out fatigue.

Now it would be just a matter of if Saibi could give Anraku another chance at Koushien this summer this year.  And with the exception of a scare against Kawanoe which required a late-game comeback, Anraku pitched all but 2 outs in his team's run to the title.

Saibi has the opposite problem of Osaka Touin.  Great pitching, average offense.  We saw it at Senbatsu, the offense on average scoring 3-4 runs a game.  That's not bad, but it's not dominating either.  They will need to avoid the "bad day" as Anraku can't carry the team if the team can't score.

Which brings us back to Anraku himself.  Certainly he won't suffer the same workload early as he did at Senbatsu, but it's possible he could play 4 of the last 5 calendar days of the tournament.  He's throwing faster than ever, reportedly hitting 157 on the gun - but as perhaps he may have learned, hitting the high numbers on the gun doesn't mean a whole lot if you can't deliver when it really matters.  If Anraku's stamina can hold up under the summer humid heat, Saibi may just challenge for the title yet again - and this time win.


Potential Contenders
Nichidai-san (Nishi Tokyo)
For those that know me and my coverage, I really don't like Nichidai-san.  My fellow colleagues would say, "Why don't you like them?  I like X player, and Y player - they're really good".  Well, to be honest they ruined my 2011 Natsu Koushien trip by defeating both Kanzei and Narashino.

But before all that went down, Nichidai-san and Osaka Touin to me epitomizes the one thing about kokoyakyu I really don't like.  Strong teams with pedigrees will continue to accumulate talent at the expense of weaker schools.  There is no parity in kokoyakyu - quite the opposite in fact.

But regardless of my feelings toward them, Sanko I have to begrudgingly admit can be a title contender.  The only reason why I don't have them in the upper tier is two-fold.

First, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the fall taikai to Souka (though they did avenge that with a 7-0 victory in the summer) and second, outside of Hino - and no offense to them it's a bit of a stretch - they did not face a quality opponent towards the title.  So the gaudy 75-9 score they accumulated is a bit inflated.

However, they did get a chance to play Urawa Gakuin in the Kanto Spring Super-Regionals, and though they lost 2-0, ace Ooba Ryoutarou (大場 遼太郎) limited Uragaku to just 4 hits while racking up 10 on Ojima.  The top half of the lineup is especially dangerous for teams that are not careful.


Shuutoku (Higashi Tokyo)
Tokyo for as big as the field is was barely contested this year.  Shuutoku almost as easily blew through the field.  Their only close game was their 5th round game when they had to play Teikyou.  But as Teikyou is wont to do, their pitching failed them later allowing Shuutoku to tie and eventually win the game.  And while the score in the final versus Nishougakushadai Fuzoku looked rather ugly (13-6), the game was never really in doubt.

Looking at the pitching staff, there is ace Nishibayashi Kenshin (西林 賢人) and reliever Yusa Kazuki (遊佐 和輝).  Interestingly in that game against Teikyou, CF Iino Shouta (飯野 周太) started the game (not well mind you) with Yusa coming in relief for 7 innings.  That is an interesting call for a team to make knowing you're playing in a key game.  Does that mean that Shuutoku has two pitchers they can call on?  Not sure, but if they do it may help their chances.


Yokohama (Kanagawa)
I have to admit, Yokohama is kind of like the teams I described when talking about Nichidai-san.  They have represented Kanagawa 7 times (including this year) since 2000.  In their prior 6 Natsu appearances, they have reached the quarterfinals and semifinals 2 times each though recently they haven't been as successful.

Yokohama's road to Koushien at least by name was probably one of the hardest.  Starting from the Round of 16, they played in order:

• Yokohama Hayato - 2-run 6th gave them the final 3-2 margin
• Toukou Gakuen - Lack of offense plus pair of HR's from Takahama Yuuji (高浜 祐仁) and Asama Daiki (浅間 大基) spell doom for heralded ace Matsui.
• Toukaidai Sagami - Sagami's pitching has not been the same, and yielded all 7 runs in the 6-8 innings for the mercy-rule loss.
• Hiratsuka Gakuen - While not a powerhouse, Hiratsuka is actually one of the best "3rd tier"* teams out of Kanagawa and did only lose to Yokohama 3-0.

(*3rd Tier refers to teams that are above average, but have not yet broken through to Koushien.  Using Kanagawa as an example, 1st Tier would be powerhouses like Yokohama and Toukou Gakuen who have gone to Koushien regularly, 2nd tier would be teams like Yokohama Hayato, and Toukaidai Sagami who have been consistently above average in the prefecture and have broken through at least once to Koushien)

From my fellow kokoyakyu sources #3 and #4 batters Asama and Takahama were ironically labeled "Matsui-killers" and did in fact cause his downfall.  Who knows if the articles and discussion got to both sides' heads.

