2007 Central League Climax Series - Stage 2 Game 2
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Re: 2007 Central League Climax Series - Stage 2 Game 2
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 19, 2007 10:03 PM
| YBS Fan
]
Dragons take a commanding 2 games to none lead in Stage Two of the 2007 Central League Climax Series.
Not much chatter in the chat room this evening, but the the full games log follows for your reading pleasure:
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2007/10/19
CHATROOM 2007 Central League Climax Series/Stage 2 Game 2
18:00 westbaystars: Kisanuki gets the start for the Giants this evening.
18:01 westbaystars: Araki leads off.
18:01 westbaystars: The first pitch by Kisanuki is over the outside part of the plate at the knees.
18:01 westbaystars: Called strike one.
18:02 westbaystars: Araki shows bunt, but takes the bat back on the second offering.
18:02 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
18:03 westbaystars: A couple pitches later, Araki check swings a grounder to short.
18:03 westbaystars: Nioka is up with the ball, throws to first in time for out number one.
18:03 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
18:05 westbaystars: Ibata lines the ball over the third baseman and into left field, base hit.
18:06 westbaystars: That brings "Mr. Three Run" Morino up with just one runner on.
18:06 westbaystars: Woods is on deck.
18:08 westbaystars: Morino lines a 2-strike, no ball pitch to Wakui at second on a bound.
18:08 westbaystars: Wakui fumbles the ball while Ibata trips in the base paths.
18:09 westbaystars: By the time Wakui gets a handle on the ball, he's able to get the force at second.
18:09 westbaystars: But not the double play.
18:09 westbaystars: That brings up Woods.
18:09 westbaystars: Woods is 6 for 10 on the season against Kisanuki, with 4 home runs.
18:09 westbaystars: No strikes, three balls to Woods.
18:09 westbaystars: Kisanuki isn't coming close.
18:10 westbaystars: And walks Woods on four pitches.
18:10 westbaystars: The last pitch was close, but still a ball's width outside.
18:10 westbaystars: That brings up Nori.
18:11 westbaystars: Nakamura gets into a hole real quick, 2 strikes, no balls.
18:12 westbaystars: Third pitch bounces off the plate.
18:13 westbaystars: Nori almost swings at ball three inside. First base umpire says no.
18:14 westbaystars: And the second full count pitch is called strike three on the outside corner.
18:14 westbaystars: Good pitch by Kisanuki there.
18:15 westbaystars: After half an inning, there's no score.
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: Bottom of 1st
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: Shimizu will be leading off for the Giants tonight, up from the #8 slot last night.
18:16 westbaystars: He'll be facing Chunichi ace Kawakami on the mound.
18:16 westbaystars: 26 games, 12 wins, 8 losses, 3.55 ERA on the season.
18:17 westbaystars: Against the Giants he had 1 win to 3 losses and a 3.73 ERA.
18:17 westbaystars: Over 7 games.
18:18 westbaystars: Shimizu l ifts the second offering up to left field.
18:18 westbaystars: Morino calls off Ibata, and makes the catch for out number one.
18:18 westbaystars: That brings up Tani.
18:18 westbaystars: How about Tani this year?
18:19 westbaystars: Many thought he was washed up the past several years with Orix.
18:19 westbaystars: Yet he gets the third highest batting average his first year in the Central League.
18:19 westbaystars: And where many greater players fell flat after signing with the Giants, Tani has really excelled.
18:21 westbaystars: But after fouling off a few, Tani grounds out to Woods unassisted at first for out number two.
18:22 westbaystars: That brings up Ogasawara, for former Fighter.
18:22 westbaystars: He swings at the first pitch, and hits it over the first base bag, fair, up the first base line.
18:22 westbaystars: He holds at first base with a two out single.
18:22 westbaystars: And that will bring up Lee.
18:24 westbaystars: Lee lines the ball to right-center field, bouncing in fair in front of right fielder Lee.
18:25 westbaystars: Lee fires the ball back, and Ogasawara hurries back to second ahead of the tag.
18:25 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, two down for the Giants.
18:25 westbaystars: That brings up Nioka.
18:25 westbaystars: He swings at the first pitch.
18:25 westbaystars: It's deep to right.
18:25 westbaystars: Going, going,
18:25 westbaystars: It hits at the base of the wall, just centemeters fair!
18:25 westbaystars: One run in.
18:26 westbaystars: Lee holds at third.
18:26 westbaystars: RBI double for Lee, putting the Giants up 1-0.
18:26 westbaystars: That brings up "Babe" Abe.
18:27 zman: Right!
18:27 zman: Wonder if Abe drinks heavy
18:27 westbaystars: Abe grounds the ball on one hop to Woods at first.
18:28 westbaystars: He takes the ball to the bag himself, and the side is retired.
18:28 westbaystars: But the Giants get on the board with a two out rally, climaxing in an RBI double by Nioka.
18:28 westbaystars: After one complete, the Giants lead 1-0.
18:28 westbaystars: Abe doesn't strike me as a drinker.
18:29 westbaystars: And he's not nearly as large as the Babe.
18:29 westbaystars: But he sure does remind me of him.
18:29 westbaystars: ---
18:29 westbaystars: Top of 2nd
18:29 westbaystars: ---
18:29 zman: Agreed
18:30 westbaystars: Lee leads off the second for the Dragons.
18:31 westbaystars: And Lee goes down swinging on four pitches.
18:31 westbaystars: One away.
18:31 westbaystars: Hirata follows.
18:32 westbaystars: Swinging at three pitches, connecting with none.
18:32 westbaystars: Two quick outs here in the second inning.
18:32 westbaystars: Tanishige has more patience, watching the first offering low and away go by.
18:34 westbaystars: After working the count to 2 and 2, Tanishige lines a ball to left field for a two out base hit.
18:34 westbaystars: That'll bring up pitcher Kawakami.
18:34 westbaystars: 5 for 48 (.104) on the season.
18:35 westbaystars: And he grounds the ball through the left side, base hit!
18:35 zman: pitchers hitting, what a waste
18:35 westbaystars: The Dragons have runners at first and second with two down.
18:35 westbaystars: Two out rally for the Dragons in the second?
18:35 zman: oops, eat my words there . . .
18:35 westbaystars: You're a fan of the DH, I take it?
18:36 zman: totally
18:36 westbaystars: That brings up the top of the order in Araki.
18:36 zman: go dragons!
18:36 westbaystars: I was raised a National League fan. I didn't get the DH until I started watching NPB.
18:37 zman: So was I but watching pitchers hit is painful
18:37 westbaystars: Araki loops a pitch to right field, base hit!
18:37 westbaystars: Tanishige holds at third base.
18:37 zman: Yes!!!
18:37 westbaystars: The bases are loaded.
18:38 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
18:40 westbaystars: Ibata grounds the ball to short.
18:40 westbaystars: Nioka throws to second for the force.
18:40 westbaystars: Safe!
18:40 westbaystars: Runner scores, and we have a tied ball game!
18:40 westbaystars: 1-1.
18:41 westbaystars: Morino swings and misses the first pitch.
18:41 zman: Great, sorry westbay have a date . . .
18:41 westbaystars: 12 for 27 (.444) with the bases loaded.
18:41 zman: chat later
18:41 westbaystars: But grounds out to third.
18:42 westbaystars: Well, have a good time.
18:42 westbaystars: Ogasawara throwing to first for the sure out.
18:42 westbaystars: So the Dragons answer the Giants' first inning two out rally with one of their own.
18:43 westbaystars: After 1 and a half, we're tied up 1-1.
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 westbaystars: Bottom of 2nd
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:45 westbaystars: The Giants will be sending up #s 7, 8, and 9 batters, Wakiya, Hollins, and pitcher Kisanuki.
18:48 westbaystars: Wakiya grounds a 2-2 pitch up the middle, to the second base side.
18:48 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball, throws to first.
18:48 westbaystars: Pulling Woods off the bag!
18:48 westbaystars: Leadoff man is on for the Giants.
18:48 westbaystars: Thant brings up Hollins.
18:50 westbaystars: Hollins gets hand cuffed, grounding the ball weakly to the left side.
18:50 westbaystars: Ibata fields the ball, tosses to second for one.
18:51 westbaystars: The relay to first is in time, double play.
18:51 westbaystars: Quick reaction by Ibata makes the play.
18:51 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Kisanuki with two down and nobody on.
18:52 westbaystars: The announcers discuss how having the pitcher batting in a short series like this will see a lot of pitching changes.
18:52 westbaystars: Is this a point in favor of doing away with the pitchers batting?
18:53 westbaystars: Or was Kawakami's hit last inning to keep the Dragons moving evidince that having pitchers bat make things interesting?
18:53 westbaystars: Amazing play by Araki!]
18:53 westbaystars: Let me take my time describing this one.
18:53 westbaystars: Kisanuki grounds the ball up the middle, just to the right of the second base bag.
18:54 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball, then straight from his glove, tosses it to Ibata standing behind the second base bag.
18:54 westbaystars: Ibata throws on to first for the final out of the inning.
18:55 westbaystars: This is one for the highlight reals to go along with Koyano diving into the cameraman's box.
18:55 westbaystars: Ibaraki is just an amazing player up the middle.
18:56 westbaystars: ---
18:56 westbaystars: Top of 3rd
18:56 westbaystars: ---
18:56 westbaystars: Woods leads off the third inning for the Dragons.
18:56 westbaystars: With a runner on first in the first, Woods was walked on four pitches.
18:57 westbaystars: But Kisanuki is challenging Woods this time.
18:57 westbaystars: Getting two quick strikes on the slugger who's pretty much owned him all season.
18:57 westbaystars: The fork ball is grounded to third base.
18:57 westbaystars: Ogasawara dashes in, fields the ball, and fires to first to get Woods by a step.
18:57 westbaystars: Woods has more speed than Seguignol.
18:58 westbaystars: But not quite enough to beat this one out.
18:58 westbaystars: That brings up Nakamura, who struck out on three pitches last time at bat.
18:59 westbaystars: Nori goes down swinging on 5 pitches this time.
18:59 westbaystars: Two quick outs for Kisanuki in the third.
19:00 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
19:00 westbaystars: Who also struck out his first at bat.
19:00 westbaystars: He lifts the second pitch up to foul territory on the third base side.
19:00 westbaystars: Ogasawara, in front of the third base dugout, makes the catch for out number three.
19:01 westbaystars: And the Dragons go down in order in the third.
