2007 Nippon Series: Game 4
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Re: 2007 Nippon Series: Game 4
[ Author: Deanna | Posted: Oct 31, 2007 12:07 PM
| NIP Fan
]
Yoshikawa also faced 3 batters in Sunday night's Japan Series game, replacing Glynn on the mound. He got Byung-gyu Lee to hit that grounder to Kensuke with the rundown between second and third. But then he walked Tanishige on a full count to load the bases and also walked Fujii on a full count, which walked in a run. (And then Oshimoto replaced him on the mound.)
He didn't pitch at all during the PL playoffs.
I actually was under the impression Yoshikawa was going to be out for the year after breaking his wrist. I hope he's okay now.
He didn't pitch at all during the PL playoffs.
I actually was under the impression Yoshikawa was going to be out for the year after breaking his wrist. I hope he's okay now.
Re: 2007 Nippon Series: Game 4
[ Author: firearmofmutiny | Posted: Oct 31, 2007 1:09 PM
| CD Fan
]
Takashi Ogasawara for the Dragons? He pitched well when he first got called up (around Golden Week) and his record went to 6-1. Then he went about 3 months without winning a game, until Game 1 of the Central League Climax Series 2nd Stage against the Giants. A few of those losses/no-decisions during that winless streak were of the "no run support" variety, so this isn't a bad option for the Dragons. Certainly better than Masa Yamamoto, considering how Yamamoto's pitched this year and in previous Nippon Series.
If Ogasawara gets in trouble, maybe we'll see Daisuke Yamai back him up. I consider today a must-win for the Fighters, as the momentum will be back on their side if they can win this one and also ride Darvish to victory in Game 5. On the other hand, I consider Game 5 the must-win for the Dragons, as they can either win the Series or put Nippon Ham in the bad spot needing to win two without Darvish.
If Ogasawara gets in trouble, maybe we'll see Daisuke Yamai back him up. I consider today a must-win for the Fighters, as the momentum will be back on their side if they can win this one and also ride Darvish to victory in Game 5. On the other hand, I consider Game 5 the must-win for the Dragons, as they can either win the Series or put Nippon Ham in the bad spot needing to win two without Darvish.
Re: 2007 Nippon Series: Game 4
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 31, 2007 10:17 PM
| YBS Fan
]
The Dragons take Game 4 to take a 3-1 game lead.
As the detail of the coverage gets greater, the logs get longer. So here's game log of Game 4 until the middle of the 5th.
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2007/10/31
CHATROOM 2007 Nippon Series/Game 4
18:05 westbaystars: Good evening, and welcome to the textual version of Pro Yakyu Live! here on JapaneseBaseball.com.
18:05 westbaystars: I'm Michael Westbay, your host.
18:06 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons host the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at Nagoya Dome.
18:06 westbaystars: Starting linesup for the visiting Fighters:
18:06 westbaystars: CF Morimoto
18:06 westbaystars: 2B K. Tanaka
18:06 westbaystars: RF Inaba
18:07 westbaystars: 1B Seguignol
18:07 westbaystars: 3B Koyano
18:07 westbaystars: LF Kudoh
18:07 westbaystars: SS Kaneko
18:07 westbaystars: C Tsuruoka
18:07 westbaystars: P Yoshikawa
18:07 westbaystars: ---
18:07 westbaystars: Fo the home Dragons:
18:07 westbaystars: 2B Araki
18:07 westbaystars: SS Ibata
18:07 westbaystars: LF morino
18:07 westbaystars: 1B Woods
18:07 westbaystars: 3B N. Nakamura
18:07 westbaystars: RF Lee
18:08 westbaystars: C Tanishige
18:08 westbaystars: P Ogasawara
18:08 westbaystars: ---
18:08 westbaystars: Top of 1st
18:09 westbaystars: ---
18:11 westbaystars: B.B. Bear is out entertaining the Hokkaido fans over the third base dugout.
18:11 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons have been announced and are taking the field.
18:12 westbaystars: It's game time, but the pitcher, Ogasawara, is just starting his warm up pitches.
18:13 westbaystars: Morimoto now stands in.
18:13 westbaystars: Ogasawara goes into the wind up.
18:13 westbaystars: The first pitch is over for a called strike one.
18:13 westbaystars: We7re starting at 6:12 pm JST.
18:14 westbaystars: The second offering is grounded up the middle.
18:14 westbaystars: Ibata fields teh ball behind and to the left of the second base bag.
18:14 westbaystars: His throw to first is wide and in the dirt!
18:14 westbaystars: It gets by Woods.
18:14 westbaystars: The leadoff man is aboard for the Fighters.
18:15 westbaystars: Tanishige was backing up the play. Hichori holds at first.
18:15 westbaystars: Left handed Tanaka bunts the first pitch back to Ogasawara on the first base side.
18:15 westbaystars: He throws to first, and thesacrifice bunt is successful.
18:16 westbaystars: Runner at second, one out, Inaba coming to the plate.
18:16 westbaystars: 0 for 9 in the Nippon Series so far.
18:17 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on the slumping Inaba.
18:17 westbaystars: Third offering just misses outside for ball one.
18:18 westbaystars: As does the fourth offering. Two and two.
18:19 westbaystars: The fifth offering is swung on and Inaba hits a looping liner right at Ibata at short.
18:19 westbaystars: Hichori gets back to second before Tanaka comes over.
18:19 westbaystars: Two down, runner still at second.
18:19 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
18:19 westbaystars: 3 for 8 so far in the Series, with a pair of home runs.
18:20 westbaystars: Batting .297 from the right side, .227 from the left side this season.
18:20 westbaystars: Facing the left hander Ogasawara from the right side.
18:21 westbaystars: Ogasawara battles back to bring the count to 2 and 2.
18:21 westbaystars: Fifth offering misses outside, full count.
18:22 westbaystars: Sixth offering also mises outside, Seggy not going for it.
18:22 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and second with two down here in the top of the first.
18:22 westbaystars: Koyano (0 for 6 so far) stands in.
18:23 westbaystars: Koyano not getting the start last night. He came in defensively late in the game.
18:24 westbaystars: He lines a 1-1 pitch up the left side, sending a shot of excement through the crowd.
18:24 westbaystars: Two strikes and a ball.
18:25 westbaystars: Fourth offering is called strike three, up and over the outside part of the plate.
18:25 westbaystars: The Fighters put runners on in the first, but come up empty.
18:25 westbaystars: ---
18:25 westbaystars: Bottom of 1st
18:25 westbaystars: ---
18:26 westbaystars: It's the regular lineup for the Dragons, Araki, Ibata, and Morino to start off the bottom of the first.
18:27 westbaystars: The 19 year old Yoshikawa takes the mound for the Fighters.
18:28 westbaystars: His first pitch to Araki missed down low for ball one.
18:29 westbaystars: Araki grounds the fourth offering to the left side.
18:29 westbaystars: Koyano hustles the throw to first, a rainbow over Seguignol's head!
18:29 westbaystars: Araki would have that that beat out anyway, and it's ruled an infield hit.
18:30 westbaystars: Ibata is hit with the first pitch by Yoshikawa on the left hip.
18:30 westbaystars: He looks like he's in pain.
18:30 westbaystars: How many times has he been hit this Series?
18:30 westbaystars: Ibata limps up the first base like with the trainer.
18:31 westbaystars: He still looks like he's in pain, but quickly getting over it.
18:31 westbaystars: So the Dragons quickly have runners at first and second with nobody out.
18:31 westbaystars: And Mr. Three Run at the plate.
18:32 westbaystars: morino shows bunt, and takes the bat back for ball one.
18:32 westbaystars: The second offering is bunted up the first base side, but is allowed to go foul.
18:32 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
18:33 westbaystars: Swing away Morino!
18:33 westbaystars: No, he's showing bunt and takes ball two.
18:33 westbaystars: Tsuruoka chased Araki back to second with a fainted throw.
18:33 westbaystars: The next offering is bunted up the first base side, well in fair territory.
18:34 westbaystars: The only place to throw is first, and the sacrifice is successful.
18:34 westbaystars: That brings up Tyrone Woods, with runners at second and third and one out.
18:35 westbaystars: 2 for 10 in the Series, yet to have a home run, 1 RBI last night, the first run of the 7 run 1st inning.
18:35 westbaystars: The next pitch gets away from Tsuruoka, and Araki breaks for the plate!
18:35 westbaystars: The ball didn't get that far away, though!
18:35 westbaystars: Araki turns around and dives back into third, without a throw.
18:36 Deanna: yikes
18:36 westbaystars: Woods fouls the next pitch off to bring the count to 2 strikes and a ball.
18:36 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded up the third base side.
18:36 westbaystars: Fair ball.
18:36 westbaystars: Koyano bobbles it while Araki comes home.
18:37 westbaystars: And Woods reaches first ahead of the throw!
18:37 westbaystars: E-5.
18:37 westbaystars: Satoh-pitching coach heads out to talk with his 19 year old starter.
18:37 westbaystars: Settle him down to face Nori.
18:38 westbaystars: Runners at first and second with one out here in the bottom of the first.
18:38 westbaystars: One run in so far.
18:39 westbaystars: Nakamura batted .293 during the regular season, .350 during the Climax Series, and .500 so far in the Nippon Series.
18:39 westbaystars: 6 for 12 with no home runs and 3 RBIs.
18:39 westbaystars: Both on doubles to right-center.
18:39 westbaystars: Yoshikawa falls behind no strikes, 3 balls.
18:39 westbaystars: Nori has the go ahead.
18:39 westbaystars: But takes ball four on four pitches.
18:39 westbaystars: That loads the bases.
18:40 westbaystars: Hillman-kantoku has taken a seat on the bench after starting out on the back of the bench seats.
18:40 westbaystars: Lee stands in with one out and the bases loaded.
18:40 westbaystars: First offering is grounded to the right side.
18:41 westbaystars: Seguignol fields the ball and throws to second for one.
18:41 westbaystars: The relay to Yoshikawa covering first is not in time.
18:41 westbaystars: Another run comes in.
18:41 westbaystars: The Dragons now lead 2-0 with Hirata coming to the plate.
18:41 westbaystars: Hirata is 1 for 3 so far in the Series.
18:41 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch on the inside corner at the knees for a called strike one.
18:42 westbaystars: The second offering is fouled off of Tsuruoka, two quick strikes to the center fielder.
18:42 westbaystars: And Hirata swings and misses the third offering.
18:43 westbaystars: 三球三振 (strike out on three pitches) for Yoshikawa to retire the side.
18:43 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons get off to a quick 2-0 lead after one complete.
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 westbaystars: Top of Second
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 Deanna: well, that's at least slightly less exploding ham than last time.
18:45 westbaystars: And both starters tend to settle down after the first, if previous games are any indication.
18:45 Deanna: Yeah.
18:46 westbaystars: Kudoh leads off grounding the first pitch to Ibata at short.
18:46 westbaystars: Ibata makes a better throw to first this time than in the first, and the first batter is retired.
18:46 Deanna: man, it seemed like Yoshikawa pretty much just missed being in summer Koshien on both sides with Koryo
18:46 Deanna: they were there in 2002, 2003, and 2007, I think
18:47 westbaystars: That's how it goes sometimes.
18:47 westbaystars: Kaneko works the count even at 2 and 2.
18:47 westbaystars: Fifth offering is fouled back. Count remains 2 and 2.
18:48 Deanna: also, I am dressed up as Hichori Morimoto for Halloween today. Thus the Fighters better win, dammit
18:48 westbaystars: Kaneko then drills the sixth pitch through the left side, past a diving Ibata, into left field for a base hit.
18:48 westbaystars: Painted greet?
18:48 westbaystars: green?
18:49 westbaystars: That brings up Tsuruoka.
18:49 westbaystars: Tsuruoka lifts the second Ogasawara offring to center field.
18:50 westbaystars: But right to Hirata who jogs in a few steps to make the catch.
18:50 Deanna: not green, just a no-hair cap, green armbands with #1 on them, a Morimoto #1 fighters shirt, etc.
18:50 westbaystars: Two down, runner at first.
18:50 Beethoven: Hi everyone! :]]
18:50 westbaystars: All the teachers dress up tonight?
18:50 westbaystars: That brings up Yoshikawa.
18:50 westbaystars: Good evening/morning/afternoon.
18:51 westbaystars: Maybe "Salutations" would be better?
18:51 Deanna: Nah, they were supposed to, but I'm the only one who did
18:51 Deanna: and, I gotta go -- be back a bit after 8
18:51 westbaystars: Ogasawara brings the count even at 2 and 2 with a called strike two on the outside corner.
18:51 westbaystars: And the next pitch strikes the opposing pitcher out looking.
18:52 westbaystars: The Fighters get a runner on, but come up empty in the second.
18:52 westbaystars: After 1 and a half, the Dragons lead 2-0.
18:52 westbaystars: ---
18:52 westbaystars: Bottom of 2nd
18:52 westbaystars: ---
18:54 westbaystars: Chunichi's ERA is 1.73 through the first three games, Nippon Ham's 6.23.
18:54 westbaystars: Yoshikawa's first offeringing Tanishige misses for ball one.
18:55 westbaystars: And the second pitch is grouned back to Yoshikawa.
18:55 westbaystars: He fields the ball easilly and throws to first for out number one.
18:55 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Ogasawara.
18:56 westbaystars: With two strikes on the opposing pitch, Yoshikawa still throws a waste pitch high and tight.
18:56 westbaystars: Then gets him swinging on an outside pitch. Guess he set that up that way, huh?
18:56 westbaystars: With two down, we go back to the top of the order in Araki.
18:56 westbaystars: Araki had an infield hit to third his first at bat, just last inning.
18:57 westbaystars: And he's got two hits in two innings as he rips the ball to center.
18:57 westbaystars: Two out runner is on for the Dragons in the second.
18:57 westbaystars: Two out rally?
18:57 westbaystars: Throw over to first, Araki dives back in.
18:57 westbaystars: He's stolen bases in Games 2 and 3.
18:58 westbaystars: Has a huge lead, and goes!
18:58 westbaystars: Araki slides into second well ahead of the throw.
18:58 westbaystars: Safe.
18:58 westbaystars: He had a huge lead, even with the left handed pitcher.
18:58 westbaystars: That's 4 for 4 in the Nippon Series against the Fighters.
18:59 westbaystars: At least one in every game the Dragons have won.
18:59 westbaystars: ... so far.
19:00 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is grounded to the left side.
19:00 westbaystars: Koyano comes up with the ball, throws to first while Araki runs by.
19:00 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
19:00 westbaystars: The Dragons threaten with a two out base hit and stolen base, but come up empty in the second.
19:00 westbaystars: After two complete, the Dragons hold on to a 2-0 lead.
19:00 westbaystars: === Quick review:
19:01 westbaystars: === Bottom of first:
19:01 westbaystars: === Araki hits an infield hit to third.
19:01 westbaystars: === Ibata is hit on the first pitch.
19:01 westbaystars: === Both sacrifice over by Morino.
19:02 westbaystars: === E-5 allowing Woods on and one run in.
19:02 westbaystars: === Walk to Nori on four pitches.
19:02 westbaystars: ===
19:02 westbaystars: === Lee grounds out to first, beating the relay on the attempted double play, allowing the second run.
19:02 westbaystars: ---
19:02 westbaystars: Top of 3rd
19:02 westbaystars: ---
19:03 westbaystars: Morimoto leads off the third for the Fighters.
19:03 westbaystars: Morimoto reached on athrowing error by Ibata in the first.
19:04 westbaystars: And lines the ball to the warning track in right, but Lee is able to track it down for out number one.
19:04 westbaystars: That brings up Tanaka.
19:04 westbaystars: He grounds the first pitch to Araki at second.
19:05 westbaystars: Araki takes his time and throws the ball to Woods for out number two.
19:05 westbaystars: Moving right along in the third. Inaba coming up next.