The only problem with Yokohama is that their offense looks a bit below average, despite the HRs in the Toukou Gakuen matchup.

On the mound is ace Itou Masashi (伊藤 将司), who apparently has a twitter account if you want to send him your best wishes.  A lefty, he apparently throws in the mid-130's which would put him in the Ojima range.

What seems to perhaps benefit Yokohama is that at least 7 of their starting 9 are 2nd years!  For a school such as Yokohama that has such a big pool of players to draw from, to predominantly use 2nd years means a lot.  And since they theoretically have one more year of chances at Koushien, they may be able to play with nothing to lose - because they don't.  That's scary - and something you cannot measure.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

To be honest, outside of these 6 teams I don't know who else could really be a challenger for the title.  Sure, there will be other teams who will go deep, but if they run into any of these teams they will certainly be an underdog.

Finally, it's a battle of Tokyo Bay.  Kanto Dai-ichi faces off against Yokohama for the final semifinal spot.

Yokohama looks like the team they were supposed to be last summer.  A team with a very good offense, and more than passable pitching, Yokohama blanked Kochi 4-0 then Yanagi scattered 11 hits in a 7-1 victory over Seikou Gakuin.  Nothing from last year that would seem to undermine their run.

Kanto Dai-ichi has had to survive two close games.  First of all a 1-0 victory of Beppu Aoyama (though it seemed a little more bigger than that), then a 2-1 nailbiting win over Chiben Gakuen.

The biggest question mark with Kanto Dai-ichi lies with their ace Nakamura.  He clearly showed signs of fatigue as a lot of his pitches were high and wide.  And being on the last day of the 1st round, it'll only get harder for them as for them to win the title he'll have to had pitched on the 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th days of the tournament.  Not an envious position to be in.  And with Kanto's offense being the way it's been, they're going to have to find a way for the pitching to hold else they exit, and exit with a thud.


3B  Isobe Yuuta (#9)
RF  Kishi Naoya (#16)
2B  Kiuchi Jyunshou
CF  Akiyama Shouta
LF  Itou Hiroki
SS  Yoshie Masakazu (#5)
1B  Anzai Kouyou
C  Matsutani Tsubasa
P  Nakamura Yuuta

LF  Shishikura Kazuma
3B  Takahashi Ryouken (#6)
RF  Tahara Keigo (#11)
1B  Yamauchi Tatsuya
2B  Higuchi Ryuunosuke
CF  Haizaki Ryou
SS  Aoki Rikito (#16)
C  Ozeki Ikki
P  Yanagi Yuuya

__________________________________________________
13:38 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Kanto's batters taking pitches trying to find any advantage to getting on base.  While it is to no avail, Isobe goes to 2-2 before grounding out, and both Kishi and Kiuchi go the full count before striking out swinging and looking respectively.

Bottom 1st
Nakamura's first pitch runs in and hits Shishikura on the hands.  Not a good start.  Takahashi bunts him over into scoring position.

Nakamura's going after Tahara to try and get ahead of the pinch, goes up 0-2 on him.  And Tahara goes down swinging on a change!  2 down!

Yamauchi swinging on the first pitch and grounds out to 2nd!  Kiuchi there to throw to 1st and make the play!  3 outs!

Top 2nd
Akiyama starts off the inning with a ball back up the middle!  Man on for Kanto.  Itou bunting, has to get out of the way.  Count 1-1, bunts it foul!  Will he free bunt?  He shows it.  And puts it down!

Yonezawa-kantoku looking to Yoshie for the one-timer.  Outfield playing in.

And Yoshie pops it up!  Shishikura there to make the catch for the 2nd out.  Anzai grounds out to Takahashi, and the inning is over.

Bottom 2nd
Higuchi with a ball back up the middle, but Kiuchi makes a great diving stop!  Throw to 1st is wide, but Anzai makes a great pick for the out!

Haizaki fouls out for the 2nd out.

And the NHK announcers are talking about how many off-speed pitches Nakamura is throwing.  I wonder if it has to do anything with the fact that his fastball may be a bit slower last game and Yonezawa-kantoku is asking him to throw off-speed stuff to Yokohama.

Aoki swings at another one and pops it up to 1st.  Anzai makes the catch to retire the side.

Top 3rd
Meanwhile, the Kanto offense are trying to deal with Yanagi's fastball.  Matsutani is frozen on one on the outside corner, Nakamura goes down on 3 straight, and while Isobe avoids 3 straight K's, he grounds back to Yanagi for the 3rd out.