19:01 westbaystars: After 2 and a half, we're still tied up 1-1.
19:01 westbaystars: ---
19:01 westbaystars: Bottom of 3rd
19:01 westbaystars: ---
19:02 westbaystars: Top of the order in Shimizu starting off the Giants' half of the third.
19:03 westbaystars: Shimizu lines the ball to straight away center.
19:03 westbaystars: But Hirata has the ball lined up, and makes the catch for out number one.
19:04 westbaystars: Tani appeals that an inside pitch hit him, but I have no idea where.
19:05 westbaystars: Replays from two angles didn't give me any better of an idea.
19:05 westbaystars: Nonetheless, runner at first with Ogasawara coming to the plate. One out.
19:06 westbaystars: Ogasawara was 9 for 21 (.429, 2 HRs, 2 Ks) vs. Kawakami over the regular season.
19:08 westbaystars: The 1 strike, 2 ball pitch goes through Tanishige's legs and to the backstop.
19:08 westbaystars: Runner advances.
19:08 westbaystars: 1 strike, 3 balls the count.
19:08 westbaystars: And Tanishige goes out to have a word with Kawakami.
19:08 westbaystars: No, not between his legs. Tanishige was setup up outside, the ball was thrown in the dirt inside.
19:09 westbaystars: A foul ball brings the count full.
19:11 westbaystars: Ogasawara breaks his bat two fould balls later. Count remains full.
19:11 westbaystars: And he finally draws a base on balls after an extended battle.
19:12 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, one out. Lee coming to the plate.
19:12 westbaystars: Lee had a base hit his first at bat.
19:14 westbaystars: After hitting the outside corner with a straight pitch for a called strike,
19:14 westbaystars: Kawakami misses with a pair of inside pitches. Very close.
19:15 westbaystars: Going outside again, Kawakami gets Lee swinging all the way around.
19:15 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count.
19:15 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded to the right side, while a piece of Lee's bat head toward Kawakami.
19:15 westbaystars: Kawakami covers his head avoiding the bat.
19:16 westbaystars: While Araki and Ibata turn a 4-6-3 double play behind him.
19:16 westbaystars: That retires the Giants in the third.
19:16 westbaystars: After three complete, we're tied up 1-1.
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:16 westbaystars: Top of 4th
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:17 westbaystars: Kisanuki has thrown 58 pitches so far to Kawakami's 49.
19:17 westbaystars: Kisanuki leads 4 strike outs to 0.
19:17 westbaystars: But Kawakami has given up just 3 hits to 5.
19:17 westbaystars: Hirata leads off the 4th for the Dragons.
19:18 westbaystars: Ibata lifts the ball to right field.
19:19 westbaystars: Hollins comes in and makes the catch for out number one.
19:20 westbaystars: Tanishige follows grounding the ball through the left side for a base hit.
19:20 westbaystars: That'll bring up Kawakami, who singled through the left side his first at bat.
19:20 westbaystars: Showing bunt all the way here.
19:20 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch in the dirt for ball one.
19:21 westbaystars: Second offering is bunted strong up the first base side, but rolls foul.
19:22 westbaystars: Kawakami shows bunt, pulls the bat back and swings!
19:22 westbaystars: And he hits the ball past the drawn in Ogasawara and into left field, base hit!
19:22 westbaystars: Ogasawara was even with the pitcher's mound when the ball sailed past him.
19:22 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, one out.
19:22 westbaystars: Top of the order in Araki at the plate.
19:23 westbaystars: Araki bunts the ball foul up the first base side.
19:24 westbaystars: Araki fouls the next pitch off past the third base coach. Quickly in the hole 2 strikes, no balls.
19:24 westbaystars: The third offering is lifted deep to left-center.
19:25 westbaystars: And the ball falls in between the two outfielders and bounced on toward the wall.
19:25 westbaystars: One run in.
19:25 westbaystars: Kawakami holds at third.
19:25 westbaystars: And Araki has an RBI double to left-center.
19:25 westbaystars: Putting the Dragons up 2-1.
19:26 westbaystars: With the infield drawn in, Ibata stands in.
19:26 westbaystars: Ibata is 2 for 2 with an RBI.
19:26 westbaystars: The RBI came with the bases loaded in the second inning.
19:26 westbaystars: Ibata hit the ball to the hole at short.
19:27 westbaystars: Nioka made a routine looking play to get to it, but when he threw to second,
19:27 westbaystars: it was too late to get Araki sliding in.
19:27 westbaystars: Everyone was safe, and the Dragons had tied the game for the time being.
19:28 westbaystars: Ibata is swinging at the no strike, 3 ball count.
19:28 westbaystars: He lines the ball to left field.
19:28 westbaystars: It looks like trouble.
19:28 westbaystars: But Tani makes a great back handed grab on the run out and toward the line.
19:28 westbaystars: Kawakami touches up and scores.
19:28 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 3-1 lead.
19:28 westbaystars: And that's it for Kisanuki.
19:29 westbaystars: Hayashi has been announced as the new Giants pitcher.
19:29 westbaystars: With Mr. Three Run coming up next.
19:29 westbaystars: ===
19:29 westbaystars: This is a good time to review the scoring.
19:29 westbaystars: The Giants scored first with a two out rally in the bottom of the first.
19:30 westbaystars: Ogasawara and Lee both singled to right for back to back two out hits.
19:30 westbaystars: Then Nioka doubled Ogasawara home to put the Giants up 1-0.
19:31 westbaystars: In the top of the second, the Dragons loaded the bases after two outs.
19:31 westbaystars: With Ibata driving in the tying run as described above with the infield hit to short.
19:31 westbaystars: Then in the top of the fourth we've had two runs come in so far.
19:31 westbaystars: ===
19:31 westbaystars: Morino takes the first pitch from Hayashi low and away, ball one.
19:32 westbaystars: Morino lines the next pitch right back *at* Hayashi.
19:32 westbaystars: Hayashi ducks, throwing his glove up over his head - and makes the catch.
19:32 westbaystars: Nice reaction by Hayashi on the mound to retire the side.
19:33 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons come up with a pair of runs to take a 3-1 lead.
19:33 westbaystars: ---
19:33 westbaystars: Bottom of 4th
19:33 westbaystars: ---
19:34 westbaystars: Nioka leads off the Giants' half of the fourth.
19:35 westbaystars: Kawakami still on the mound for the Dragons.
19:35 westbaystars: His 2 for 2 batting today instrumental to the Dragons' leading 3-1.
19:35 westbaystars: Nioka lifts the ball deep to left.
19:35 westbaystars: But not deep enough.
19:35 westbaystars: Morino takes the ball in at the warning track for out number one.
19:36 westbaystars: Abe swings and misses Kawakami's first two offerings to him.
19:37 westbaystars: Not looking at all good.
19:37 westbaystars: Gets the timing down a little better on the third pitch, fouling it off to the left side.
19:37 westbaystars: Fourth offering is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:37 westbaystars: Kawakami throwing nothing but strikes to Abe.
19:37 westbaystars: That was Kawakami's first strike out of the night.
19:38 westbaystars: That brings up Wakiya.
19:39 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Wakiya, followed by a waste pitch outside that Wakiya wasn't fooled by.
19:39 westbaystars: And another outside pitch layed off. 2 and 2.
19:40 westbaystars: Wakiya gives the ball a ride to right field.
19:40 westbaystars: But not deep enough.
19:41 westbaystars: Lee takes the ball in with his back against the wall.
19:41 westbaystars: And the side is retired in order for the Giants.
19:41 westbaystars: After four complete, the Dragons lead this one by a score of 3-1.
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: Top of 5th
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:42 westbaystars: Woods leads off the fifth for the Dragons.
19:42 westbaystars: He's walked on four pitches and grounded out to third.
19:44 westbaystars: Woods is unable to hold up on a couple of pitches, bringing the count to 2 strikes, 1 ball. On three balls.
19:44 westbaystars: Fourth offering and Woods controls his bat. The count is even 2 and 2.
19:45 westbaystars: After a foul ball, Woods takes ball three. Full count.
19:46 westbaystars: The Shoubu pitch is in the dirt, ball four.
19:46 westbaystars: Hayashi walks Woods to start off the fifth.
19:46 westbaystars: That'll bring up Nakamura Norihiro.
19:46 westbaystars: Nori has struck out swinging twice so far tonight.
19:46 westbaystars: He didn't look at all good against Kisanuki.
19:47 westbaystars: Nori lifts the second offering up to the right side.
19:48 westbaystars: Wakiya waits for the ball to come down and makes the catch.
19:48 westbaystars: One away, runner at first.
19:48 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
19:49 westbaystars: Lee's next swing has him throwing the bat away as through he knows the ball is gone.
19:50 westbaystars: Only problem is that it's foul.
19:50 westbaystars: Definitely had the distance.
19:51 westbaystars: Hayashi catches the outside corner to bring the count to 2 and 2.
19:51 westbaystars: And the next offering is low and away, but swung on and missed.
19:51 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:52 westbaystars: That brings up Hirata with a runner at first and two down.
19:52 westbaystars: Hirata is quickly in the hole, two strikes, no balls.
19:53 westbaystars: Third offering *just* misses low over the outside corner.
19:53 westbaystars: Fourth offering in the dirt is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:53 westbaystars: Hayashi had the batters whiffing this inning.
19:54 westbaystars: The Dragons got a base runner, but nothing to show for it.
19:54 westbaystars: After four and a half, the Dragons continue to lead 3-1.
19:54 westbaystars: ---
19:54 westbaystars: Bottom of 5th
19:54 westbaystars: ---
19:56 westbaystars: Hollins leads off the fifth for the Giants.
19:56 westbaystars: Nori fields the ground ball to the left side on a high bound.
19:57 westbaystars: Throws to first in plenty of time for out number one.
19:57 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Kimura.
19:57 westbaystars: Former Hiroshima Carp.
19:58 westbaystars: He hits a short hopper to Araki charging in.
19:58 westbaystars: The throw to first in time to get the speedy Kimura.
19:58 westbaystars: Two quick outs in the fifth.
19:58 westbaystars: That brings up Shimizu.
19:59 westbaystars: Top batter tonight after being placed in the #7 slot last night.
20:00 westbaystars: (I think I place him in the #8 slot in a comment earlier.)
20:00 westbaystars: Nonetheless, Shimizu lines out to left field where Morino makes the catch about waist height.
