2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
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Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
[ Author: Guest: steve | Posted: Oct 24, 2004 12:28 PM
]
Do you know who is pitching tonight? I'm guessing Ishii versus Yamamoto, but I'm still not sure.
Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 24, 2004 1:12 PM
| YBS Fan
]
Nikkan Sports is reporting Matsuzaka vs. Yamamoto. Hoashi will be standing by for middle relief.
I guess Itoh-kantoku is holding onto Ishii for Game 7. Be he has to get there first.
[Fixed spelling error on Oct. 24, 2004 5:13 PM JST.]
I guess Itoh-kantoku is holding onto Ishii for Game 7. Be he has to get there first.
[Fixed spelling error on Oct. 24, 2004 5:13 PM JST.]
Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 24, 2004 10:38 PM
| YBS Fan
]
We're all even at 3 games to 3. This was a great see-saw game, with the Lions scraping out a 4-2 victory.
It all comes down to tomorrow's big Game 7. Hope to see those of you who can log in then.
In the mean time, enjoy the Game 6 transcript:
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2004/10/24 22:32
CHATROOM 2004 Nippon Series/Game 6
MODERATORS westbaystars
18:14 westbaystars: As mentioned in the above thread, the starting pitchers tonight are Matsuzaka for Seibu vs. Yamamoto for Chunichi.
18:15 westbaystars: Hirao is starting at second for Seibu tonight.
18:15 westbaystars: Inoue is in left, Mori in right for Chunichi.
18:16 westbaystars: These are the only big differences from the norm this series.
18:16 westbaystars: ---
18:16 westbaystars: --- Top of First
18:16 westbaystars: ---
18:21 westbaystars: Yamamoto Masa is announced with the rest of the Dragons and starts warming up on the mound.
18:23 westbaystars: He's done warming up, and Satoh stands in for the Lions.
18:24 westbaystars: The first pitch of the evening is taken for strike one.
18:24 westbaystars: Satoh lines the next pitch past Yamamoto's head and into center field.
18:24 westbaystars: Lead-off base runner is on for Seibu.
18:24 westbaystars: Akada follows.
18:24 westbaystars: Akada is looking to bunt Satoh along.
18:25 westbaystars: But Yamamoto throws to first first.
18:25 westbaystars: The first pitch is bunted just right of center.
18:26 westbaystars: Yamamoto plays the ball, and throws to first for the first out of the inning.
18:26 westbaystars: The sacrifice is a success.
18:26 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner in scoring position.
18:27 westbaystars: Fernandez lifts the ball deep to center.
18:28 westbaystars: Alex goes back, on the warning track, and makes the catch.
18:28 westbaystars: Satoh touches up at second and heads for third.
18:28 westbaystars: Safe.
18:28 westbaystars: Runner is now at third, two outs, and Cabrera at the plate.
18:30 westbaystars: Cabu lines an inside and tight pitch to the left-center gap!
18:31 westbaystars: That ball is going to bounce in! And it does!
18:31 westbaystars: Satoh scores easilly from third.
18:31 westbaystars: Cabrera takes the single for the first RBI of the game.
18:31 westbaystars: Seibu leads 1-0, runner at first, Wada comes to the plate.
18:32 westbaystars: I practiced hitting during softball practice today with a "Wada batting stance," and it worked pretty well.
18:32 westbaystars: He keeps his left (front) leg out with an open stance.
18:33 westbaystars: Then lifts the leg as the ball is delivered, and swings.
18:33 westbaystars: It's helped with my timing.
18:34 westbaystars: It helps with his own as he drills a base hit the other way on a 2-2 pitch.
18:34 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, two outs, Hirao comes up to bat.
18:34 westbaystars: Hirao is starting at second in place of Takagi tonight.
18:36 westbaystars: Yamamoto digs a hole for himself with three straight balls to Hirao.
18:36 westbaystars: Nakajima swings the bat on deck.
18:37 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike one on the outside part of the plate.
18:37 westbaystars: Hirao grounds the fifth pitch right to Ibata at short.
18:37 westbaystars: Ibata throws to second for the force, and the side is retired.
18:37 steve: I don't think Yamamoto will go more than 4 innings tonight
18:38 westbaystars: But not before Cabrera drove in a run to take a 1-0 lead.
18:38 westbaystars: Doesn't he settle down after a bit?
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:39 westbaystars: --- Bottom of First
18:39 westbaystars: ---
18:39 westbaystars: A lot of starters take an inning or two to fully warm up.
18:39 westbaystars: Or is it just BayStar starters who have that problem?
18:39 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes the mound for the Lions.
18:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is 0 wins, 5 losses in Nippon Series play over his career spanning three Series'.
18:41 westbaystars: He throws a strike for his first pitch.
18:41 steve: I think he's worn out from the season.......Maybe the Bay star theory explains Guzman
18:41 westbaystars: The second pitch to Araki is grounded to Hirao at second.
18:41 westbaystars: The throw to first is in time for out number one.
18:42 westbaystars: Yamamoto did look rather tired his first outing in the Series.
18:42 westbaystars: Ibata follows.
18:42 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka digs a three ball hole for himself real quick.
18:42 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike one on the inside corner.
18:43 steve: Ochiai doesn't wanna see a game 7....I don't blame him
18:43 westbaystars: Matsuzaka then misses with the fifth pitch low and away, ball four.
18:43 westbaystars: Runner at first with one out.
18:43 westbaystars: That will most likely see Ishii, who had the Dragons in his pocket.
18:44 westbaystars: Tatsunami comes up next.
18:44 steve: The Lions have been clutch in final games this year
18:44 westbaystars: With Tatsunami swinging at the second pitch, Ibata takes off for second.
18:45 westbaystars: The throw is right in time, as is the tag!
18:45 westbaystars: Ibata is out at second trying to steal.
18:45 westbaystars: Doesn't look like a hit end run.
18:45 westbaystars: Yea, look at the two play off games!
18:45 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Tatsunami swinging at strike three, the side is retired.
18:46 westbaystars: The Dragons got a runner, but are out in order.
18:46 westbaystars: At the end of one complete, the Lions lead 1-0.
18:46 westbaystars: ---
18:46 westbaystars: --- Top of Second
18:46 westbaystars: ---
18:46 steve: Not a bad start for Matsuzaka...is he gonna be stubborn though?
18:47 westbaystars: I'm just impressed with the speed the games he throws in go.
18:47 westbaystars: He works fast.
18:47 westbaystars: Unfortunately, I've also noticed that pitchers who work fast tend to not get much run support.
18:47 westbaystars: Or do such games go fast because there's so little run support?
18:48 westbaystars: Nakajima leads off the second inning.
18:48 steve: Yeah....I like fast games
18:48 steve: I don't have an answer to the second part
18:49 westbaystars: It's almost like the batters do better if they're in the field a little longer.
18:49 westbaystars: Just a feeling I have, no data to back it up.
18:49 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds out to Tatsunami at third. One out.
18:49 steve: Maybe it's a rhythm thing......
18:50 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa, starting behind the plate tonight for Matsuzaka.
18:51 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets ahead of Hosokawa two strikes, one ball.
18:51 westbaystars: And strikes him out on the next pitch.
18:51 westbaystars: Two outs.
18:52 steve: Maybe he's settling down a bit
18:52 westbaystars: Matsuzaka comes up to bat next.
18:52 westbaystars: Looks like it. Until he throws two straight balls to Matsuzaka.
18:53 steve: OOOF....I'm gonna stay quiet
18:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka lines a one strike, two ball pitch up the right field line, fair!
18:54 westbaystars: The ball goes toward the right field corner, fielded on a bound by Mori.
18:54 westbaystars: That holds Matsuzaka to a single - his second hit of the Series.
18:54 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the first pitch to Ibata at short.
18:54 westbaystars: Ibata throws to second for the force, and that retires the side.
18:55 westbaystars: Yamamoto gives up a hit to the opposing pitcher, but is otherwise effective.
18:55 westbaystars: After one and a half, the Lions continue to lead 1-0.
18:55 westbaystars: ---
18:55 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Second
18:55 westbaystars: ---
18:55 steve: Is he throwing alot of fastballs tonight?
18:57 westbaystars: Masa? No. Screw balls are his bread and butter. As are off speed pitches.
18:57 westbaystars: Matsuzaka, on the other hand, tends to stay between 146 and 152 kph.
18:57 westbaystars: Alex leads off the Dragons' half of the second.
18:58 westbaystars: And of course Matsuzaka throws a 117 kph curve ball to start after I say that.
18:58 steve: I read the stat that the big three for the lions......
18:58 steve: are hitting over 400 on fastballs
18:59 steve: and under 150 on sliders/off speed
18:59 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Alex swinging at a 151 kph fast ball inside to strike him out.
18:59 westbaystars: Effective after a couple of mid-120s sliders.
19:00 westbaystars: That brings up Linares.
19:00 steve: I'm happy Omar is doing well lately
19:00 westbaystars: If that's the case, then Yamamoto is a good choice. He throws a lot of off speed stuff.
19:01 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with four in a row to Linares for a base on balls.
19:01 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige.
19:03 westbaystars: Tanishige, with Linares on the run, grounds the ball through the left side.
19:03 westbaystars: With the hit end run, Nakajima left his position at short to cover, and the ball goes through where he was.
19:03 westbaystars: Linares heads into third.
19:04 westbaystars: Very well placed hit end run!
19:04 steve: I'm happy Omar is doing well lately
19:04 westbaystars: Good call by Ochiai-kantoku there.
19:04 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and third with one out and "Lucky Boy" Inoue coming up.
19:05 westbaystars: Yea, Linares seemed to struggle so much the past couple of years.
19:05 westbaystars: And he's really come through in the Series.
19:06 westbaystars: Count runs to 2-2 to Inoue.
19:07 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is a high bound to the left side.
19:07 westbaystars: By the time the ball comes down to where Fernandez can field the ball, there isn't a play anywhere!
19:07 westbaystars: Linares scores!
19:08 westbaystars: That ties the game 1-1.
19:08 westbaystars: Runners at first and second with one out on the infield base hit.
19:08 westbaystars: Mori comes up to bat.
19:10 westbaystars: Mori goes down swinging at a 152 kph high and tight pitch.
19:10 westbaystars: That's the second out of the inning.
19:10 westbaystars: Pitcher Yamamoto Masa comes up next.
19:10 westbaystars: Yamamoto grounds the first pitch to Nakajima at short.
19:11 westbaystars: Nakajima throws to first to retire the side.
19:11 westbaystars: But the Dragons use a hit and run to set up Linares to score.
19:11 westbaystars: After two complete, the game is tied up a 1-1.
19:11 westbaystars: ---
19:11 westbaystars: --- Top of Third
19:11 westbaystars: ---
19:12 steve: I didn't think it's gonna be a pitchers duel.....
19:12 westbaystars: How is it that you always tune in just as a team is scoring, Stevie?
19:13 westbaystars: No, doesn't look like it. Unless they both start settling down now.
19:13 westbaystars: Number two batter Akada leads off the third inning for the Lions.
19:13 steve: think it was.....sorry after 2 months here my english is going
19:14 westbaystars: Then you're in Japan?
19:14 westbaystars: Akada fakes bunt on the first pitch.
19:14 westbaystars: Takes strike one.
19:15 westbaystars: He's swinging away at the next pitch, fouling it off to the left side.
19:15 steve: A Dragons fan in Saitama.....Game 4 was fun to go to
19:16 westbaystars: Akada's playing bunt and buster has bugged me throughout the Series (and playoffs).
19:16 westbaystars: The full count pitch is lined to left.
19:17 westbaystars: Inoue goes back, and back peddling toward the warning track, makes the catch.
19:17 westbaystars: One out.
19:17 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with nobody on.
19:18 westbaystars: Perhaps you can tell me how accurate my rant about Seibu Dome is on this thread:
19:18 westbaystars: http://www.japanesebaseball.com/forum/thread.jsp?forum=17&thread=5128
19:18 westbaystars: is? I've never been there myself.
19:19 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball up the middle to the left side of the second base bag.
19:19 westbaystars: Base hit!
19:19 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera with a runner at first and one out.
19:19 steve: It's worse than you said.....It took me 4 trains from Koshigaya
19:20 steve: The dome is weird too......it's like an outside stadium was built
19:21 westbaystars: Cabrera drove in the first run in the first ripping a hight and tight pitch to left-center.
19:21 steve: and then they decided, hey..let's put a roof on it
19:21 westbaystars: That's exactly what they did!
19:21 westbaystars: Cabu lifts the ball high to the left side.
19:22 westbaystars: The ball doesn't hit the roof, but comes close.
19:22 westbaystars: Inoue calls for the ball in shallow left field, a little inside the line.
19:22 westbaystars: And when the ball finally comes down, it's out number two.