Bottom 3rd
Ozeki with a chopper to the left side, but Isobe does an ole on the ball missing it with his stab!  Yoshie can't field it and it's a leadoff base hit!  Yanagi bunts him over.

Shishikura chases one outside and softly hits one to 2nd.  Kiuchi makes the putout and there's 2 down.

Takahashi pops it up!  Matsutani off with his mask goes towards the back screen, leans back at the last minute and makes the catch!  Nakamura looking a lot better than I was expecting.

Top 4th
Kishi trying for the safety bunt and misses.  Swings at one low and is behind 0-2.  But he comes back and works a walk!

And Kishi is caught off of 1st!  Yanagi easily throws him out, but the home plate umpire calls balk!  Kishi is awarded 2nd!  What a break for Kanto! Kiuchi then lays the bunt down, advancing him to 3rd.

WHAT?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akiyama just rips into one from Yanagi!  Tahara doesn't even give chase!!!!!

HAITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akiyama out of nowhere hits a homerun against Yanagi and Kanto Dai-ichi takes a 2-0 lead!!

Watanabe-kantoku calls for time...

Itou makes solid contact too, but flies out to right.  Yoshie can't hold his swing and goes down, but I'm still in shock as Akiyama with a rare HR to right gives his team the lead!

Bottom 4th
Nakamura having trouble on the mound.  His first two off-speed pitches are in the dirt, and the next two fastballs are high for a leadoff walk.

Yamauchi up and the outfield plays back.  He gets under one, and Akiyama calls off Itou to make the catch.

Higuchi gets under one too and hits it to center.  Akiyama going back.. going back??

Makes the catch in deep center.  Wow, that carried further than I thought it would.

Haizaki grounds out to 2nd, and the leadoff walk goes for naught.

Top 5th
Yanagi almost with a 1-2-3 inning, but Nakamura bloops one just fair down the right field line before Higuchi and Tahara can get there.

But that lasts for one pitch as Isobe lines out to right.

Bottom 5th
Nakamura not letting Yokohama make good contact, but continues to give them free passes as he issues one to Aoki to lead off the 5th.

Ozeki trying to lay down the bunt, but instead gets ahead 3-1!  And a pitch low puts 2 men on for Yanagi!  Yonezawa-kantoku calls for time...

Yanagi lays down the bunt and now Yokohama threatens to tie with a base hit!

Top of the order and Shishikura.  But Nakamura gets ahead 0-2.  Fastball high, 1-2.

Chopper up the 3rd base line!  Isobe charging in, looks up before making the pick and the ball deflects off his glove!  Everyone's safe and Yokohama is within 1 at 2-1!!

Still one down for Takahashi.

SQUEEZE!!!

Takahashi lays down the bunt!  Isobe's only play is to 1st and Yokohama ties the game!  We're douten at 2-2!  But Shishikura tries for 3rd and is thrown out by Anzai!  Two down!

But what's this?  Matsutani appeals something at home, and the plate umpire calls Ozeki out!  Watanabe-kantoku is wondering what the heck is going on!

The plate umpire goes to the microphone, says the catcher appealed the runner not touching home, and Ozeki never touched home!

Watanabe-kantoku is furious!  He is yelling at the plate umpire!  I've never seen this before!

But the grounds crew comes out and that's the end of the inning.

Top 6th
One down and Kiuchi hits a single to left.  But Akiyama strikes out and Kiuchi is caught stealing 2nd to end the ining.

Bottom 6th
Tahara with a drive to right center!  Akiyama and Kishi running back to the fence.  Still running back!!

And Akiyama makes the catch right in front of the wall!  One down.

Yamauchi and Higuchi quickly fly out thereafter and it's a 1-2-3 inning for Nakamura!

Top 7th
One down, Yoshie lays down a bunt.  Takahashi lets it go as it's rolling foul, but it straightens out enough to catch the corner of the 3rd base bag!  Fair!

Takahashi can only give a wry smile as he gives the ball back to Yanagi.

But Anzai grounds into the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.  Kanto's lucky 7 ends quickly.

Bottom 7th
But will Yokohama be able to get the douten run after it was taken away?

Haizaki takes a full count pitch and hits it to right.  Kishi running back, looking up, running back...

It's over his head!  Haizaki rounding 2nd makes it into 3rd easily!  Douten runner 90 feet away!

OY!!!

Nakamura almost sails one to the backscreen!  Matsutani saves it!

Now a ball in the dirt and Matsutani blocks that one!  3-1 to Aoki.

SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!

Aoki makes contact, but it goes foul!  Matsutani dives, but can't make the catch!

Full count, what will both sides do?