20:00 westbaystars: The Giants go down in order again in the fifth.
20:00 westbaystars: After five complete, the Dragons hold on to a 3-1 lead.
20:00 westbaystars: ---
20:01 westbaystars: Top of 6th
20:01 westbaystars: ---
20:02 westbaystars: Kawakami has thrown just 69 pitches through five innings so far.
20:02 westbaystars: And is getting ready to bat here in the 6th.
20:02 westbaystars: Nishimura takes over on the mound for the Giants.
20:03 westbaystars: We start from the #8 slot of the Dragons here in the sixth, Tanishige, Kawakami, and the top of the order in Araki.
20:04 westbaystars: Tanishige and Kawakami had started off both of Chunichi's rallies tonight.
20:04 westbaystars: And Tanishige has a modasho - his third hit of the night, lining the first pitch up the middle for a base hit.
20:04 westbaystars: 猛打賞。
20:04 westbaystars: Kawakami follows.
20:05 westbaystars: He's two for two. A base hit through the left side in the second and a buster past the drawn in Ogasawara in the 4th.
20:05 westbaystars: Kawakami lays down the bunt up the first base side.
20:05 westbaystars: Nishimura fields the ball, and throws to first for the force.
20:06 westbaystars: Kawakami is retired for the first time tonight.
20:06 westbaystars: Sacrifice bunt is successful.
20:06 westbaystars: That brings up Araki, who has a base hit and an RBI double.
20:08 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count to Araki.
20:08 westbaystars: The fifth offering is reached for and pulled to the left side.
20:08 westbaystars: Nioka looks Tanishige back, then throws to first for the out.
20:08 westbaystars: Two down, runner at second.
20:09 westbaystars: Ibata coming to the plate.
20:09 westbaystars: Ibata has a pair of hits tonight, one an RBI infield hit, along with a sacrifice fly
20:10 westbaystars: Works the count to 2 and 2.
20:11 westbaystars: Full count.
20:11 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch taken low over the outter part of the plate.
20:12 westbaystars: Ball four.
20:12 westbaystars: That brings up Mr. Three Run with two on this time.
20:12 westbaystars: He's 0 for 3 so far tonight, with 1 runner on and the bases loaded.
20:12 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch.
20:13 westbaystars: Morino lifts the ball to left field.
20:13 westbaystars: This isn't deep at all.
20:13 westbaystars: Tani comes over, and in foul territory, makes the catch for out number three.
20:13 westbaystars: Morino has been a bit of a break for the Dragons this evening.
20:14 westbaystars: Still the Dragons lead the Giants by a score of 3-1.
20:14 westbaystars: ---
20:14 westbaystars: Bottom of 6th
20:14 westbaystars: ---
20:15 westbaystars: Tani leads off the Giants' half of the sixth.
20:15 westbaystars: Kawakami's 70th pitch of the game is fouled off by Tani, strike one.
20:17 westbaystars: And Tani is called out on strikes on three pitches.
20:17 westbaystars: One down, Ogasawara coming to the plate.
20:18 westbaystars: Ogasawara fouls the first pitch off his leg.
20:18 westbaystars: And he looks hurt.
20:18 westbaystars: He's trying to shake the pain off.
20:18 westbaystars: Ouch, off the side of his knee.
20:19 westbaystars: Ogasawara seems to be OK now and stands back in.
20:20 westbaystars: Ogasawara lifts the ball to center field.
20:20 westbaystars: Hirata dives for the ball - and it's a short hop into his glove!
20:20 westbaystars: Base hit for Ogasawara.
20:21 westbaystars: That brings up Lee with a runner at first and one out.
20:22 westbaystars: [I'll give a scoring recap after this inning.]
20:22 westbaystars: Lee grounds the ball to the right side.
20:22 westbaystars: And we all know what that means.
20:22 westbaystars: Araki - Ibata - Woods - double play.
20:22 westbaystars: The Giants get a base runner, but are out in order yet again.
20:22 westbaystars: After six complete, the Dragons continue to lead 3-1
20:22 westbaystars: ===
20:23 westbaystars: Game Recap
20:23 westbaystars: Giants scored first when Ogasawara and Lee singled with two outs, then a double by Nioka put the Giants on top 1-0.
20:23 westbaystars: The Dragons battled back with one in the top of the second.
20:24 westbaystars: With two down, Tanishige, Kawakami, Araki, and Ibata hit four consecutive singles.
20:24 westbaystars: Kawakami's was a grounder through the left side, showing why having the pitch bat makes for some interesting baseball.
20:24 westbaystars: Ibata's RBI single was a hit to the left side, fielded by Nioka who threw to second for the force.
20:24 westbaystars: The only problem for the Giants was that Araki was already sliding into second base, safe.
20:24 westbaystars: Infield hit for Ibata, and an RBI tying up the game.
20:24 westbaystars: With one out in the top of the 4th, Tanishige and Kawakami hit back to back singles.
20:25 westbaystars: Kawakami this time showing bunt and hitting a buster past the drawn in Ogasawara at third.
20:25 westbaystars: Araki followed with an RBI double to left-center.
20:25 westbaystars: Then Inaba hit a sacrifice fly to left that Tani made a fine play to keep from becoming a 2-run double to the corner.
20:25 westbaystars: Dragons up 3-1.
20:25 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Top of 7th
20:25 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Woods leads off the inning with a double to left field.
20:26 westbaystars: That brings up Nori, who's struck out twice and flown out to second.
20:26 westbaystars: Hadn't looked at all comfortable at the plate yet.
20:27 westbaystars: Nakamura showing bunt.
20:28 westbaystars: Nishimura fields the bunt, throws to third.
20:28 westbaystars: The ball is there in time, ...
20:28 westbaystars: ... but the umpire says that Ogasawara didn't apply the tag to Woods.
20:28 westbaystars: ... in time.
20:29 westbaystars: Runners at the corners, nobody out here in the seventh for the Dragons.
20:29 westbaystars: Ogasawara protested, but the umpire stood by his call. The tag was too late.
20:29 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
20:30 westbaystars: Lee has struck out, fouled out to third, and struck out so far.
20:30 westbaystars: He strokes the second pitch to the gap in right-center.
20:30 westbaystars: One run in,
20:30 westbaystars: Two runs in.
20:30 westbaystars: And Lee has a timely triple.
20:30 westbaystars: Putting the Dragons up 5-1.
20:31 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku is calling for a pinch hitter for Hirata, Tatsunami.
20:31 westbaystars: And that prompts the Giants to move.
20:31 westbaystars: Pitching coach comes out, followed by Hara-kantoku.
20:33 westbaystars: Left handed Yamaguchi comes in to pitch for the Giants.
20:33 westbaystars: Left handed pinch hitter Tatsunami coming up.
20:34 westbaystars: Nobody out, runner on third.
20:36 westbaystars: Tatsunami grounds out to short, runner holding.
20:36 westbaystars: That brings up 3 for 3 Tanishige.
20:36 westbaystars: Before this no out rally, Tanishige initiated the previous two scoring opportunities.
20:37 westbaystars: Pitcher Kawakami swinging the bat in the on deck circle.
20:38 westbaystars: 2 for 2 with a sacrifice is Kawakami.
20:38 westbaystars: Tanishige battles off a couple 2 strike, 1 ball pitches.
20:39 westbaystars: Then lines the ball to center field in front of Shimizu.
20:39 westbaystars: 4 for 4, and Tanishige drives in Lee from third.
20:39 westbaystars: Dragons up 6-1.
20:39 westbaystars: That brings up Kawakami.
20:40 westbaystars: Kawakami showing bunt.
20:40 westbaystars: And lays the ball down the first base side.
20:40 westbaystars: Yamaguchi thinks about second, but throws to first.
20:40 westbaystars: Sacrifice is successful.
20:40 westbaystars: Runner at second, two down.
20:40 westbaystars: And we have another pitching change.
20:41 westbaystars: Kadokura coming in to face the top of the Dragons' order in Araki.
20:43 vcl: whats the Wins/Losses for this series?
20:43 westbaystars: Kadokura finishes his warm up pitches.
20:43 westbaystars: So far, the Dragons won the first game last night.
20:44 westbaystars: Well on their way to winning this one, leading 6-1 in the top of the 7th.
20:44 vcl: Best of 7?
20:44 westbaystars: Araki fouls the first Kadokura offering off and out of play to the right side.
20:44 westbaystars: The second offering is lifted to the right side, this one in play.
20:45 westbaystars: Lee is under it, and makes the catch in fair territory for out number three.
20:45 westbaystars: Best of 5.
20:45 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in the seventh.
20:45 westbaystars: But a 2-run triple by Lee and RBI single by Tanishige doubles the Dragons' score.
20:45 westbaystars: Putting them up 6-1.
20:45 westbaystars: ---
20:45 westbaystars: Bottom of 7th
20:45 westbaystars: ---
20:46 westbaystars: Kawakami still on the mound for the Dragons.
20:46 westbaystars: He threw 10 pitches last inning for a total of 79.
20:46 westbaystars: Has given up just 1 run on 4 hits so far.
20:47 westbaystars: Kawakami faces #5 batter Nioka to start the Giants' Lucky Seven.
20:47 westbaystars: Nioka breaks his bat, being hand cuffed on the first pitch.
20:47 vcl: weak flyout
20:47 westbaystars: The ball a weak line drive right at Araki at second for out number one.
20:48 westbaystars: One pitch, one out.
20:48 westbaystars: "Babe" Abe stands in.
20:49 westbaystars: Abe hits the ball the other way to left center.
20:49 westbaystars: The ball drops in there, base hit.
20:49 westbaystars: Wakiya follows.
20:51 westbaystars: Wakiya hits a line drive over Araki and into right-center.
20:51 westbaystars: Base hit.
20:51 vcl: Spanked to shallow right center
20:52 westbaystars: Back to back hits to start off the seventh have Mori-pitching coach out of the Chunichi dugout.
20:52 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku is firmly attached to his seat.
20:52 westbaystars: So no change here.
20:52 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, nobody out.
20:52 westbaystars: Hollins comes up.
20:52 vcl: 1 out!
20:53 westbaystars: He's hit into a double play and grounded out to third so far tonight.
20:53 westbaystars: Oh, yea, Nioka led off with a line dive out.
20:53 westbaystars: Thanks.
20:53 westbaystars: That's what I get for not keeping score.
20:54 vcl: Got it!