19:05 westbaystars: Inaba lifts the ball deep to center.
19:05 westbaystars: Hirata going back, going back, looks up.
19:06 westbaystars: The ball is off the top third of the wall.
19:06 westbaystars: He heads into second with a stand up double.
19:06 westbaystars: His first hit of the 2007 Nippon Series.
19:06 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
19:07 westbaystars: And after seeing the ball travel that far, I'd be a bit leary of throwing anything Seggy can reach.
19:07 westbaystars: Ogasawara looks a bit learly as well, missing outside with the first two pitches.
19:07 westbaystars: That brings Tanishige out to have a word with him.
19:08 westbaystars: The bench is possioning the runner, so he's not being told to walk him.
19:08 westbaystars: But that's what happens as the next two pitches miss outside and in.
19:09 westbaystars: That brings up Koyano, 0 for 7 in the Series.
19:09 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch, lifts it deep to right.
19:09 westbaystars: Lee goes back! Back!
19:09 westbaystars: And makes a leaping grab running into the wall in right to make the catch.
19:09 westbaystars: That retires the side for teh Fighters in the third.
19:10 westbaystars: They treaten again, but come up empty.
19:10 westbaystars: After two and a half, the Fighters continue to trail 0-2.
19:10 westbaystars: ---
19:10 westbaystars: Bottom of 3rd
19:10 westbaystars: ---
19:12 westbaystars: Yoshikawa's first offering to Morino is grounded out for out number one.
19:12 westbaystars: One pitch, one out.
19:12 westbaystars: That brings up Woods, who drove in a run on Koyano's bobbling the ball at third in the first.
19:13 westbaystars: Swings and misses for strike one after taking the first two pitches for balls.
19:13 westbaystars: Fourth offering catches the inside corner for a called strike two.
19:13 westbaystars: And Yoshikawa puts the fifth pitch down the middle, Woods watching it go by for strike three.
19:14 westbaystars: Again, the pitch going where Woods least expects it?
19:14 westbaystars: That brings up Nori with two down and nobody on.
19:14 westbaystars: Nakamura walked his first at bat.
19:14 westbaystars: On four pitches.
19:15 westbaystars: Nakamura hits a short hopper to Seguignol at first, who takes the ball to the bag himself for out number three.
19:15 westbaystars: So the Dragons are retired in order for the first time tonight as Yoshikawa settles down.
19:16 westbaystars: After three complete, the Dragons hold on to a 2-0 lead.
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:16 westbaystars: Top of 4th
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:17 westbaystars: Beethoven-san, You really should download and start using FireFox.
19:17 Beethoven1: I know, I know...
19:17 westbaystars: Internet Exploder is just plain awful if you happen to download it at a bad time.
19:18 westbaystars: I once had a list of build number that would and wouldn't work for a web app I had developed.
19:18 westbaystars: Depending on the day it was installed, everyone had a different version.
19:18 Beethoven1: that's interesting!
19:18 westbaystars: And it was insane trying to work around the bugs.
19:19 westbaystars: Meanwhile, Ogasawara goes 2 and 2 to Kudoh.
19:19 westbaystars: Kudoh then drills the ball hard to the left side.
19:20 westbaystars: Nori just gets a glove on the ball, and it starts rolling slowly away from him.
19:20 westbaystars: Kudoh reaches safely.
19:20 tokai_teacher: sorry... complete newbee... whats the score now?
19:20 westbaystars: It's ruled too hot to handle, an infield hit.
19:20 westbaystars: That brings up Kaneko.
19:21 westbaystars: Dragons lead 2-0.
19:21 westbaystars: Scored two in the first again.
19:21 tokai_teacher: oh nevermind... 2-0 i saw it.
19:21 tokai_teacher: thanks!! it reloads slow from here.
19:21 westbaystars: Kaneko hits the ball to the right-center gap.
19:21 westbaystars: Kudoh is rounding the bases.
19:22 westbaystars: He's going around third as the ball is fielded off the wall.
19:22 westbaystars: The throw home, not in time!
19:22 westbaystars: Kudoh has a timely double to right-center to put the Fighters on the baord.
19:22 westbaystars: Should reload every 30 seconds.
19:23 westbaystars: That may seem kind of slow.
19:23 tokai_teacher: (maybe i brought bad luck??)
19:23 westbaystars: The Figthers now have a runner at second with nobody out here in the top of the 4th. Tsuruoka coming to the plate.
19:24 westbaystars: Tsuruoka takes the first two pitches for balls.
19:24 westbaystars: And Hillman-kantoku is shouting at the umpires. He think there was a balk?
19:24 westbaystars: he looks very upset.
19:24 tokai_teacher: not too slow.... and i also want to thank you "westbaystars" for posting all of the details for us who cant see the game
19:24 westbaystars: Third offering is called strike one.
19:25 westbaystars: My pleasure.
19:25 westbaystars: Fourth offering is fouled off to the right side. 2 and 2.
19:26 westbaystars: Full count as Ogasawara misses inside.
19:26 westbaystars: Tsuruoka looked like he wanted to swing at that.
19:26 westbaystars: Foul ball to Woods just right of the first base bag.
19:26 westbaystars: Count remains full.
19:27 tokai_teacher: teaching time.... but ill keep watching this. thanks again.
19:27 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch is fouled back and out of play. Count remains full.
19:27 westbaystars: Have fun.
19:28 westbaystars: Tsuruoka just gets a piece of the next pitch, swinging a little late, but staying alive.
19:28 westbaystars: The next offering is inside, but Tsuruoka can't hold up.
19:29 westbaystars: He goes down swinging.
19:29 westbaystars: One away, runner at second, one run in so far, here in the top of the 4th.
19:29 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Yoshikawa.
19:29 westbaystars: Yoshikawa grounds the first pitch to the left side.
19:30 westbaystars: Ibata throws to first for the out while Kaneko heads to third.
19:30 westbaystars: Two down, runner at third, top of the order in Morimoto at the plate.
19:31 westbaystars: Morimoto finds himself quickly in the hole, 2 strikes, no balls.
19:31 westbaystars: Ogasawara's 65h offering looked pretty good, but taken just a touch high and in for ball one.
19:32 westbaystars: Good challenging pitch by Ogasawara. Not your ordinary waste pitch.
19:32 westbaystars: Morimoto foulds the next one back. Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
19:33 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is taken outside, full count.
19:33 westbaystars: That was the first pitch that wasn't close in this at bat.
19:34 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch is swung on and missed!
19:34 westbaystars: Strike out on the high and tight bast ball.
19:34 westbaystars: Ogasawara gets out of the potential game tying jam in the top of the fourth.
19:34 westbaystars: But not before the Fighters up one on the board.
19:35 westbaystars: After three and a half now, the Dragons lead is cut in half to 1-2.
19:35 westbaystars: ---
19:35 westbaystars: Bottom of 4th
19:35 westbaystars: ---
19:36 westbaystars: The Dragons will be send the bottom of the order in Lee, Hirata, and Tanishige here in the fourth.
19:36 westbaystars: Lee drove in a run when he grounded into a fielder's choice his first at bat in the first.
19:37 westbaystars: Quickly strikes out swinging at Yoshikawa's fourth offering low and away.
19:37 westbaystars: One quick out in the fourth.
19:37 westbaystars: Yoshikawa pitching at a quick pace this inning.
19:38 westbaystars: His 50th pitch of the game misses high and away to Hirata for ball one.
19:38 westbaystars: The count is then worked full by Hirata.
19:38 westbaystars: And the shoubu pitch is lifted to foul territory.
19:39 westbaystars: Tsuruoka gives chase, but the ball goes into the stands.
19:39 westbaystars: Second shoubu pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:39 westbaystars: Nice pitch, up in the strike zone, and down the middle of the plate.
19:39 westbaystars: Two down.
19:40 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige.
19:40 westbaystars: Yoshikawa gets ahead of Tanishige 2 strikes and a ball.
19:41 westbaystars: After fouling the next pitch off, he lifts the ball high and deep to left.
19:41 westbaystars: The crowd stands.
19:41 westbaystars: Kudoh goes back.
19:41 westbaystars: And pauses at the warning track line where he waits for the ball to come down.
19:42 westbaystars: Long third out by Tanishige to retire the Dragons in order for the second inning in a row.
19:42 westbaystars: At the end of four complete, the Dragons lead this one by a score of 2-1.
19:42 westbaystars: ---
19:42 westbaystars: Top of 5th
19:42 westbaystars: ---
19:44 westbaystars: Kensuke Tanaka leads off the fifth for the Fighters, to be followed by the Fighters' cleanup, Inaba and Seguignol.
19:44 Beethoven1: Hi Firearm! :]
19:44 Firearm: hey!
19:44 Firearm: oh great, now that I've woken up and Ogasawara is facing the meat of the Fighters' lineup
19:44 westbaystars: Tanaka sacrifice bunted and grounded out to second so far.
19:45 westbaystars: Wait, there's more. Inaba had a hit tonight.
19:45 westbaystars: Ogasawara falls in the hole 1 strike, 3 balls to Tanaka.
19:46 westbaystars: Gets the next pitch called strike two on the outside corner. Full count.
19:46 westbaystars: 75th pitch of the night for Ogasawara is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:46 westbaystars: That's 5 Ks on the night for Ogasawara.
19:46 westbaystars: And that brings up Inaba, 1 for 11 now in the Series.
19:47 Beethoven1: yet he looks like he's pitching scared. :[
19:47 westbaystars: Inaba doubled in the third off the top of the right-center wall.
19:48 westbaystars: Ogasawara gets strike two called on the outside corner, but the umpire doesn't give him strike three in almost the same
19:48 Firearm: Inaba hasn't swung yet this at-bat
19:48 westbaystars: ... place.
19:48 westbaystars: 2 and 2 and count.
19:48 westbaystars: And Inaba swing and misses the next pitch, same place again.
19:48 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:49 westbaystars: Two quick outs in the fifth for Ogasawara.
19:49 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol, who has walked twice.
19:49 westbaystars: The second time on four pitches, as Ogasawara didn't come close after the double off the top of the wall.
19:50 westbaystars: Seggy takes the ball to left-center this time.
19:50 westbaystars: One bound to the fense.
19:50 westbaystars: Seguignol rounds first and head into second as the throw comes back off line.
19:50 westbaystars: Two out double with Koyano coming up next.
19:51 westbaystars: Koyano is still 0 for the Series.
19:51 westbaystars: Why pitch to Seggy at all with Koyano following?
19:51 westbaystars: Well, he did go deep to right last time, Lee making a great catch while crashing into the wall.
19:52 westbaystars: But Ogasawara misses with the first three pitches to Koyano.
19:52 westbaystars: Fear? All of these long ball hitters?
19:52 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses outside, and Koyano takes first on four pitches.
19:53 westbaystars: That sets up the force anywhere (home excluded).
19:53 westbaystars: Ibata has a short word to calm Ogasawara down.
19:53 westbaystars: And Kudoh stands in, left handed batter.
19:53 westbaystars: Kudoh had grounded out to short and singled to third.
19:54 westbaystars: He came around to score the Fighters' first run on Kaneko's double to right-center.
19:55 Firearm: A strike, and a Bronx Cheer
19:55 westbaystars: Two and two the count to Kudoh.
19:56 westbaystars: Ogasawara was working pretty quickly until now.
19:56 westbaystars: 2 and 2, 2 down, runners at first and second. Twos are wild.
19:56 Firearm: I like Yamai for two after this.
19:56 westbaystars: We're in the top of the 5th, Chunichi leading 2-1.
19:56 westbaystars: Ogasawar's aproaching 100 pitches.
19:57 westbaystars: That was pitch 93, and it's a little dribbler to the left side.
19:57 westbaystars: Ibata gets to it, but has nowhere to throw.
19:57 westbaystars: Infield hit for Kudoh.
19:57 westbaystars: His second of the night.
19:57 westbaystars: And 2 for 2 Kaneko coming up next.
19:57 Firearm: Kaneko is coming up, the man that scarred Masa Yamamoto for life last year
19:58 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku comes out, and that usually means that he pitcher is done.
19:58 westbaystars: And he is!
19:58 westbaystars: Ogasawara is not staying in for the win.
19:58 Beethoven1: Thank Goodness!
19:59 Firearm: and who's coming in?
19:59 Beethoven1: he was falling apart
19:59 tokai_teacher: we are watching this... so to confirm.... the bases are loaded?? and 2 outs right??
19:59 westbaystars: Kaneko is 2 for 2 tonight, with an RBI double.
19:59 Firearm: yes
19:59 Firearm: bases loaded, 2 outs, Kaneko up, pitching change
19:59 westbaystars: That is correct, bases loaded, two down, top of the 5th.
19:59 westbaystars: Pitching change.
19:59 tokai_teacher: got it thanks.
20:00 Firearm: anyone know who's coming in yet?
20:00 nanbanjin: Suzuki coming in
20:00 westbaystars: Suzuki-kun is coming in.
20:01 westbaystars: Yoshihiro Suzuki was 1 and 1 in 30 appearances with a 3.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP.
20:01 westbaystars: Suzuki has his sign, and his first pitch misses up high, ball one.
20:01 westbaystars: 6 holds, no saves.
20:02 westbaystars: Second offering is taken up high, ball two.
20:02 westbaystars: Nowhere to put him!
20:02 Firearm: yep, this is where we lose the lead
20:02 westbaystars: Full of optimism, huh?
20:02 westbaystars: Third offering misses high and in. Ball three.
20:02 Firearm: I know a cursed franchise when I see one
20:03 nanbanjin: o-shi-da-shi! o-shi-da-shi!
20:03 nanbanjin: dooooten!
20:03 westbaystars: And he's walkled on four pitches!
20:03 westbaystars: We have a tied ball game. 2-2.
20:03 Firearm: yep
20:03 Firearm: the Dragons might as well move to Minnesota
20:04 Firearm: they'd fit right in there
20:04 westbaystars: That brings up a pinch hitter for the pitcher?
20:04 Beethoven1: Aaaargh!
20:04 westbaystars: No, it's still Tsuruoka.
20:04 westbaystars: I got a little ahead of myself there. Sorry.
20:04 westbaystars: Yoshikawa puts on a helmet and takes a bat to the on-deck circle.
20:05 westbaystars: After missing with the fist pitch, Suzuki finally comes in with a called strike one.
20:05 westbaystars: Just took him six pitches to do it.
20:05 westbaystars: The next offering is lined to shallow right field.
20:05 westbaystars: But Lee come in and makes the catch for the final out of the inning.
20:06 westbaystars: But, not before the Fighters tie the game up on a bases loaded walk.
20:06 westbaystars: And after 4 and a half, we're tied 2-2.
As the detail of the coverage gets greater, the logs get longer. So here's game log of Game 4 until the middle of the 5th.
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2007/10/31
CHATROOM 2007 Nippon Series/Game 4
18:05 westbaystars: Good evening, and welcome to the textual version of Pro Yakyu Live! here on JapaneseBaseball.com.
18:05 westbaystars: I'm Michael Westbay, your host.
18:06 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons host the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at Nagoya Dome.
18:06 westbaystars: Starting linesup for the visiting Fighters:
18:06 westbaystars: CF Morimoto
18:06 westbaystars: 2B K. Tanaka
18:06 westbaystars: RF Inaba
18:07 westbaystars: 1B Seguignol
18:07 westbaystars: 3B Koyano
18:07 westbaystars: LF Kudoh
18:07 westbaystars: SS Kaneko
18:07 westbaystars: C Tsuruoka
18:07 westbaystars: P Yoshikawa
18:07 westbaystars: ---
18:07 westbaystars: Fo the home Dragons:
18:07 westbaystars: 2B Araki
18:07 westbaystars: SS Ibata
18:07 westbaystars: LF morino
18:07 westbaystars: 1B Woods
18:07 westbaystars: 3B N. Nakamura
18:07 westbaystars: RF Lee
18:08 westbaystars: C Tanishige
18:08 westbaystars: P Ogasawara
18:08 westbaystars: ---
18:08 westbaystars: Top of 1st
18:09 westbaystars: ---
18:11 westbaystars: B.B. Bear is out entertaining the Hokkaido fans over the third base dugout.