High and inside!  Gyakuten runner on for Yokohama and still no down!

Ozeki lifts one to center!  Akiyama with the catch and the ball is cutoff but bobbled by Kiuchi.  He wouldn't have had a play anyways,  and Yokohama indeed gets the douten run!  2-2!!

Yanagi lays down his 3rd bunt, putting the gyakuten runner in scoring position for Shishikura!

Shishikura fouls out to left and the inning is over.  However, a leadoff triple leads to the douten run!

Top 8th
Kanto has been unable to do anything since the HR by Akiyama.  And it continues into the 8th.  Matsutani grounds out to 1st, and Nakamura flies out to left.  Isobe grounds out to 3rd and Nakamura will have to hold the line.

Bottom 8th
One down and Tahara collects his first single, a ball back up the middle that Yoshie dives and just misses!  #9 Nakase come in to run for him.

Yamauchi with a ball to shallow right center!  Akiyama charging in, dives... and makes the catch!  What a play by Akiyama!! 2 down!

And Higuchi with a ball to short!  Yoshie with the strong throw to 1st and Yokohama is retired!

Top 9th
2-3-4 batters due up for Kanto.

Kishi looks at strike 3 on the outside corner for the 1st out!

Kiuchi with a ball to center puts the go-ahead run on base!  Watanabe-kantoku calls time...

Akiyama showing bunt!  They're going for the one timer!  He takes strike 1.

Wait!  He swinging away!  He singles to center!  Runners on 1st and 2nd with just one down! Itou stepping in, but he's 0-2 on the day.

He quickly falls behind 0-2 and starts defensively fouling off pitches...  Gets one ball back.

And he drives one to left center!  That's through the outfielders!  Kiuchi scores!  Akyama being waved around and he scores!!  Itou with a 2-run triple and Kanto Dai-ichi takes a 4-2 lead!!

Watanabe-kantoku calls in #10 Souma.  He comes in for Nakase and takes the hill.  Yanagi goes to right.

Souma retires the next two batters to end the inning, but Kanto takes back the two runs it lost and are 3 outs away from a trip to the semifinals!

Bottom 9th
It'll be the 6-7-8 batters up for Yokohama to mount their rally.

First up is Haizaki who earlier had the triple.  He gets ahead 3-1.  More than anything Yokohama needs baserunners.  He takes the pitch and the count goes full.

And Nakamura pops him up!  Isobe under it for the first out!

Aoki, who had two walks on the day gives way to #13 Itou.  He drives one to left!  Itou running back, leaps backwards, and makes the catch!! WHAT???!!!!

Two down and the last chance in Ozeki.  He quickly falls behind 0-2...  Fastball up.  And another one up, 2-2...

He hits one to right... Kishi there... makes the catch!!  Shiaishuuryou!

Kanto Dai-ichi shocks Yokohama (and myself) and advances with a 4-2 victory!!

Hard to explain this one myself.  Yanagi looked the better pitcher most of the game, and yet it was two mistakes that cost him the game.  Meanwhile, Nakamura looked shaky at times as I expected, walked 4 and hit 1, and yet thanks to some amazing (at at times lucky) defense, plus a crucial call reversing a run, won the game!

Personally, the better team did not win the game, rather the better team today did.

And as I write this, there are several Yokohama players crying, and other looking out onto the field as if to say what did we do to deserve this?

Now, my personal feelings for Yokohama are neutral to a bit on the negative side.  I don't hate them, but they are a powerhouse and I do like the underdogs.  And in recent years I have been very critical of them.  But you get to a point where you start feeling bad for them, and today's game might have been that point for me.

I do love the underdogs, but you have to start feeling bad for teams that are good, but just can't get over the hump (see Tenri).  And despite what people may have said about Watanabe-kantoku and his work, I actually do hope that his team finds success.

Just not against my teams please.

So Yokohama will have to work hard during the spring and summer, and run the gauntlet that is the Yokohama qualifying to make it to Koushien.  I hope this time they do make it.

Kanto Dai-ichi's senbatsu will continue, but they'll have to face off on no days rest against Kousei Gakuin.  Not a promising proposition.

Next on the docket may prove to be a good game.

Yokohama and ace Yanagi completely made Kochi look like a normal ordinary team in a 4-0 win.  Of course, it could also be Shikoku in general (though looking at Naruto yesterday it may not be the case).

Even still, Yokohama's offense may be of some concern as the bottom of the lineup failed to do a whole lot against Sakamoto/Tagashira.  That'll probably mean that Yanagi will need to shoulder a bit more of the load for them to make a championship type run.

Seikou Gakuin meanwhile got a good challenge from Toba in that they were limited to 2 runs.  However, ace Okano at the same time limited Toba to just 2 hits.