20:54 westbaystars: Hollins lifts the ball to deep center.
20:54 westbaystars: The center fielder goes back, back, back.
20:54 westbaystars: The ball hits off the top of the center field fence and over!
20:54 westbaystars: Haittaaaaaaaa.
20:54 westbaystars: Three run home run by Hollins.
20:54 westbaystars: Making this a 2-run ball game.
20:54 vcl: Boo Yah!
20:55 westbaystars: Hollins got the ball just of the end of the bat. Not an easy home run at all.
20:55 westbaystars: Pinch hitter Ohmichi coming up to the plate.
20:55 vcl: ball one
20:55 westbaystars: 15 for 35 (.429) as a pinch hitter.
20:56 vcl: foul tip
20:56 vcl: count 1 - 1
20:56 vcl: foul to the right side 1 - 2
20:57 westbaystars: Hancuffed, Ohmichi hits the ball to the right side.
20:58 vcl: ground out, 2 out
20:58 westbaystars: Araki rushes in, and throws Ohmichi out for out number two.
20:58 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the order in Shimizu.
20:58 westbaystars: He's flown out to left, center, and left so far tonight.
20:58 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch.
20:58 westbaystars: Lifts the ball to center.
20:59 westbaystars: And the ball in taken in for out number three.
20:59 westbaystars: But not before Hollins brings the Giants back into this one.
20:59 vcl: 3 outs. Giants down to final 6 outs
20:59 westbaystars: With a three run home run to center.
20:59 westbaystars: After seven complete, the Dragons' lead is cut to 6-4.
20:59 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Top of 8th
20:59 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Kawakami is disappearing behind the bench.
21:00 westbaystars: I think he may be done for the night now.
21:02 westbaystars: Toyoda takes the mound for the Giants.
21:02 westbaystars: How many former PL players can you name in this game for the Giants?
21:03 westbaystars: Ibata, Morino, and Woods will be who he faces.
21:03 westbaystars: This is the first appearance for Toyoda for a month.
21:03 vcl: Ball one
21:03 vcl: Foul, 1-1
21:04 westbaystars: Last game was on September 14 against Hiroshima.
21:04 vcl: strike down the dish, 1 - 2
21:04 vcl: fou;
21:05 vcl: ball 2-2
21:06 vcl: strike out looking
21:06 westbaystars: 2-2 offering down the middle at the knees.
21:06 westbaystars: Strike three called.
21:06 westbaystars: One away.And 0 for 4 Morino coming to the plate.
21:06 westbaystars: You know Morino is due for a hit.
21:07 westbaystars: But he's totally fooled by Toyoda's fork ball, swinging and missing the first pitch.
21:07 westbaystars: Then taking the second offering over the plate at the knees.
21:07 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Morino.
21:07 westbaystars: Third offering is swung on and missed.
21:08 westbaystars: 三球三振。
21:08 westbaystars: That brings up Tyron Woods.
21:08 westbaystars: 1 for 2 with a pair of walks so far tonight.
21:09 westbaystars: Woods gives the 1-1 pitch a ride up the left side.
21:09 westbaystars: But foul.
21:09 westbaystars: Toyoda went with two pitches outside, getting one of them called a strike.
21:09 westbaystars: Then came inside with a fork, and Woods pounded it deep but foul.
21:10 westbaystars: Next pitch misses inside, 2 and 2.
21:10 westbaystars: Two down, nobody on.
21:10 westbaystars: The next pitch, and Woods can't hold up on the away pitch in the dirt.
21:10 westbaystars: Toyoda strikes out the side.
21:11 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku comes out, and we'll have a pitching change for the Dragons.
21:11 westbaystars: But after 7 and a half, the Dragons hold on to a 6-4 lead.
21:11 westbaystars: ---
21:11 westbaystars: Bottom of 8th
21:11 westbaystars: ---
21:12 westbaystars: Wow! Toyoda looked very good for not pitching at 1-gun for a month.
21:12 westbaystars: Okamoto called on to pitch the eighth.
21:12 westbaystars: He only threw to three pitchers last night, getting just one out.
21:13 westbaystars: Tani leads off the Giants' half of the eighth.
21:14 westbaystars: 0 for 2 and was hit by a pitch.
21:14 westbaystars: To answer the question posed above, Tani is one of the former PL players.
21:14 westbaystars: As he lines the ball to Ibata at short for out number one.
21:15 westbaystars: Ogasawara, coming up next is another.
21:15 westbaystars: As was pinch hitter Ohmichi, and Toyoda, who pitched the last half an inning.
21:15 westbaystars: Lee came to the Giants from Lotte a couple years ago.
21:16 westbaystars: The Giants seem to be interested in building a Pacific League team.
21:16 westbaystars: Anyway, in the mean time, Okamoto goes 2 and 2 to Ogasawara.
21:17 westbaystars: Who is 3 for 5 in the Climax Series.
21:17 westbaystars: 2 for 2 with a walk so far tonight.
21:18 westbaystars: Full count.
21:18 westbaystars: Foul ball keeps Ogasawara alive. Count remains full with one out and nobody on.
21:19 westbaystars: And another foul as Ogasawara plays with Okamoto like a cat playing with a mouse.
21:19 westbaystars: Next pitch is one bounded, Ogasawara having nothing to do with it.
21:19 westbaystars: Runner at first. Lee coming to the plate with just one out.
21:19 westbaystars: Long ball by Lee could tie this one up.
21:20 westbaystars: Lee has a hit and has hit into a pair of double plays.
21:20 westbaystars: First pitch in the dirt, ball one.
21:20 westbaystars: The Korean media is hyping this series as Lee vs. Lee.
21:21 westbaystars: (See Pro Yakyu News section.)
21:21 westbaystars: Next pitch, a fork outside, is swung on and missed. 1 and 1.
21:21 westbaystars: Next offering misses low and away, 1 strike, 2 balls.
21:22 westbaystars: Fourth offering is lifted to left field.
21:22 westbaystars: It's a long run for Morino.
21:22 westbaystars: But the ball hangs up in the air long enough for him to get to it.
21:22 westbaystars: Two down.
21:23 westbaystars: And Ochiai-kantoku comes out of the third base dugout.
21:23 westbaystars: He has a short talk with Okamoto, then with the home plate umpire.
21:23 westbaystars: That's it for Okamoto.
21:23 westbaystars: Iwase is announced.
21:23 westbaystars: And the Dragons fans give a big cheer.
21:24 westbaystars: Nioka is 0 for 4 against Iwase so far this year, with a strike out.
21:25 westbaystars: Iwase came in with 1 out in the 8th and shut down all five Giants he faced.
21:26 westbaystars: Nioka has a base hit and a pair of pop outs so far this evening.
21:26 westbaystars: Iwase's first pitch misses high and over the outside part of the plate.
21:26 westbaystars: Ball one.
21:27 westbaystars: Nioka swings and misses the second offering. 1 and 1.
21:27 westbaystars: The third pitchis lifted to right field.
21:27 westbaystars: Lee heads over into foul territory.
21:28 westbaystars: Then steps back into fair territory on the line to make the catch.
21:28 westbaystars: After 8 complete now, the Dragons hold on to a 6-4 lead.
21:28 westbaystars: Does anybody need a game recap at this point?
21:28 westbaystars: Or does http://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/professional/score/2007/cl2007101901.html suffice?
21:28 westbaystars: Uehara is announced for the Giants.
21:29 westbaystars: Hara-kantoku had said before the Series that he was going to use Uehara whether winning or losing.
21:29 westbaystars: But he didn't last night.
21:29 westbaystars: His job will be to keep the game close here.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: Top of 9th
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: 32 saves on the season. Not a save situation here.
21:31 westbaystars: But Hara-kantoku is hoping Uehara can turn this into a winning situation by keeping it close.
21:31 westbaystars: Nori leads off the the Dragons.
21:31 westbaystars: Hittless so far tonight.
21:32 westbaystars: Kisanuki had his number, fanning him twice.
21:32 westbaystars: Uehara quickly ahead in the count, 2 strikes, no balls.
21:32 westbaystars: The wastes one low and away.
21:33 westbaystars: In 12 games against Chunichi, Uehara was 1 and 0 with 7 saves and a 0.00 ERA.
21:33 westbaystars: Nori gives the ball a ride!
21:33 westbaystars: To left.
21:33 westbaystars: But the ball bounces off the wall just left of the foul line.
21:34 westbaystars: Long foul ball, bringing the count to 2 strikes and a ball.
21:34 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded to Nioka at short.
21:34 westbaystars: Pleanty of time for the throw to first for the first out of the nineth.
21:34 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
21:35 westbaystars: Lee hit a 2-run triple in the 7th, putting Chunichi up 5-1 at the time.
21:35 westbaystars: He swings and lifts the next pitch just left of center.
21:35 westbaystars: Tosses the bat.
21:35 westbaystars: And starts jogging.
21:35 westbaystars: The ball clears the wall, haittaaaaaaa.
21:35 westbaystars: Dragons go up 7-4.
21:36 westbaystars: That's the first earned run Uehara has given up against the Dragons all year.
21:36 westbaystars: Fujii, who came in defensively and is batting for the first time,
21:36 westbaystars: singles to left on the first offering by Uehara.
21:37 westbaystars: That'll bring up Tanishige with a runner at first and one out.
21:37 westbaystars: tanishige fouls the first pitch off back over the back stop.
21:37 westbaystars: Iwase starts to put on batting gloves.
21:38 westbaystars: He'll go up there to strike out if called upon.
21:38 westbaystars: The down side to having pitchers bat. Kawakami was the up side.
21:38 westbaystars: Tanishige is 4 for 4 so far tonight.
21:38 westbaystars: With the runner going on the 1-1 pitch, Tanishige lifts the ball up.
21:39 westbaystars: Abe calls for the ball up a little way along the first base line.
21:39 westbaystars: And he makes the catch in foul territory.
21:39 westbaystars: Two down.
21:39 westbaystars: Iwase coming to the plate.
21:39 westbaystars: He's way at the back of the batter's box.
21:39 westbaystars: Taking the first pitch over the plate, which he couldn't reach if he wanted to.
21:40 westbaystars: Takes the second pith on the inside part of the plate. He could have reached that one.
21:40 westbaystars: Then takes strike three down the middle.
21:40 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in the 9th.