18:11 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons have been announced and are taking the field.
18:12 westbaystars: It's game time, but the pitcher, Ogasawara, is just starting his warm up pitches.
18:13 westbaystars: Morimoto now stands in.
18:13 westbaystars: Ogasawara goes into the wind up.
18:13 westbaystars: The first pitch is over for a called strike one.
18:13 westbaystars: We7re starting at 6:12 pm JST.
18:14 westbaystars: The second offering is grounded up the middle.
18:14 westbaystars: Ibata fields teh ball behind and to the left of the second base bag.
18:14 westbaystars: His throw to first is wide and in the dirt!
18:14 westbaystars: It gets by Woods.
18:14 westbaystars: The leadoff man is aboard for the Fighters.
18:15 westbaystars: Tanishige was backing up the play. Hichori holds at first.
18:15 westbaystars: Left handed Tanaka bunts the first pitch back to Ogasawara on the first base side.
18:15 westbaystars: He throws to first, and thesacrifice bunt is successful.
18:16 westbaystars: Runner at second, one out, Inaba coming to the plate.
18:16 westbaystars: 0 for 9 in the Nippon Series so far.
18:17 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on the slumping Inaba.
18:17 westbaystars: Third offering just misses outside for ball one.
18:18 westbaystars: As does the fourth offering. Two and two.
18:19 westbaystars: The fifth offering is swung on and Inaba hits a looping liner right at Ibata at short.
18:19 westbaystars: Hichori gets back to second before Tanaka comes over.
18:19 westbaystars: Two down, runner still at second.
18:19 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
18:19 westbaystars: 3 for 8 so far in the Series, with a pair of home runs.
18:20 westbaystars: Batting .297 from the right side, .227 from the left side this season.
18:20 westbaystars: Facing the left hander Ogasawara from the right side.
18:21 westbaystars: Ogasawara battles back to bring the count to 2 and 2.
18:21 westbaystars: Fifth offering misses outside, full count.
18:22 westbaystars: Sixth offering also mises outside, Seggy not going for it.
18:22 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and second with two down here in the top of the first.
18:22 westbaystars: Koyano (0 for 6 so far) stands in.
18:23 westbaystars: Koyano not getting the start last night. He came in defensively late in the game.
18:24 westbaystars: He lines a 1-1 pitch up the left side, sending a shot of excement through the crowd.
18:24 westbaystars: Two strikes and a ball.
18:25 westbaystars: Fourth offering is called strike three, up and over the outside part of the plate.
18:25 westbaystars: The Fighters put runners on in the first, but come up empty.
18:25 westbaystars: ---
18:25 westbaystars: Bottom of 1st
18:25 westbaystars: ---
18:26 westbaystars: It's the regular lineup for the Dragons, Araki, Ibata, and Morino to start off the bottom of the first.
18:27 westbaystars: The 19 year old Yoshikawa takes the mound for the Fighters.
18:28 westbaystars: His first pitch to Araki missed down low for ball one.
18:29 westbaystars: Araki grounds the fourth offering to the left side.
18:29 westbaystars: Koyano hustles the throw to first, a rainbow over Seguignol's head!
18:29 westbaystars: Araki would have that that beat out anyway, and it's ruled an infield hit.
18:30 westbaystars: Ibata is hit with the first pitch by Yoshikawa on the left hip.
18:30 westbaystars: He looks like he's in pain.
18:30 westbaystars: How many times has he been hit this Series?
18:30 westbaystars: Ibata limps up the first base like with the trainer.
18:31 westbaystars: He still looks like he's in pain, but quickly getting over it.
18:31 westbaystars: So the Dragons quickly have runners at first and second with nobody out.
18:31 westbaystars: And Mr. Three Run at the plate.
18:32 westbaystars: morino shows bunt, and takes the bat back for ball one.
18:32 westbaystars: The second offering is bunted up the first base side, but is allowed to go foul.
18:32 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
18:33 westbaystars: Swing away Morino!
18:33 westbaystars: No, he's showing bunt and takes ball two.
18:33 westbaystars: Tsuruoka chased Araki back to second with a fainted throw.
18:33 westbaystars: The next offering is bunted up the first base side, well in fair territory.
18:34 westbaystars: The only place to throw is first, and the sacrifice is successful.
18:34 westbaystars: That brings up Tyrone Woods, with runners at second and third and one out.
18:35 westbaystars: 2 for 10 in the Series, yet to have a home run, 1 RBI last night, the first run of the 7 run 1st inning.
18:35 westbaystars: The next pitch gets away from Tsuruoka, and Araki breaks for the plate!
18:35 westbaystars: The ball didn't get that far away, though!
18:35 westbaystars: Araki turns around and dives back into third, without a throw.
18:36 Deanna: yikes
18:36 westbaystars: Woods fouls the next pitch off to bring the count to 2 strikes and a ball.
18:36 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded up the third base side.
18:36 westbaystars: Fair ball.
18:36 westbaystars: Koyano bobbles it while Araki comes home.
18:37 westbaystars: And Woods reaches first ahead of the throw!
18:37 westbaystars: E-5.
18:37 westbaystars: Satoh-pitching coach heads out to talk with his 19 year old starter.
18:37 westbaystars: Settle him down to face Nori.
18:38 westbaystars: Runners at first and second with one out here in the bottom of the first.
18:38 westbaystars: One run in so far.
18:39 westbaystars: Nakamura batted .293 during the regular season, .350 during the Climax Series, and .500 so far in the Nippon Series.
18:39 westbaystars: 6 for 12 with no home runs and 3 RBIs.
18:39 westbaystars: Both on doubles to right-center.
18:39 westbaystars: Yoshikawa falls behind no strikes, 3 balls.
18:39 westbaystars: Nori has the go ahead.
18:39 westbaystars: But takes ball four on four pitches.
18:39 westbaystars: That loads the bases.
18:40 westbaystars: Hillman-kantoku has taken a seat on the bench after starting out on the back of the bench seats.
18:40 westbaystars: Lee stands in with one out and the bases loaded.
18:40 westbaystars: First offering is grounded to the right side.
18:41 westbaystars: Seguignol fields the ball and throws to second for one.
18:41 westbaystars: The relay to Yoshikawa covering first is not in time.
18:41 westbaystars: Another run comes in.
18:41 westbaystars: The Dragons now lead 2-0 with Hirata coming to the plate.
18:41 westbaystars: Hirata is 1 for 3 so far in the Series.
18:41 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch on the inside corner at the knees for a called strike one.
18:42 westbaystars: The second offering is fouled off of Tsuruoka, two quick strikes to the center fielder.
18:42 westbaystars: And Hirata swings and misses the third offering.
18:43 westbaystars: 三球三振 (strike out on three pitches) for Yoshikawa to retire the side.
18:43 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons get off to a quick 2-0 lead after one complete.
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 westbaystars: Top of Second
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 Deanna: well, that's at least slightly less exploding ham than last time.
18:45 westbaystars: And both starters tend to settle down after the first, if previous games are any indication.
18:45 Deanna: Yeah.
18:46 westbaystars: Kudoh leads off grounding the first pitch to Ibata at short.
18:46 westbaystars: Ibata makes a better throw to first this time than in the first, and the first batter is retired.
18:46 Deanna: man, it seemed like Yoshikawa pretty much just missed being in summer Koshien on both sides with Koryo
18:46 Deanna: they were there in 2002, 2003, and 2007, I think
18:47 westbaystars: That's how it goes sometimes.
18:47 westbaystars: Kaneko works the count even at 2 and 2.
18:47 westbaystars: Fifth offering is fouled back. Count remains 2 and 2.
18:48 Deanna: also, I am dressed up as Hichori Morimoto for Halloween today. Thus the Fighters better win, dammit
18:48 westbaystars: Kaneko then drills the sixth pitch through the left side, past a diving Ibata, into left field for a base hit.
18:48 westbaystars: Painted greet?
18:48 westbaystars: green?
18:49 westbaystars: That brings up Tsuruoka.
18:49 westbaystars: Tsuruoka lifts the second Ogasawara offring to center field.
18:50 westbaystars: But right to Hirata who jogs in a few steps to make the catch.
18:50 Deanna: not green, just a no-hair cap, green armbands with #1 on them, a Morimoto #1 fighters shirt, etc.
18:50 westbaystars: Two down, runner at first.
18:50 Beethoven: Hi everyone! :]]
18:50 westbaystars: All the teachers dress up tonight?
18:50 westbaystars: That brings up Yoshikawa.
18:50 westbaystars: Good evening/morning/afternoon.
18:51 westbaystars: Maybe "Salutations" would be better?
18:51 Deanna: Nah, they were supposed to, but I'm the only one who did
18:51 Deanna: and, I gotta go -- be back a bit after 8
18:51 westbaystars: Ogasawara brings the count even at 2 and 2 with a called strike two on the outside corner.
18:51 westbaystars: And the next pitch strikes the opposing pitcher out looking.
18:52 westbaystars: The Fighters get a runner on, but come up empty in the second.
18:52 westbaystars: After 1 and a half, the Dragons lead 2-0.
18:52 westbaystars: ---
18:52 westbaystars: Bottom of 2nd
18:52 westbaystars: ---
18:54 westbaystars: Chunichi's ERA is 1.73 through the first three games, Nippon Ham's 6.23.
18:54 westbaystars: Yoshikawa's first offeringing Tanishige misses for ball one.
18:55 westbaystars: And the second pitch is grouned back to Yoshikawa.
18:55 westbaystars: He fields the ball easilly and throws to first for out number one.
18:55 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Ogasawara.
18:56 westbaystars: With two strikes on the opposing pitch, Yoshikawa still throws a waste pitch high and tight.
18:56 westbaystars: Then gets him swinging on an outside pitch. Guess he set that up that way, huh?
18:56 westbaystars: With two down, we go back to the top of the order in Araki.
18:56 westbaystars: Araki had an infield hit to third his first at bat, just last inning.
18:57 westbaystars: And he's got two hits in two innings as he rips the ball to center.
18:57 westbaystars: Two out runner is on for the Dragons in the second.
18:57 westbaystars: Two out rally?
18:57 westbaystars: Throw over to first, Araki dives back in.
18:57 westbaystars: He's stolen bases in Games 2 and 3.
18:58 westbaystars: Has a huge lead, and goes!
18:58 westbaystars: Araki slides into second well ahead of the throw.
18:58 westbaystars: Safe.
18:58 westbaystars: He had a huge lead, even with the left handed pitcher.
18:58 westbaystars: That's 4 for 4 in the Nippon Series against the Fighters.
18:59 westbaystars: At least one in every game the Dragons have won.
18:59 westbaystars: ... so far.
19:00 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is grounded to the left side.
19:00 westbaystars: Koyano comes up with the ball, throws to first while Araki runs by.
19:00 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
19:00 westbaystars: The Dragons threaten with a two out base hit and stolen base, but come up empty in the second.
19:00 westbaystars: After two complete, the Dragons hold on to a 2-0 lead.
19:00 westbaystars: === Quick review:
19:01 westbaystars: === Bottom of first:
19:01 westbaystars: === Araki hits an infield hit to third.
19:01 westbaystars: === Ibata is hit on the first pitch.
19:01 westbaystars: === Both sacrifice over by Morino.
19:02 westbaystars: === E-5 allowing Woods on and one run in.
19:02 westbaystars: === Walk to Nori on four pitches.
19:02 westbaystars: ===
19:02 westbaystars: === Lee grounds out to first, beating the relay on the attempted double play, allowing the second run.
19:02 westbaystars: ---
19:02 westbaystars: Top of 3rd
19:02 westbaystars: ---
19:03 westbaystars: Morimoto leads off the third for the Fighters.
19:03 westbaystars: Morimoto reached on athrowing error by Ibata in the first.
19:04 westbaystars: And lines the ball to the warning track in right, but Lee is able to track it down for out number one.
19:04 westbaystars: That brings up Tanaka.
19:04 westbaystars: He grounds the first pitch to Araki at second.
19:05 westbaystars: Araki takes his time and throws the ball to Woods for out number two.
19:05 westbaystars: Moving right along in the third. Inaba coming up next.
19:05 westbaystars: Inaba lifts the ball deep to center.
19:05 westbaystars: Hirata going back, going back, looks up.
19:06 westbaystars: The ball is off the top third of the wall.
19:06 westbaystars: He heads into second with a stand up double.
19:06 westbaystars: His first hit of the 2007 Nippon Series.
19:06 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
19:07 westbaystars: And after seeing the ball travel that far, I'd be a bit leary of throwing anything Seggy can reach.
19:07 westbaystars: Ogasawara looks a bit learly as well, missing outside with the first two pitches.
19:07 westbaystars: That brings Tanishige out to have a word with him.
19:08 westbaystars: The bench is possioning the runner, so he's not being told to walk him.
19:08 westbaystars: But that's what happens as the next two pitches miss outside and in.
19:09 westbaystars: That brings up Koyano, 0 for 7 in the Series.
19:09 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch, lifts it deep to right.
19:09 westbaystars: Lee goes back! Back!
19:09 westbaystars: And makes a leaping grab running into the wall in right to make the catch.
19:09 westbaystars: That retires the side for teh Fighters in the third.
19:10 westbaystars: They treaten again, but come up empty.
19:10 westbaystars: After two and a half, the Fighters continue to trail 0-2.
19:10 westbaystars: ---
19:10 westbaystars: Bottom of 3rd
19:10 westbaystars: ---
19:12 westbaystars: Yoshikawa's first offering to Morino is grounded out for out number one.
19:12 westbaystars: One pitch, one out.
19:12 westbaystars: That brings up Woods, who drove in a run on Koyano's bobbling the ball at third in the first.
19:13 westbaystars: Swings and misses for strike one after taking the first two pitches for balls.
19:13 westbaystars: Fourth offering catches the inside corner for a called strike two.
19:13 westbaystars: And Yoshikawa puts the fifth pitch down the middle, Woods watching it go by for strike three.
19:14 westbaystars: Again, the pitch going where Woods least expects it?
19:14 westbaystars: That brings up Nori with two down and nobody on.
19:14 westbaystars: Nakamura walked his first at bat.
19:14 westbaystars: On four pitches.
19:15 westbaystars: Nakamura hits a short hopper to Seguignol at first, who takes the ball to the bag himself for out number three.
19:15 westbaystars: So the Dragons are retired in order for the first time tonight as Yoshikawa settles down.
19:16 westbaystars: After three complete, the Dragons hold on to a 2-0 lead.
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:16 westbaystars: Top of 4th
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:17 westbaystars: Beethoven-san, You really should download and start using FireFox.
19:17 Beethoven1: I know, I know...
19:17 westbaystars: Internet Exploder is just plain awful if you happen to download it at a bad time.
19:18 westbaystars: I once had a list of build number that would and wouldn't work for a web app I had developed.
19:18 westbaystars: Depending on the day it was installed, everyone had a different version.
19:18 Beethoven1: that's interesting!
19:18 westbaystars: And it was insane trying to work around the bugs.
19:19 westbaystars: Meanwhile, Ogasawara goes 2 and 2 to Kudoh.
19:19 westbaystars: Kudoh then drills the ball hard to the left side.
19:20 westbaystars: Nori just gets a glove on the ball, and it starts rolling slowly away from him.
19:20 westbaystars: Kudoh reaches safely.
19:20 tokai_teacher: sorry... complete newbee... whats the score now?
19:20 westbaystars: It's ruled too hot to handle, an infield hit.
19:20 westbaystars: That brings up Kaneko.
19:21 westbaystars: Dragons lead 2-0.
19:21 westbaystars: Scored two in the first again.
19:21 tokai_teacher: oh nevermind... 2-0 i saw it.