Now, Okano's not really that much different from other pitchers other than perhaps having better control than others.  I don't think I can really say that he's the pitcher the statistics bear him out to be, so it'll be interesting how he will do against Yokohama.

But in terms of pressure, I think the onus will be more on Okano than Yanagi to carry their respective teams.  Seikou's offense appears to be a bit weaker than Yokohama.

CF  Haizaki Ryou
LF  Shishikura Kazuma
RF  Tahara Keigo (#11)
1B  Yamauchi Tatsuya
2B  Higuchi Ryuunosuke
SS  Aoki Rikito (#16)
C  Ozeki Ikki
3B  Takahashi Ryouken (#6)
P  Yanagi Yuuya

CF  Saitou Yuuki
SS  Hirano Yuuma
C  Nagai Ryou
1B  Sonobe Satoshi
RF  Anzai Satoshi
LF  Kawai Shoutarou (#17)
3B  Kyouda Seiki
2B  Minowa Masato
P  Okano Yuuichirou

__________________________________________________

12:00 - First Pitch

Top 1st
One down for Yokohama and Shishikura singles to left.

Shishikura tries to steal 2nd, but Nagai calls for the pitchout and they get him easily.  Too bad as Tahara singles past a diving Sonobe.

Yamauchi also singles to right and is Yokohama's rare hit parade going to start?

Saitou-kantoku calls for time.

Higuchi with a liner to right!  Anzai running back, leaps!  It's off his glove!  He gathers it in, but Tahara scores to give Yokohama the early 1-0 lead!

Aoki follows that up with a liner to left!  Kawai sprinting to his right dives, and makes the catch!  He faceplants as his body bends uncomfortably above him, but he makes the catch save 2 more runs!

Bottom 1st
Hirano with a comebacker, off Yanagi's glove and into center for a one-out single!

And he goes for 2nd!  Throw is short and he's in safely!  Nagai follows that up with a single through the left side and Seikou Gakuin looks to strike back!

But when Sonobe grounds back to Yanagi, Hirano is caught off 3rd!  He's run down but then there's no one covering 3rd so he's back safely!  But Nagai didn't notice and head back to 2nd, so now he's caught!  He goes to 3rd, but then Hirano vacates 3rd.  Eventaully Hirano is run down as orginally done and the trailing runners advance as far as they can go.

Anzai hits a comebacker to Yanagi, and while he doesn't field it cleanly, he has plenty of time to make the out to end the inning.

Top 2nd
Ozeki with a hard grounder to short that bounces off Hirano.  But his throw beats out a diving Ozeki for the out.  Because diving at first for outs is the cool thing to do.  (No, no snark to see here, move along.)

Takahashi with a liner to left.  Kawai leaps and has it, no he doesn't!  He scurries back to get it and Takahashi's on with a 2-base error!

Yanagi follows that on the next pitch with a single to left!  Runners at the corners!

Haizaki with a liner to center!  Saitou makes th catch, and Takahashi holds!  Saitou's throw hits home on the fly!  2 down!

Shishikura up and gets locked into a battle with Okano going the full count and pulling some hard hit balls foul.  9th pitch of the AB he hits one to short.  Hirano double clutches and his throw short hops 1st!  Sonobe can't make the pick and Shishikura is safe! Takahashi scores to make it a 2-0 Yokohama lead!

Tahara grounds to short, but Yokohama tallies another run on the board.

Bottom 2nd
Kyouda gives Seikou another one-out baserunner when he works a walk on Yanagi.  But Minowa grounds into the 4-6-3 double play.

It would appear that Yanagi does not necessarily have his off speed pitches going for strikes unless the batter swings.  May want to key in on the straight.

Top 3rd
Higuchi connects for his 2nd hit, a liner to left.

Aoki with a short fly to center.  Saitou charges in, slides, but can't make the catch!  Higuchi advances to 2nd on the play.

Ozeki pops it up in the infield, but no one's calling for it!  Okano makes the catch though finally and there's 2 down.

Takahashi with a grounder to 1st, and it gets by Sonobe!  How did he miss that?!  Higuchi scores on the error and it's 3-0 with runners at the corners.

Yanagi grounds to 2nd to end the inning, but while Yokohama earned their 1st run, Seikou has given them the next 2, digging themselves a bigger hole to get out of.

Bottom 3rd
Okano with a grounder to Aoki.  He has to hurry his throw a bit to get the hustling Okano out.

Saitou connects on a fastball and singles to right.  It does look like if you're looking for a pitch to hit, hit the fastball.  His changes are connecting.