21:40 westbaystars: But not before Lee gives the ball a ride, homering just left of center.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: Bottom of 9th
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: Giants' last chance, trailing by a score of 7-4.
21:42 westbaystars: Abe, Wakiya, and Hollins to face Iwase.
21:42 westbaystars: Morino moves to third, Nori moves to first, and Ueda comes in to left (in Woods' spot).
21:43 westbaystars: "Babe" Abe stands in.
21:43 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch high and tight for ball one.
21:43 westbaystars: Abe is 1 for 3 so far tonight.
21:43 westbaystars: Takes the next offering for a called strike one.
21:43 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
21:44 westbaystars: Iwase has a bit of stubble on his face. Didn't shave today?
21:44 westbaystars: Next offering misses outside.
21:44 westbaystars: And the fourth offering is called strike two. 2 and 2.
21:45 westbaystars: Fifth pitch misses up high. Full count.
21:45 westbaystars: Abe fouls the next pitch off and out of play to the left side. Stay'n alive.
21:46 westbaystars: And the seventh offering misses up high. Ball four.
21:46 westbaystars: That'll bring up pinch hitter Yano.
21:46 westbaystars: 15 for 46 (.326) with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs as a pinch hitter this season.
21:46 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch.
21:47 westbaystars: Tanishige, over in front of the entrance to the third base dugout,
21:47 westbaystars: makes the catch for out number one.
21:47 westbaystars: After 7 pitches to walk Abe, one pitch to retire Yano should help Iwase.
21:47 westbaystars: Next up is Hollins.
21:48 westbaystars: Hollins' three run home run in the 7th made this a 2-run ball game at the time.
21:48 westbaystars: Giants down by 3 right now.
21:48 westbaystars: Hollins is hand cuffed this time, popping out weakly to Araki.
21:48 westbaystars: Giants are down to their last out.
21:49 westbaystars: And Hara-kantoku calls on Gonzales to pinch hit.
21:49 westbaystars: Iwase's first offering is swung on and fouled back over the back stop.
21:49 westbaystars: Strike one.
21:50 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and fouled back to the back netting.
21:50 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
21:50 westbaystars: One strike away.
21:50 westbaystars: 後一球。
21:50 westbaystars: Iwase comes set.
21:50 westbaystars: The pitch.
21:50 westbaystars: Misses high and away.
21:50 westbaystars: Next offering is grounded up the middle.
21:51 westbaystars: Ibata fields the ball left and behind the second base bag.
21:51 westbaystars: Takes the ball there himself for the force.
21:51 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
21:51 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons defeat the Yomiuri Giants by a score of 7-4 in Game 2.
21:51 westbaystars: That puts the Dragons up 2 games to none in the best of 5 series.
21:52 westbaystars: They only need one more win to move on to the Nippon Series.
21:52 westbaystars: 14 hits for Chunichi to 7 hits for the Giants.
21:52 westbaystars: And Kawakami is called out as the game's hero.
21:53 westbaystars: I invite you all back again tomorrow.
21:53 westbaystars: I'm afraid that I won't be here. I'll be on the third base side at Tokyo Dome.
21:54 westbaystars: Nose bleed seats according to the friend who got tickets.
21:54 westbaystars: But I plan on enjoying the game nonetheless.
21:55 westbaystars: And I'll try to get some pictures and video clips to share with you all.
21:55 westbaystars: But my zoom isn't that good. ;-(
21:56 westbaystars: Hopefully someone can step up and give those of you who can't watch the game an idea of what's going on.
21:57 westbaystars: ====
21:57 westbaystars: Game Final
21:57 westbaystars: Chunichi Dragons 7 - 4 Yomiuri Giants
21:57 westbaystars: ====
21:57 westbaystars: Take care all.
Not much chatter in the chat room this evening, but the the full games log follows for your reading pleasure:
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2007/10/19
CHATROOM 2007 Central League Climax Series/Stage 2 Game 2
18:00 westbaystars: Kisanuki gets the start for the Giants this evening.
18:01 westbaystars: Araki leads off.
18:01 westbaystars: The first pitch by Kisanuki is over the outside part of the plate at the knees.
18:01 westbaystars: Called strike one.
18:02 westbaystars: Araki shows bunt, but takes the bat back on the second offering.
18:02 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
18:03 westbaystars: A couple pitches later, Araki check swings a grounder to short.
18:03 westbaystars: Nioka is up with the ball, throws to first in time for out number one.
18:03 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
18:05 westbaystars: Ibata lines the ball over the third baseman and into left field, base hit.
18:06 westbaystars: That brings "Mr. Three Run" Morino up with just one runner on.
18:06 westbaystars: Woods is on deck.
18:08 westbaystars: Morino lines a 2-strike, no ball pitch to Wakui at second on a bound.
18:08 westbaystars: Wakui fumbles the ball while Ibata trips in the base paths.
18:09 westbaystars: By the time Wakui gets a handle on the ball, he's able to get the force at second.
18:09 westbaystars: But not the double play.
18:09 westbaystars: That brings up Woods.
18:09 westbaystars: Woods is 6 for 10 on the season against Kisanuki, with 4 home runs.
18:09 westbaystars: No strikes, three balls to Woods.
18:09 westbaystars: Kisanuki isn't coming close.
18:10 westbaystars: And walks Woods on four pitches.
18:10 westbaystars: The last pitch was close, but still a ball's width outside.
18:10 westbaystars: That brings up Nori.
18:11 westbaystars: Nakamura gets into a hole real quick, 2 strikes, no balls.
18:12 westbaystars: Third pitch bounces off the plate.
18:13 westbaystars: Nori almost swings at ball three inside. First base umpire says no.
18:14 westbaystars: And the second full count pitch is called strike three on the outside corner.
18:14 westbaystars: Good pitch by Kisanuki there.
18:15 westbaystars: After half an inning, there's no score.
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: Bottom of 1st
18:15 westbaystars: ---
18:15 westbaystars: Shimizu will be leading off for the Giants tonight, up from the #8 slot last night.
18:16 westbaystars: He'll be facing Chunichi ace Kawakami on the mound.
18:16 westbaystars: 26 games, 12 wins, 8 losses, 3.55 ERA on the season.
18:17 westbaystars: Against the Giants he had 1 win to 3 losses and a 3.73 ERA.
18:17 westbaystars: Over 7 games.
18:18 westbaystars: Shimizu l ifts the second offering up to left field.
18:18 westbaystars: Morino calls off Ibata, and makes the catch for out number one.
18:18 westbaystars: That brings up Tani.
18:18 westbaystars: How about Tani this year?
18:19 westbaystars: Many thought he was washed up the past several years with Orix.
18:19 westbaystars: Yet he gets the third highest batting average his first year in the Central League.
18:19 westbaystars: And where many greater players fell flat after signing with the Giants, Tani has really excelled.
18:21 westbaystars: But after fouling off a few, Tani grounds out to Woods unassisted at first for out number two.
18:22 westbaystars: That brings up Ogasawara, for former Fighter.
18:22 westbaystars: He swings at the first pitch, and hits it over the first base bag, fair, up the first base line.
18:22 westbaystars: He holds at first base with a two out single.
18:22 westbaystars: And that will bring up Lee.
18:24 westbaystars: Lee lines the ball to right-center field, bouncing in fair in front of right fielder Lee.
18:25 westbaystars: Lee fires the ball back, and Ogasawara hurries back to second ahead of the tag.
18:25 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, two down for the Giants.
18:25 westbaystars: That brings up Nioka.
18:25 westbaystars: He swings at the first pitch.
18:25 westbaystars: It's deep to right.
18:25 westbaystars: Going, going,
18:25 westbaystars: It hits at the base of the wall, just centemeters fair!
18:25 westbaystars: One run in.
18:26 westbaystars: Lee holds at third.
18:26 westbaystars: RBI double for Lee, putting the Giants up 1-0.
18:26 westbaystars: That brings up "Babe" Abe.
18:27 zman: Right!
18:27 zman: Wonder if Abe drinks heavy
18:27 westbaystars: Abe grounds the ball on one hop to Woods at first.
18:28 westbaystars: He takes the ball to the bag himself, and the side is retired.
18:28 westbaystars: But the Giants get on the board with a two out rally, climaxing in an RBI double by Nioka.
18:28 westbaystars: After one complete, the Giants lead 1-0.
18:28 westbaystars: Abe doesn't strike me as a drinker.
18:29 westbaystars: And he's not nearly as large as the Babe.
18:29 westbaystars: But he sure does remind me of him.
18:29 westbaystars: ---
18:29 westbaystars: Top of 2nd
18:29 westbaystars: ---
18:29 zman: Agreed
18:30 westbaystars: Lee leads off the second for the Dragons.
18:31 westbaystars: And Lee goes down swinging on four pitches.
18:31 westbaystars: One away.
18:31 westbaystars: Hirata follows.
18:32 westbaystars: Swinging at three pitches, connecting with none.
18:32 westbaystars: Two quick outs here in the second inning.
18:32 westbaystars: Tanishige has more patience, watching the first offering low and away go by.
18:34 westbaystars: After working the count to 2 and 2, Tanishige lines a ball to left field for a two out base hit.
18:34 westbaystars: That'll bring up pitcher Kawakami.
18:34 westbaystars: 5 for 48 (.104) on the season.
18:35 westbaystars: And he grounds the ball through the left side, base hit!
18:35 zman: pitchers hitting, what a waste
18:35 westbaystars: The Dragons have runners at first and second with two down.
18:35 westbaystars: Two out rally for the Dragons in the second?
18:35 zman: oops, eat my words there . . .
18:35 westbaystars: You're a fan of the DH, I take it?
18:36 zman: totally
18:36 westbaystars: That brings up the top of the order in Araki.
18:36 zman: go dragons!
18:36 westbaystars: I was raised a National League fan. I didn't get the DH until I started watching NPB.
18:37 zman: So was I but watching pitchers hit is painful
18:37 westbaystars: Araki loops a pitch to right field, base hit!
18:37 westbaystars: Tanishige holds at third base.
18:37 zman: Yes!!!
18:37 westbaystars: The bases are loaded.
18:38 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata.
18:40 westbaystars: Ibata grounds the ball to short.
18:40 westbaystars: Nioka throws to second for the force.
18:40 westbaystars: Safe!
18:40 westbaystars: Runner scores, and we have a tied ball game!
18:40 westbaystars: 1-1.
18:41 westbaystars: Morino swings and misses the first pitch.