19:21 tokai_teacher: thanks!! it reloads slow from here.
19:21 westbaystars: Kaneko hits the ball to the right-center gap.
19:21 westbaystars: Kudoh is rounding the bases.
19:22 westbaystars: He's going around third as the ball is fielded off the wall.
19:22 westbaystars: The throw home, not in time!
19:22 westbaystars: Kudoh has a timely double to right-center to put the Fighters on the baord.
19:22 westbaystars: Should reload every 30 seconds.
19:23 westbaystars: That may seem kind of slow.
19:23 tokai_teacher: (maybe i brought bad luck??)
19:23 westbaystars: The Figthers now have a runner at second with nobody out here in the top of the 4th. Tsuruoka coming to the plate.
19:24 westbaystars: Tsuruoka takes the first two pitches for balls.
19:24 westbaystars: And Hillman-kantoku is shouting at the umpires. He think there was a balk?
19:24 westbaystars: he looks very upset.
19:24 tokai_teacher: not too slow.... and i also want to thank you "westbaystars" for posting all of the details for us who cant see the game
19:24 westbaystars: Third offering is called strike one.
19:25 westbaystars: My pleasure.
19:25 westbaystars: Fourth offering is fouled off to the right side. 2 and 2.
19:26 westbaystars: Full count as Ogasawara misses inside.
19:26 westbaystars: Tsuruoka looked like he wanted to swing at that.
19:26 westbaystars: Foul ball to Woods just right of the first base bag.
19:26 westbaystars: Count remains full.
19:27 tokai_teacher: teaching time.... but ill keep watching this. thanks again.
19:27 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch is fouled back and out of play. Count remains full.
19:27 westbaystars: Have fun.
19:28 westbaystars: Tsuruoka just gets a piece of the next pitch, swinging a little late, but staying alive.
19:28 westbaystars: The next offering is inside, but Tsuruoka can't hold up.
19:29 westbaystars: He goes down swinging.
19:29 westbaystars: One away, runner at second, one run in so far, here in the top of the 4th.
19:29 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Yoshikawa.
19:29 westbaystars: Yoshikawa grounds the first pitch to the left side.
19:30 westbaystars: Ibata throws to first for the out while Kaneko heads to third.
19:30 westbaystars: Two down, runner at third, top of the order in Morimoto at the plate.
19:31 westbaystars: Morimoto finds himself quickly in the hole, 2 strikes, no balls.
19:31 westbaystars: Ogasawara's 65h offering looked pretty good, but taken just a touch high and in for ball one.
19:32 westbaystars: Good challenging pitch by Ogasawara. Not your ordinary waste pitch.
19:32 westbaystars: Morimoto foulds the next one back. Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
19:33 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is taken outside, full count.
19:33 westbaystars: That was the first pitch that wasn't close in this at bat.
19:34 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch is swung on and missed!
19:34 westbaystars: Strike out on the high and tight bast ball.
19:34 westbaystars: Ogasawara gets out of the potential game tying jam in the top of the fourth.
19:34 westbaystars: But not before the Fighters up one on the board.
19:35 westbaystars: After three and a half now, the Dragons lead is cut in half to 1-2.
19:35 westbaystars: ---
19:35 westbaystars: Bottom of 4th
19:35 westbaystars: ---
19:36 westbaystars: The Dragons will be send the bottom of the order in Lee, Hirata, and Tanishige here in the fourth.
19:36 westbaystars: Lee drove in a run when he grounded into a fielder's choice his first at bat in the first.
19:37 westbaystars: Quickly strikes out swinging at Yoshikawa's fourth offering low and away.
19:37 westbaystars: One quick out in the fourth.
19:37 westbaystars: Yoshikawa pitching at a quick pace this inning.
19:38 westbaystars: His 50th pitch of the game misses high and away to Hirata for ball one.
19:38 westbaystars: The count is then worked full by Hirata.
19:38 westbaystars: And the shoubu pitch is lifted to foul territory.
19:39 westbaystars: Tsuruoka gives chase, but the ball goes into the stands.
19:39 westbaystars: Second shoubu pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:39 westbaystars: Nice pitch, up in the strike zone, and down the middle of the plate.
19:39 westbaystars: Two down.
19:40 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige.
19:40 westbaystars: Yoshikawa gets ahead of Tanishige 2 strikes and a ball.
19:41 westbaystars: After fouling the next pitch off, he lifts the ball high and deep to left.
19:41 westbaystars: The crowd stands.
19:41 westbaystars: Kudoh goes back.
19:41 westbaystars: And pauses at the warning track line where he waits for the ball to come down.
19:42 westbaystars: Long third out by Tanishige to retire the Dragons in order for the second inning in a row.
19:42 westbaystars: At the end of four complete, the Dragons lead this one by a score of 2-1.
19:42 westbaystars: ---
19:42 westbaystars: Top of 5th
19:42 westbaystars: ---
19:44 westbaystars: Kensuke Tanaka leads off the fifth for the Fighters, to be followed by the Fighters' cleanup, Inaba and Seguignol.
19:44 Beethoven1: Hi Firearm! :]
19:44 Firearm: hey!
19:44 Firearm: oh great, now that I've woken up and Ogasawara is facing the meat of the Fighters' lineup
19:44 westbaystars: Tanaka sacrifice bunted and grounded out to second so far.
19:45 westbaystars: Wait, there's more. Inaba had a hit tonight.
19:45 westbaystars: Ogasawara falls in the hole 1 strike, 3 balls to Tanaka.
19:46 westbaystars: Gets the next pitch called strike two on the outside corner. Full count.
19:46 westbaystars: 75th pitch of the night for Ogasawara is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:46 westbaystars: That's 5 Ks on the night for Ogasawara.
19:46 westbaystars: And that brings up Inaba, 1 for 11 now in the Series.
19:47 Beethoven1: yet he looks like he's pitching scared. :[
19:47 westbaystars: Inaba doubled in the third off the top of the right-center wall.
19:48 westbaystars: Ogasawara gets strike two called on the outside corner, but the umpire doesn't give him strike three in almost the same
19:48 Firearm: Inaba hasn't swung yet this at-bat
19:48 westbaystars: ... place.
19:48 westbaystars: 2 and 2 and count.
19:48 westbaystars: And Inaba swing and misses the next pitch, same place again.
19:48 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:49 westbaystars: Two quick outs in the fifth for Ogasawara.
19:49 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol, who has walked twice.
19:49 westbaystars: The second time on four pitches, as Ogasawara didn't come close after the double off the top of the wall.
19:50 westbaystars: Seggy takes the ball to left-center this time.
19:50 westbaystars: One bound to the fense.
19:50 westbaystars: Seguignol rounds first and head into second as the throw comes back off line.
19:50 westbaystars: Two out double with Koyano coming up next.
19:51 westbaystars: Koyano is still 0 for the Series.
19:51 westbaystars: Why pitch to Seggy at all with Koyano following?
19:51 westbaystars: Well, he did go deep to right last time, Lee making a great catch while crashing into the wall.
19:52 westbaystars: But Ogasawara misses with the first three pitches to Koyano.
19:52 westbaystars: Fear? All of these long ball hitters?
19:52 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses outside, and Koyano takes first on four pitches.
19:53 westbaystars: That sets up the force anywhere (home excluded).
19:53 westbaystars: Ibata has a short word to calm Ogasawara down.
19:53 westbaystars: And Kudoh stands in, left handed batter.
19:53 westbaystars: Kudoh had grounded out to short and singled to third.
19:54 westbaystars: He came around to score the Fighters' first run on Kaneko's double to right-center.
19:55 Firearm: A strike, and a Bronx Cheer
19:55 westbaystars: Two and two the count to Kudoh.
19:56 westbaystars: Ogasawara was working pretty quickly until now.
19:56 westbaystars: 2 and 2, 2 down, runners at first and second. Twos are wild.
19:56 Firearm: I like Yamai for two after this.
19:56 westbaystars: We're in the top of the 5th, Chunichi leading 2-1.
19:56 westbaystars: Ogasawar's aproaching 100 pitches.
19:57 westbaystars: That was pitch 93, and it's a little dribbler to the left side.
19:57 westbaystars: Ibata gets to it, but has nowhere to throw.
19:57 westbaystars: Infield hit for Kudoh.
19:57 westbaystars: His second of the night.
19:57 westbaystars: And 2 for 2 Kaneko coming up next.
19:57 Firearm: Kaneko is coming up, the man that scarred Masa Yamamoto for life last year
19:58 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku comes out, and that usually means that he pitcher is done.
19:58 westbaystars: And he is!
19:58 westbaystars: Ogasawara is not staying in for the win.
19:58 Beethoven1: Thank Goodness!
19:59 Firearm: and who's coming in?
19:59 Beethoven1: he was falling apart
19:59 tokai_teacher: we are watching this... so to confirm.... the bases are loaded?? and 2 outs right??
19:59 westbaystars: Kaneko is 2 for 2 tonight, with an RBI double.
19:59 Firearm: yes
19:59 Firearm: bases loaded, 2 outs, Kaneko up, pitching change
19:59 westbaystars: That is correct, bases loaded, two down, top of the 5th.
19:59 westbaystars: Pitching change.
19:59 tokai_teacher: got it thanks.
20:00 Firearm: anyone know who's coming in yet?
20:00 nanbanjin: Suzuki coming in
20:00 westbaystars: Suzuki-kun is coming in.
20:01 westbaystars: Yoshihiro Suzuki was 1 and 1 in 30 appearances with a 3.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP.
20:01 westbaystars: Suzuki has his sign, and his first pitch misses up high, ball one.
20:01 westbaystars: 6 holds, no saves.
20:02 westbaystars: Second offering is taken up high, ball two.
20:02 westbaystars: Nowhere to put him!
20:02 Firearm: yep, this is where we lose the lead
20:02 westbaystars: Full of optimism, huh?
20:02 westbaystars: Third offering misses high and in. Ball three.
20:02 Firearm: I know a cursed franchise when I see one
20:03 nanbanjin: o-shi-da-shi! o-shi-da-shi!
20:03 nanbanjin: dooooten!
20:03 westbaystars: And he's walkled on four pitches!
20:03 westbaystars: We have a tied ball game. 2-2.
20:03 Firearm: yep
20:03 Firearm: the Dragons might as well move to Minnesota
20:04 Firearm: they'd fit right in there
20:04 westbaystars: That brings up a pinch hitter for the pitcher?
20:04 Beethoven1: Aaaargh!
20:04 westbaystars: No, it's still Tsuruoka.
20:04 westbaystars: I got a little ahead of myself there. Sorry.
20:04 westbaystars: Yoshikawa puts on a helmet and takes a bat to the on-deck circle.
20:05 westbaystars: After missing with the fist pitch, Suzuki finally comes in with a called strike one.
20:05 westbaystars: Just took him six pitches to do it.
20:05 westbaystars: The next offering is lined to shallow right field.
20:05 westbaystars: But Lee come in and makes the catch for the final out of the inning.
20:06 westbaystars: But, not before the Fighters tie the game up on a bases loaded walk.
20:06 westbaystars: And after 4 and a half, we're tied 2-2.
Re: 2007 Nippon Series: Game 4
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 31, 2007 10:19 PM
| YBS Fan
]
Here is the continuation of the game log from the middle of the 5th:
20:06 westbaystars: ---
20:06 westbaystars: Bottom of 5th
20:06 westbaystars: ---
20:07 westbaystars: The Dragons have not won a Nippon Series since 1954, so show just how cursed they are.
20:08 Firearm: Thank goodness there are high nets in foul territory! No Bartman for the Dragons!
20:08 westbaystars: It's the pitcher's slot leading off the bottom of the fifth for the Dragons.
20:08 westbaystars: Yoshikawa had settled down and retired the Dragons in order the last two innings.
20:08 westbaystars: Pinch hitter #22 stands in.
20:09 Firearm: Atsushi Fujii!
20:09 westbaystars: Fujii.
20:09 Firearm: probably the best bat the Dragons have on the bench other than Tatsunami
20:09 Firearm: which, sadly, isn't saying much
20:09 westbaystars: And Yoshikawa takes 4 pitches before getting a called strike one on the pinch hitter.
20:09 westbaystars: The next offering, misses. Ball four.
20:09 westbaystars: Leadoff man is on for the Dragons.
20:10 westbaystars: That brings us back to the top of the order in Araki.
20:10 westbaystars: Araki bunts the ball back to Yoshikawa.
20:10 westbaystars: Yoshikawa throws to first for the out.
20:11 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku believe he can win with the one-run strategy.
20:11 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
20:11 westbaystars: Ibata fouls the first pitch off toward the first base dugout.
20:11 westbaystars: Runner at second, one out.
20:12 westbaystars: He fouls the next pitch off and out of play to the right side.
20:12 westbaystars: Quickly in the hole, 2 strikes, no balls.
20:12 westbaystars: 2 for 6 in the Nippon Series with a runner in scoring position.
20:12 westbaystars: As he fouls another one off.
20:13 westbaystars: Kudos to Yoshikawa for challenging him on three pitches.
20:13 westbaystars: Next offering misses up high, ball one.
20:14 westbaystars: Fifth offering is in the dirt outside. That evens the count at 2 and 2.
20:14 westbaystars: 2-2 pitch is swung on and fouled back to the backstop. Count remains 2 and 2.
20:15 westbaystars: 2-2 once again, and it's a one bounder inside. Full count.
20:15 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch misses outside, ball four.
20:15 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and second with one out and Mr. Three Run, Morino, coming to the plate.
20:16 westbaystars: Big swing and a miss on the first pitch, Morino way out ahead of that one.
20:16 Firearm: sac bunt and a groundout today
20:16 westbaystars: Second offering just misses outside, ball one.
20:17 westbaystars: Third pitch is lined over a jumping Tanaka at second and into right.
20:17 westbaystars: Base hit!
20:17 westbaystars: Runner holds at third.
20:17 westbaystars: The Dragons have the bases loaded with one out and Tyrone Woods coming to the plate.
20:18 Firearm: nowhere to put Woods--all they need is a sac fly
20:18 westbaystars: Satoh-pitching coach heads out to the mound to talk with his 19 year old starter.
20:18 westbaystars: Kanemura is reading to come in if needed.
20:18 Firearm: Woods has been disappointing this series, but he has 2 RBIs--2 more than he had last year!
20:19 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku will be happy with a 1-run lead. Moresore with a grand slam.
20:19 westbaystars: First pitch catches the outside corner, strike one.
20:19 westbaystars: Next pitch bounces past Tsuruoka and to the backstop!
20:19 westbaystars: Runner scores from third on the wild pitch.
20:20 westbaystars: The Dragons re-take the lead.
20:20 Firearm: 3-2 Dragons!!!
20:20 westbaystars: Everyone moves up.
20:20 Firearm: 2nd/3rd 1 out--they can pitch around Tyrone, but why would they?
20:20 Beethoven1: More! I want more!
20:20 westbaystars: Well, the Fighters tied on an oshidashi, seems right to lose the lead on a wihld pitch.
20:21 westbaystars: 1-1 offering is grounded to second.
20:21 westbaystars: Tanaka fires home.
20:21 westbaystars: The runner is touched out!
20:21 westbaystars: Nice block by Tsuruoka.
20:21 westbaystars: Inaba didn't have a chance.
20:21 westbaystars: Runners now at the corners with two down.
20:21 westbaystars: And Nonri at the plate.
20:22 westbaystars: Nakamura is 6 for 13 with 3 RBIs so far this Series.
20:22 westbaystars: he walked and grounded out to first so far tonight.
20:22 westbaystars: 2 for 4 with runners in scoring position.
20:22 westbaystars: But he lifts the ball to the right side here.
20:23 westbaystars: Takana calls for the ball while back pelling to shallow right-center.
20:23 westbaystars: And Kensuke makes the catch for out number three.
20:23 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons re-gain the lead on a bases loaded wild pitch.
