Cycle Home Runs

In Daiei's 10-3 killing of the Marines at Kita-Kyushu last night (4/18) before 23,500 fans, all 10 Hawk runs soared home on the long balls hit by Kokubo and Mitchell.  More specifically, Mitchell hit a solo and three run shots, and Kokubo hit a two runner and a grand slam to fill out the "cycle" of home runs.It all started in the bottom of the first inning.  With a runner aboard and two down, Kokubo hit his 6th home run of the season just over the fence in left field.  A sure left fly at their usual home of Fukuoka Dome, this 95 meter long drive had just enough to make it.  Daiei got off to a quick 2-0 lead.

Mitchell, batting in the #7 spot, led off the bottom of the second with a 125 meter home run to center, his 5th of the season.  After surrendering a one out double to #9 batter Torigoe, Lotte's Nagasaki went to the showers.  But for long relief pitcher Wada, it wasn't enough notice as the worst was yet to come.

One out and a pair of walks later, Kokubo came back up to the plate, this time with bases loaded.  Unlike his previous home run, Kokubo got ahold of Wada's pitch and drove it 120 meters, well into the seats in left field, for his 7th home run of the year.  Kokubo's consecutive home runs put Daiei up 7-1 (Lotte managed a run in the top of the inning).

So, now that the bases were clear, did Wada settle down and start pitching better?  No.  He promptly allowed back to back hits by Matsunaka and Johjima to give Mitchell something to drive in.  And drive them in he did with a monster 135 meter home run that hit the bill boards surrounding the lip of the stadium!

Mitchell quickly put himself into the record books by doing what team mate Johjima did just 5 days ago, hit two home runs in a single inning, becoming the 16th player to do so.  Unfortunatly for Daiei, Mitchell said that he started feeling pain in his shoulder after that second swing.  After walking twice after that, he was taken out for a pinch runner, and will be given a full day's rest today in hopes that the pain will subside.

Another one for the record books was that Daiei "turned two" 6 times in the game, pretty much nullifying Lotte's 16 hits (3 runs).  This ties the Japan record for most double plays in a game.

There was a bit of hype about how well Lotte has played at Kita-Kyushu before the game.  I guess a good thing can't last forever.