18:41 zman: Great, sorry westbay have a date . . .
18:41 westbaystars: 12 for 27 (.444) with the bases loaded.
18:41 zman: chat later
18:41 westbaystars: But grounds out to third.
18:42 westbaystars: Well, have a good time.
18:42 westbaystars: Ogasawara throwing to first for the sure out.
18:42 westbaystars: So the Dragons answer the Giants' first inning two out rally with one of their own.
18:43 westbaystars: After 1 and a half, we're tied up 1-1.
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:43 westbaystars: Bottom of 2nd
18:43 westbaystars: ---
18:45 westbaystars: The Giants will be sending up #s 7, 8, and 9 batters, Wakiya, Hollins, and pitcher Kisanuki.
18:48 westbaystars: Wakiya grounds a 2-2 pitch up the middle, to the second base side.
18:48 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball, throws to first.
18:48 westbaystars: Pulling Woods off the bag!
18:48 westbaystars: Leadoff man is on for the Giants.
18:48 westbaystars: Thant brings up Hollins.
18:50 westbaystars: Hollins gets hand cuffed, grounding the ball weakly to the left side.
18:50 westbaystars: Ibata fields the ball, tosses to second for one.
18:51 westbaystars: The relay to first is in time, double play.
18:51 westbaystars: Quick reaction by Ibata makes the play.
18:51 westbaystars: That brings up pitcher Kisanuki with two down and nobody on.
18:52 westbaystars: The announcers discuss how having the pitcher batting in a short series like this will see a lot of pitching changes.
18:52 westbaystars: Is this a point in favor of doing away with the pitchers batting?
18:53 westbaystars: Or was Kawakami's hit last inning to keep the Dragons moving evidince that having pitchers bat make things interesting?
18:53 westbaystars: Amazing play by Araki!]
18:53 westbaystars: Let me take my time describing this one.
18:53 westbaystars: Kisanuki grounds the ball up the middle, just to the right of the second base bag.
18:54 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball, then straight from his glove, tosses it to Ibata standing behind the second base bag.
18:54 westbaystars: Ibata throws on to first for the final out of the inning.
18:55 westbaystars: This is one for the highlight reals to go along with Koyano diving into the cameraman's box.
18:55 westbaystars: Ibaraki is just an amazing player up the middle.
18:56 westbaystars: ---
18:56 westbaystars: Top of 3rd
18:56 westbaystars: ---
18:56 westbaystars: Woods leads off the third inning for the Dragons.
18:56 westbaystars: With a runner on first in the first, Woods was walked on four pitches.
18:57 westbaystars: But Kisanuki is challenging Woods this time.
18:57 westbaystars: Getting two quick strikes on the slugger who's pretty much owned him all season.
18:57 westbaystars: The fork ball is grounded to third base.
18:57 westbaystars: Ogasawara dashes in, fields the ball, and fires to first to get Woods by a step.
18:57 westbaystars: Woods has more speed than Seguignol.
18:58 westbaystars: But not quite enough to beat this one out.
18:58 westbaystars: That brings up Nakamura, who struck out on three pitches last time at bat.
18:59 westbaystars: Nori goes down swinging on 5 pitches this time.
18:59 westbaystars: Two quick outs for Kisanuki in the third.
19:00 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
19:00 westbaystars: Who also struck out his first at bat.
19:00 westbaystars: He lifts the second pitch up to foul territory on the third base side.
19:00 westbaystars: Ogasawara, in front of the third base dugout, makes the catch for out number three.
19:01 westbaystars: And the Dragons go down in order in the third.
19:01 westbaystars: After 2 and a half, we're still tied up 1-1.
19:01 westbaystars: ---
19:01 westbaystars: Bottom of 3rd
19:01 westbaystars: ---
19:02 westbaystars: Top of the order in Shimizu starting off the Giants' half of the third.
19:03 westbaystars: Shimizu lines the ball to straight away center.
19:03 westbaystars: But Hirata has the ball lined up, and makes the catch for out number one.
19:04 westbaystars: Tani appeals that an inside pitch hit him, but I have no idea where.
19:05 westbaystars: Replays from two angles didn't give me any better of an idea.
19:05 westbaystars: Nonetheless, runner at first with Ogasawara coming to the plate. One out.
19:06 westbaystars: Ogasawara was 9 for 21 (.429, 2 HRs, 2 Ks) vs. Kawakami over the regular season.
19:08 westbaystars: The 1 strike, 2 ball pitch goes through Tanishige's legs and to the backstop.
19:08 westbaystars: Runner advances.
19:08 westbaystars: 1 strike, 3 balls the count.
19:08 westbaystars: And Tanishige goes out to have a word with Kawakami.
19:08 westbaystars: No, not between his legs. Tanishige was setup up outside, the ball was thrown in the dirt inside.
19:09 westbaystars: A foul ball brings the count full.
19:11 westbaystars: Ogasawara breaks his bat two fould balls later. Count remains full.
19:11 westbaystars: And he finally draws a base on balls after an extended battle.
19:12 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, one out. Lee coming to the plate.
19:12 westbaystars: Lee had a base hit his first at bat.
19:14 westbaystars: After hitting the outside corner with a straight pitch for a called strike,
19:14 westbaystars: Kawakami misses with a pair of inside pitches. Very close.
19:15 westbaystars: Going outside again, Kawakami gets Lee swinging all the way around.
19:15 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count.
19:15 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded to the right side, while a piece of Lee's bat head toward Kawakami.
19:15 westbaystars: Kawakami covers his head avoiding the bat.
19:16 westbaystars: While Araki and Ibata turn a 4-6-3 double play behind him.
19:16 westbaystars: That retires the Giants in the third.
19:16 westbaystars: After three complete, we're tied up 1-1.
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:16 westbaystars: Top of 4th
19:16 westbaystars: ---
19:17 westbaystars: Kisanuki has thrown 58 pitches so far to Kawakami's 49.
19:17 westbaystars: Kisanuki leads 4 strike outs to 0.
19:17 westbaystars: But Kawakami has given up just 3 hits to 5.
19:17 westbaystars: Hirata leads off the 4th for the Dragons.
19:18 westbaystars: Ibata lifts the ball to right field.
19:19 westbaystars: Hollins comes in and makes the catch for out number one.
19:20 westbaystars: Tanishige follows grounding the ball through the left side for a base hit.
19:20 westbaystars: That'll bring up Kawakami, who singled through the left side his first at bat.
19:20 westbaystars: Showing bunt all the way here.
19:20 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch in the dirt for ball one.
19:21 westbaystars: Second offering is bunted strong up the first base side, but rolls foul.
19:22 westbaystars: Kawakami shows bunt, pulls the bat back and swings!
19:22 westbaystars: And he hits the ball past the drawn in Ogasawara and into left field, base hit!
19:22 westbaystars: Ogasawara was even with the pitcher's mound when the ball sailed past him.
19:22 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, one out.
19:22 westbaystars: Top of the order in Araki at the plate.
19:23 westbaystars: Araki bunts the ball foul up the first base side.
19:24 westbaystars: Araki fouls the next pitch off past the third base coach. Quickly in the hole 2 strikes, no balls.
19:24 westbaystars: The third offering is lifted deep to left-center.
19:25 westbaystars: And the ball falls in between the two outfielders and bounced on toward the wall.
19:25 westbaystars: One run in.
19:25 westbaystars: Kawakami holds at third.
19:25 westbaystars: And Araki has an RBI double to left-center.
19:25 westbaystars: Putting the Dragons up 2-1.
19:26 westbaystars: With the infield drawn in, Ibata stands in.
19:26 westbaystars: Ibata is 2 for 2 with an RBI.
19:26 westbaystars: The RBI came with the bases loaded in the second inning.
19:26 westbaystars: Ibata hit the ball to the hole at short.
19:27 westbaystars: Nioka made a routine looking play to get to it, but when he threw to second,
19:27 westbaystars: it was too late to get Araki sliding in.
19:27 westbaystars: Everyone was safe, and the Dragons had tied the game for the time being.
19:28 westbaystars: Ibata is swinging at the no strike, 3 ball count.
19:28 westbaystars: He lines the ball to left field.
19:28 westbaystars: It looks like trouble.
19:28 westbaystars: But Tani makes a great back handed grab on the run out and toward the line.
19:28 westbaystars: Kawakami touches up and scores.
19:28 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 3-1 lead.
19:28 westbaystars: And that's it for Kisanuki.
19:29 westbaystars: Hayashi has been announced as the new Giants pitcher.
19:29 westbaystars: With Mr. Three Run coming up next.
19:29 westbaystars: ===
19:29 westbaystars: This is a good time to review the scoring.
19:29 westbaystars: The Giants scored first with a two out rally in the bottom of the first.
19:30 westbaystars: Ogasawara and Lee both singled to right for back to back two out hits.
19:30 westbaystars: Then Nioka doubled Ogasawara home to put the Giants up 1-0.
19:31 westbaystars: In the top of the second, the Dragons loaded the bases after two outs.
19:31 westbaystars: With Ibata driving in the tying run as described above with the infield hit to short.
19:31 westbaystars: Then in the top of the fourth we've had two runs come in so far.
19:31 westbaystars: ===
19:31 westbaystars: Morino takes the first pitch from Hayashi low and away, ball one.
19:32 westbaystars: Morino lines the next pitch right back *at* Hayashi.
19:32 westbaystars: Hayashi ducks, throwing his glove up over his head - and makes the catch.
19:32 westbaystars: Nice reaction by Hayashi on the mound to retire the side.
19:33 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons come up with a pair of runs to take a 3-1 lead.
19:33 westbaystars: ---
19:33 westbaystars: Bottom of 4th
19:33 westbaystars: ---
19:34 westbaystars: Nioka leads off the Giants' half of the fourth.
19:35 westbaystars: Kawakami still on the mound for the Dragons.
19:35 westbaystars: His 2 for 2 batting today instrumental to the Dragons' leading 3-1.
19:35 westbaystars: Nioka lifts the ball deep to left.
19:35 westbaystars: But not deep enough.
19:35 westbaystars: Morino takes the ball in at the warning track for out number one.
19:36 westbaystars: Abe swings and misses Kawakami's first two offerings to him.
19:37 westbaystars: Not looking at all good.
19:37 westbaystars: Gets the timing down a little better on the third pitch, fouling it off to the left side.
19:37 westbaystars: Fourth offering is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:37 westbaystars: Kawakami throwing nothing but strikes to Abe.