20:23 Beethoven1: Bah!
20:23 westbaystars: At the end of five complete, the Dragons take a 3-2 lead.
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:23 westbaystars: Top of 6th
20:24 westbaystars: ---
20:24 Beethoven1: A one-run lead is next to nothing here
20:24 Firearm: yep
20:24 Firearm: definitely not a comfortable lead
20:24 Beethoven1: You got that right!
20:24 Firearm: no doubt they're showing shots of nervous Dragons fans between pitches
20:25 Firearm: If this was America, Fighters fans would be chanting "FIFTY-FOUR! FIFTY-FOUR!"
20:25 Firearm: hey Deanna!
20:25 Deanna: yabai yabai
20:25 Beethoven1: LOL That's right!!!!!
20:25 Firearm: eh, it's still the 6th
20:25 Firearm: and it's still the Dragons
20:25 Beethoven1: Hi Deanna. :]
20:26 Firearm: that said, decisions decisions for the Fighters--stay with Yoshikawa?
20:26 Deanna: Inaba didn't have a chance?
20:26 westbaystars: Pitcher's spot leads off the sixth.
20:27 Deanna: I swear, you can summon me by getting Inaba and Ibata confused. It's a skill.
20:27 westbaystars: Inaba had his one hit of the Series back in the 3rd. A double off the top of the wall.
20:27 westbaystars: Yoshikawa is batting for himself.
20:28 Firearm: Suzuki still in for the Dragons?
20:28 westbaystars: Did I do it again?
20:28 Deanna: yah, but Ibata was on third and got tagged out at home.
#t stay long because he is (supposed to be) hard at work.
20:29 Deanna: I'm really just being a pain because I'm sad I can't watch the game.
20:29 torakichi: I just had to report on the sign held up by a Chunichi fan up in the nosebleeds...
# Made me laugh.
20:29 Beethoven1: Hey Torakich! Welcome!! :]]
20:29 westbaystars: Suzuki strikes out Yoshikawa on about 4 or 5 pitches.
20:29 Firearm: 1 down
20:29 Deanna: awesome
20:29 westbaystars: Yoshikawa didn't go down easilly.
20:29 Firearm: LOL Tora
20:29 Beethoven1: Hahahah on the sign! :]]]
20:30 westbaystars: I just noticed, Suzuki came in in the #7 slot.
20:30 Deanna: well, Yoshikawa is still fresh enough out of highschool that maybe he hasn't forgotten how to bat!
20:30 westbaystars: So Fujii wasn't pinch hitting last inning, he had taken over center for Hirata.
20:30 Firearm: but the thing is, if they go back to Sapporo they'll be without Darvish
20:31 Firearm: still, the Dragons would head back to Sapporo facing the demons of the franchise
20:31 Beethoven1: The thing is, we want a win here and now! LOL
20:31 westbaystars: Morimoto almost swings at an outside pitch to bring the count to 2 and 2.
20:31 Firearm: yeah, win here or we'll all wonder how the Dragons will bungle away the series in Sapporo
20:31 westbaystars: Grounds the next pitch back to Suzuki on the mound.
20:32 westbaystars: Suzuki takes his time and throws Hichori out. Two down.
20:32 Firearm: If the Dragons win tonight there's a REALLY good Red Sox/Indians comparison there
20:32 westbaystars: Tanaka takes the first pitch for ball one.
20:32 Firearm: the Fighters (Red Sox) will go to their dependable ace, Yuu Darvish (Josh Beckett)
20:33 westbaystars: Second offering lis lifted to foul territory up the left side.
20:33 Beethoven1: No doubt.
20:33 westbaystars: But it drifts into the stands for a fould ball.
20:33 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
20:33 Firearm: let's just hope Kenshin doesn't pitch as poorly as CC Sabathia
20:33 westbaystars: Third offering is fould back to the backstop. Two strikes and a ball.
20:34 westbaystars: Look at history. Last year Kawakami and Darivish were 1 and 1 - Kawakami taking the first match.
20:35 Firearm: yep, and Kawakami took the regular season matchup
20:35 westbaystars: This year Darvish too the first match. How will the rematch go?
20:35 Firearm: and Darvish took Game 1 this year
20:35 westbaystars: I'm not willing to concede it to Darvish.
20:35 westbaystars: After another foul ball or two, Tanaka goes down swinging for out number three.
20:36 westbaystars: The Fighters are down in order for the first time tonight here in the 6th.
20:36 Beethoven1:
20:36 Beethoven1: You never know...
20:36 westbaystars: ---
20:36 westbaystars: Bottom of 6th
20:36 westbaystars: ---
20:37 Deanna: what if tomorrow is Darvish/Yamai instead?
20:38 Firearm: it'd be a nice swerve, but I still see Kenshin going
20:38 westbaystars: Lee flies out to center for out number one.
20:38 westbaystars: And Arai will pinch hit for pitcher Suzuki.
20:39 Firearm: well I can see this scenario happening, Deanna
20:39 Firearm: Yamai starts, and if the Dragons get out to an early lead...
20:39 westbaystars: Yoshikawa throws up three balls in a row to the pinch hitter.
20:39 Firearm: ...Kenshin comes in to shut the door
20:39 westbaystars: His 88th pitch of the evening is down low, ball four.
20:40 westbaystars: That's Yoshikawa's 5th walk/
20:40 westbaystars: deadball.
20:40 Firearm: oh noes!
20:40 westbaystars: And that brings up Tanishige with a runner at first and one down.
20:41 westbaystars: Almost hits Tanishige's right knee with the first pitch.
20:41 westbaystars: Finally comes over with a strike, and Tanishige lifts it to right.
20:41 westbaystars: Inaba comes in and makes the catch for out number two.
20:41 westbaystars: Fujii follows.
20:42 westbaystars: Fujii drew a walk his first at bat in the fifth.
20:42 Deanna: eek
20:42 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch low and in, and the first base umpire says he did not swing.
20:42 westbaystars: Second offering misses lower and in. Ball two.
20:42 westbaystars: Araki on deck.
20:43 westbaystars: Third pitch is even lower, Tsuruoka playing it off a hop.
20:43 westbaystars: No strikes, three balls.
20:43 westbaystars: And Fujii walks on four pitches.
20:43 Firearm: eep
20:43 Firearm: is Yoshikawa's night done?
20:43 westbaystars: Hillman-kantoku is coming out.
20:43 nanbanjin: Yoshikawa is going out
20:43 Firearm: Hisashi Takeda time? Or is it too early?
20:43 westbaystars: And he heads straight for the home plate umpire.
20:43 westbaystars: Pitching change.
20:44 nanbanjin: Did I hear "Pitcher: Oshimoto"???
20:45 westbaystars: I was upstairs tucking in the kids. Didn't catch it.
20:46 nanbanjin: yep, there he is
20:46 westbaystars: Oshimoto it is.
20:46 nanbanjin: Oshimoto Takehiko
20:47 Firearm: Oshimoto pitched well yesterday
20:47 westbaystars: Two down, runners at first and second, top of the order in Araki at the plate.
20:48 westbaystars: Oshimoto's first pitch is called strike one on the outside part of the plate.
20:48 westbaystars: We're in the bottom of the 6th, Dragons looking to increase their 3-2 lead.
20:48 westbaystars: Next offering misses outside, 1 and 1.
20:49 westbaystars: Third pitch is lifted to right.
20:49 westbaystars: Inbata, agaist the fense, makes a great catch in foul territory.
20:49 westbaystars: Araki fouls out to right to end the threat.
20:50 westbaystars: ---
20:50 westbaystars: Top of 7th
20:50 westbaystars: ---
20:50 Firearm: Inaba, Seguignol, Koyano due up
20:50 westbaystars: The heart of the Fighters' order.
20:51 Firearm: and coming in for Suzuki is... ?
20:52 Firearm: come on, anybody but Hirai.... anybody but Hirai!
20:52 westbaystars: The news pitcher for the Dragons is #33.
20:53 westbaystars: Hirai?
20:53 Firearm: That would be Hirai
20:53 westbaystars: yes, it is Hirai.
20:53 Firearm: and that would be a blown lead for the Dragons
20:53 westbaystars: His first pitch misses for ball one.
20:53 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and missed, a big whiff by Inaba.
20:54 westbaystars: Works the count to 2 and 2.
20:55 westbaystars: Appeard in 45 games over the regular season, 4 wins, 2 losses, allowed 15 earned runs over 41 innings pitched for ...
20:55 westbaystars: ... a 3.29 ERA. WHIP of 1.10.
20:55 Firearm: he's blown many-a lead and let many-a close game get out of hand
20:55 westbaystars: 19 holds, no saves.
20:55 westbaystars: After a foul ball, Inaba grounds the ball to Ibata at short.
20:56 westbaystars: Ibata fires across the diamond to get Inaba by a step.
20:56 westbaystars: One away.
20:56 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
20:56 westbaystars: Seggy hit a double his last at bat.
20:57 westbaystars: Takes the first two pitches for ball.
20:57 westbaystars: Third offering misses outside as well. Ball three.
20:57 westbaystars: Koyano on deck.
20:58 westbaystars: Nobody to wave a banana for Deanna?
20:58 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses in the dirt, and Seguignol draws a base on balls on four pitches.
20:58 westbaystars: Please hold the bananas, now. Unless you're after a stolen base?
20:59 westbaystars: 0 for 2 with a walk Koyano stands in.
20:59 westbaystars: He' had runner on each time, but hasn't delivered anything so far.
20:59 westbaystars: Second offering misses waaaay up high, ball two.
21:00 westbaystars: Hirai having a hard time finding the strike zone.
21:00 Firearm: Masafumi Hirai: the LaTroy Hawkins of the Dragons
21:00 tokai_teacher: one class down.... 2 to go. i can see my team is barely winning.
21:00 westbaystars: Ball three low.
21:00 westbaystars: That's 7 balls in a row.
21:00 Firearm: tokai, that'll change soon unless they take Hirai out
21:01 westbaystars: Down the middle for a call strike one.
21:01 westbaystars: Fifth offering is swung on and lifted back behind second base.
21:01 tokai_teacher: right i went to the game last night...and i will also go tomorrow... i want it to be the last game... so they better win
21:02 Beethoven4: It's not a Loss until Hirai pitches. LOL
21:02 westbaystars: Just to the right of second and on the infield/outfield line, Araki takes the ball in for out number two.
21:02 westbaystars: It was another pitch down the middle, letter high.
21:02 westbaystars: Koyano just got a touch under the ball to pop out.
21:02 westbaystars: Runner at first, two down now in the top of the seventh.
21:03 westbaystars: That thought that was Yukio bats.
21:03 Firearm: ok now get Kudo out before Kaneko can damage you!
21:03 westbaystars: Hirai throws two straight balls to Kudoh.
21:03 westbaystars: Kudoh has a pair of hits tonight.
21:03 Firearm: Something I shouted often at Dragons games to Hirai:
21:03 westbaystars: Both infield hits he beat out.
21:03 Firearm: It's called a strike zone. FIND IT!
21:04 westbaystars: Strike one gift called on the outside corner.
21:04 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses high and away, ball three. 1 strike, 3 balls.
21:04 Beethoven4: LOL Firearm! :]]
21:04 tokai_teacher: firearm..... i guess he didnt hear you....or didnt understand.
21:05 westbaystars: Next offering misses up high, ball fourr.
21:05 Firearm: Nor did Masa hear me when I shouted "JUST RETIRE ALREADY!!!"
21:05 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, Kaneko coming up.
21:05 Beethoven4: Yep. Figures.
21:05 westbaystars: And Mori-battery coach heads out to the mound.
21:05 nanbanjin: Iiyama coming in as PR
21:05 westbaystars: Iiyama comes in to pinch run for Seguignol at second.
21:05 westbaystars: That's the tying run.
21:06 westbaystars: Mori-coach having a long discussion on the mound, while Ochiai-kantoku relaces on the bench.
21:06 Firearm: Get Kaneko out and we MIGHT be home free
21:06 Firearm: which, of course, means he won't, because Hirai's pitching
21:07 westbaystars: Kaneko stands in.
21:07 westbaystars: Strike one called on the outside corner.
21:07 Firearm: 2-run double in 10... 9...
21:07 Beethoven4: Oh! Don't say that! LOL
21:08 westbaystars: Second offering called strike two, on the outside part of the plate, just under the knees.
21:08 Firearm: 8... 7...
21:08 Firearm: ooh, Kaneko wants to swing--that actually works better for Hirai
21:08 Firearm: I remember Hirai got Seggy out the same way in the regular season, with bases loaded
21:08 westbaystars: Third offering, grounded to the right side.
21:08 tokai_teacher: well........ it IS supposed to be the "lucky 7th" inning.
21:08 westbaystars: Araki has it, and throws Kaneko out for the first time tonight.
21:09 nanbanjin: booh
21:09 westbaystars: The Fighters threaten, but fail to score in the seventh.
21:09 Firearm: end of threat, and end of Seguignol for this game!
21:09 tokai_teacher: i would scream for joy.... but i would scare the students.
21:09 Firearm: still, how 'bout some insurance runs for the 7th?
21:09 westbaystars: Going to the Dragons' Lucky Seven, the Dragons hold on to a 3-2 lead.
21:09 westbaystars: ---
21:09 Beethoven4: Wow! Miracles still happen!
21:09 westbaystars: Bottom of 7th
21:09 westbaystars: ---
21:09 Firearm: I don't trust Okamoto with a 1-run lead in the 8th, either.
21:10 Firearm: Iwase in the 9th... more dependable, but Iwase's been human this year
21:10 Beethoven4: Insurance runs would be very welcome, Yes! :]]
21:10 tokai_teacher: teaching time....nervous
21:11 westbaystars: H. Takeda comes in to pitch for the Fighters.
21:11 westbaystars: Hisashi, that is.
21:11 Firearm: quite possibly the best setup man in the PL
21:11 westbaystars: 64 appearances this season, 7 wins, 6 losses, 2 saves, 28 holds, 2.42 ERA in 74.1 innings.
21:12 westbaystars: 1.13 WHIP.
21:12 Firearm: although he has 4 losses this year, for some reason
21:12 Firearm: er... 6
21:12 westbaystars: Tatsunami doing shadow swings in the dugout as Takeda warms up.
21:13 westbaystars: Ibata leads off taking strike one.
21:13 Firearm: he won't come in until the 8th, unless they get to the pitcher spot
21:13 Firearm: they've been known to pinch hit Tatsunami for Lee, too
21:14 westbaystars: Pitcher's spot is #7 now.
21:14 westbaystars: Count runs full.
21:14 westbaystars: And the shoubu pitch misses just outside, ball four.
21:15 westbaystars: The leadoff man is aboard for the Dragons in the seventh.
21:15 westbaystars: Iiyama stayin in the game at third.
21:15 westbaystars: Kawashima comes in to left.
21:15 westbaystars: Koyano moves to first.
21:15 Beethoven4: Well, it's a start, anyways.
21:15 westbaystars: Above changes are defensively for the Fighters.
21:16 westbaystars: Morino stands in 3 for 9 in the Series.
21:16 westbaystars: And he hits the ball through the right side, base hit.
21:16 westbaystars: And that's going to be multiple bases as Ibata rounds second and Morino heads into second.
21:16 Beethoven4: Yay!!!
21:16 westbaystars: Runners at second and third, nobody out, for Woods.
21:17 westbaystars: That's an automatic walk.
21:17 nanbanjin: aargh!
21:17 westbaystars: Although I wouldn't necessarily rather face Nori.
21:17 Beethoven4: Jeez Woods! Surprise me!
21:17 westbaystars: Woods drove in a run in the first on a Koyano bobble at third.
21:18 Beethoven4: Can't have a bobble every inning!
21:18 Beethoven4: The man's paid to Hit!
21:18 westbaystars: Woods in the hole, two strike, no balls.
21:19 westbaystars: Arms still not long enough for that outside pitch.
