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
Matsui Bats Second
The Tigers just made history! They defeated argueably the strongest team in the world 11-7. And they're pushed to page 3?
The Tiger who made the most impression on Tory-kantoku was Akahoshi. With a push bunt in the second inning (for a safty squeeze), the Yankee skipper said that "Akihoshi" reminded him of Matty Alou. Akahoshi went 2 for 5 with an RBI (on the saftey squeeze) and he scored later in the second inning.
Arias hit his second home run in two days against the Major Leaguers, driving in 5 Tigers against the Yanks. And Yano went 3 for 5 with an RBI single in the second, lead off double in the third, and a solo home run in the fifth. Hamanaka and Toritani where the only starters not to hit Yankee pitching, while Hiyama, who pinch hit and stayed in the game for Hamanaka in the forth, went 3 for 3.
I have no idea what this will do to the Yankees phychologically, but it should give the Tigers a huge boost. Expecially with all the "experts" expecting Hanshin to come down this year, a historic win like this can be a real boost to morale.