19:37 westbaystars: That was Kawakami's first strike out of the night.
19:38 westbaystars: That brings up Wakiya.
19:39 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Wakiya, followed by a waste pitch outside that Wakiya wasn't fooled by.
19:39 westbaystars: And another outside pitch layed off. 2 and 2.
19:40 westbaystars: Wakiya gives the ball a ride to right field.
19:40 westbaystars: But not deep enough.
19:41 westbaystars: Lee takes the ball in with his back against the wall.
19:41 westbaystars: And the side is retired in order for the Giants.
19:41 westbaystars: After four complete, the Dragons lead this one by a score of 3-1.
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:41 westbaystars: Top of 5th
19:41 westbaystars: ---
19:42 westbaystars: Woods leads off the fifth for the Dragons.
19:42 westbaystars: He's walked on four pitches and grounded out to third.
19:44 westbaystars: Woods is unable to hold up on a couple of pitches, bringing the count to 2 strikes, 1 ball. On three balls.
19:44 westbaystars: Fourth offering and Woods controls his bat. The count is even 2 and 2.
19:45 westbaystars: After a foul ball, Woods takes ball three. Full count.
19:46 westbaystars: The Shoubu pitch is in the dirt, ball four.
19:46 westbaystars: Hayashi walks Woods to start off the fifth.
19:46 westbaystars: That'll bring up Nakamura Norihiro.
19:46 westbaystars: Nori has struck out swinging twice so far tonight.
19:46 westbaystars: He didn't look at all good against Kisanuki.
19:47 westbaystars: Nori lifts the second offering up to the right side.
19:48 westbaystars: Wakiya waits for the ball to come down and makes the catch.
19:48 westbaystars: One away, runner at first.
19:48 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
19:49 westbaystars: Lee's next swing has him throwing the bat away as through he knows the ball is gone.
19:50 westbaystars: Only problem is that it's foul.
19:50 westbaystars: Definitely had the distance.
19:51 westbaystars: Hayashi catches the outside corner to bring the count to 2 and 2.
19:51 westbaystars: And the next offering is low and away, but swung on and missed.
19:51 westbaystars: Strike three.
19:52 westbaystars: That brings up Hirata with a runner at first and two down.
19:52 westbaystars: Hirata is quickly in the hole, two strikes, no balls.
19:53 westbaystars: Third offering *just* misses low over the outside corner.
19:53 westbaystars: Fourth offering in the dirt is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:53 westbaystars: Hayashi had the batters whiffing this inning.
19:54 westbaystars: The Dragons got a base runner, but nothing to show for it.
19:54 westbaystars: After four and a half, the Dragons continue to lead 3-1.
19:54 westbaystars: ---
19:54 westbaystars: Bottom of 5th
19:54 westbaystars: ---
19:56 westbaystars: Hollins leads off the fifth for the Giants.
19:56 westbaystars: Nori fields the ground ball to the left side on a high bound.
19:57 westbaystars: Throws to first in plenty of time for out number one.
19:57 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Kimura.
19:57 westbaystars: Former Hiroshima Carp.
19:58 westbaystars: He hits a short hopper to Araki charging in.
19:58 westbaystars: The throw to first in time to get the speedy Kimura.
19:58 westbaystars: Two quick outs in the fifth.
19:58 westbaystars: That brings up Shimizu.
19:59 westbaystars: Top batter tonight after being placed in the #7 slot last night.
20:00 westbaystars: (I think I place him in the #8 slot in a comment earlier.)
20:00 westbaystars: Nonetheless, Shimizu lines out to left field where Morino makes the catch about waist height.
20:00 westbaystars: The Giants go down in order again in the fifth.
20:00 westbaystars: After five complete, the Dragons hold on to a 3-1 lead.
20:00 westbaystars: ---
20:01 westbaystars: Top of 6th
20:01 westbaystars: ---
20:02 westbaystars: Kawakami has thrown just 69 pitches through five innings so far.
20:02 westbaystars: And is getting ready to bat here in the 6th.
20:02 westbaystars: Nishimura takes over on the mound for the Giants.
20:03 westbaystars: We start from the #8 slot of the Dragons here in the sixth, Tanishige, Kawakami, and the top of the order in Araki.
20:04 westbaystars: Tanishige and Kawakami had started off both of Chunichi's rallies tonight.
20:04 westbaystars: And Tanishige has a modasho - his third hit of the night, lining the first pitch up the middle for a base hit.
20:04 westbaystars: 猛打賞。
20:04 westbaystars: Kawakami follows.
20:05 westbaystars: He's two for two. A base hit through the left side in the second and a buster past the drawn in Ogasawara in the 4th.
20:05 westbaystars: Kawakami lays down the bunt up the first base side.
20:05 westbaystars: Nishimura fields the ball, and throws to first for the force.
20:06 westbaystars: Kawakami is retired for the first time tonight.
20:06 westbaystars: Sacrifice bunt is successful.
20:06 westbaystars: That brings up Araki, who has a base hit and an RBI double.
20:08 westbaystars: 2 and 2 the count to Araki.
20:08 westbaystars: The fifth offering is reached for and pulled to the left side.
20:08 westbaystars: Nioka looks Tanishige back, then throws to first for the out.
20:08 westbaystars: Two down, runner at second.
20:09 westbaystars: Ibata coming to the plate.
20:09 westbaystars: Ibata has a pair of hits tonight, one an RBI infield hit, along with a sacrifice fly
20:10 westbaystars: Works the count to 2 and 2.
20:11 westbaystars: Full count.
20:11 westbaystars: Shoubu pitch taken low over the outter part of the plate.
20:12 westbaystars: Ball four.
20:12 westbaystars: That brings up Mr. Three Run with two on this time.
20:12 westbaystars: He's 0 for 3 so far tonight, with 1 runner on and the bases loaded.
20:12 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch.
20:13 westbaystars: Morino lifts the ball to left field.
20:13 westbaystars: This isn't deep at all.
20:13 westbaystars: Tani comes over, and in foul territory, makes the catch for out number three.
20:13 westbaystars: Morino has been a bit of a break for the Dragons this evening.
20:14 westbaystars: Still the Dragons lead the Giants by a score of 3-1.
20:14 westbaystars: ---
20:14 westbaystars: Bottom of 6th
20:14 westbaystars: ---
20:15 westbaystars: Tani leads off the Giants' half of the sixth.
20:15 westbaystars: Kawakami's 70th pitch of the game is fouled off by Tani, strike one.
20:17 westbaystars: And Tani is called out on strikes on three pitches.
20:17 westbaystars: One down, Ogasawara coming to the plate.
20:18 westbaystars: Ogasawara fouls the first pitch off his leg.
20:18 westbaystars: And he looks hurt.
20:18 westbaystars: He's trying to shake the pain off.
20:18 westbaystars: Ouch, off the side of his knee.
20:19 westbaystars: Ogasawara seems to be OK now and stands back in.
20:20 westbaystars: Ogasawara lifts the ball to center field.
20:20 westbaystars: Hirata dives for the ball - and it's a short hop into his glove!
20:20 westbaystars: Base hit for Ogasawara.
20:21 westbaystars: That brings up Lee with a runner at first and one out.
20:22 westbaystars: [I'll give a scoring recap after this inning.]
20:22 westbaystars: Lee grounds the ball to the right side.
20:22 westbaystars: And we all know what that means.
20:22 westbaystars: Araki - Ibata - Woods - double play.
20:22 westbaystars: The Giants get a base runner, but are out in order yet again.
20:22 westbaystars: After six complete, the Dragons continue to lead 3-1
20:22 westbaystars: ===
20:23 westbaystars: Game Recap
20:23 westbaystars: Giants scored first when Ogasawara and Lee singled with two outs, then a double by Nioka put the Giants on top 1-0.
20:23 westbaystars: The Dragons battled back with one in the top of the second.
20:24 westbaystars: With two down, Tanishige, Kawakami, Araki, and Ibata hit four consecutive singles.
20:24 westbaystars: Kawakami's was a grounder through the left side, showing why having the pitch bat makes for some interesting baseball.
20:24 westbaystars: Ibata's RBI single was a hit to the left side, fielded by Nioka who threw to second for the force.
20:24 westbaystars: The only problem for the Giants was that Araki was already sliding into second base, safe.
20:24 westbaystars: Infield hit for Ibata, and an RBI tying up the game.
20:24 westbaystars: With one out in the top of the 4th, Tanishige and Kawakami hit back to back singles.
20:25 westbaystars: Kawakami this time showing bunt and hitting a buster past the drawn in Ogasawara at third.
20:25 westbaystars: Araki followed with an RBI double to left-center.
20:25 westbaystars: Then Inaba hit a sacrifice fly to left that Tani made a fine play to keep from becoming a 2-run double to the corner.
20:25 westbaystars: Dragons up 3-1.
20:25 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Top of 7th
20:25 westbaystars: ---
20:25 westbaystars: Woods leads off the inning with a double to left field.
20:26 westbaystars: That brings up Nori, who's struck out twice and flown out to second.
20:26 westbaystars: Hadn't looked at all comfortable at the plate yet.
20:27 westbaystars: Nakamura showing bunt.
20:28 westbaystars: Nishimura fields the bunt, throws to third.
20:28 westbaystars: The ball is there in time, ...
20:28 westbaystars: ... but the umpire says that Ogasawara didn't apply the tag to Woods.
20:28 westbaystars: ... in time.
20:29 westbaystars: Runners at the corners, nobody out here in the seventh for the Dragons.
20:29 westbaystars: Ogasawara protested, but the umpire stood by his call. The tag was too late.
20:29 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
20:30 westbaystars: Lee has struck out, fouled out to third, and struck out so far.
20:30 westbaystars: He strokes the second pitch to the gap in right-center.
20:30 westbaystars: One run in,
20:30 westbaystars: Two runs in.
20:30 westbaystars: And Lee has a timely triple.
20:30 westbaystars: Putting the Dragons up 5-1.
20:31 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku is calling for a pinch hitter for Hirata, Tatsunami.
20:31 westbaystars: And that prompts the Giants to move.
20:31 westbaystars: Pitching coach comes out, followed by Hara-kantoku.
20:33 westbaystars: Left handed Yamaguchi comes in to pitch for the Giants.
20:33 westbaystars: Left handed pinch hitter Tatsunami coming up.
20:34 westbaystars: Nobody out, runner on third.