21:19 Beethoven4:
21:19 westbaystars: Third offering misses high and away. Woods holds the bat.
21:19 westbaystars: Next offering, misses up high, 2 and 2.
21:20 nanbanjin: yeah!
21:21 westbaystars: Takeda's 2-2 delivery is outside, but swung on and missed, strike three.
21:21 westbaystars: Takeda gets an out here in the seventh.
21:21 nanbanjin: Woods K!
21:21 westbaystars: Now it's Full Swing Nakamura with runners at second and third, one out.
21:21 Beethoven4:
21:21 westbaystars: Walk Nori to face Lee?
21:22 westbaystars: No go. Nori swings and fouls the first pitch off past thethird base coach.
21:22 westbaystars: Takeda's second offering called strike two at the letters on the outside corner.
21:23 westbaystars: Nakamura disagrees, but has no recourse.
21:23 westbaystars: Two kids strikes on Nori.
21:23 westbaystars: kids --> quick.
21:23 westbaystars: Third offering misses way outside. Ball one.
21:24 westbaystars: Nori reaches out and touches the next slider, fouling it off to the right side.
21:24 westbaystars: Fifth offering swung on and pulled up the third base line, but foul.
21:25 westbaystars: Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
21:25 westbaystars: Next pitch misses up and away, ball two. That was awfully close to what strike two was called.
21:25 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count to Nori.
21:26 westbaystars: Dragons up 3-2. One out. Runners at second and third.
21:26 westbaystars: Next offering misses high and tight, full count.
21:26 Firearm: here's the thing: will Lee even hit?
21:26 Firearm: it might be Tatsunami time
21:27 westbaystars: Next pitch is lined up the first base line!
21:27 westbaystars: But it just slices foul.
21:27 Firearm: save those exclamation points for a fair ball!
21:27 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch, grounded up the middle, base hit!
21:27 westbaystars: One run in
21:28 westbaystars: 1Morimoto throwing home.
21:28 nanbanjin: At least Morino was out...
21:28 westbaystars: And they get the runner at the plate.
21:28 Firearm: well, that's a little more cushion
21:28 westbaystars: Morino was in there well ahead of the throw.
21:28 Beethoven4: Horaaay!!!!
21:28 westbaystars: The umpire says that Tsuruoka blocked him.
21:28 westbaystars: Nori held at first, too busy celebrating to take second on the throw home.
21:29 westbaystars: So the Dragons take a 4-2 lead, runner at first, two down now.
21:29 westbaystars: And Lee will bat for himself.
21:30 Firearm: Get a hit, Lee! Then it will be Tatsunami Time!
21:30 westbaystars: But Lee goes down swinging on four pitches.
21:30 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
21:30 westbaystars: Nori comes through, though, driving in an insurance run.
21:30 westbaystars: And at the end of seven complete, the Dragons take a 4-2 lead.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: Top of 8th
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 Firearm: the always-tenuous top of the 8th for the Dragons
21:31 Beethoven4: yep
21:31 Firearm: if the Dragons give up the lead, it's here
21:31 Firearm: 3 outs, then it's Iwase time
21:32 Beethoven4: They wont
21:32 Firearm: Okamoto's pitching, no doubt
21:32 Beethoven4: give up the lead, that is...
21:33 Beethoven4: They should put Iwasi in early
21:33 Firearm: who does he have to face? Tsuruoka first?
21:33 westbaystars: They've done fine in the 8th so far against the Fighters.
21:33 Beethoven4: Iwase, sorry
21:33 Firearm: Tsuruoka, Kawashima, Morimoto?
21:34 westbaystars: Tsuboi will be leading off the 8th for the Fighters.
21:34 westbaystars: While Okamoto takes the mound.
21:34 westbaystars: The first pitch from Okamoto is grounded up the middle and through by Tsuboi, lead off runner is on.
21:34 Firearm: Tsuboi, Kawashima, Morimoto?
21:34 Beethoven4: Bah!
21:35 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Konta.
21:35 nanbanjin: yeah, that's the beginning of the NichiHam rally!
21:35 Firearm: there's way too much baggage from 2004 with Okamoto to trust him
21:35 westbaystars: Okamoto, on the season, appeared in 62 games, had a 5 and 2 record with 33 holds and no saves.
21:35 westbaystars: Had an ERA of 2.28 over 56.0 innings. 1.14 WHIP.
21:36 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Konta.
21:36 Firearm: probably the best option on the Chunichi bullpen other than Iwase
21:37 westbaystars: And after the waste pitch, Konta goes down swinging at a pitch low and away, way out of reach.
21:37 westbaystars: One away, runner still at first.
21:37 Firearm: heh
21:37 Beethoven4: Whew!
21:37 Firearm: and now Hichori's up
21:37 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the order in Morimoto.
21:38 Firearm: Dragons aren't out of trouble yet
21:38 westbaystars: Morimoto is just batting .200 in the Series.
21:38 westbaystars: Grounds the first pitch foul, past the third base coach.
21:38 Beethoven4: I know it, I know it, Firearm! LOL
21:38 westbaystars: Hichori is batting well below his norm.
21:38 Firearm: Big reason why the Fighters haven't scored that many runs
21:39 westbaystars: So he's either going to break out of this funk or the Fighters aren't going to score many runs.
21:39 Firearm: Hichori gets on, Kensuke bunts him over, Inaba hits him home--that's Fighters baseball
21:39 westbaystars: When Morimoto doesn7t get on, the Fighters struggle.
21:39 westbaystars: He's their catalist.
21:39 Firearm: maybe Hichori will bunt? He can beat it out
21:39 westbaystars: Next pitch in the dirt. Nice taking one in the gut by Tanishige.
21:40 westbaystars: But is always an option.
21:40 Firearm: dangit, I have to go to work
21:40 westbaystars: If the third baseman is too far back, he'll do it.
21:40 Firearm: but luckily, there's no strict clock-in time
21:40 Beethoven4: Awww! Have a good one, Firearm! :]]
21:41 Firearm: wait, I'm gonna try to finish out this inning (horror movie cliche)
21:41 Firearm: it's like saying "I'll be right back"
21:41 nanbanjin: drat
21:41 westbaystars: Hichori grounds the ball to Nori at third on a high hop.
21:41 westbaystars: Nori goes to second for one.
21:41 westbaystars: The relay to first is in time, double play.
21:41 Firearm: Iwase time!!!
21:41 Firearm: ok, going to work now
21:41 Firearm: see everyone later
21:41 westbaystars: It's not easy to double up Hichori, but that's what the Dragons have done.
21:41 westbaystars: The Fighters are down to their last three outs.
21:41 Firearm: yeah, I'm surprised they did
21:42 westbaystars: You can catch it all in the log when you're done.
21:42 westbaystars: Take care.
21:42 Firearm: he might be the toughest guy in Japan to double up (along with Aoki)
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:42 westbaystars: Bottom of 8th
21:42 Beethoven4: See you, Firearm! :]]]
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:43 Beethoven4: Wow a double-play?? Really?
21:43 westbaystars: Nakajima takes over behind the plate this inning.
21:43 westbaystars: Konta stays in the game in left.
21:44 westbaystars: That was all the changes I managed to catch on the radio.
21:44 westbaystars: I think there were more.
21:45 westbaystars: Inoue pinch hits for the pitcher, fouling the first offering from Takeda off.
21:45 westbaystars: The second offering is lifted high and deep to left.
21:45 westbaystars: Konta takes a step back, then a step forward.
21:45 westbaystars: And makes the catch for out number one.
21:46 westbaystars: Konta and Nakajima were the only defensive changes after all for the Fighters in the bottom of the 8th.
21:46 westbaystars: Tanishige takes strike one down the middle.
21:46 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and missed, two quick strikes.
21:47 westbaystars: Third pitch is low and way away, waste pitch doesn't get Tanishige going.
21:47 westbaystars: Fourth offering is lined up the first base line.
21:47 westbaystars: Inaba comes over and, on the line, makes the catch.
21:47 westbaystars: Two quick outs for the Dragons here in the 8th.
21:48 westbaystars: That brings up Fujii.
21:48 westbaystars: He swings all the way around on the first pitch. Strike one.
21:48 westbaystars: Second offering called strike two at the shins.
21:48 westbaystars: Third offering misses in the dirt. 2 strikes and a ball.
21:49 westbaystars: Next pitch is outside, check swung by Fujii.
21:49 westbaystars: The appeal to first while Nakajima tracks down the ball says that he did not swing.
21:49 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is grounded back to Takeda on the mound.
21:49 westbaystars: He throws to first in time, and the side is retired.
21:50 westbaystars: So, the Fighters are down to their final three outs, trailing by a score of 2-4.
21:50 westbaystars: ---
21:50 westbaystars: Top of 9th
21:50 westbaystars: ---
21:50 Beethoven4: This is it...the game decider coming up!
21:51 westbaystars: Iwase takes the mound for the Chunichi Dragons.
21:52 westbaystars: The super closer for the Dragons saved 43 in 61 appearances during the regular season.
21:52 westbaystars: He was 2 and 4 with 3 holds as well over 59 innings, allowing 16 earned runs for a 2.44 ERA.
21:52 westbaystars: 1.05 WHIP.
21:53 westbaystars: The Fighters send up #s 2, 3, and 4.
21:53 westbaystars: Tanaka, Inaba, and Iiyama.
21:54 westbaystars: Iwase gets ahead 2 strikes, no balls in no time to Kensuke.
21:54 westbaystars: THe third pitch *just* misses outside to the left handed batter.
21:54 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses a little farther outside, taken for ball two. Count is now even at 2 and 2.
21:55 westbaystars: Next offering, called strike three on the outside parto of the plate.
21:55 westbaystars: Two outs to go.
21:55 westbaystars: Inaba coming to the plate.
21:56 westbaystars: First pitch is taken just a little low and away, ball one.
21:56 westbaystars: The next offering is fouled off the plate. 1 and 1.
21:56 westbaystars: Lefty vs. lefty.
21:56 westbaystars: Next pitch, called strike two at the knees.
21:57 westbaystars: Fourth offering is swung on and fouled back. Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
21:57 westbaystars: Iwase has gone three straight years with at least 40 saves.
21:57 westbaystars: And gets Inaba swinging here.
21:58 westbaystars: Two down.
21:58 westbaystars: Fighters down to their last out.
21:58 westbaystars: 後一人。
21:58 nanbanjin: uhoh
21:58 westbaystars: Takahashi, who came in defensively last inning, stands in.
21:58 Beethoven4: Which means?
21:58 nanbanjin: one man to go
21:59 westbaystars: No, he's pitch hitting.
21:59 westbaystars: For Iiyama.
21:59 westbaystars: He grounds the 1-1 offering to the left side.
21:59 westbaystars: Ibata rushes in.
21:59 westbaystars: He throws to first.
21:59 westbaystars: Out!
21:59 nanbanjin: and that's the game
21:59 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons have won Game 4.
21:59 westbaystars: And go up 3 games to 1.
22:00 Beethoven4: That's It!!!!!
22:00 Beethoven4: Game Over!!!!!
22:00 tokai_teacher: !!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks alot again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tomorrow im THERE!
22:00 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku looks cool and relaxed as he high fives the team coming in.
22:00 Beethoven4: This was a CLOSE ONE!!!!!!!
22:00 westbaystars: Nothing to get too excited about. All in a day's work.
22:00 nanbanjin: here's hoping that Nippon Ham rebounds tomorrow with a win
22:00 nanbanjin: and can take the Series back to Hokkaido
22:01 nanbanjin: take care everyone
22:01 westbaystars: I'm still standing by my prediction, Chunichi in 5.
22:01 Beethoven4: Thanks ever so much for the fine job you did again today, wesbaystars!!!! :]]
22:01 westbaystars: It won't be easy, though.
22:01 Beethoven4: CU nabanjin! :]
22:01 westbaystars: I expect to have a full house here tomorrow night.
22:02 westbaystars: As everyone's going to take the day off of work?
22:02 Beethoven4: True that!
22:02 Beethoven4: Maybe they will bring in Darvish early?
22:02 Beethoven4: for the next game, I mean?
22:02 westbaystars: Darvish and Kawakami are the expected pitchers tomorrow.
22:03 Beethoven4: That will be some game to watch! :]]
22:03 westbaystars: Won't know for sure until I pick up my newspaper in the morning.
22:03 Beethoven4: It's still hitting against pitching in this series, I think.
22:04 Beethoven4: Let me know if you find out?
22:04 Beethoven4: email me?
22:04 westbaystars: I'll post it to the Starting Pitchers sheet, and send you a notification.
22:04 Beethoven4: please?
22:05 Beethoven4: Great! Thanks! :]]
22:05 westbaystars: And that wraps it up tonight, I think.
22:05 Beethoven4: Now for some breakfast! This game got me hungry. LOL
22:05 Beethoven4: Bye everyone! See you for the next game, I hope. :]]
22:05 westbaystars: Take care.
22:06 Beethoven4: And you as well. Have a great day!!!
20:06 westbaystars: ---
20:06 westbaystars: Bottom of 5th
20:06 westbaystars: ---
20:07 westbaystars: The Dragons have not won a Nippon Series since 1954, so show just how cursed they are.
20:08 Firearm: Thank goodness there are high nets in foul territory! No Bartman for the Dragons!
20:08 westbaystars: It's the pitcher's slot leading off the bottom of the fifth for the Dragons.
20:08 westbaystars: Yoshikawa had settled down and retired the Dragons in order the last two innings.
20:08 westbaystars: Pinch hitter #22 stands in.
20:09 Firearm: Atsushi Fujii!
20:09 westbaystars: Fujii.
20:09 Firearm: probably the best bat the Dragons have on the bench other than Tatsunami
20:09 Firearm: which, sadly, isn't saying much
20:09 westbaystars: And Yoshikawa takes 4 pitches before getting a called strike one on the pinch hitter.
20:09 westbaystars: The next offering, misses. Ball four.
20:09 westbaystars: Leadoff man is on for the Dragons.
20:10 westbaystars: That brings us back to the top of the order in Araki.
20:10 westbaystars: Araki bunts the ball back to Yoshikawa.
20:10 westbaystars: Yoshikawa throws to first for the out.
20:11 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku believe he can win with the one-run strategy.
20:11 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
20:11 westbaystars: Ibata fouls the first pitch off toward the first base dugout.
20:11 westbaystars: Runner at second, one out.
20:12 westbaystars: He fouls the next pitch off and out of play to the right side.
20:12 westbaystars: Quickly in the hole, 2 strikes, no balls.
20:12 westbaystars: 2 for 6 in the Nippon Series with a runner in scoring position.
20:12 westbaystars: As he fouls another one off.
20:13 westbaystars: Kudos to Yoshikawa for challenging him on three pitches.
20:13 westbaystars: Next offering misses up high, ball one.
20:14 westbaystars: Fifth offering is in the dirt outside. That evens the count at 2 and 2.
20:14 westbaystars: 2-2 pitch is swung on and fouled back to the backstop. Count remains 2 and 2.
20:15 westbaystars: 2-2 once again, and it's a one bounder inside. Full count.
20:15 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch misses outside, ball four.
20:15 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and second with one out and Mr. Three Run, Morino, coming to the plate.
20:16 westbaystars: Big swing and a miss on the first pitch, Morino way out ahead of that one.
20:16 Firearm: sac bunt and a groundout today
20:16 westbaystars: Second offering just misses outside, ball one.
20:17 westbaystars: Third pitch is lined over a jumping Tanaka at second and into right.
20:17 westbaystars: Base hit!
20:17 westbaystars: Runner holds at third.
20:17 westbaystars: The Dragons have the bases loaded with one out and Tyrone Woods coming to the plate.
20:18 Firearm: nowhere to put Woods--all they need is a sac fly
20:18 westbaystars: Satoh-pitching coach heads out to the mound to talk with his 19 year old starter.