19:22 westbaystars: That brings up Wada, who hit a nice line drive to right his first at bat.
19:23 steve: How many stadiums have you been to?
19:23 westbaystars: Yokohama, Tokyo Dome, Jingu, Chiba Marine, and Hiroshima Shimin.
19:23 westbaystars: Also Yokosuka Stadium (BayStars' ni-gun) - which is a short walk from home.
19:24 westbaystars: And I've played at Ota Stadium (Swallows' ni-gun) with our team from work against another tech company's team.
19:24 westbaystars: Nanshiki.
19:24 steve: Which one do you like the best? (if the Bay stars could play in any)
19:24 westbaystars: Wada grounds the ball back to Yamamoto.
19:25 westbaystars: He fields the ball easilly, and throws to first to end the inning.
19:25 westbaystars: After two and a half, the game remains tied at 1-1.
19:26 westbaystars: ---
19:26 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Third
19:26 westbaystars: ---
19:26 westbaystars: That's not an easy question to answer. I like Tokyo Dome just because it's comfortable in any weather.
19:27 westbaystars: But the last time I was there was before they put in field turf, and I didn't like the old surface at all.
19:27 westbaystars: The Dragons start off with their top batter Araki.
19:28 westbaystars: I like Hiroshima in that the game can change at any time due to its smallness.
19:28 steve: Jingu is pretty cool, I like it better than Seibu
19:28 westbaystars: Araki hits a long foul ball for strike two (one ball).
19:28 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined up the middle past Matsuzaka, base hit!
19:28 steve: The only other one I went to was the old Nagoya Stadium...
19:29 westbaystars: Chunichi puts their lead-off batter on.
19:29 westbaystars: He's reached base all five plate appearances against Matsuzaka.
19:29 steve: And I did see batting practice at Sapporo Dome
19:29 steve: That's a nice stadium
19:30 westbaystars: I didn't really like the field at Jingu. It looked like torn up carpet.
19:30 westbaystars: I know that's not what the surface was, but that's how it looked.
19:31 steve: Yeah, It's kind of a wreck....I just like the atmosphere
19:31 westbaystars: The field turf at Yokohama Stadium looks very nice, although the stripes are too wide.
19:31 steve: Does Nagoya's Ni-gun play at the old park
19:31 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Ibata swinging for strike three.
19:32 westbaystars: That's the first out of the inning.
19:32 westbaystars: That's the last I heard, that ni-gun plays at old Nagoya Kyujyo.
19:33 westbaystars: Like Kintetsu still (until this year) play(ed) at Fujiidera Kyujyo.
19:33 westbaystars: Tatsunami is up now.
19:34 westbaystars: Tatsunami fouls off the first three offerings from Matsuzaka, then takes ball one high.
19:35 westbaystars: We're currently in the bottom of the third at Nagoya Dome with the score tied 1-1.
19:35 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with two more, and the count runs full.
19:35 steve: How are they gonna deal with the Ni-gun for the merger?
19:35 MHtrStevie: Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone... =)
19:36 westbaystars: After fouling another one off, Tatsunami grounds back to Matsuzaka on the mound.
19:36 westbaystars: Matsuzaka looks at second, decides against it, and throws to first for out number two.
19:37 westbaystars: Araki was quick to take off for second and would have beat a throw.
19:37 westbaystars: That brings up Alex with two down and a runner at second.
19:38 westbaystars: I'm not sure how they're going to deal with ni-gun for the merged team. If Orix does schedule most of their home ...
19:38 westbaystars: ... games in Osaka, they may take Green Stadium for ni-gun games.
19:39 westbaystars: I wonder if that'll get fans to go out to watch the farm team or not.
19:39 Christopher: Well Green Stadium is cheaper than Osaka dome
19:39 westbaystars: Alex is batting .500 with runners in scoring position this Series.
19:39 westbaystars: The count runs to 2-2.
19:39 steve: Do they get to pick the best prospects and release the rest ?
19:40 steve: To the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.....
19:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Alex half swinging at a slider over the outer part of the plate!
19:40 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:40 westbaystars: That retires the Dragons in the third.
19:41 steve: Or worse, The Livedoor Dreams!
19:41 westbaystars: At the end of three complete, the score remains 1-1.
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: --- Top of Fourth
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: The Orix Buffaloes get to keep 25 players from the two teams.
19:42 westbaystars: Everyone else will be available in a draft whereby the new team gets to pick up most of the other players.
19:42 steve: 25 from the first team and 25 from the second or just 25?
19:42 westbaystars: At least, that was the last proposal I'd read.
19:43 westbaystars: Just 25.
19:43 westbaystars: Hirao leads off the fourth inning.
19:43 westbaystars: But apparently some of the players may refuse to be put on the reserve list.
19:44 westbaystars: Linares makes a great play running out toward foul territory in right, catching the ball before running into the ...
19:44 westbaystars: ... foul fense.
19:44 westbaystars: One out.
19:44 westbaystars: Nakajima follows.
19:45 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds the first pitch to the right side.
19:45 westbaystars: Linares fields the ball going toward second, tosses to Yamamoto covering, and we have two quick outs.
19:45 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa.
19:45 steve: Wow, the merger might not be such a good thing in the long run...
19:46 steve: In terms of making Orix strong on the field
19:46 westbaystars: It wouldn't have been allowed if it didn't benifit teams other than the merged team.
19:46 westbaystars: Iwakuma is apparently apprehensive of being on the protected list.
19:47 westbaystars: He's one of the main arms that Orix wants from the Buffs.
19:48 steve: Who are three Gaijin that they're gonna hold on to?
19:49 westbaystars: The count goes full to Hosokawa.
19:49 westbaystars: None, as far as I know. I think I read that they're letting all of their foreign players go.
19:50 westbaystars: The next swing on and missed, low.
19:50 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:50 westbaystars: Tanishige touches a frustrated looking Hosokawa out at the plate, and the side is retired in order.
19:50 westbaystars: Looks like Yamamoto has settled down very well.
19:50 steve: Well.....I was way off on my two predictions
19:51 steve: mea culpa, mea culpa
19:51 westbaystars: Score remains tied 1-1.
19:51 westbaystars: ---
19:51 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fourth
19:51 westbaystars: ---
19:52 westbaystars: That's why I try to avoid predictions. Murphy's Law often applies.
19:52 westbaystars:
19:52 westbaystars: Linares leads off the Dragons's half of the fourth.
19:52 steve: Yeah, it feels good when I'm right .....
19:53 steve: about 1 in every million times!
19:53 westbaystars: Linares walked his first at bat this evening.
19:53 westbaystars: He lines the ball toward the corner in right.
19:53 westbaystars: Satoh dives!
19:53 westbaystars: And misses the ball!
19:54 westbaystars: No, the ball was in his glove, but bounced out as he hit the ground head first.
19:54 westbaystars: The ball, from his glove, bounces off the foul wall back to Satoh.
19:54 westbaystars: He throws the ball back in, but after Linares had himself a lead-off double.
19:55 westbaystars: Tanishige then lines the first pitch to him to right, base hit!
19:55 westbaystars: Linares didn't get much of a jump and holds at third as the ball gets to Satoh in a hurry.
19:56 steve: Omar isn't trying for home......he's slow!
19:56 westbaystars: With runners at first and third and nobody out, Araki-pitching coach heads out to have a word with Matsuzuaka.
19:56 steve: J.T. Snow slow!
19:57 westbaystars: In this case, the ball got out there too quickly. Araki or Ibata might have made it close.
19:57 westbaystars: But they're exceptionally fast.
19:57 westbaystars: Inoue comes up next.
19:57 steve: I think he's older than 36
19:58 westbaystars: Hey, now. Let's not bring age into this. I just turned 38 yesterday.
19:59 westbaystars: He's still young!
19:59 steve: Actually his birthday was yesterday too!
19:59 steve: So he is older than 36
19:59 westbaystars: Really? I just remember that I share the day with Weird Al.
20:00 westbaystars: Inoue grounds a 2-2 pitch back up the middle, reached for and missed by Matsuzaka!
20:00 westbaystars: The ball goes into center!
20:00 westbaystars: Linares scores the go-ahead run!
20:00 MHtrStevie: This is pretty freaky... I celebrated 33 exactly one week ago...
20:01 westbaystars: Inoue continues his "Lucky Boy" persona that both TV and radio announcers are using to label him.
20:01 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 2-1 lead.
20:01 westbaystars: And Mori lifts the ball to the right side.
20:02 westbaystars: Cabrera calls the ball just a step foul of the first base bag.
20:02 westbaystars: The umpires call it an infield fly (if it's fair?).
20:02 westbaystars: Cabrera makes the catch for the first out of the inning.
20:02 westbaystars: That brings up opposing pitcher Yamamoto.
20:03 westbaystars: Yamamoto bunts the ball to the third base side.
20:03 steve: I think he's bunting but I'm probably wrong
20:03 westbaystars: Matsuzaka fields the ball, looks at third, and throws to first.
20:03 westbaystars: But he had time to get the lead runner at third!
20:03 westbaystars: Why did he give up?
20:04 westbaystars: Was there no one to take the ball?
20:04 steve: Big game pressure?
20:04 westbaystars: Anyway, we now have two outs with runners at second and third.
20:04 westbaystars: And Araki coming up.
20:04 westbaystars: Araki has reached base all five plate appearances this Series against Matsuzaka.
20:05 steve: Satoh's try reminded of the Dragon catch in game 2
20:05 steve: That turned around the game for the Dragons
20:06 westbaystars: But Satoh missed the ball, which turned into at least one Dragon run.
20:06 westbaystars: The count runs full to Araki.
20:07 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is a slider lifted to shallow right.
20:07 steve: Which may turn this game around.....it's still early though
20:07 westbaystars: Akada, Satoh, and Hirao converge, Hirao calls for the ball and makes the catch.
20:07 westbaystars: That retires the the Dragons, Matsuzaka finally getting Araki.
20:08 westbaystars: But the Dragons add one thanks to that dropped ball in right.
20:08 westbaystars: After four complete, the Dragons take a 2-1 lead.
20:08 westbaystars: ---
20:08 westbaystars: --- Top of Fifth
20:08 westbaystars: ---
20:09 westbaystars: While Yamamoto settled down in the fourth, Matsuzaka is still struggling.
20:09 westbaystars: He stays in the game, though, putting on a batting helmet and stepping up to the plate.
20:10 westbaystars: He has two hits in the Series, one his first at bat.
20:11 westbaystars: With two strikes on him, Matsuzaka takes low and inside for ball one, a call Tanishige disagrees with.
20:11 westbaystars: Yamamoto tells him that it's OK and asks for the ball back.
20:12 westbaystars: He then strikes Matsuzaka out with the next pitch for out number one.
20:12 westbaystars: That brings up the top of the Lions' order in Satoh.
20:13 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the second pitch to him right at Araki at second.
20:13 westbaystars: The throw to first retires the second batter of the inning.
20:13 westbaystars: That brings up Akada with two down and nobody on.
20:16 westbaystars: Masa misses with a 2-2 pitch outside to bring the count full.
20:17 westbaystars: The full count screw ball is fouled back. Yamamoto has thrown the screw ball for almost half his pitches.
20:17 westbaystars: The second shoubu pitch is lined to center by left-center.
20:17 westbaystars: The ball bounces once before hitting the base of the fense.
20:18 westbaystars: By the time the ball is returned, Akada has a two out double.
20:18 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez, who's been tough with runners in scoring position.
20:20 westbaystars: After fouling off a slow curve ball, Fernandez takes the next pitch outside. One and one.
20:20 westbaystars: Fernandez goes after the next curve ball and fouls it off to the right side and out of play.
20:21 westbaystars: The count is evened at 2-2 as Fernandez lifts his back foot to prevent getting hit.
20:21 westbaystars: The first 2-2 pitch is fouled off to the right side and out of play.
20:22 westbaystars: Fernandez stands in again with his top two buttons undone.
20:22 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted high to center, but not deep.
20:22 westbaystars: Alex calls for the ball, comes over and in a few steps, and makes the catch.
20:22 westbaystars: That retires the side.
20:23 westbaystars: The Lions got a two out double, but nothing to show for it.
20:23 westbaystars: After four and a half, they continue to trail 1-2.
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:23 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fifth
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Ibata leads off the Dragons' half of the fifth.
20:25 westbaystars: He's walked and struck out so far this evening.
20:26 westbaystars: And he goes down swinging again, this time of five pitches.
20:27 westbaystars: One quick out.
20:27 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami.
20:28 westbaystars: Tatsunami lifts the ball to shallow left.
20:28 westbaystars: Nakajima goes out, calls Wada off, and makes the catch.
20:28 westbaystars: That's two quick outs for Matsuzaka.
