This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
Julio Zuleta hit a two-run home run and Jolbert Cabrera drove in three runs to lead the Hawks' offense, Tony Batista also had a RBI double to cap off the Hawks' offense. The Seibu Lions made it interesting, almost coming back with a single by Jose Fernandez, back to back singles by Kazuhiro Wada and Masahide Kaizuka, and a single by pinch hitter Takeya Nakamura.
Nagisa Arakaki pitched 6 innings, giving up 3 runs for his 6th win, and closer Takahiro Mahara stranded two runners for his 16th save.
Hawks' manager Sadahuru Oh said: "Games from here on out will have a different feel to them now."
The Hawks lead the second place Marines by 4.5 games. If the Hawks should finish with a 5 game lead, they will begin the second round of the playoffs with a one game advantage, meaning they will need to win just two of five to advance to the Japan Series for the first time in two seasons.
Go Hawks!
[Full Story - Daily Yomiuri]
[More Coverage - Japan Ball]
[Box Score - Borisov's Pro Yakyu]