And Saitou is picked off 1st!  Yanagi catches him in between hops and throws him out!  He's definitely not happy.  Even more so probably when Hirano singles to right.

Hirano takes off on a slow curve and he takes 2nd!  2nd stolen base of the game!

Nagai though grounds to short, no, make that 3B as Hasegawa cuts in front to make the play at 1st.

Top 4th
Shishikura makes a bid for his 3rd hit, but Minowa makes a great stop and throw to just beat out a diving Shishikura!

Kawai secures a foul fly from Tahara to give Okano his first 1-2-3 inning and more importanly, keep Yokohama off the board.

Bottom 4th
Sonobe leads the 4th taking a slow curve through the left side.  Let's see if the can't get one back here.  Anzai tries the safety bunt, but it becomes a regular one.

But Kawai can't even advance the runner as he grounds to short.

Kyouda works the count full and takes a change high to put runners on 1st and 2nd.  That prompts Watanabe-kantoku to call for time.

It'll be up to Minowa again to try and score the runs or extend the inning.

However, Minowa doesn't listen to my advice to look for only a fastball, and strikes out on a slider.  Two more runners left on base.

Top 5th
#7 Sekine in for Kawai in LF.

Yamauchi connects on a ball left up in the zone by Okano!  Sekine to the wall, and it bounces off the top of the wall!  He's in with a double!  Higuchi bunts him to 3rd and Yokohama is threatening again.

SQUEEZE!

Aoki tries for the squeeze, but pops it up!  Okano running to the 3rd base line dives, and makes the backhanded catch!  Yamauchi's meat at 3rd and Okano calmly tosses to Kyouda for the inning-ending double play!

Bottom 5th
Can Seikou capitalize on this momentum?

Okano starts it off taking a hanging curve back up the middle!  Man on and the top of the order up!

Saitou up and he gets ahead 3-0.  Will he try for the walk?  Takes a fastball just high enough for a strike.  Swings at the next one, and Yokohama gets the leading runner.

Hirano tries for the safety bunt, but that goes foul!  So he hits a single past a diving Higuchi to right!

Nagai with a scorcher!  But Hasegawa makes the lunging catch!  Saitou is meat at 2nd and the inning is over!  We head to the break with Yokohama leading by 3, but most of that was of Seikou's own doing.

Top 6th
Two quick outs for Okano, but he hangs one to Yanagi!  He connects and sends one to left!  Sekine back to the wall...


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

Yanagi helps his own cause with a homerun!  It's 4-0 Yokohama!

Haizaki with a ball up the middle.  Hirano over to field it, but can't cleanly get it!  He eats it as Haizaki reaches first.

Shishikura chops one back to Okano for the 3rd out, but Yokohama adds to their lead.

Bottom 6th
Seikou is trying to get runners on any way possible.  Sonobe works the count full, but strikes out swinging.  Anzai gets plunked, but it's called a ball because he didn't make an effort to get out of the way (not that people have gotten on for less).

And Sekine grounds back to Yanagi to end the inning.

Top 7th
Tahara does something the Seikou batters were unable to do last half-inning... walk.

Yamauchi is swinging away instead of bunting and drives one deep to center!  Saitou runs back to his right, then back to his left... and makes the catch!

Higuchi and Aoki are also retired via fly balls to Anzai and their lucky 7 comes and goes.

Bottom 7th
Minowa finally gives them a baserunner with a liner past Aoki to center.  Saitou-kantoku calls for Okano to bunt looking for a one timer.

But even though he's successful, Saitou swings on the first pitch and flies out to 1st to end the inning.

Top 8th
Ozeki connects on a slider and it one-hops to the wall for a leadoff double.

Takahashi pulls back the bunt, reaches out and stabs one over the infield to right for a single!  Runners at the corners for ace Yanagi!

Yanagi singles to right!  That sends home Ozeki.  5-0 and runners at the corners again for Haizaki.

Saitou-kantoku calls time, but it probably won't help anymore.

He hits a fly to right.  That'll get Takahashi home to make it 6-0.

Shishikura with a liner to center to put runners at the corners.

Saitou-kantoku mercifully pulls Okano out for #11 Iitaka.

But Tahara lines one to right to the wall!  Watanabe-kantoku seemingly puts the brakes on and only Yanagi scores to make it a 7-0 game.

Iitaka retires the next 2 batters, and the game seems well in hand.

Bottom 8th
Hirano up and he drives a ball deep to right!  Tahara chases the ball down near the foul pole as Hirano has a leadoff triple!

Nagai singles to center and Seikou avoids the shutout, making it 7-1.

However the struggles in the middle of the order continue.  Sonobe is caught looking on a fastball, and Anzai grounds into a 5-4-3 double play.