20:18 westbaystars: Kanemura is reading to come in if needed.
20:18 Firearm: Woods has been disappointing this series, but he has 2 RBIs--2 more than he had last year!
20:19 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku will be happy with a 1-run lead. Moresore with a grand slam.
20:19 westbaystars: First pitch catches the outside corner, strike one.
20:19 westbaystars: Next pitch bounces past Tsuruoka and to the backstop!
20:19 westbaystars: Runner scores from third on the wild pitch.
20:20 westbaystars: The Dragons re-take the lead.
20:20 Firearm: 3-2 Dragons!!!
20:20 westbaystars: Everyone moves up.
20:20 Firearm: 2nd/3rd 1 out--they can pitch around Tyrone, but why would they?
20:20 Beethoven1: More! I want more!
20:20 westbaystars: Well, the Fighters tied on an oshidashi, seems right to lose the lead on a wihld pitch.
20:21 westbaystars: 1-1 offering is grounded to second.
20:21 westbaystars: Tanaka fires home.
20:21 westbaystars: The runner is touched out!
20:21 westbaystars: Nice block by Tsuruoka.
20:21 westbaystars: Inaba didn't have a chance.
20:21 westbaystars: Runners now at the corners with two down.
20:21 westbaystars: And Nonri at the plate.
20:22 westbaystars: Nakamura is 6 for 13 with 3 RBIs so far this Series.
20:22 westbaystars: he walked and grounded out to first so far tonight.
20:22 westbaystars: 2 for 4 with runners in scoring position.
20:22 westbaystars: But he lifts the ball to the right side here.
20:23 westbaystars: Takana calls for the ball while back pelling to shallow right-center.
20:23 westbaystars: And Kensuke makes the catch for out number three.
20:23 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons re-gain the lead on a bases loaded wild pitch.
20:23 Beethoven1: Bah!
20:23 westbaystars: At the end of five complete, the Dragons take a 3-2 lead.
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:23 westbaystars: Top of 6th
20:24 westbaystars: ---
20:24 Beethoven1: A one-run lead is next to nothing here
20:24 Firearm: yep
20:24 Firearm: definitely not a comfortable lead
20:24 Beethoven1: You got that right!
20:24 Firearm: no doubt they're showing shots of nervous Dragons fans between pitches
20:25 Firearm: If this was America, Fighters fans would be chanting "FIFTY-FOUR! FIFTY-FOUR!"
20:25 Firearm: hey Deanna!
20:25 Deanna: yabai yabai
20:25 Beethoven1: LOL That's right!!!!!
20:25 Firearm: eh, it's still the 6th
20:25 Firearm: and it's still the Dragons
20:25 Beethoven1: Hi Deanna. :]
20:26 Firearm: that said, decisions decisions for the Fighters--stay with Yoshikawa?
20:26 Deanna: Inaba didn't have a chance?
20:26 westbaystars: Pitcher's spot leads off the sixth.
20:27 Deanna: I swear, you can summon me by getting Inaba and Ibata confused. It's a skill.
20:27 westbaystars: Inaba had his one hit of the Series back in the 3rd. A double off the top of the wall.
20:27 westbaystars: Yoshikawa is batting for himself.
20:28 Firearm: Suzuki still in for the Dragons?
20:28 westbaystars: Did I do it again?
20:28 Deanna: yah, but Ibata was on third and got tagged out at home.
#t stay long because he is (supposed to be) hard at work.
20:29 Deanna: I'm really just being a pain because I'm sad I can't watch the game.
20:29 torakichi: I just had to report on the sign held up by a Chunichi fan up in the nosebleeds...
# Made me laugh.
20:29 Beethoven1: Hey Torakich! Welcome!! :]]
20:29 westbaystars: Suzuki strikes out Yoshikawa on about 4 or 5 pitches.
20:29 Firearm: 1 down
20:29 Deanna: awesome
20:29 westbaystars: Yoshikawa didn't go down easilly.
20:29 Firearm: LOL Tora
20:29 Beethoven1: Hahahah on the sign! :]]]
20:30 westbaystars: I just noticed, Suzuki came in in the #7 slot.
20:30 Deanna: well, Yoshikawa is still fresh enough out of highschool that maybe he hasn't forgotten how to bat!
20:30 westbaystars: So Fujii wasn't pinch hitting last inning, he had taken over center for Hirata.
20:30 Firearm: but the thing is, if they go back to Sapporo they'll be without Darvish
20:31 Firearm: still, the Dragons would head back to Sapporo facing the demons of the franchise
20:31 Beethoven1: The thing is, we want a win here and now! LOL
20:31 westbaystars: Morimoto almost swings at an outside pitch to bring the count to 2 and 2.
20:31 Firearm: yeah, win here or we'll all wonder how the Dragons will bungle away the series in Sapporo
20:31 westbaystars: Grounds the next pitch back to Suzuki on the mound.
20:32 westbaystars: Suzuki takes his time and throws Hichori out. Two down.
20:32 Firearm: If the Dragons win tonight there's a REALLY good Red Sox/Indians comparison there
20:32 westbaystars: Tanaka takes the first pitch for ball one.
20:32 Firearm: the Fighters (Red Sox) will go to their dependable ace, Yuu Darvish (Josh Beckett)
20:33 westbaystars: Second offering lis lifted to foul territory up the left side.
20:33 Beethoven1: No doubt.
20:33 westbaystars: But it drifts into the stands for a fould ball.
20:33 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
20:33 Firearm: let's just hope Kenshin doesn't pitch as poorly as CC Sabathia
20:33 westbaystars: Third offering is fould back to the backstop. Two strikes and a ball.
20:34 westbaystars: Look at history. Last year Kawakami and Darivish were 1 and 1 - Kawakami taking the first match.
20:35 Firearm: yep, and Kawakami took the regular season matchup
20:35 westbaystars: This year Darvish too the first match. How will the rematch go?
20:35 Firearm: and Darvish took Game 1 this year
20:35 westbaystars: I'm not willing to concede it to Darvish.
20:35 westbaystars: After another foul ball or two, Tanaka goes down swinging for out number three.
20:36 westbaystars: The Fighters are down in order for the first time tonight here in the 6th.
20:36 Beethoven1:
20:36 Beethoven1: You never know...
20:36 westbaystars: ---
20:36 westbaystars: Bottom of 6th
20:36 westbaystars: ---
20:37 Deanna: what if tomorrow is Darvish/Yamai instead?
20:38 Firearm: it'd be a nice swerve, but I still see Kenshin going
20:38 westbaystars: Lee flies out to center for out number one.
20:38 westbaystars: And Arai will pinch hit for pitcher Suzuki.
20:39 Firearm: well I can see this scenario happening, Deanna
20:39 Firearm: Yamai starts, and if the Dragons get out to an early lead...
20:39 westbaystars: Yoshikawa throws up three balls in a row to the pinch hitter.
20:39 Firearm: ...Kenshin comes in to shut the door
20:39 westbaystars: His 88th pitch of the evening is down low, ball four.
20:40 westbaystars: That's Yoshikawa's 5th walk/
20:40 westbaystars: deadball.
20:40 Firearm: oh noes!
20:40 westbaystars: And that brings up Tanishige with a runner at first and one down.
20:41 westbaystars: Almost hits Tanishige's right knee with the first pitch.
20:41 westbaystars: Finally comes over with a strike, and Tanishige lifts it to right.
20:41 westbaystars: Inaba comes in and makes the catch for out number two.
20:41 westbaystars: Fujii follows.
20:42 westbaystars: Fujii drew a walk his first at bat in the fifth.
20:42 Deanna: eek
20:42 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch low and in, and the first base umpire says he did not swing.
20:42 westbaystars: Second offering misses lower and in. Ball two.
20:42 westbaystars: Araki on deck.
20:43 westbaystars: Third pitch is even lower, Tsuruoka playing it off a hop.
20:43 westbaystars: No strikes, three balls.
20:43 westbaystars: And Fujii walks on four pitches.
20:43 Firearm: eep
20:43 Firearm: is Yoshikawa's night done?
20:43 westbaystars: Hillman-kantoku is coming out.
20:43 nanbanjin: Yoshikawa is going out
20:43 Firearm: Hisashi Takeda time? Or is it too early?
20:43 westbaystars: And he heads straight for the home plate umpire.
20:43 westbaystars: Pitching change.
20:44 nanbanjin: Did I hear "Pitcher: Oshimoto"???
20:45 westbaystars: I was upstairs tucking in the kids. Didn't catch it.
20:46 nanbanjin: yep, there he is
20:46 westbaystars: Oshimoto it is.
20:46 nanbanjin: Oshimoto Takehiko
20:47 Firearm: Oshimoto pitched well yesterday
20:47 westbaystars: Two down, runners at first and second, top of the order in Araki at the plate.
20:48 westbaystars: Oshimoto's first pitch is called strike one on the outside part of the plate.
20:48 westbaystars: We're in the bottom of the 6th, Dragons looking to increase their 3-2 lead.
20:48 westbaystars: Next offering misses outside, 1 and 1.
20:49 westbaystars: Third pitch is lifted to right.
20:49 westbaystars: Inbata, agaist the fense, makes a great catch in foul territory.
20:49 westbaystars: Araki fouls out to right to end the threat.
20:50 westbaystars: ---
20:50 westbaystars: Top of 7th
20:50 westbaystars: ---
20:50 Firearm: Inaba, Seguignol, Koyano due up
20:50 westbaystars: The heart of the Fighters' order.
20:51 Firearm: and coming in for Suzuki is... ?
20:52 Firearm: come on, anybody but Hirai.... anybody but Hirai!
20:52 westbaystars: The news pitcher for the Dragons is #33.
20:53 westbaystars: Hirai?
20:53 Firearm: That would be Hirai
20:53 westbaystars: yes, it is Hirai.
20:53 Firearm: and that would be a blown lead for the Dragons
20:53 westbaystars: His first pitch misses for ball one.
20:53 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and missed, a big whiff by Inaba.
20:54 westbaystars: Works the count to 2 and 2.
20:55 westbaystars: Appeard in 45 games over the regular season, 4 wins, 2 losses, allowed 15 earned runs over 41 innings pitched for ...
20:55 westbaystars: ... a 3.29 ERA. WHIP of 1.10.
20:55 Firearm: he's blown many-a lead and let many-a close game get out of hand
20:55 westbaystars: 19 holds, no saves.
20:55 westbaystars: After a foul ball, Inaba grounds the ball to Ibata at short.
20:56 westbaystars: Ibata fires across the diamond to get Inaba by a step.
20:56 westbaystars: One away.
20:56 westbaystars: That brings up Seguignol.
20:56 westbaystars: Seggy hit a double his last at bat.
20:57 westbaystars: Takes the first two pitches for ball.
20:57 westbaystars: Third offering misses outside as well. Ball three.
20:57 westbaystars: Koyano on deck.
20:58 westbaystars: Nobody to wave a banana for Deanna?
20:58 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses in the dirt, and Seguignol draws a base on balls on four pitches.
20:58 westbaystars: Please hold the bananas, now. Unless you're after a stolen base?
20:59 westbaystars: 0 for 2 with a walk Koyano stands in.
20:59 westbaystars: He' had runner on each time, but hasn't delivered anything so far.
20:59 westbaystars: Second offering misses waaaay up high, ball two.
21:00 westbaystars: Hirai having a hard time finding the strike zone.
21:00 Firearm: Masafumi Hirai: the LaTroy Hawkins of the Dragons
21:00 tokai_teacher: one class down.... 2 to go. i can see my team is barely winning.
21:00 westbaystars: Ball three low.
21:00 westbaystars: That's 7 balls in a row.
21:00 Firearm: tokai, that'll change soon unless they take Hirai out
21:01 westbaystars: Down the middle for a call strike one.
21:01 westbaystars: Fifth offering is swung on and lifted back behind second base.
21:01 tokai_teacher: right i went to the game last night...and i will also go tomorrow... i want it to be the last game... so they better win
21:02 Beethoven4: It's not a Loss until Hirai pitches. LOL
21:02 westbaystars: Just to the right of second and on the infield/outfield line, Araki takes the ball in for out number two.
21:02 westbaystars: It was another pitch down the middle, letter high.
21:02 westbaystars: Koyano just got a touch under the ball to pop out.
21:02 westbaystars: Runner at first, two down now in the top of the seventh.
21:03 westbaystars: That thought that was Yukio bats.
21:03 Firearm: ok now get Kudo out before Kaneko can damage you!
21:03 westbaystars: Hirai throws two straight balls to Kudoh.
21:03 westbaystars: Kudoh has a pair of hits tonight.
21:03 Firearm: Something I shouted often at Dragons games to Hirai:
21:03 westbaystars: Both infield hits he beat out.
21:03 Firearm: It's called a strike zone. FIND IT!
21:04 westbaystars: Strike one gift called on the outside corner.
21:04 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses high and away, ball three. 1 strike, 3 balls.
21:04 Beethoven4: LOL Firearm! :]]
21:04 tokai_teacher: firearm..... i guess he didnt hear you....or didnt understand.
21:05 westbaystars: Next offering misses up high, ball fourr.
21:05 Firearm: Nor did Masa hear me when I shouted "JUST RETIRE ALREADY!!!"
21:05 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, Kaneko coming up.
21:05 Beethoven4: Yep. Figures.
21:05 westbaystars: And Mori-battery coach heads out to the mound.
21:05 nanbanjin: Iiyama coming in as PR
21:05 westbaystars: Iiyama comes in to pinch run for Seguignol at second.
21:05 westbaystars: That's the tying run.
21:06 westbaystars: Mori-coach having a long discussion on the mound, while Ochiai-kantoku relaces on the bench.
21:06 Firearm: Get Kaneko out and we MIGHT be home free
21:06 Firearm: which, of course, means he won't, because Hirai's pitching
21:07 westbaystars: Kaneko stands in.
21:07 westbaystars: Strike one called on the outside corner.
21:07 Firearm: 2-run double in 10... 9...
21:07 Beethoven4: Oh! Don't say that! LOL
21:08 westbaystars: Second offering called strike two, on the outside part of the plate, just under the knees.
21:08 Firearm: 8... 7...
21:08 Firearm: ooh, Kaneko wants to swing--that actually works better for Hirai
21:08 Firearm: I remember Hirai got Seggy out the same way in the regular season, with bases loaded
21:08 westbaystars: Third offering, grounded to the right side.
21:08 tokai_teacher: well........ it IS supposed to be the "lucky 7th" inning.
21:08 westbaystars: Araki has it, and throws Kaneko out for the first time tonight.
21:09 nanbanjin: booh
21:09 westbaystars: The Fighters threaten, but fail to score in the seventh.
21:09 Firearm: end of threat, and end of Seguignol for this game!
21:09 tokai_teacher: i would scream for joy.... but i would scare the students.
21:09 Firearm: still, how 'bout some insurance runs for the 7th?
21:09 westbaystars: Going to the Dragons' Lucky Seven, the Dragons hold on to a 3-2 lead.
21:09 westbaystars: ---
21:09 Beethoven4: Wow! Miracles still happen!
21:09 westbaystars: Bottom of 7th
21:09 westbaystars: ---
21:09 Firearm: I don't trust Okamoto with a 1-run lead in the 8th, either.
21:10 Firearm: Iwase in the 9th... more dependable, but Iwase's been human this year
21:10 Beethoven4: Insurance runs would be very welcome, Yes! :]]
21:10 tokai_teacher: teaching time....nervous
21:11 westbaystars: H. Takeda comes in to pitch for the Fighters.
21:11 westbaystars: Hisashi, that is.
21:11 Firearm: quite possibly the best setup man in the PL
21:11 westbaystars: 64 appearances this season, 7 wins, 6 losses, 2 saves, 28 holds, 2.42 ERA in 74.1 innings.
21:12 westbaystars: 1.13 WHIP.