20:28 westbaystars: Alex comes up next.
20:28 westbaystars: He's struck out both previous at bats tonight.
20:29 westbaystars: Alex lifts a 1-1 pitch up in front of the Dragons' dugout.
20:30 westbaystars: Hosokawa comes over and makes the catch for the third out.
20:30 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets the Dragons in order in the fifth.
20:30 westbaystars: His second quick and easy inning of the game.
20:30 steve: pitching has been better than I thought! Maybe they both settled down
20:30 westbaystars: But after five complete, the Dragons continue to lead 2-1.
20:30 westbaystars: ---
20:30 westbaystars: --- Top of Sixth
20:30 westbaystars: ---
20:31 steve: Where do you think Tyrone is gonna end up?
20:31 westbaystars: The Giants will pay him what he wants.
20:32 westbaystars: Although he'll probably do better in the Pacific League.
20:32 steve: Are they getting rid of Petagine (petagrine?)
20:33 steve: I heard the bidding is between Hanshin and Chunichi
20:33 westbaystars: He's still got another year on his *very expensive* contract.
20:33 westbaystars: They may buy him out.
20:33 westbaystars: Was this his last year?
20:34 westbaystars: Cabrera leads off hitting a screw ball to the right-center gap - no man's land.
20:34 steve: Dunno, I'm trying to think which gaijin they would move to get him
20:34 westbaystars: Cabrera drifts into second with a lead-off stand up double.
20:35 westbaystars: Not a problem. Rhodes isn't considered a suketto next season.
20:35 steve: Cabrera has been tough
20:35 westbaystars: Wada comes up next.
20:36 westbaystars: Cabu drove in the first run with a line drive left of center in the first.
20:36 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets ahead of Wada with two quick strikes.
20:36 westbaystars: Wada helping by fouling off a bad second pitch.
20:37 westbaystars: Wada lays off the third pitch up high for ball one.
20:38 Christopher: Petagine will probably have to take a pay cut to play at the Tigers though
20:38 westbaystars: Wada battles off a couple more slow curves.
20:39 westbaystars: He'll have to take a huge pay cut to play with anyone else.
20:39 Christopher: Including staying with the Giants
20:40 westbaystars: Noone else will shell out 7.2-oku yen for him, no matter how many home runs he hits.
20:40 westbaystars: Wada works the count full.
20:41 steve: No,no,no....I was talking about Woods....Roberto is almost done
20:41 Christopher: He's not a wonderful first base either
20:42 westbaystars: Wada lifts the ball deep to left!
20:42 westbaystars: Inoue turn and watches this one go!
20:42 westbaystars: Haitaaaaaaa! Two run home run to left!
20:42 westbaystars: Gyakuten! Lions take a 3-2 lead!
20:43 steve: Wada is a nightmare!
20:43 westbaystars: Hirao swings at the first pitch and lines the ball deep to right!
20:43 westbaystars: The ball goes over Miri's glove in right and hits the base of the fense.
20:43 steve: pull him
20:43 steve: pull him now
20:44 westbaystars: The ball gets far away from both Mori and Alex.
20:44 steve: he's done
20:44 westbaystars: With so much room out there in right, the quick Hirao heads for third.
20:44 steve: pull him
20:44 westbaystars: And he's in there without a throw!
20:44 westbaystars: Mori-pitching coach heads out to the mound.
20:45 westbaystars: Then Ochiai-kantoku head out to hear what he has to say for himself.
20:45 westbaystars: And Okamoto is being called in to pitch.
20:45 westbaystars: Yamamoto came unwound in a hurry here.
20:45 westbaystars: After throwing so well.
20:46 steve: he does that
20:46 Christopher: Okamoto - one good match and one stinker
20:47 westbaystars: He gave up the grand slam to Cabu, didn't he?
20:47 Christopher: Yes - 6 runs in that innings
20:47 westbaystars: Ah, Steve, now I think I understand your point.
20:47 westbaystars: Petagine is still with the Giants at first, and would have to go to get Woods.
20:48 westbaystars: It's not a gaijin problem, since Rhodes won't count as a foreigner next season.
20:48 westbaystars: It's a position problem.
20:48 westbaystars: Okamoto's first pitch it Nakajima is a slider, fouled off to the right side and out of play.
20:49 steve: Actually, i forgot about Rhodes getting the exemption
20:49 westbaystars: The Giants have too many first basemen, foreign and not.
20:49 westbaystars: Too large a collection of home run hitters, but too few people to get on base.
20:49 steve: I dunno if Kyojin wants to have too many gaijin bats
20:50 Christopher: Too few runners between base. One of the Tigers
20:50 Christopher: Pitchers said he never worried about Giants stealing bases
20:50 steve: their ratings are sagging....it's almost as if it's more important to have a likeable team
20:50 westbaystars: Okamoto then goes full to Nakajima.
20:51 steve: they need some pitching too
20:51 westbaystars: Okamoto gets Nakajima swinging and missing a slider that slid outside and low.
20:52 westbaystars: Strike three.
20:52 westbaystars: That's the first out of the inning with a runner still at third.
20:52 westbaystars: Hosokawa comes up next.
20:52 westbaystars: He's struck out twice so far tonight.
20:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is getting ready on deck.
20:53 steve: I could see the expansion team picking up Petagine
20:54 westbaystars: The 1-1 pitch is lined past his third base coach by Hosokawa for strike two.
20:54 Christopher: Thats possible though once again with the large pay cut
20:54 westbaystars: The next pitch is a fork ball low, swung on and missed!
20:54 westbaystars: Two outs.
20:54 westbaystars: We go from no outs runner at third to two outs runner at third.
20:55 westbaystars: Pitcher Matsuzaka comes up to bat.
20:55 westbaystars: He'd better pitch well from here to not be pinch hit for. Although he's been fair with the bat.
20:55 westbaystars: Tanishige saves a pitch way outside in the dirt, smothering the slider with his check protector to protect the run.
20:56 westbaystars: Count runs to 1-1.
20:56 westbaystars: The third pitch is a slider, swung on and missed. Strike two.
20:56 steve: the Lions haven't needed their closer much
20:56 westbaystars: Matsuzaka fails to hold up the next pitch low and away, strike three.
20:57 westbaystars: Okamoto comes in and strikes out the remainder of the side in order.
20:57 steve: has he pitched much this series.....I can't remember.
20:57 westbaystars: That holds the Lions at two run on Wada's big two run homer to left.
20:58 westbaystars: After five and a half, the Lions turn this around to lead 3-2.
20:58 steve: I don't think he went in 4 or 5, did he pitch in game 3
20:58 westbaystars: ---
20:58 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Sixth
20:58 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Two apparances come to mind.
20:59 westbaystars: But I don't have my newspapers with me.
20:59 steve: 1 and 3?
20:59 westbaystars: And I don't trust my own memory.
21:00 westbaystars: Linares leads off the Dragons' half of the sixth, looking to turn this game back around.
21:00 steve: I'll check Borisov
21:02 westbaystars: Linares flies out to center for out number one.
21:02 westbaystars: Okamoto pitched one scoreless inning in Game 1.
21:02 westbaystars: One scoreless inning in Game 2.
21:03 westbaystars: That's as far as this week's Shukan Baseball has the box scores.
21:03 westbaystars: Tanishige is now up, the count is 2-2.
21:04 steve: I thought Toyoda was the closer for the Lions
21:04 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is fouled off behind the backstop net.
21:04 westbaystars: Toyoda has been their closer, except when he's gotten into trouble.
21:04 steve: Borisov has him pitching in game 1 and 3, getting the save in both
21:04 westbaystars: Then I've seen Ishii come in to finish things off.
21:05 westbaystars: Tanishige lifts the ball deep to left!
21:05 westbaystars: The crowd is on their feet!
21:05 westbaystars: Wada goes back, against the wall,
21:05 westbaystars: makes the catch at the warning track leading against the wall.
21:05 westbaystars: Two outs.
21:06 steve: shoot
21:06 westbaystars: Inoue grouns the first pitch to Hirao at second.
21:06 westbaystars: The throw to first is in time, and the Dragons are down in order yet again.
21:06 westbaystars: It looks like Matsuzaka has settled down.
21:07 westbaystars: Although Tanishige game the Dragon fans a thrill with a long out.
21:07 steve: He's in a groove now
21:07 westbaystars: At the end of six complete, the Dragons trial 2-3.
21:07 westbaystars: ---
21:07 westbaystars: --- Top of Seventh
21:07 westbaystars: ---
21:08 steve: I don't think they'll let him go more than 7 though
21:08 westbaystars: Shukan Baseball shows Okamoto throwing the 8th inning in Game 2.
21:09 westbaystars: Center fly, center fly, infield hit to short, ground out to second.
21:09 westbaystars: That was the bottom of the Lions' order.
21:10 westbaystars: Valdez come on to pitch for the Dragons in the seventh.
21:10 westbaystars: His first pitch is called strike one on the outside corner.
21:10 westbaystars: Satoh is leading off for the Lions.
21:11 westbaystars: Valdez threw one inning in Game 2 and got the win.
21:11 westbaystars: Satoh lines the ball up the middle for a base hit.
21:12 westbaystars: That's his 11th hit of the Series.
21:12 westbaystars: Akada fakes bunt and swings away, fouling the ball off to the right side.
21:13 westbaystars: His buster attempts have really annoyed me so far.
21:13 westbaystars: He's showing bunt again before the pitch.
21:14 westbaystars: In Game 2, Valdez threw the seventh inning giving up only a home run to Wada.
21:15 westbaystars: Akada shows bunt, and bunts the ball.
21:15 westbaystars: Valdez fields the ball, and throws wide to Araki covering first!
21:15 westbaystars: But Araki catches the ball four out number one.
21:16 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner in scoring position.
21:16 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch, fouling it off to the right side.
21:16 westbaystars: With the runner going for third, Fernandez takes inside.
21:17 westbaystars: The throw to third is in time! Out! Out! Out!
21:17 westbaystars: Nice throw by Tanishige with the right handed batter in front of him.
21:18 westbaystars: The Lions lose their base runner adding a second out.
21:18 westbaystars: Valdez then drills the ball into Fernandez's side!
21:18 westbaystars: Ouch!
21:18 westbaystars: Fernandez takes a while to get his breath, then heads up to first.
21:19 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera with two down and a runner on first.
21:19 westbaystars: He's already hurt Yamamoto with a single and double tonight.
21:19 westbaystars: He pulls a slider outside to left.
21:20 westbaystars: Inoue comes in a few steps, and makes the catch.
21:20 steve: Cabrera and Wada have been doing most of the damage
21:20 westbaystars: Satoh's failed stolen base attempt kills any rally the Lions may have put together.
21:21 westbaystars: Going to the Dragons' Lucky Seven, the Lions continue to lead 3-2.
21:21 westbaystars: ---
21:21 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Seventh
21:21 westbaystars: ---
21:22 westbaystars: Fernandez started off tough, and really was in the play-offs.
21:22 westbaystars: But has been rather quiet in the Series.
21:22 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is still on the mound for the Lions.
21:22 steve: Matsuzaka fell apart in the 7th in game 2
21:22 westbaystars: It was the seventh inning in Game 2 that he fell appart.
21:23 westbaystars: Ohnishi leads off the inning pinch hitting for number eight batter Mori.
21:23 steve: I think he's pitching too well to do it again
21:24 westbaystars: Actually, he threw perfect fifth and sixth innings in Game 2 as well.
21:24 westbaystars: Talk about a replay.
21:25 westbaystars: Ohnishi grounds out to Hirao at second.
21:25 westbaystars: One quick out.
21:25 steve: are you talking about his pitching.....or my awful predictions?
21:25 westbaystars: Morino pinch hits for Valdez.
21:26 westbaystars: Just looking at Game 2's box score. No offense intended.
21:26 westbaystars: Morino lifts the ball to shallow center.
21:26 westbaystars: Hirao goes back, calls Akada off, and makes the catch.
21:26 steve: No offense taken......I've been running my yap all night
21:26 westbaystars: That's out number two.
21:27 westbaystars: Your prediction that he's pitching too well looks pretty good so far.
21:27 westbaystars: Not that you'd like to be right with that one, huh?
21:27 MHStevie: This Lucky Seven doesn't look so lucky for the Dragons so far...
21:27 westbaystars: Araki is up next.
21:28 steve: being right hurts! what is it about a broken clock?
21:28 westbaystars: Araki has had a hit in the last five games, all but the first, this game included.
21:28 westbaystars: Right twice a day?
21:29 westbaystars: Araki flys out to Cabrera in foul territory.
21:29 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka extends his perfect pitching to three consecutive innings.
21:30 steve: Something like that!