Top 9th
#12 Nomoto in for Sonobe at 1B.

And while Nomoto yields a single to Takahashi, he strikes out Yanagi looking to end the inning.

Bottom 9th
#9 Nakase in at RF for Yokohama.

Sekine and PH Nakata (#18) are retired before PH Sakatani (#16) singles back up the middle.

Captain Ujiie (#15) comes in to PH next.  And he works a walk.

Still a long ways to go for Seikou as Watanabe-kantoku calls time.

And indeed, Saitou looking for a hit instead of trying to get on base, grounds into the fielder's choice at 3rd to end the game.

Seikou Gakuin was under pressure from Yokohama's bats the entire game and with timely hitting and some errors from the defense scored 7 runs.  However, they had their own opportunities and were unable to convert on them until it was far too late.

No scare this time around for Yokohama as they advance to the best 8 to face the winners of our final game of the day.  However, Yanagi didn't look particularly sharp today, and he may need to be if they want to win senbatsu this year.

As for Seikou Gakuin, Okano's stellar ERA was a bit deflated due to perhaps the region and the like, and while he wasn't terrible, he wasn't as good as perhaps the statistics showed.  They'll pack up and work on improving for the summer.

Now that Koushien is back on track, and the weather doesn't seem threatening, we can move on to the penultimate games of the 1st round.

First up today is a matchup of big names, Yokohama and Kochi.

Yokohama was fortunate enough to receive the floating bid from the selection committee.  Otherwise, they'd be watching on TV wondering what might have been.

It's been a lackluster year so far for Yokohama.  First was the 9th inning debacle at Natsu Koushien when they allowed Chiben Gakuen to score 9 runs en route to a 9-4 win.  Then in the fall tournaments they won the Kanagawa prefecturals, but lost 6-2 to Best 4 team Sakushin Gakuin (who, until recently was a fairly known team, but with little success).

It would seem that problems still persist with the pitching staff, though to what extent I don't know.  But I'm pretty sure that Watanabe-kantoku has been under a bit more pressure as their team continues to struggle.

Kochi, and the Shikoku region for that matter are struggling a bit as well.  Once known for the baseball (and still are to some extent), teams from this region have not fared as well in recent years.  Kochi has been one of those teams.  They made it by avenging a loss in the prefecturals to Meitoku Gijyuku, though they lost a thriller to Naruto.

I'd like to see the rise of Shikoku again, and perhaps a game against Yokohama might do it.  But I'm not so sure.

CF  Horio Chigaya
2B  Doi Yuuga
3B  Wada Ren
SS  Norikane Shun
RF  Okazaki Kenya
1B  Masa Yuuma
LF  Matagawa Ryouyuu (#18)
P  Sakamoto Yuuta
C  Komatsu Tomohiro

CF  Haizaki Ryou
LF  Shishikura Kazuma
RF  Tahara Keigo (#11)
1B  Yamauchi Tatsuya
2B  Higuchi Ryuunosuke
C  Ozeki Ikki
SS  Aoki Rikito (#16)
P  Yanagi Yuuya
3B  Takahashi Ryouken (#6)

__________________________________________________

09:00 - First Pitch!

Top 1st
Wada with a two-out single off Higuchi's glove, but he's picked off shorty thereafter and the inning is over.

Bottom 1st
Haizaki with a lines just above a leaping Norikane to lead off Yokohama's 1st.

After a bunt by Shishikura, Tahara goes up 3-0 before finally drawing a walk.  So Sakamoto is in a bit of trouble, and it gets worse as he falls behind Yamauchi 3-1.

Yamauchi with a liner to left center!  That gets between the fielders and all the way to the wall!  Both runners score and Yokohama leads 2-0!

Oy.. and now Sakamoto hits Higuchi!   And now Ozeki!  Manrui for Yokohama, and now the game could get away from Kochi here in the 1st!

But he Sakamoto comes back to strike out Aoki for the 2nd out!  It's up to Yanagi now...

But the strikes out too!  Sakamoto prevents any further damage being done!

Top 2nd
Kochi's batters don't look too comfortable.  Norikani is frozen on a fastball, Okazaki makes a bad swing on a change and grounds out to first.

Masa manages a single through the right side, but Matagawa flies out to right center and the inning is over.

Bottom 2nd
Sakamoto slight better this inning.  He's still having control issues, but Yokohama's batters are swinging any almost anything in the zone, so he racks up 2 quick outs, then runs the count full before inducing a foul out for a 1-2-3 inning.

Top 3rd
Yanagi's control isn't good either, but better than Sakamoto's right now.  He manages to retire the side in order, though with a little more difficulty.  Though, top batter Horio seemed to make good contact but still fly out to right.