21:12 Firearm: although he has 4 losses this year, for some reason
21:12 Firearm: er... 6
21:12 westbaystars: Tatsunami doing shadow swings in the dugout as Takeda warms up.
21:13 westbaystars: Ibata leads off taking strike one.
21:13 Firearm: he won't come in until the 8th, unless they get to the pitcher spot
21:13 Firearm: they've been known to pinch hit Tatsunami for Lee, too
21:14 westbaystars: Pitcher's spot is #7 now.
21:14 westbaystars: Count runs full.
21:14 westbaystars: And the shoubu pitch misses just outside, ball four.
21:15 westbaystars: The leadoff man is aboard for the Dragons in the seventh.
21:15 westbaystars: Iiyama stayin in the game at third.
21:15 westbaystars: Kawashima comes in to left.
21:15 westbaystars: Koyano moves to first.
21:15 Beethoven4: Well, it's a start, anyways.
21:15 westbaystars: Above changes are defensively for the Fighters.
21:16 westbaystars: Morino stands in 3 for 9 in the Series.
21:16 westbaystars: And he hits the ball through the right side, base hit.
21:16 westbaystars: And that's going to be multiple bases as Ibata rounds second and Morino heads into second.
21:16 Beethoven4: Yay!!!
21:16 westbaystars: Runners at second and third, nobody out, for Woods.
21:17 westbaystars: That's an automatic walk.
21:17 nanbanjin: aargh!
21:17 westbaystars: Although I wouldn't necessarily rather face Nori.
21:17 Beethoven4: Jeez Woods! Surprise me!
21:17 westbaystars: Woods drove in a run in the first on a Koyano bobble at third.
21:18 Beethoven4: Can't have a bobble every inning!
21:18 Beethoven4: The man's paid to Hit!
21:18 westbaystars: Woods in the hole, two strike, no balls.
21:19 westbaystars: Arms still not long enough for that outside pitch.
21:19 Beethoven4:
21:19 westbaystars: Third offering misses high and away. Woods holds the bat.
21:19 westbaystars: Next offering, misses up high, 2 and 2.
21:20 nanbanjin: yeah!
21:21 westbaystars: Takeda's 2-2 delivery is outside, but swung on and missed, strike three.
21:21 westbaystars: Takeda gets an out here in the seventh.
21:21 nanbanjin: Woods K!
21:21 westbaystars: Now it's Full Swing Nakamura with runners at second and third, one out.
21:21 Beethoven4:
21:21 westbaystars: Walk Nori to face Lee?
21:22 westbaystars: No go. Nori swings and fouls the first pitch off past thethird base coach.
21:22 westbaystars: Takeda's second offering called strike two at the letters on the outside corner.
21:23 westbaystars: Nakamura disagrees, but has no recourse.
21:23 westbaystars: Two kids strikes on Nori.
21:23 westbaystars: kids --> quick.
21:23 westbaystars: Third offering misses way outside. Ball one.
21:24 westbaystars: Nori reaches out and touches the next slider, fouling it off to the right side.
21:24 westbaystars: Fifth offering swung on and pulled up the third base line, but foul.
21:25 westbaystars: Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
21:25 westbaystars: Next pitch misses up and away, ball two. That was awfully close to what strike two was called.
21:25 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count to Nori.
21:26 westbaystars: Dragons up 3-2. One out. Runners at second and third.
21:26 westbaystars: Next offering misses high and tight, full count.
21:26 Firearm: here's the thing: will Lee even hit?
21:26 Firearm: it might be Tatsunami time
21:27 westbaystars: Next pitch is lined up the first base line!
21:27 westbaystars: But it just slices foul.
21:27 Firearm: save those exclamation points for a fair ball!
21:27 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch, grounded up the middle, base hit!
21:27 westbaystars: One run in
21:28 westbaystars: 1Morimoto throwing home.
21:28 nanbanjin: At least Morino was out...
21:28 westbaystars: And they get the runner at the plate.
21:28 Firearm: well, that's a little more cushion
21:28 westbaystars: Morino was in there well ahead of the throw.
21:28 Beethoven4: Horaaay!!!!
21:28 westbaystars: The umpire says that Tsuruoka blocked him.
21:28 westbaystars: Nori held at first, too busy celebrating to take second on the throw home.
21:29 westbaystars: So the Dragons take a 4-2 lead, runner at first, two down now.
21:29 westbaystars: And Lee will bat for himself.
21:30 Firearm: Get a hit, Lee! Then it will be Tatsunami Time!
21:30 westbaystars: But Lee goes down swinging on four pitches.
21:30 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
21:30 westbaystars: Nori comes through, though, driving in an insurance run.
21:30 westbaystars: And at the end of seven complete, the Dragons take a 4-2 lead.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: Top of 8th
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 Firearm: the always-tenuous top of the 8th for the Dragons
21:31 Beethoven4: yep
21:31 Firearm: if the Dragons give up the lead, it's here
21:31 Firearm: 3 outs, then it's Iwase time
21:32 Beethoven4: They wont
21:32 Firearm: Okamoto's pitching, no doubt
21:32 Beethoven4: give up the lead, that is...
21:33 Beethoven4: They should put Iwasi in early
21:33 Firearm: who does he have to face? Tsuruoka first?
21:33 westbaystars: They've done fine in the 8th so far against the Fighters.
21:33 Beethoven4: Iwase, sorry
21:33 Firearm: Tsuruoka, Kawashima, Morimoto?
21:34 westbaystars: Tsuboi will be leading off the 8th for the Fighters.
21:34 westbaystars: While Okamoto takes the mound.
21:34 westbaystars: The first pitch from Okamoto is grounded up the middle and through by Tsuboi, lead off runner is on.
21:34 Firearm: Tsuboi, Kawashima, Morimoto?
21:34 Beethoven4: Bah!
21:35 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Konta.
21:35 nanbanjin: yeah, that's the beginning of the NichiHam rally!
21:35 Firearm: there's way too much baggage from 2004 with Okamoto to trust him
21:35 westbaystars: Okamoto, on the season, appeared in 62 games, had a 5 and 2 record with 33 holds and no saves.
21:35 westbaystars: Had an ERA of 2.28 over 56.0 innings. 1.14 WHIP.
21:36 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Konta.
21:36 Firearm: probably the best option on the Chunichi bullpen other than Iwase
21:37 westbaystars: And after the waste pitch, Konta goes down swinging at a pitch low and away, way out of reach.
21:37 westbaystars: One away, runner still at first.
21:37 Firearm: heh
21:37 Beethoven4: Whew!
21:37 Firearm: and now Hichori's up
21:37 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the order in Morimoto.
21:38 Firearm: Dragons aren't out of trouble yet
21:38 westbaystars: Morimoto is just batting .200 in the Series.
21:38 westbaystars: Grounds the first pitch foul, past the third base coach.
21:38 Beethoven4: I know it, I know it, Firearm! LOL
21:38 westbaystars: Hichori is batting well below his norm.
21:38 Firearm: Big reason why the Fighters haven't scored that many runs
21:39 westbaystars: So he's either going to break out of this funk or the Fighters aren't going to score many runs.
21:39 Firearm: Hichori gets on, Kensuke bunts him over, Inaba hits him home--that's Fighters baseball
21:39 westbaystars: When Morimoto doesn7t get on, the Fighters struggle.
21:39 westbaystars: He's their catalist.
21:39 Firearm: maybe Hichori will bunt? He can beat it out
21:39 westbaystars: Next pitch in the dirt. Nice taking one in the gut by Tanishige.
21:40 westbaystars: But is always an option.
21:40 Firearm: dangit, I have to go to work
21:40 westbaystars: If the third baseman is too far back, he'll do it.
21:40 Firearm: but luckily, there's no strict clock-in time
21:40 Beethoven4: Awww! Have a good one, Firearm! :]]
21:41 Firearm: wait, I'm gonna try to finish out this inning (horror movie cliche)
21:41 Firearm: it's like saying "I'll be right back"
21:41 nanbanjin: drat
21:41 westbaystars: Hichori grounds the ball to Nori at third on a high hop.
21:41 westbaystars: Nori goes to second for one.
21:41 westbaystars: The relay to first is in time, double play.
21:41 Firearm: Iwase time!!!
21:41 Firearm: ok, going to work now
21:41 Firearm: see everyone later
21:41 westbaystars: It's not easy to double up Hichori, but that's what the Dragons have done.
21:41 westbaystars: The Fighters are down to their last three outs.
21:41 Firearm: yeah, I'm surprised they did
21:42 westbaystars: You can catch it all in the log when you're done.
21:42 westbaystars: Take care.
21:42 Firearm: he might be the toughest guy in Japan to double up (along with Aoki)
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:42 westbaystars: Bottom of 8th
21:42 Beethoven4: See you, Firearm! :]]]
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:43 Beethoven4: Wow a double-play?? Really?
21:43 westbaystars: Nakajima takes over behind the plate this inning.
21:43 westbaystars: Konta stays in the game in left.
21:44 westbaystars: That was all the changes I managed to catch on the radio.
21:44 westbaystars: I think there were more.
21:45 westbaystars: Inoue pinch hits for the pitcher, fouling the first offering from Takeda off.
21:45 westbaystars: The second offering is lifted high and deep to left.
21:45 westbaystars: Konta takes a step back, then a step forward.
21:45 westbaystars: And makes the catch for out number one.
21:46 westbaystars: Konta and Nakajima were the only defensive changes after all for the Fighters in the bottom of the 8th.
21:46 westbaystars: Tanishige takes strike one down the middle.
21:46 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and missed, two quick strikes.
21:47 westbaystars: Third pitch is low and way away, waste pitch doesn't get Tanishige going.
21:47 westbaystars: Fourth offering is lined up the first base line.
21:47 westbaystars: Inaba comes over and, on the line, makes the catch.
21:47 westbaystars: Two quick outs for the Dragons here in the 8th.
21:48 westbaystars: That brings up Fujii.
21:48 westbaystars: He swings all the way around on the first pitch. Strike one.
21:48 westbaystars: Second offering called strike two at the shins.
21:48 westbaystars: Third offering misses in the dirt. 2 strikes and a ball.
21:49 westbaystars: Next pitch is outside, check swung by Fujii.
21:49 westbaystars: The appeal to first while Nakajima tracks down the ball says that he did not swing.
21:49 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is grounded back to Takeda on the mound.
21:49 westbaystars: He throws to first in time, and the side is retired.
21:50 westbaystars: So, the Fighters are down to their final three outs, trailing by a score of 2-4.
21:50 westbaystars: ---
21:50 westbaystars: Top of 9th
21:50 westbaystars: ---
21:50 Beethoven4: This is it...the game decider coming up!
21:51 westbaystars: Iwase takes the mound for the Chunichi Dragons.
21:52 westbaystars: The super closer for the Dragons saved 43 in 61 appearances during the regular season.
21:52 westbaystars: He was 2 and 4 with 3 holds as well over 59 innings, allowing 16 earned runs for a 2.44 ERA.
21:52 westbaystars: 1.05 WHIP.
21:53 westbaystars: The Fighters send up #s 2, 3, and 4.
21:53 westbaystars: Tanaka, Inaba, and Iiyama.
21:54 westbaystars: Iwase gets ahead 2 strikes, no balls in no time to Kensuke.
21:54 westbaystars: THe third pitch *just* misses outside to the left handed batter.
21:54 westbaystars: Fourth offering misses a little farther outside, taken for ball two. Count is now even at 2 and 2.
21:55 westbaystars: Next offering, called strike three on the outside parto of the plate.
21:55 westbaystars: Two outs to go.
21:55 westbaystars: Inaba coming to the plate.
21:56 westbaystars: First pitch is taken just a little low and away, ball one.
21:56 westbaystars: The next offering is fouled off the plate. 1 and 1.
21:56 westbaystars: Lefty vs. lefty.
21:56 westbaystars: Next pitch, called strike two at the knees.
21:57 westbaystars: Fourth offering is swung on and fouled back. Count remains 2 strikes and a ball.
21:57 westbaystars: Iwase has gone three straight years with at least 40 saves.
21:57 westbaystars: And gets Inaba swinging here.
21:58 westbaystars: Two down.
21:58 westbaystars: Fighters down to their last out.
21:58 westbaystars: 後一人。
21:58 nanbanjin: uhoh
21:58 westbaystars: Takahashi, who came in defensively last inning, stands in.
21:58 Beethoven4: Which means?
21:58 nanbanjin: one man to go
21:59 westbaystars: No, he's pitch hitting.
21:59 westbaystars: For Iiyama.
21:59 westbaystars: He grounds the 1-1 offering to the left side.
21:59 westbaystars: Ibata rushes in.
21:59 westbaystars: He throws to first.
21:59 westbaystars: Out!
21:59 nanbanjin: and that's the game
21:59 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons have won Game 4.
21:59 westbaystars: And go up 3 games to 1.
22:00 Beethoven4: That's It!!!!!
22:00 Beethoven4: Game Over!!!!!
22:00 tokai_teacher: !!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks alot again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tomorrow im THERE!
22:00 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku looks cool and relaxed as he high fives the team coming in.
22:00 Beethoven4: This was a CLOSE ONE!!!!!!!
22:00 westbaystars: Nothing to get too excited about. All in a day's work.
22:00 nanbanjin: here's hoping that Nippon Ham rebounds tomorrow with a win
22:00 nanbanjin: and can take the Series back to Hokkaido
22:01 nanbanjin: take care everyone
22:01 westbaystars: I'm still standing by my prediction, Chunichi in 5.
22:01 Beethoven4: Thanks ever so much for the fine job you did again today, wesbaystars!!!! :]]
22:01 westbaystars: It won't be easy, though.
22:01 Beethoven4: CU nabanjin! :]
22:01 westbaystars: I expect to have a full house here tomorrow night.
22:02 westbaystars: As everyone's going to take the day off of work?
22:02 Beethoven4: True that!
22:02 Beethoven4: Maybe they will bring in Darvish early?
22:02 Beethoven4: for the next game, I mean?
22:02 westbaystars: Darvish and Kawakami are the expected pitchers tomorrow.
22:03 Beethoven4: That will be some game to watch! :]]
22:03 westbaystars: Won't know for sure until I pick up my newspaper in the morning.
22:03 Beethoven4: It's still hitting against pitching in this series, I think.
22:04 Beethoven4: Let me know if you find out?
22:04 Beethoven4: email me?
22:04 westbaystars: I'll post it to the Starting Pitchers sheet, and send you a notification.
22:04 Beethoven4: please?
22:05 Beethoven4: Great! Thanks! :]]
22:05 westbaystars: And that wraps it up tonight, I think.
22:05 Beethoven4: Now for some breakfast! This game got me hungry. LOL
22:05 Beethoven4: Bye everyone! See you for the next game, I hope. :]]
22:05 westbaystars: Take care.
22:06 Beethoven4: And you as well. Have a great day!!!
About
This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
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(aka westbaystars)
Founder
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Some rights reserved.
The pitching match up this evening will be between Ogasawara for the Dragons and high school rookie Yoshikawa for the Fighters. The lines on the two pitchers are:
Takashi Ogasawara (Lefty)
Ogasawara started 20 of the 21 games he pitched in, to a 6 and 6 record with 1 hold. He allowed 40 earned runs over 120.1 innings for a 2.99 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.
Ogasawara did not throw against the Fighters during inter-league play. He was 2 and 1 over 5 starts against Pacific League teams.
Mitsuo Yoshikawa (Lefty)
Yoshikawa, in his first season of work, and right out of high school, threw in 19 games, 15 of which were starts, to a 4 and 3 record. He allowed 38 earned runs over 93.1 innings for a 3.66 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP before fracturing a wrist bone on September 15 on a come backer in a game against SoftBank. He was reactivated on October 2 and threw 3 innings in relief against Rakuten, allowing 3 earned runs over that time period.
Yoshikawa did not face the Dragons during inter-league play this season. He was 1 and 0 over 5 starts against Central League teams, though.
Now, is everyone set for Game 4?