21:30 westbaystars: This remains a one run ball game after seven complete. Seibu 3 - 2 Chunichi.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: --- Top of Eighth
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: Ochiai comes in to pitch the eighth for Chunichi.
21:31 westbaystars: No relation to the manager.
21:32 westbaystars: The first batter he'll face is Wada, who's two run homer in the sixth turned this game around.
21:32 westbaystars: The first pitch by Ochiai misses outside, ball one.
21:34 westbaystars: After missing low, Ochiai gets Wada to foul off a pair to bring the count even at 2-2.
21:35 westbaystars: And he fouls off a couple more.
21:35 westbaystars: It was after wearing Yamamoto down with a number of foul balls that he hit the home run.
21:35 westbaystars: And he fouls off another.
21:35 steve: Wada is the Devil!
21:35 westbaystars: Radio announcers say he rarely strikes out.
21:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined to right.
21:36 steve: He's a great hitter
21:36 westbaystars: Alex comes over, looks up, and that ball sails into the right field stands!
21:36 westbaystars: Home run!
21:36 westbaystars: I didn't expect that one to go, but it did!
21:37 westbaystars: That's two home runs in a row for Wada, putting the Lions up 4-2.
21:37 Christopher: It was another nice hit
21:37 westbaystars: Hirao grounds the ball to the left side.
21:37 westbaystars: Tatsunami fields the ball, but he's got to hurry to get him!
21:37 westbaystars: The throw is *just* in time! One out.
21:38 westbaystars: That brings up Nakajima.
21:39 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds the ball sharply to Tatsunami at third.
21:39 steve: Does wada have 3 or 4 home runs this series
21:39 westbaystars: He can take his time this time, even with the speedy shortstop.
21:39 westbaystars: And the throw to first is in time for out number two.
21:39 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa.
21:40 westbaystars: That was his fourth this Series, tying the record for most in a Nippon Series.
21:41 steve: MVP!
21:41 westbaystars: Hosokawa has struck out all four at bats, unable to hold up on a low pitch from Ochiai.
21:41 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:41 westbaystars: But not before Wada hits an insurrance home run the other way to right.
21:41 westbaystars: After seven and a half, the Lions take a 4-2 lead.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:42 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Eighth
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:43 westbaystars: It looks like Matsuzaka may be going for a complete game.
21:43 westbaystars: He's still on the mound after 112 pitches.
21:43 westbaystars: He's been perfect since the fifth inning.
21:44 westbaystars: He'll face numbers 2, 3, and 4 batters this inning, starting with Ibata.
21:44 steve: If he's getting stronger, I don't see why not!
21:44 westbaystars: He gets ahead of Ibata with two quick strikes, both watched by Ibata.
21:45 westbaystars: Ibata takes the bat off his shoulder and fouls the next pitch off, protecting the outside part of the plate.
21:45 westbaystars: Another foul ball. Matsuzaka is coming in with only strikes.
21:46 westbaystars: The next pitch is a 143 kph slider, swung on and missed!
21:46 westbaystars: Strike three. One out.
21:46 westbaystars: That's the third time Ibata's gone down on strikes.
21:46 westbaystars: Tatsunami comes up next.
21:47 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets ahead of him two strikes and a ball.
21:48 westbaystars: The fourth pitch misses just outside to the left handed Tatsunami.
21:48 westbaystars: The third base umpire says Tatsunami didn't go after the change-up high.
21:49 westbaystars: Full count.
21:49 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch misses high and away, ball four.
21:49 westbaystars: That's the first Dragon on base since the fourth inning.
21:49 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's third walk.
21:49 westbaystars: Alex comes up next.
21:50 westbaystars: He's struck out twice and popped out to Hosokawa so far.
21:50 steve: I hope he shows up soon!
21:51 westbaystars: Alex shatters his bat, grounding the ball to short.
21:51 westbaystars: Nakajima, with the ball and a piece of bat coming at him, fields the ball, throws to second for one,
21:51 westbaystars: The relay to first is just too late!
21:51 westbaystars: Safe at first.
21:52 westbaystars: Alex ran for his life there.
21:52 westbaystars: Linares comes up next.
21:52 westbaystars: He hit a double off of Matsuzaka earlier.
21:52 westbaystars: Two down, runner at first.
21:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka keeps trying to nibble on the outside corner, but Linares isn't going for it.
21:53 westbaystars: One strike, three balls.
21:54 westbaystars: The 130th pitch of the game for Matsuzaka is taken on the inside part of the plate for strike two.
21:54 westbaystars: Full count.
21:54 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is taken outside, ball four!
21:54 westbaystars: Itoh-kantoku stands up.
21:54 westbaystars: He comes out.
21:55 westbaystars: He wants to talk with Matsuzaka himself, not via Araki-pitching coach.
21:55 westbaystars: As the Lions' catcher for 20 years, he knows how to talk with pitchers.
21:55 westbaystars: He hears what he wants and heads back to the dugout.
21:56 westbaystars: There's a pinch runner for Linares at first, the go-ahead run.
21:56 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige, batting .571 (4 for 7) with runners in scoring position this Series.
21:56 westbaystars: 1 home run (a grand slam) and 9 RBIs.
21:57 westbaystars: He'd get my vote for Chunichi's MVP.
21:57 westbaystars: But he doesn't do it here!
21:57 westbaystars: He grounds the second pitch to the right side.
21:57 westbaystars: Hirao fields the ball, throws to first, and the side is retired.
21:58 westbaystars: Two walks almost unwind Matsuzaka, but he gets out of the inning unscathed.
21:58 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their last chance trailing by two: Seibu 4 - 2 Chunichi.
21:58 westbaystars: ---
21:58 westbaystars: --- Top of Nineth
21:58 westbaystars: ---
21:59 Christopher: It's looking more and more like a seven game series.
22:00 westbaystars: It's still too close to call for me.
22:01 westbaystars: Asakura takes the mound for Chunichi.
22:01 westbaystars: Ozeki pinch hits for Matsuzaka.
22:01 westbaystars: And he takes ball one outside for Asakura's first pitch of the game.
22:01 steve: It's going 7....that's bad!
22:02 westbaystars: This is Asakura's second appearance this Series.
22:02 westbaystars: Ozeki lifts the ball to shallow left-center.
22:02 steve: Do you think Kawakami will pitch an inning or 2 in game 7?
22:02 westbaystars: Alex has a long run, but gets there in time to make the out.
22:02 westbaystars: One out.
22:03 westbaystars: Top of the order in Satoh comes up.
22:03 westbaystars: That's a hard one to call. It depends on how the starter does.
22:03 westbaystars: That won't be Guzman, would it?
22:04 westbaystars: Yamai's had enough of a rest.
22:04 Christopher: Could it be one of the others?
22:04 MHtrStevie: All right... I have to clear out of the studio now... if I get back home before the game ends, I'l be back...
22:04 westbaystars: The count goes full to Satoh.
22:04 Christopher: After all Ochiai has been very creative with his selections
22:04 westbaystars: Take care.
22:05 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the ball up the middle, fielded by Araki deep behind the second base bag.
22:05 MHtrStevie: Otherwise I'll see you all for Game 7!
22:05 steve: Yeah...it's Guzman's turn. They might go with Yamai
22:05 westbaystars: He makes a jumping throw to first, the one bounder is scooped!
22:05 westbaystars: Out!
22:06 westbaystars: Nice catch by Watanabe now in at first.
22:06 steve: Near the end of game 4 the Lions were figuring him out
22:06 westbaystars: Akada comes up next.
22:06 westbaystars: Asakura misses with his first three pitches to Akada.
22:07 westbaystars: The fourth pitch misses outside and high.
22:07 steve: I'm afraid if they get behind early in game 7 against Ishii, it will be over.
22:07 westbaystars: Akada has a free pass on four pitches.
22:07 westbaystars: Two out base runner for Fernandez.
22:08 steve: They're the Chunich Red Sox
22:08 westbaystars: An inning by Kawakami in a close game would still be possible.
22:08 westbaystars: Well, I read that the Sox have broken the Bambino's curse this year.
22:09 steve: They don't have the ring yet
22:09 Christopher: A bit too soon to say that - they still have to win the Championship
22:10 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball to Ibata at short.
22:10 westbaystars: Ibata back hands the ball, throw to second for the force, and the side is retired.
22:10 steve: I dunno, with all the earthquakes and typhoons....hell might be freezing over too!
22:10 westbaystars: Fernandez hasn't been too pleased with his at bats the past few games.
22:11 westbaystars: There was another M3 in Niigata this evening, where there were four big one in two hours yesterday.
22:11 westbaystars: As though they didn't have enough trouble with the flooding from Typhoon #23 last week.
22:11 westbaystars: Ah, and another M3.9 is being displayed on TV right now.
22:12 westbaystars: ---
22:12 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Nineth
22:12 westbaystars: ---
22:12 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their last three outs.
22:12 westbaystars: Closer Toyoda takes the mound for the Lions.
22:13 Christopher: Good night all
22:13 westbaystars: I believe he's thrown two perfect innings in relief so far this Series.
22:14 westbaystars: Toyoda's first pitch by Inoue is taken up in the strike zone on the outside corner, strike one.
22:14 westbaystars: Inoue swings through the second pitch, two quick strikes.
22:15 westbaystars: I thought that "Good night all" was figurative with Toyoda coming in.
22:15 westbaystars: Guess he was leaving. Good night, Christopher.
22:16 westbaystars: Inoue battles Toyoda fouling a couple off before taking ball one low.
22:16 westbaystars: The next pitch is swung on and missed, a low pitch.
22:16 westbaystars: Strike three.
22:17 steve: I thought Toyoda was gonna be a little rusty because it's been 4 days since he's pitched in a game situation
22:17 westbaystars: Watanabe, who came in to play first after a pinch runner ran for Linares.
22:17 westbaystars: He's batting in the number nine spot.
22:18 westbaystars: That can happend during the season. He's just got to always be ready to go.
22:19 westbaystars: Yokohama's closer would go a whole month without a chance.
22:19 westbaystars: Toyoda strikes out Watanabe on five pitches.
22:19 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their final out.
22:19 westbaystars: And Toyoda is looking anything but rusty.
22:20 westbaystars: The first pich Hidenori, who is in the number nine spot, Watanabe was in the number eight spot.
22:20 steve: I thought Toyoda was gonna be a little rusty because it's been 4 days since he's pitched in a game situation
22:20 westbaystars: ... was taken up in the zone for strike one.
22:20 steve: I can't do this tomorrow!
22:21 westbaystars: After taking ball one, Hidenori swings through the next pitch for strike two.
22:21 westbaystars: The fourth pitch looked good, but is taken high (or away?) for ball two.
22:21 steve: last strike
22:21 westbaystars: The next pitch is reached for and pulled to left.
22:21 steve: game 7
22:21 westbaystars: The ball bounces in just before Wada can get to the ball, base hit!
22:21 steve: this is horrible
22:22 westbaystars: The Dragons are still alive.
22:22 westbaystars: The top of the order in Araki stands in.
22:22 steve: barely
22:22 westbaystars: And swings and misses Toyoda's first offering, strike one.
22:22 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to the right side.
22:23 westbaystars: Hirao calls it, makes the catch,
22:23 westbaystars: and the side is retired.
22:23 westbaystars: Game over.
22:23 steve: out?
22:23 westbaystars: The Seibu Lions take Game 6 4-2.
22:23 westbaystars: Matsuzaka and Wada are the heros of the game.
22:24 westbaystars: Wada is on his way to the Series MVP if the Lions can pull off a win tomorrow.
22:24 westbaystars: Now we're all even at 3 games to 3.
22:24 steve: I'm out.......maybe we can catch a game next season in Yokohama
22:25 westbaystars: The game was completed in just shy of four hours.
22:25 westbaystars: Another long, see-saw game.
22:25 westbaystars: This one with great pitching from both sides.
22:26 westbaystars: So, we'll be up again for the final game of 2004 tomorrow, same time, same place.
22:27 habs: Tomorrow game at the same time?
22:27 westbaystars: Yes. 6:20 pm JST.
22:27 westbaystars: About four hours earlier than it is right now.
22:28 habs: I'll try to join but work comes first.
22:28 westbaystars: Most people seem to have to work, making it hard for many, I know.
22:28 westbaystars: That's why I was hoping they wouldn't push the games back a day after Wednesday was cancelled.
22:29 westbaystars: It's best to finish on a weekend.
22:30 westbaystars: If that's it, I'll post the transcript for all to read.
22:30 habs: That's for sure plus watching my Red Sox games it's tough.
22:31 habs: Good job again. Hope to see you tomorrow.
22:31 westbaystars: See you then.
22:31 westbaystars: Take care all.
It all comes down to tomorrow's big Game 7. Hope to see those of you who can log in then.
In the mean time, enjoy the Game 6 transcript:
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2004/10/24 22:32
CHATROOM 2004 Nippon Series/Game 6
MODERATORS westbaystars
18:14 westbaystars: As mentioned in the above thread, the starting pitchers tonight are Matsuzaka for Seibu vs. Yamamoto for Chunichi.
18:15 westbaystars: Hirao is starting at second for Seibu tonight.
18:15 westbaystars: Inoue is in left, Mori in right for Chunichi.
18:16 westbaystars: These are the only big differences from the norm this series.
18:16 westbaystars: ---
18:16 westbaystars: --- Top of First
18:16 westbaystars: ---
18:21 westbaystars: Yamamoto Masa is announced with the rest of the Dragons and starts warming up on the mound.
18:23 westbaystars: He's done warming up, and Satoh stands in for the Lions.
18:24 westbaystars: The first pitch of the evening is taken for strike one.
18:24 westbaystars: Satoh lines the next pitch past Yamamoto's head and into center field.
18:24 westbaystars: Lead-off base runner is on for Seibu.
18:24 westbaystars: Akada follows.
18:24 westbaystars: Akada is looking to bunt Satoh along.
18:25 westbaystars: But Yamamoto throws to first first.
18:25 westbaystars: The first pitch is bunted just right of center.
18:26 westbaystars: Yamamoto plays the ball, and throws to first for the first out of the inning.
18:26 westbaystars: The sacrifice is a success.
18:26 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner in scoring position.
18:27 westbaystars: Fernandez lifts the ball deep to center.
18:28 westbaystars: Alex goes back, on the warning track, and makes the catch.
18:28 westbaystars: Satoh touches up at second and heads for third.
18:28 westbaystars: Safe.
18:28 westbaystars: Runner is now at third, two outs, and Cabrera at the plate.
18:30 westbaystars: Cabu lines an inside and tight pitch to the left-center gap!
18:31 westbaystars: That ball is going to bounce in! And it does!
18:31 westbaystars: Satoh scores easilly from third.
18:31 westbaystars: Cabrera takes the single for the first RBI of the game.
18:31 westbaystars: Seibu leads 1-0, runner at first, Wada comes to the plate.
18:32 westbaystars: I practiced hitting during softball practice today with a "Wada batting stance," and it worked pretty well.
18:32 westbaystars: He keeps his left (front) leg out with an open stance.
18:33 westbaystars: Then lifts the leg as the ball is delivered, and swings.
18:33 westbaystars: It's helped with my timing.
18:34 westbaystars: It helps with his own as he drills a base hit the other way on a 2-2 pitch.
18:34 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, two outs, Hirao comes up to bat.
18:34 westbaystars: Hirao is starting at second in place of Takagi tonight.
18:36 westbaystars: Yamamoto digs a hole for himself with three straight balls to Hirao.
18:36 westbaystars: Nakajima swings the bat on deck.
18:37 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike one on the outside part of the plate.
18:37 westbaystars: Hirao grounds the fifth pitch right to Ibata at short.
18:37 westbaystars: Ibata throws to second for the force, and the side is retired.
18:37 steve: I don't think Yamamoto will go more than 4 innings tonight
18:38 westbaystars: But not before Cabrera drove in a run to take a 1-0 lead.
18:38 westbaystars: Doesn't he settle down after a bit?
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:39 westbaystars: --- Bottom of First
18:39 westbaystars: ---
18:39 westbaystars: A lot of starters take an inning or two to fully warm up.
18:39 westbaystars: Or is it just BayStar starters who have that problem?
18:39 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes the mound for the Lions.
18:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is 0 wins, 5 losses in Nippon Series play over his career spanning three Series'.
18:41 westbaystars: He throws a strike for his first pitch.
18:41 steve: I think he's worn out from the season.......Maybe the Bay star theory explains Guzman
18:41 westbaystars: The second pitch to Araki is grounded to Hirao at second.
18:41 westbaystars: The throw to first is in time for out number one.
18:42 westbaystars: Yamamoto did look rather tired his first outing in the Series.
18:42 westbaystars: Ibata follows.
18:42 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka digs a three ball hole for himself real quick.
18:42 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike one on the inside corner.
18:43 steve: Ochiai doesn't wanna see a game 7....I don't blame him
18:43 westbaystars: Matsuzaka then misses with the fifth pitch low and away, ball four.
18:43 westbaystars: Runner at first with one out.
18:43 westbaystars: That will most likely see Ishii, who had the Dragons in his pocket.
18:44 westbaystars: Tatsunami comes up next.
18:44 steve: The Lions have been clutch in final games this year
18:44 westbaystars: With Tatsunami swinging at the second pitch, Ibata takes off for second.
18:45 westbaystars: The throw is right in time, as is the tag!
18:45 westbaystars: Ibata is out at second trying to steal.
18:45 westbaystars: Doesn't look like a hit end run.
18:45 westbaystars: Yea, look at the two play off games!
18:45 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Tatsunami swinging at strike three, the side is retired.
18:46 westbaystars: The Dragons got a runner, but are out in order.
18:46 westbaystars: At the end of one complete, the Lions lead 1-0.
18:46 westbaystars: ---
18:46 westbaystars: --- Top of Second
18:46 westbaystars: ---
18:46 steve: Not a bad start for Matsuzaka...is he gonna be stubborn though?
18:47 westbaystars: I'm just impressed with the speed the games he throws in go.
18:47 westbaystars: He works fast.
18:47 westbaystars: Unfortunately, I've also noticed that pitchers who work fast tend to not get much run support.
18:47 westbaystars: Or do such games go fast because there's so little run support?
18:48 westbaystars: Nakajima leads off the second inning.
18:48 steve: Yeah....I like fast games
18:48 steve: I don't have an answer to the second part
18:49 westbaystars: It's almost like the batters do better if they're in the field a little longer.
18:49 westbaystars: Just a feeling I have, no data to back it up.
18:49 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds out to Tatsunami at third. One out.
18:49 steve: Maybe it's a rhythm thing......
18:50 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa, starting behind the plate tonight for Matsuzaka.
18:51 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets ahead of Hosokawa two strikes, one ball.
18:51 westbaystars: And strikes him out on the next pitch.
18:51 westbaystars: Two outs.
18:52 steve: Maybe he's settling down a bit
18:52 westbaystars: Matsuzaka comes up to bat next.
18:52 westbaystars: Looks like it. Until he throws two straight balls to Matsuzaka.
18:53 steve: OOOF....I'm gonna stay quiet
18:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka lines a one strike, two ball pitch up the right field line, fair!
18:54 westbaystars: The ball goes toward the right field corner, fielded on a bound by Mori.
18:54 westbaystars: That holds Matsuzaka to a single - his second hit of the Series.
18:54 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the first pitch to Ibata at short.
18:54 westbaystars: Ibata throws to second for the force, and that retires the side.
18:55 westbaystars: Yamamoto gives up a hit to the opposing pitcher, but is otherwise effective.
18:55 westbaystars: After one and a half, the Lions continue to lead 1-0.
18:55 westbaystars: ---
18:55 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Second
18:55 westbaystars: ---
18:55 steve: Is he throwing alot of fastballs tonight?
18:57 westbaystars: Masa? No. Screw balls are his bread and butter. As are off speed pitches.
18:57 westbaystars: Matsuzaka, on the other hand, tends to stay between 146 and 152 kph.
18:57 westbaystars: Alex leads off the Dragons' half of the second.
18:58 westbaystars: And of course Matsuzaka throws a 117 kph curve ball to start after I say that.
18:58 steve: I read the stat that the big three for the lions......
18:58 steve: are hitting over 400 on fastballs
18:59 steve: and under 150 on sliders/off speed
18:59 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Alex swinging at a 151 kph fast ball inside to strike him out.
18:59 westbaystars: Effective after a couple of mid-120s sliders.
19:00 westbaystars: That brings up Linares.
19:00 steve: I'm happy Omar is doing well lately
19:00 westbaystars: If that's the case, then Yamamoto is a good choice. He throws a lot of off speed stuff.
19:01 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with four in a row to Linares for a base on balls.
19:01 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige.
19:03 westbaystars: Tanishige, with Linares on the run, grounds the ball through the left side.
19:03 westbaystars: With the hit end run, Nakajima left his position at short to cover, and the ball goes through where he was.
19:03 westbaystars: Linares heads into third.
19:04 westbaystars: Very well placed hit end run!
19:04 steve: I'm happy Omar is doing well lately
19:04 westbaystars: Good call by Ochiai-kantoku there.
19:04 westbaystars: That puts runners at first and third with one out and "Lucky Boy" Inoue coming up.
19:05 westbaystars: Yea, Linares seemed to struggle so much the past couple of years.
19:05 westbaystars: And he's really come through in the Series.
19:06 westbaystars: Count runs to 2-2 to Inoue.
19:07 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is a high bound to the left side.
19:07 westbaystars: By the time the ball comes down to where Fernandez can field the ball, there isn't a play anywhere!
19:07 westbaystars: Linares scores!
19:08 westbaystars: That ties the game 1-1.
19:08 westbaystars: Runners at first and second with one out on the infield base hit.
19:08 westbaystars: Mori comes up to bat.
19:10 westbaystars: Mori goes down swinging at a 152 kph high and tight pitch.
19:10 westbaystars: That's the second out of the inning.
19:10 westbaystars: Pitcher Yamamoto Masa comes up next.
19:10 westbaystars: Yamamoto grounds the first pitch to Nakajima at short.
19:11 westbaystars: Nakajima throws to first to retire the side.
19:11 westbaystars: But the Dragons use a hit and run to set up Linares to score.
19:11 westbaystars: After two complete, the game is tied up a 1-1.
19:11 westbaystars: ---
19:11 westbaystars: --- Top of Third
19:11 westbaystars: ---
19:12 steve: I didn't think it's gonna be a pitchers duel.....
19:12 westbaystars: How is it that you always tune in just as a team is scoring, Stevie?
19:13 westbaystars: No, doesn't look like it. Unless they both start settling down now.
19:13 westbaystars: Number two batter Akada leads off the third inning for the Lions.
19:13 steve: think it was.....sorry after 2 months here my english is going
19:14 westbaystars: Then you're in Japan?
19:14 westbaystars: Akada fakes bunt on the first pitch.
19:14 westbaystars: Takes strike one.
19:15 westbaystars: He's swinging away at the next pitch, fouling it off to the left side.
19:15 steve: A Dragons fan in Saitama.....Game 4 was fun to go to
19:16 westbaystars: Akada's playing bunt and buster has bugged me throughout the Series (and playoffs).
19:16 westbaystars: The full count pitch is lined to left.
19:17 westbaystars: Inoue goes back, and back peddling toward the warning track, makes the catch.
19:17 westbaystars: One out.
19:17 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with nobody on.
19:18 westbaystars: Perhaps you can tell me how accurate my rant about Seibu Dome is on this thread:
19:18 westbaystars: http://www.japanesebaseball.com/forum/thread.jsp?forum=17&thread=5128
19:18 westbaystars: is? I've never been there myself.
19:19 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball up the middle to the left side of the second base bag.
19:19 westbaystars: Base hit!
19:19 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera with a runner at first and one out.
19:19 steve: It's worse than you said.....It took me 4 trains from Koshigaya
19:20 steve: The dome is weird too......it's like an outside stadium was built
19:21 westbaystars: Cabrera drove in the first run in the first ripping a hight and tight pitch to left-center.
19:21 steve: and then they decided, hey..let's put a roof on it
19:21 westbaystars: That's exactly what they did!
19:21 westbaystars: Cabu lifts the ball high to the left side.
19:22 westbaystars: The ball doesn't hit the roof, but comes close.
19:22 westbaystars: Inoue calls for the ball in shallow left field, a little inside the line.
19:22 westbaystars: And when the ball finally comes down, it's out number two.
19:22 westbaystars: That brings up Wada, who hit a nice line drive to right his first at bat.
19:23 steve: How many stadiums have you been to?
19:23 westbaystars: Yokohama, Tokyo Dome, Jingu, Chiba Marine, and Hiroshima Shimin.
19:23 westbaystars: Also Yokosuka Stadium (BayStars' ni-gun) - which is a short walk from home.
19:24 westbaystars: And I've played at Ota Stadium (Swallows' ni-gun) with our team from work against another tech company's team.
19:24 westbaystars: Nanshiki.
19:24 steve: Which one do you like the best? (if the Bay stars could play in any)
19:24 westbaystars: Wada grounds the ball back to Yamamoto.
19:25 westbaystars: He fields the ball easilly, and throws to first to end the inning.
19:25 westbaystars: After two and a half, the game remains tied at 1-1.
19:26 westbaystars: ---
19:26 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Third
19:26 westbaystars: ---
19:26 westbaystars: That's not an easy question to answer. I like Tokyo Dome just because it's comfortable in any weather.
19:27 westbaystars: But the last time I was there was before they put in field turf, and I didn't like the old surface at all.
19:27 westbaystars: The Dragons start off with their top batter Araki.
19:28 westbaystars: I like Hiroshima in that the game can change at any time due to its smallness.
19:28 steve: Jingu is pretty cool, I like it better than Seibu
19:28 westbaystars: Araki hits a long foul ball for strike two (one ball).
19:28 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined up the middle past Matsuzaka, base hit!
19:28 steve: The only other one I went to was the old Nagoya Stadium...
19:29 westbaystars: Chunichi puts their lead-off batter on.
19:29 westbaystars: He's reached base all five plate appearances against Matsuzaka.
19:29 steve: And I did see batting practice at Sapporo Dome
19:29 steve: That's a nice stadium
19:30 westbaystars: I didn't really like the field at Jingu. It looked like torn up carpet.
19:30 westbaystars: I know that's not what the surface was, but that's how it looked.
19:31 steve: Yeah, It's kind of a wreck....I just like the atmosphere
19:31 westbaystars: The field turf at Yokohama Stadium looks very nice, although the stripes are too wide.
19:31 steve: Does Nagoya's Ni-gun play at the old park
19:31 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Ibata swinging for strike three.
19:32 westbaystars: That's the first out of the inning.
19:32 westbaystars: That's the last I heard, that ni-gun plays at old Nagoya Kyujyo.
19:33 westbaystars: Like Kintetsu still (until this year) play(ed) at Fujiidera Kyujyo.
19:33 westbaystars: Tatsunami is up now.
19:34 westbaystars: Tatsunami fouls off the first three offerings from Matsuzaka, then takes ball one high.
19:35 westbaystars: We're currently in the bottom of the third at Nagoya Dome with the score tied 1-1.
19:35 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with two more, and the count runs full.
19:35 steve: How are they gonna deal with the Ni-gun for the merger?
19:35 MHtrStevie: Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone... =)
19:36 westbaystars: After fouling another one off, Tatsunami grounds back to Matsuzaka on the mound.
19:36 westbaystars: Matsuzaka looks at second, decides against it, and throws to first for out number two.
19:37 westbaystars: Araki was quick to take off for second and would have beat a throw.
19:37 westbaystars: That brings up Alex with two down and a runner at second.
19:38 westbaystars: I'm not sure how they're going to deal with ni-gun for the merged team. If Orix does schedule most of their home ...
19:38 westbaystars: ... games in Osaka, they may take Green Stadium for ni-gun games.
19:39 westbaystars: I wonder if that'll get fans to go out to watch the farm team or not.
19:39 Christopher: Well Green Stadium is cheaper than Osaka dome
19:39 westbaystars: Alex is batting .500 with runners in scoring position this Series.
19:39 westbaystars: The count runs to 2-2.
19:39 steve: Do they get to pick the best prospects and release the rest ?
19:40 steve: To the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.....
19:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets Alex half swinging at a slider over the outer part of the plate!
19:40 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:40 westbaystars: That retires the Dragons in the third.
19:41 steve: Or worse, The Livedoor Dreams!
19:41 westbaystars: At the end of three complete, the score remains 1-1.
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: --- Top of Fourth
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: The Orix Buffaloes get to keep 25 players from the two teams.
19:42 westbaystars: Everyone else will be available in a draft whereby the new team gets to pick up most of the other players.
19:42 steve: 25 from the first team and 25 from the second or just 25?
19:42 westbaystars: At least, that was the last proposal I'd read.
19:43 westbaystars: Just 25.
19:43 westbaystars: Hirao leads off the fourth inning.
19:43 westbaystars: But apparently some of the players may refuse to be put on the reserve list.
19:44 westbaystars: Linares makes a great play running out toward foul territory in right, catching the ball before running into the ...
19:44 westbaystars: ... foul fense.
19:44 westbaystars: One out.
19:44 westbaystars: Nakajima follows.
19:45 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds the first pitch to the right side.
19:45 westbaystars: Linares fields the ball going toward second, tosses to Yamamoto covering, and we have two quick outs.
19:45 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa.
19:45 steve: Wow, the merger might not be such a good thing in the long run...
19:46 steve: In terms of making Orix strong on the field
19:46 westbaystars: It wouldn't have been allowed if it didn't benifit teams other than the merged team.
19:46 westbaystars: Iwakuma is apparently apprehensive of being on the protected list.
19:47 westbaystars: He's one of the main arms that Orix wants from the Buffs.
19:48 steve: Who are three Gaijin that they're gonna hold on to?
19:49 westbaystars: The count goes full to Hosokawa.
19:49 westbaystars: None, as far as I know. I think I read that they're letting all of their foreign players go.
19:50 westbaystars: The next swing on and missed, low.
19:50 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:50 westbaystars: Tanishige touches a frustrated looking Hosokawa out at the plate, and the side is retired in order.
19:50 westbaystars: Looks like Yamamoto has settled down very well.
19:50 steve: Well.....I was way off on my two predictions
19:51 steve: mea culpa, mea culpa
19:51 westbaystars: Score remains tied 1-1.
19:51 westbaystars: ---
19:51 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fourth
19:51 westbaystars: ---
19:52 westbaystars: That's why I try to avoid predictions. Murphy's Law often applies.
19:52 westbaystars:
19:52 westbaystars: Linares leads off the Dragons's half of the fourth.
19:52 steve: Yeah, it feels good when I'm right .....
19:53 steve: about 1 in every million times!
19:53 westbaystars: Linares walked his first at bat this evening.
19:53 westbaystars: He lines the ball toward the corner in right.
19:53 westbaystars: Satoh dives!
19:53 westbaystars: And misses the ball!
19:54 westbaystars: No, the ball was in his glove, but bounced out as he hit the ground head first.
19:54 westbaystars: The ball, from his glove, bounces off the foul wall back to Satoh.
19:54 westbaystars: He throws the ball back in, but after Linares had himself a lead-off double.
19:55 westbaystars: Tanishige then lines the first pitch to him to right, base hit!
19:55 westbaystars: Linares didn't get much of a jump and holds at third as the ball gets to Satoh in a hurry.
19:56 steve: Omar isn't trying for home......he's slow!
19:56 westbaystars: With runners at first and third and nobody out, Araki-pitching coach heads out to have a word with Matsuzuaka.
19:56 steve: J.T. Snow slow!
19:57 westbaystars: In this case, the ball got out there too quickly. Araki or Ibata might have made it close.
19:57 westbaystars: But they're exceptionally fast.
19:57 westbaystars: Inoue comes up next.
19:57 steve: I think he's older than 36
19:58 westbaystars: Hey, now. Let's not bring age into this. I just turned 38 yesterday.
19:59 westbaystars: He's still young!
19:59 steve: Actually his birthday was yesterday too!
19:59 steve: So he is older than 36
19:59 westbaystars: Really? I just remember that I share the day with Weird Al.
20:00 westbaystars: Inoue grounds a 2-2 pitch back up the middle, reached for and missed by Matsuzaka!
20:00 westbaystars: The ball goes into center!
20:00 westbaystars: Linares scores the go-ahead run!
20:00 MHtrStevie: This is pretty freaky... I celebrated 33 exactly one week ago...
20:01 westbaystars: Inoue continues his "Lucky Boy" persona that both TV and radio announcers are using to label him.
20:01 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 2-1 lead.
20:01 westbaystars: And Mori lifts the ball to the right side.
20:02 westbaystars: Cabrera calls the ball just a step foul of the first base bag.
20:02 westbaystars: The umpires call it an infield fly (if it's fair?).
20:02 westbaystars: Cabrera makes the catch for the first out of the inning.
20:02 westbaystars: That brings up opposing pitcher Yamamoto.
20:03 westbaystars: Yamamoto bunts the ball to the third base side.
20:03 steve: I think he's bunting but I'm probably wrong
20:03 westbaystars: Matsuzaka fields the ball, looks at third, and throws to first.
20:03 westbaystars: But he had time to get the lead runner at third!
20:03 westbaystars: Why did he give up?
20:04 westbaystars: Was there no one to take the ball?
20:04 steve: Big game pressure?
20:04 westbaystars: Anyway, we now have two outs with runners at second and third.
20:04 westbaystars: And Araki coming up.
20:04 westbaystars: Araki has reached base all five plate appearances this Series against Matsuzaka.
20:05 steve: Satoh's try reminded of the Dragon catch in game 2
20:05 steve: That turned around the game for the Dragons
20:06 westbaystars: But Satoh missed the ball, which turned into at least one Dragon run.
20:06 westbaystars: The count runs full to Araki.
20:07 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is a slider lifted to shallow right.
20:07 steve: Which may turn this game around.....it's still early though
20:07 westbaystars: Akada, Satoh, and Hirao converge, Hirao calls for the ball and makes the catch.
20:07 westbaystars: That retires the the Dragons, Matsuzaka finally getting Araki.
20:08 westbaystars: But the Dragons add one thanks to that dropped ball in right.
20:08 westbaystars: After four complete, the Dragons take a 2-1 lead.
20:08 westbaystars: ---
20:08 westbaystars: --- Top of Fifth
20:08 westbaystars: ---
20:09 westbaystars: While Yamamoto settled down in the fourth, Matsuzaka is still struggling.
20:09 westbaystars: He stays in the game, though, putting on a batting helmet and stepping up to the plate.
20:10 westbaystars: He has two hits in the Series, one his first at bat.
20:11 westbaystars: With two strikes on him, Matsuzaka takes low and inside for ball one, a call Tanishige disagrees with.
20:11 westbaystars: Yamamoto tells him that it's OK and asks for the ball back.
20:12 westbaystars: He then strikes Matsuzaka out with the next pitch for out number one.
20:12 westbaystars: That brings up the top of the Lions' order in Satoh.
20:13 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the second pitch to him right at Araki at second.
20:13 westbaystars: The throw to first retires the second batter of the inning.
20:13 westbaystars: That brings up Akada with two down and nobody on.
20:16 westbaystars: Masa misses with a 2-2 pitch outside to bring the count full.
20:17 westbaystars: The full count screw ball is fouled back. Yamamoto has thrown the screw ball for almost half his pitches.
20:17 westbaystars: The second shoubu pitch is lined to center by left-center.
20:17 westbaystars: The ball bounces once before hitting the base of the fense.
20:18 westbaystars: By the time the ball is returned, Akada has a two out double.
20:18 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez, who's been tough with runners in scoring position.
20:20 westbaystars: After fouling off a slow curve ball, Fernandez takes the next pitch outside. One and one.
20:20 westbaystars: Fernandez goes after the next curve ball and fouls it off to the right side and out of play.
20:21 westbaystars: The count is evened at 2-2 as Fernandez lifts his back foot to prevent getting hit.
20:21 westbaystars: The first 2-2 pitch is fouled off to the right side and out of play.
20:22 westbaystars: Fernandez stands in again with his top two buttons undone.
20:22 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted high to center, but not deep.
20:22 westbaystars: Alex calls for the ball, comes over and in a few steps, and makes the catch.
20:22 westbaystars: That retires the side.
20:23 westbaystars: The Lions got a two out double, but nothing to show for it.
20:23 westbaystars: After four and a half, they continue to trail 1-2.
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:23 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fifth
20:23 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Ibata leads off the Dragons' half of the fifth.
20:25 westbaystars: He's walked and struck out so far this evening.
20:26 westbaystars: And he goes down swinging again, this time of five pitches.
20:27 westbaystars: One quick out.
20:27 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami.
20:28 westbaystars: Tatsunami lifts the ball to shallow left.
20:28 westbaystars: Nakajima goes out, calls Wada off, and makes the catch.
20:28 westbaystars: That's two quick outs for Matsuzaka.
20:28 westbaystars: Alex comes up next.
20:28 westbaystars: He's struck out both previous at bats tonight.
20:29 westbaystars: Alex lifts a 1-1 pitch up in front of the Dragons' dugout.
20:30 westbaystars: Hosokawa comes over and makes the catch for the third out.
20:30 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets the Dragons in order in the fifth.
20:30 westbaystars: His second quick and easy inning of the game.
20:30 steve: pitching has been better than I thought! Maybe they both settled down
20:30 westbaystars: But after five complete, the Dragons continue to lead 2-1.
20:30 westbaystars: ---
20:30 westbaystars: --- Top of Sixth
20:30 westbaystars: ---
20:31 steve: Where do you think Tyrone is gonna end up?
20:31 westbaystars: The Giants will pay him what he wants.
20:32 westbaystars: Although he'll probably do better in the Pacific League.
20:32 steve: Are they getting rid of Petagine (petagrine?)
20:33 steve: I heard the bidding is between Hanshin and Chunichi
20:33 westbaystars: He's still got another year on his *very expensive* contract.
20:33 westbaystars: They may buy him out.
20:33 westbaystars: Was this his last year?
20:34 westbaystars: Cabrera leads off hitting a screw ball to the right-center gap - no man's land.
20:34 steve: Dunno, I'm trying to think which gaijin they would move to get him
20:34 westbaystars: Cabrera drifts into second with a lead-off stand up double.
20:35 westbaystars: Not a problem. Rhodes isn't considered a suketto next season.
20:35 steve: Cabrera has been tough
20:35 westbaystars: Wada comes up next.
20:36 westbaystars: Cabu drove in the first run with a line drive left of center in the first.
20:36 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets ahead of Wada with two quick strikes.
20:36 westbaystars: Wada helping by fouling off a bad second pitch.
20:37 westbaystars: Wada lays off the third pitch up high for ball one.
20:38 Christopher: Petagine will probably have to take a pay cut to play at the Tigers though
20:38 westbaystars: Wada battles off a couple more slow curves.
20:39 westbaystars: He'll have to take a huge pay cut to play with anyone else.
20:39 Christopher: Including staying with the Giants
20:40 westbaystars: Noone else will shell out 7.2-oku yen for him, no matter how many home runs he hits.
20:40 westbaystars: Wada works the count full.
20:41 steve: No,no,no....I was talking about Woods....Roberto is almost done
20:41 Christopher: He's not a wonderful first base either
20:42 westbaystars: Wada lifts the ball deep to left!
20:42 westbaystars: Inoue turn and watches this one go!
20:42 westbaystars: Haitaaaaaaa! Two run home run to left!
20:42 westbaystars: Gyakuten! Lions take a 3-2 lead!
20:43 steve: Wada is a nightmare!
20:43 westbaystars: Hirao swings at the first pitch and lines the ball deep to right!
20:43 westbaystars: The ball goes over Miri's glove in right and hits the base of the fense.
20:43 steve: pull him
20:43 steve: pull him now
20:44 westbaystars: The ball gets far away from both Mori and Alex.
20:44 steve: he's done
20:44 westbaystars: With so much room out there in right, the quick Hirao heads for third.
20:44 steve: pull him
20:44 westbaystars: And he's in there without a throw!
20:44 westbaystars: Mori-pitching coach heads out to the mound.
20:45 westbaystars: Then Ochiai-kantoku head out to hear what he has to say for himself.
20:45 westbaystars: And Okamoto is being called in to pitch.
20:45 westbaystars: Yamamoto came unwound in a hurry here.
20:45 westbaystars: After throwing so well.
20:46 steve: he does that
20:46 Christopher: Okamoto - one good match and one stinker
20:47 westbaystars: He gave up the grand slam to Cabu, didn't he?
20:47 Christopher: Yes - 6 runs in that innings
20:47 westbaystars: Ah, Steve, now I think I understand your point.
20:47 westbaystars: Petagine is still with the Giants at first, and would have to go to get Woods.
20:48 westbaystars: It's not a gaijin problem, since Rhodes won't count as a foreigner next season.
20:48 westbaystars: It's a position problem.
20:48 westbaystars: Okamoto's first pitch it Nakajima is a slider, fouled off to the right side and out of play.
20:49 steve: Actually, i forgot about Rhodes getting the exemption
20:49 westbaystars: The Giants have too many first basemen, foreign and not.
20:49 westbaystars: Too large a collection of home run hitters, but too few people to get on base.
20:49 steve: I dunno if Kyojin wants to have too many gaijin bats
20:50 Christopher: Too few runners between base. One of the Tigers
20:50 Christopher: Pitchers said he never worried about Giants stealing bases
20:50 steve: their ratings are sagging....it's almost as if it's more important to have a likeable team
20:50 westbaystars: Okamoto then goes full to Nakajima.
20:51 steve: they need some pitching too
20:51 westbaystars: Okamoto gets Nakajima swinging and missing a slider that slid outside and low.
20:52 westbaystars: Strike three.
20:52 westbaystars: That's the first out of the inning with a runner still at third.
20:52 westbaystars: Hosokawa comes up next.
20:52 westbaystars: He's struck out twice so far tonight.
20:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is getting ready on deck.
20:53 steve: I could see the expansion team picking up Petagine
20:54 westbaystars: The 1-1 pitch is lined past his third base coach by Hosokawa for strike two.
20:54 Christopher: Thats possible though once again with the large pay cut
20:54 westbaystars: The next pitch is a fork ball low, swung on and missed!
20:54 westbaystars: Two outs.
20:54 westbaystars: We go from no outs runner at third to two outs runner at third.
20:55 westbaystars: Pitcher Matsuzaka comes up to bat.
20:55 westbaystars: He'd better pitch well from here to not be pinch hit for. Although he's been fair with the bat.
20:55 westbaystars: Tanishige saves a pitch way outside in the dirt, smothering the slider with his check protector to protect the run.
20:56 westbaystars: Count runs to 1-1.
20:56 westbaystars: The third pitch is a slider, swung on and missed. Strike two.
20:56 steve: the Lions haven't needed their closer much
20:56 westbaystars: Matsuzaka fails to hold up the next pitch low and away, strike three.
20:57 westbaystars: Okamoto comes in and strikes out the remainder of the side in order.
20:57 steve: has he pitched much this series.....I can't remember.
20:57 westbaystars: That holds the Lions at two run on Wada's big two run homer to left.
20:58 westbaystars: After five and a half, the Lions turn this around to lead 3-2.
20:58 steve: I don't think he went in 4 or 5, did he pitch in game 3
20:58 westbaystars: ---
20:58 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Sixth
20:58 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Two apparances come to mind.
20:59 westbaystars: But I don't have my newspapers with me.
20:59 steve: 1 and 3?
20:59 westbaystars: And I don't trust my own memory.
21:00 westbaystars: Linares leads off the Dragons' half of the sixth, looking to turn this game back around.
21:00 steve: I'll check Borisov
21:02 westbaystars: Linares flies out to center for out number one.
21:02 westbaystars: Okamoto pitched one scoreless inning in Game 1.
21:02 westbaystars: One scoreless inning in Game 2.
21:03 westbaystars: That's as far as this week's Shukan Baseball has the box scores.
21:03 westbaystars: Tanishige is now up, the count is 2-2.
21:04 steve: I thought Toyoda was the closer for the Lions
21:04 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is fouled off behind the backstop net.
21:04 westbaystars: Toyoda has been their closer, except when he's gotten into trouble.
21:04 steve: Borisov has him pitching in game 1 and 3, getting the save in both
21:04 westbaystars: Then I've seen Ishii come in to finish things off.
21:05 westbaystars: Tanishige lifts the ball deep to left!
21:05 westbaystars: The crowd is on their feet!
21:05 westbaystars: Wada goes back, against the wall,
21:05 westbaystars: makes the catch at the warning track leading against the wall.
21:05 westbaystars: Two outs.
21:06 steve: shoot
21:06 westbaystars: Inoue grouns the first pitch to Hirao at second.
21:06 westbaystars: The throw to first is in time, and the Dragons are down in order yet again.
21:06 westbaystars: It looks like Matsuzaka has settled down.
21:07 westbaystars: Although Tanishige game the Dragon fans a thrill with a long out.
21:07 steve: He's in a groove now
21:07 westbaystars: At the end of six complete, the Dragons trial 2-3.
21:07 westbaystars: ---
21:07 westbaystars: --- Top of Seventh
21:07 westbaystars: ---
21:08 steve: I don't think they'll let him go more than 7 though
21:08 westbaystars: Shukan Baseball shows Okamoto throwing the 8th inning in Game 2.
21:09 westbaystars: Center fly, center fly, infield hit to short, ground out to second.
21:09 westbaystars: That was the bottom of the Lions' order.
21:10 westbaystars: Valdez come on to pitch for the Dragons in the seventh.
21:10 westbaystars: His first pitch is called strike one on the outside corner.
21:10 westbaystars: Satoh is leading off for the Lions.
21:11 westbaystars: Valdez threw one inning in Game 2 and got the win.
21:11 westbaystars: Satoh lines the ball up the middle for a base hit.
21:12 westbaystars: That's his 11th hit of the Series.
21:12 westbaystars: Akada fakes bunt and swings away, fouling the ball off to the right side.
21:13 westbaystars: His buster attempts have really annoyed me so far.
21:13 westbaystars: He's showing bunt again before the pitch.
21:14 westbaystars: In Game 2, Valdez threw the seventh inning giving up only a home run to Wada.
21:15 westbaystars: Akada shows bunt, and bunts the ball.
21:15 westbaystars: Valdez fields the ball, and throws wide to Araki covering first!
21:15 westbaystars: But Araki catches the ball four out number one.
21:16 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner in scoring position.
21:16 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch, fouling it off to the right side.
21:16 westbaystars: With the runner going for third, Fernandez takes inside.
21:17 westbaystars: The throw to third is in time! Out! Out! Out!
21:17 westbaystars: Nice throw by Tanishige with the right handed batter in front of him.
21:18 westbaystars: The Lions lose their base runner adding a second out.
21:18 westbaystars: Valdez then drills the ball into Fernandez's side!
21:18 westbaystars: Ouch!
21:18 westbaystars: Fernandez takes a while to get his breath, then heads up to first.
21:19 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera with two down and a runner on first.
21:19 westbaystars: He's already hurt Yamamoto with a single and double tonight.
21:19 westbaystars: He pulls a slider outside to left.
21:20 westbaystars: Inoue comes in a few steps, and makes the catch.
21:20 steve: Cabrera and Wada have been doing most of the damage
21:20 westbaystars: Satoh's failed stolen base attempt kills any rally the Lions may have put together.
21:21 westbaystars: Going to the Dragons' Lucky Seven, the Lions continue to lead 3-2.
21:21 westbaystars: ---
21:21 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Seventh
21:21 westbaystars: ---
21:22 westbaystars: Fernandez started off tough, and really was in the play-offs.
21:22 westbaystars: But has been rather quiet in the Series.
21:22 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is still on the mound for the Lions.
21:22 steve: Matsuzaka fell apart in the 7th in game 2
21:22 westbaystars: It was the seventh inning in Game 2 that he fell appart.
21:23 westbaystars: Ohnishi leads off the inning pinch hitting for number eight batter Mori.
21:23 steve: I think he's pitching too well to do it again
21:24 westbaystars: Actually, he threw perfect fifth and sixth innings in Game 2 as well.
21:24 westbaystars: Talk about a replay.
21:25 westbaystars: Ohnishi grounds out to Hirao at second.
21:25 westbaystars: One quick out.
21:25 steve: are you talking about his pitching.....or my awful predictions?
21:25 westbaystars: Morino pinch hits for Valdez.
21:26 westbaystars: Just looking at Game 2's box score. No offense intended.
21:26 westbaystars: Morino lifts the ball to shallow center.
21:26 westbaystars: Hirao goes back, calls Akada off, and makes the catch.
21:26 steve: No offense taken......I've been running my yap all night
21:26 westbaystars: That's out number two.
21:27 westbaystars: Your prediction that he's pitching too well looks pretty good so far.
21:27 westbaystars: Not that you'd like to be right with that one, huh?
21:27 MHStevie: This Lucky Seven doesn't look so lucky for the Dragons so far...
21:27 westbaystars: Araki is up next.
21:28 steve: being right hurts! what is it about a broken clock?
21:28 westbaystars: Araki has had a hit in the last five games, all but the first, this game included.
21:28 westbaystars: Right twice a day?
21:29 westbaystars: Araki flys out to Cabrera in foul territory.
21:29 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka extends his perfect pitching to three consecutive innings.
21:30 steve: Something like that!
21:30 westbaystars: This remains a one run ball game after seven complete. Seibu 3 - 2 Chunichi.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: --- Top of Eighth
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: Ochiai comes in to pitch the eighth for Chunichi.
21:31 westbaystars: No relation to the manager.
21:32 westbaystars: The first batter he'll face is Wada, who's two run homer in the sixth turned this game around.
21:32 westbaystars: The first pitch by Ochiai misses outside, ball one.
21:34 westbaystars: After missing low, Ochiai gets Wada to foul off a pair to bring the count even at 2-2.
21:35 westbaystars: And he fouls off a couple more.
21:35 westbaystars: It was after wearing Yamamoto down with a number of foul balls that he hit the home run.
21:35 westbaystars: And he fouls off another.
21:35 steve: Wada is the Devil!
21:35 westbaystars: Radio announcers say he rarely strikes out.
21:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined to right.
21:36 steve: He's a great hitter
21:36 westbaystars: Alex comes over, looks up, and that ball sails into the right field stands!
21:36 westbaystars: Home run!
21:36 westbaystars: I didn't expect that one to go, but it did!
21:37 westbaystars: That's two home runs in a row for Wada, putting the Lions up 4-2.
21:37 Christopher: It was another nice hit
21:37 westbaystars: Hirao grounds the ball to the left side.
21:37 westbaystars: Tatsunami fields the ball, but he's got to hurry to get him!
21:37 westbaystars: The throw is *just* in time! One out.
21:38 westbaystars: That brings up Nakajima.
21:39 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds the ball sharply to Tatsunami at third.
21:39 steve: Does wada have 3 or 4 home runs this series
21:39 westbaystars: He can take his time this time, even with the speedy shortstop.
21:39 westbaystars: And the throw to first is in time for out number two.
21:39 westbaystars: That brings up Hosokawa.
21:40 westbaystars: That was his fourth this Series, tying the record for most in a Nippon Series.
21:41 steve: MVP!
21:41 westbaystars: Hosokawa has struck out all four at bats, unable to hold up on a low pitch from Ochiai.
21:41 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:41 westbaystars: But not before Wada hits an insurrance home run the other way to right.
21:41 westbaystars: After seven and a half, the Lions take a 4-2 lead.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:42 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Eighth
21:42 westbaystars: ---
21:43 westbaystars: It looks like Matsuzaka may be going for a complete game.
21:43 westbaystars: He's still on the mound after 112 pitches.
21:43 westbaystars: He's been perfect since the fifth inning.
21:44 westbaystars: He'll face numbers 2, 3, and 4 batters this inning, starting with Ibata.
21:44 steve: If he's getting stronger, I don't see why not!
21:44 westbaystars: He gets ahead of Ibata with two quick strikes, both watched by Ibata.
21:45 westbaystars: Ibata takes the bat off his shoulder and fouls the next pitch off, protecting the outside part of the plate.
21:45 westbaystars: Another foul ball. Matsuzaka is coming in with only strikes.
21:46 westbaystars: The next pitch is a 143 kph slider, swung on and missed!
21:46 westbaystars: Strike three. One out.
21:46 westbaystars: That's the third time Ibata's gone down on strikes.
21:46 westbaystars: Tatsunami comes up next.
21:47 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets ahead of him two strikes and a ball.
21:48 westbaystars: The fourth pitch misses just outside to the left handed Tatsunami.
21:48 westbaystars: The third base umpire says Tatsunami didn't go after the change-up high.
21:49 westbaystars: Full count.
21:49 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch misses high and away, ball four.
21:49 westbaystars: That's the first Dragon on base since the fourth inning.
21:49 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's third walk.
21:49 westbaystars: Alex comes up next.
21:50 westbaystars: He's struck out twice and popped out to Hosokawa so far.
21:50 steve: I hope he shows up soon!
21:51 westbaystars: Alex shatters his bat, grounding the ball to short.
21:51 westbaystars: Nakajima, with the ball and a piece of bat coming at him, fields the ball, throws to second for one,
21:51 westbaystars: The relay to first is just too late!
21:51 westbaystars: Safe at first.
21:52 westbaystars: Alex ran for his life there.
21:52 westbaystars: Linares comes up next.
21:52 westbaystars: He hit a double off of Matsuzaka earlier.
21:52 westbaystars: Two down, runner at first.
21:53 westbaystars: Matsuzaka keeps trying to nibble on the outside corner, but Linares isn't going for it.
21:53 westbaystars: One strike, three balls.
21:54 westbaystars: The 130th pitch of the game for Matsuzaka is taken on the inside part of the plate for strike two.
21:54 westbaystars: Full count.
21:54 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is taken outside, ball four!
21:54 westbaystars: Itoh-kantoku stands up.
21:54 westbaystars: He comes out.
21:55 westbaystars: He wants to talk with Matsuzaka himself, not via Araki-pitching coach.
21:55 westbaystars: As the Lions' catcher for 20 years, he knows how to talk with pitchers.
21:55 westbaystars: He hears what he wants and heads back to the dugout.
21:56 westbaystars: There's a pinch runner for Linares at first, the go-ahead run.
21:56 westbaystars: That brings up Tanishige, batting .571 (4 for 7) with runners in scoring position this Series.
21:56 westbaystars: 1 home run (a grand slam) and 9 RBIs.
21:57 westbaystars: He'd get my vote for Chunichi's MVP.
21:57 westbaystars: But he doesn't do it here!
21:57 westbaystars: He grounds the second pitch to the right side.
21:57 westbaystars: Hirao fields the ball, throws to first, and the side is retired.
21:58 westbaystars: Two walks almost unwind Matsuzaka, but he gets out of the inning unscathed.
21:58 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their last chance trailing by two: Seibu 4 - 2 Chunichi.
21:58 westbaystars: ---
21:58 westbaystars: --- Top of Nineth
21:58 westbaystars: ---
21:59 Christopher: It's looking more and more like a seven game series.
22:00 westbaystars: It's still too close to call for me.
22:01 westbaystars: Asakura takes the mound for Chunichi.
22:01 westbaystars: Ozeki pinch hits for Matsuzaka.
22:01 westbaystars: And he takes ball one outside for Asakura's first pitch of the game.
22:01 steve: It's going 7....that's bad!
22:02 westbaystars: This is Asakura's second appearance this Series.
22:02 westbaystars: Ozeki lifts the ball to shallow left-center.
22:02 steve: Do you think Kawakami will pitch an inning or 2 in game 7?
22:02 westbaystars: Alex has a long run, but gets there in time to make the out.
22:02 westbaystars: One out.
22:03 westbaystars: Top of the order in Satoh comes up.
22:03 westbaystars: That's a hard one to call. It depends on how the starter does.
22:03 westbaystars: That won't be Guzman, would it?
22:04 westbaystars: Yamai's had enough of a rest.
22:04 Christopher: Could it be one of the others?
22:04 MHtrStevie: All right... I have to clear out of the studio now... if I get back home before the game ends, I'l be back...
22:04 westbaystars: The count goes full to Satoh.
22:04 Christopher: After all Ochiai has been very creative with his selections
22:04 westbaystars: Take care.
22:05 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the ball up the middle, fielded by Araki deep behind the second base bag.
22:05 MHtrStevie: Otherwise I'll see you all for Game 7!
22:05 steve: Yeah...it's Guzman's turn. They might go with Yamai
22:05 westbaystars: He makes a jumping throw to first, the one bounder is scooped!
22:05 westbaystars: Out!
22:06 westbaystars: Nice catch by Watanabe now in at first.
22:06 steve: Near the end of game 4 the Lions were figuring him out
22:06 westbaystars: Akada comes up next.
22:06 westbaystars: Asakura misses with his first three pitches to Akada.
22:07 westbaystars: The fourth pitch misses outside and high.
22:07 steve: I'm afraid if they get behind early in game 7 against Ishii, it will be over.
22:07 westbaystars: Akada has a free pass on four pitches.
22:07 westbaystars: Two out base runner for Fernandez.
22:08 steve: They're the Chunich Red Sox
22:08 westbaystars: An inning by Kawakami in a close game would still be possible.
22:08 westbaystars: Well, I read that the Sox have broken the Bambino's curse this year.
22:09 steve: They don't have the ring yet
22:09 Christopher: A bit too soon to say that - they still have to win the Championship
22:10 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball to Ibata at short.
22:10 westbaystars: Ibata back hands the ball, throw to second for the force, and the side is retired.
22:10 steve: I dunno, with all the earthquakes and typhoons....hell might be freezing over too!
22:10 westbaystars: Fernandez hasn't been too pleased with his at bats the past few games.
22:11 westbaystars: There was another M3 in Niigata this evening, where there were four big one in two hours yesterday.
22:11 westbaystars: As though they didn't have enough trouble with the flooding from Typhoon #23 last week.
22:11 westbaystars: Ah, and another M3.9 is being displayed on TV right now.
22:12 westbaystars: ---
22:12 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Nineth
22:12 westbaystars: ---
22:12 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their last three outs.
22:12 westbaystars: Closer Toyoda takes the mound for the Lions.
22:13 Christopher: Good night all
22:13 westbaystars: I believe he's thrown two perfect innings in relief so far this Series.
22:14 westbaystars: Toyoda's first pitch by Inoue is taken up in the strike zone on the outside corner, strike one.
22:14 westbaystars: Inoue swings through the second pitch, two quick strikes.
22:15 westbaystars: I thought that "Good night all" was figurative with Toyoda coming in.
22:15 westbaystars: Guess he was leaving. Good night, Christopher.
22:16 westbaystars: Inoue battles Toyoda fouling a couple off before taking ball one low.
22:16 westbaystars: The next pitch is swung on and missed, a low pitch.
22:16 westbaystars: Strike three.
22:17 steve: I thought Toyoda was gonna be a little rusty because it's been 4 days since he's pitched in a game situation
22:17 westbaystars: Watanabe, who came in to play first after a pinch runner ran for Linares.
22:17 westbaystars: He's batting in the number nine spot.
22:18 westbaystars: That can happend during the season. He's just got to always be ready to go.
22:19 westbaystars: Yokohama's closer would go a whole month without a chance.
22:19 westbaystars: Toyoda strikes out Watanabe on five pitches.
22:19 westbaystars: The Dragons are down to their final out.
22:19 westbaystars: And Toyoda is looking anything but rusty.
22:20 westbaystars: The first pich Hidenori, who is in the number nine spot, Watanabe was in the number eight spot.
22:20 steve: I thought Toyoda was gonna be a little rusty because it's been 4 days since he's pitched in a game situation
22:20 westbaystars: ... was taken up in the zone for strike one.
22:20 steve: I can't do this tomorrow!
22:21 westbaystars: After taking ball one, Hidenori swings through the next pitch for strike two.
22:21 westbaystars: The fourth pitch looked good, but is taken high (or away?) for ball two.
22:21 steve: last strike
22:21 westbaystars: The next pitch is reached for and pulled to left.
22:21 steve: game 7
22:21 westbaystars: The ball bounces in just before Wada can get to the ball, base hit!
22:21 steve: this is horrible
22:22 westbaystars: The Dragons are still alive.
22:22 westbaystars: The top of the order in Araki stands in.
22:22 steve: barely
22:22 westbaystars: And swings and misses Toyoda's first offering, strike one.
22:22 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to the right side.
22:23 westbaystars: Hirao calls it, makes the catch,
22:23 westbaystars: and the side is retired.
22:23 westbaystars: Game over.
22:23 steve: out?
22:23 westbaystars: The Seibu Lions take Game 6 4-2.
22:23 westbaystars: Matsuzaka and Wada are the heros of the game.
22:24 westbaystars: Wada is on his way to the Series MVP if the Lions can pull off a win tomorrow.
22:24 westbaystars: Now we're all even at 3 games to 3.
22:24 steve: I'm out.......maybe we can catch a game next season in Yokohama
22:25 westbaystars: The game was completed in just shy of four hours.
22:25 westbaystars: Another long, see-saw game.
22:25 westbaystars: This one with great pitching from both sides.
22:26 westbaystars: So, we'll be up again for the final game of 2004 tomorrow, same time, same place.
22:27 habs: Tomorrow game at the same time?
22:27 westbaystars: Yes. 6:20 pm JST.
22:27 westbaystars: About four hours earlier than it is right now.
22:28 habs: I'll try to join but work comes first.
22:28 westbaystars: Most people seem to have to work, making it hard for many, I know.
22:28 westbaystars: That's why I was hoping they wouldn't push the games back a day after Wednesday was cancelled.
22:29 westbaystars: It's best to finish on a weekend.
22:30 westbaystars: If that's it, I'll post the transcript for all to read.
22:30 habs: That's for sure plus watching my Red Sox games it's tough.
22:31 habs: Good job again. Hope to see you tomorrow.
22:31 westbaystars: See you then.
22:31 westbaystars: Take care all.
Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
[ Author: Guest: Allen Bacon | Posted: Oct 25, 2004 2:51 AM
]
Thanks Michael for covering game 6 last night. I was in the chat room starting with the seventh inning but for some reason couldn't post a message. I enjoyed it just the same, however.
Wada has really impressed me in this post-season. I hope to join you all live for the end of game 7 before I go to the office. If not, I'll read the transcripts.
Thanks again for bringing the series to us.
Allen
Wada has really impressed me in this post-season. I hope to join you all live for the end of game 7 before I go to the office. If not, I'll read the transcripts.
Thanks again for bringing the series to us.
Allen
Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 6
[ Author: Guest: steve | Posted: Oct 25, 2004 3:27 PM
]
That was a good time last night. Thanks again for the play by play and the other info on baseball happenings.
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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.
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Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Some rights reserved.
So, will Ochiai lead the Dragons to their first Japan championship in 50 years? Will Itoh's Lions come back and tie up the Series? Tune in to find out.