Bottom 3rd
Sakamoto looking much better now.  He records his second straight 1-2-3 inning and is throwing more balls in the zone.

Top 4th
Yanagi puts up a 1-2-3 inning without much objection from the Kochi batters.  2 above the minimum after 4.

Bottom 4th
Aoki with a 2-out base hit to break the string of 9 straight retired by Sakamoto.  Yanagi bunts him over for Takaahashi.

However, Takahashi is fooled on a slider outside, does manage to make contact.  But it's right to 2nd for the out.

Top 5th
Okazaki gets their first leadoff baserunner on as he singles through the right side.  Masa tries to lay the bunt down, but instead fouls out to a charging Aoki.

Neither of the next 2 batters are able to do anything, and once again Kochi comes away scoreless.

Bottom 5th
Sakamoto's control looks much better, getting Haizaki to strike out looking, and getting 0-2 on Shishikura before he hits a slow dribbler up the right side that Doi is unable to field cleanly (it would have been a close play).

Shishikura takes off for 2nd on the first pitch to Tahara and slides in safely!

Tahara with a base hit through the right side!  Okazaki with a throw home!  Komatsu's got it, but the tag is just a touch behind and he's called safe!   (The replay is inconclusive other than Shishikura may have missed the plate).

Yamauchi with a soft hit to center!  Tahara, who took 2nd on the throw stops at 3rd!

Highuchi chases a fastball outside and there's 2 down.

Ozeki strikes out looking to end the inning, but at the break Yokohama holds a good 3-0 margin.

Top 6th
I'd talk to you about Yanagi's pitching, but he supposedly has 4-5 different off-speed pitches it's hard to tell which one he's throwing when.  About the only thing I can say is that his fastball is in the high 120-low 130 range.

Yanagi rings up two K's on bad swings before not getting a call on a full count pitch to Doi.

Shimada-kantoku tries the hit-and-run, but Wada lines out to right to end the inning.

Bottom 6th
Post-break, Sakamoto still looks good on the mound.  Despite giving a 2-out walk to Takahashi, he retires Haizaki on a fly to center.  Now if only the offense could get going...

Top 7th
Okazaki makes good contact, but it's just not carrying as he flies out to center.

Masa strikes out, and Kochi continues to struggle.

Bottom 7th
Shishikura collects his 2nd hit as he doubles over Okazaki.


#17 Ariizumi comes in to PH for Tahara.  But Komatsu catches Shishikura off 2nd!  Shishikura makes a dash for 3rd, the throw from Norikane is there, but Wada can't field it!  Safe!

And now Watanabe-kantoku pulls back Ariizumi for #13 Itou!  He hits a ball to left, and Matagawa charging in, can't get there!  Shishikura scores to make it 4-0!

#9 Nakase comes in to PR for Itou.

Yamauchi can proabably put the nail in the coffin with a base hit, but he can't do that, grounding out to 2nd.

Neither Higuchi or Ozeki can bring Nakase home, but 4-0 already looks near impossible to come back from for Kochi.

Top 8th
#16 Okuda coming in to PH for Sakamoto, meaning that his day is done.

Grounder to the right side, goes past Yamauchi and under Higuchi's legs!

#7 Kitadai hits for Komatsu, tries a pop safety bunt, but it's not high enough and Yamauchi catches it.

Our first balk of the tournament is called on Yanagi, but it's of no consequence as Horio hits a chopper back to Yanagi for the 3rd out.

Bottom 8th
#11 Tagashira comes in for PH Okuda to take over on the hill.  #13 Isshiki comes in for Matadai and takes over at C, whiles Kitadai stays in the game at LF.

Aoki immediately tests Tagashira with a bunt.  Tagashira fields it, but short hops the throw.  E1.

Yanagi pays back the favor by popping his bunt up.  Wada catches it for the out.  Aoki gets the base anyways by stealing it with not much from the throw by new C Isshiki.

Oof.  Hiazaki takes a dead ball right in the ribs as he turns into it.

But Tagashira gets out of the jam striking out Shishikura.

Top 9th
The game has gone at quite the quick clip here and we're already in the 9th, just 100 minutes since the start.

And Kochi keeps it quick by going 1-2-3 in the 9th.

A great performance by ace Yanagi, and probably Kochi is left wondering if they couldn't have done anything more.


Notable Players
Wada Ren (Kochi) 1-3
Yanagi Yuuya (Yokohama) - CG, 0 ER, 3 H, 4 K, BB
Shishikura Kazuma (Yokohama) - 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 SB
Yamauchi Tatsuya (Yokohama) - 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI