A thrilling victory.

Tigers managed to beat the Giants though the conclusion was in doubt until the final pitch. This started well for the Tigers with a run for the Tigers in the first innings - Toritani hitting a home run. Shimoyanagi though was not on form but did take a couple of knocks. Firstly his left leg was hit and then his arm and he was removed from the mound for urgent treatment with the score at 2-1 and replaced by Watanabe. Kamei and Abe then drove in more runs to make the score 4-1. It wasn't looking good for the Tigers. Johjima reduced the deficit with a solo home run in the second but Things quietened down until the fifth. Here Yamaguchi (Giants pitcher) suddenly lost his control. He gave up a hit to Murton who then was out stealing but walked the next three batters to load the bases. Arai couldn't convert and struck out to Micheal. Micheal continued into the sixth and ran into trouble. Toritani hit another home run, a three run shot and Brazell hit a two run 7-4 Tigers and exit Micheal. Giants pulled one back in the seventh when Tsutsui walked three in a row and gave up a sacrifice fly and then in the ninth when Messenger also managed to load the bases but Tigers held on to win 7-6.
Yano took over from Johjima and was undistinguished and apart from a walk Kanemoto was anonymous. Still he has time to pick up for the season start. Kubota was once again sharp but one must raise questionmarks about Yano. He really does look past it and the sooner he moves to a coaching role the better.