20:36 westbaystars: Tatsunami grounds out to short, runner holding.
20:36 westbaystars: That brings up 3 for 3 Tanishige.
20:36 westbaystars: Before this no out rally, Tanishige initiated the previous two scoring opportunities.
20:37 westbaystars: Pitcher Kawakami swinging the bat in the on deck circle.
20:38 westbaystars: 2 for 2 with a sacrifice is Kawakami.
20:38 westbaystars: Tanishige battles off a couple 2 strike, 1 ball pitches.
20:39 westbaystars: Then lines the ball to center field in front of Shimizu.
20:39 westbaystars: 4 for 4, and Tanishige drives in Lee from third.
20:39 westbaystars: Dragons up 6-1.
20:39 westbaystars: That brings up Kawakami.
20:40 westbaystars: Kawakami showing bunt.
20:40 westbaystars: And lays the ball down the first base side.
20:40 westbaystars: Yamaguchi thinks about second, but throws to first.
20:40 westbaystars: Sacrifice is successful.
20:40 westbaystars: Runner at second, two down.
20:40 westbaystars: And we have another pitching change.
20:41 westbaystars: Kadokura coming in to face the top of the Dragons' order in Araki.
20:43 vcl: whats the Wins/Losses for this series?
20:43 westbaystars: Kadokura finishes his warm up pitches.
20:43 westbaystars: So far, the Dragons won the first game last night.
20:44 westbaystars: Well on their way to winning this one, leading 6-1 in the top of the 7th.
20:44 vcl: Best of 7?
20:44 westbaystars: Araki fouls the first Kadokura offering off and out of play to the right side.
20:44 westbaystars: The second offering is lifted to the right side, this one in play.
20:45 westbaystars: Lee is under it, and makes the catch in fair territory for out number three.
20:45 westbaystars: Best of 5.
20:45 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in the seventh.
20:45 westbaystars: But a 2-run triple by Lee and RBI single by Tanishige doubles the Dragons' score.
20:45 westbaystars: Putting them up 6-1.
20:45 westbaystars: ---
20:45 westbaystars: Bottom of 7th
20:45 westbaystars: ---
20:46 westbaystars: Kawakami still on the mound for the Dragons.
20:46 westbaystars: He threw 10 pitches last inning for a total of 79.
20:46 westbaystars: Has given up just 1 run on 4 hits so far.
20:47 westbaystars: Kawakami faces #5 batter Nioka to start the Giants' Lucky Seven.
20:47 westbaystars: Nioka breaks his bat, being hand cuffed on the first pitch.
20:47 vcl: weak flyout
20:47 westbaystars: The ball a weak line drive right at Araki at second for out number one.
20:48 westbaystars: One pitch, one out.
20:48 westbaystars: "Babe" Abe stands in.
20:49 westbaystars: Abe hits the ball the other way to left center.
20:49 westbaystars: The ball drops in there, base hit.
20:49 westbaystars: Wakiya follows.
20:51 westbaystars: Wakiya hits a line drive over Araki and into right-center.
20:51 westbaystars: Base hit.
20:51 vcl: Spanked to shallow right center
20:52 westbaystars: Back to back hits to start off the seventh have Mori-pitching coach out of the Chunichi dugout.
20:52 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku is firmly attached to his seat.
20:52 westbaystars: So no change here.
20:52 westbaystars: Runners at first and second, nobody out.
20:52 westbaystars: Hollins comes up.
20:52 vcl: 1 out!
20:53 westbaystars: He's hit into a double play and grounded out to third so far tonight.
20:53 westbaystars: Oh, yea, Nioka led off with a line dive out.
20:53 westbaystars: Thanks.
20:53 westbaystars: That's what I get for not keeping score.
20:54 vcl: Got it!
20:54 westbaystars: Hollins lifts the ball to deep center.
20:54 westbaystars: The center fielder goes back, back, back.
20:54 westbaystars: The ball hits off the top of the center field fence and over!
20:54 westbaystars: Haittaaaaaaaa.
20:54 westbaystars: Three run home run by Hollins.
20:54 westbaystars: Making this a 2-run ball game.
20:54 vcl: Boo Yah!
20:55 westbaystars: Hollins got the ball just of the end of the bat. Not an easy home run at all.
20:55 westbaystars: Pinch hitter Ohmichi coming up to the plate.
20:55 vcl: ball one
20:55 westbaystars: 15 for 35 (.429) as a pinch hitter.
20:56 vcl: foul tip
20:56 vcl: count 1 - 1
20:56 vcl: foul to the right side 1 - 2
20:57 westbaystars: Hancuffed, Ohmichi hits the ball to the right side.
20:58 vcl: ground out, 2 out
20:58 westbaystars: Araki rushes in, and throws Ohmichi out for out number two.
20:58 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the order in Shimizu.
20:58 westbaystars: He's flown out to left, center, and left so far tonight.
20:58 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch.
20:58 westbaystars: Lifts the ball to center.
20:59 westbaystars: And the ball in taken in for out number three.
20:59 westbaystars: But not before Hollins brings the Giants back into this one.
20:59 vcl: 3 outs. Giants down to final 6 outs
20:59 westbaystars: With a three run home run to center.
20:59 westbaystars: After seven complete, the Dragons' lead is cut to 6-4.
20:59 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Top of 8th
20:59 westbaystars: ---
20:59 westbaystars: Kawakami is disappearing behind the bench.
21:00 westbaystars: I think he may be done for the night now.
21:02 westbaystars: Toyoda takes the mound for the Giants.
21:02 westbaystars: How many former PL players can you name in this game for the Giants?
21:03 westbaystars: Ibata, Morino, and Woods will be who he faces.
21:03 westbaystars: This is the first appearance for Toyoda for a month.
21:03 vcl: Ball one
21:03 vcl: Foul, 1-1
21:04 westbaystars: Last game was on September 14 against Hiroshima.
21:04 vcl: strike down the dish, 1 - 2
21:04 vcl: fou;
21:05 vcl: ball 2-2
21:06 vcl: strike out looking
21:06 westbaystars: 2-2 offering down the middle at the knees.
21:06 westbaystars: Strike three called.
21:06 westbaystars: One away.And 0 for 4 Morino coming to the plate.
21:06 westbaystars: You know Morino is due for a hit.
21:07 westbaystars: But he's totally fooled by Toyoda's fork ball, swinging and missing the first pitch.
21:07 westbaystars: Then taking the second offering over the plate at the knees.
21:07 westbaystars: Two quick strikes on Morino.
21:07 westbaystars: Third offering is swung on and missed.
21:08 westbaystars: 三球三振。
21:08 westbaystars: That brings up Tyron Woods.
21:08 westbaystars: 1 for 2 with a pair of walks so far tonight.
21:09 westbaystars: Woods gives the 1-1 pitch a ride up the left side.
21:09 westbaystars: But foul.
21:09 westbaystars: Toyoda went with two pitches outside, getting one of them called a strike.
21:09 westbaystars: Then came inside with a fork, and Woods pounded it deep but foul.
21:10 westbaystars: Next pitch misses inside, 2 and 2.
21:10 westbaystars: Two down, nobody on.
21:10 westbaystars: The next pitch, and Woods can't hold up on the away pitch in the dirt.
21:10 westbaystars: Toyoda strikes out the side.
21:11 westbaystars: Ochiai-kantoku comes out, and we'll have a pitching change for the Dragons.
21:11 westbaystars: But after 7 and a half, the Dragons hold on to a 6-4 lead.
21:11 westbaystars: ---
21:11 westbaystars: Bottom of 8th
21:11 westbaystars: ---
21:12 westbaystars: Wow! Toyoda looked very good for not pitching at 1-gun for a month.
21:12 westbaystars: Okamoto called on to pitch the eighth.
21:12 westbaystars: He only threw to three pitchers last night, getting just one out.
21:13 westbaystars: Tani leads off the Giants' half of the eighth.
21:14 westbaystars: 0 for 2 and was hit by a pitch.
21:14 westbaystars: To answer the question posed above, Tani is one of the former PL players.
21:14 westbaystars: As he lines the ball to Ibata at short for out number one.
21:15 westbaystars: Ogasawara, coming up next is another.
21:15 westbaystars: As was pinch hitter Ohmichi, and Toyoda, who pitched the last half an inning.
21:15 westbaystars: Lee came to the Giants from Lotte a couple years ago.
21:16 westbaystars: The Giants seem to be interested in building a Pacific League team.
21:16 westbaystars: Anyway, in the mean time, Okamoto goes 2 and 2 to Ogasawara.
21:17 westbaystars: Who is 3 for 5 in the Climax Series.
21:17 westbaystars: 2 for 2 with a walk so far tonight.
21:18 westbaystars: Full count.
21:18 westbaystars: Foul ball keeps Ogasawara alive. Count remains full with one out and nobody on.
21:19 westbaystars: And another foul as Ogasawara plays with Okamoto like a cat playing with a mouse.
21:19 westbaystars: Next pitch is one bounded, Ogasawara having nothing to do with it.
21:19 westbaystars: Runner at first. Lee coming to the plate with just one out.
21:19 westbaystars: Long ball by Lee could tie this one up.
21:20 westbaystars: Lee has a hit and has hit into a pair of double plays.
21:20 westbaystars: First pitch in the dirt, ball one.
21:20 westbaystars: The Korean media is hyping this series as Lee vs. Lee.
21:21 westbaystars: (See Pro Yakyu News section.)
21:21 westbaystars: Next pitch, a fork outside, is swung on and missed. 1 and 1.
21:21 westbaystars: Next offering misses low and away, 1 strike, 2 balls.
21:22 westbaystars: Fourth offering is lifted to left field.
21:22 westbaystars: It's a long run for Morino.
21:22 westbaystars: But the ball hangs up in the air long enough for him to get to it.
21:22 westbaystars: Two down.
21:23 westbaystars: And Ochiai-kantoku comes out of the third base dugout.
21:23 westbaystars: He has a short talk with Okamoto, then with the home plate umpire.
21:23 westbaystars: That's it for Okamoto.
21:23 westbaystars: Iwase is announced.
21:23 westbaystars: And the Dragons fans give a big cheer.
21:24 westbaystars: Nioka is 0 for 4 against Iwase so far this year, with a strike out.
21:25 westbaystars: Iwase came in with 1 out in the 8th and shut down all five Giants he faced.
21:26 westbaystars: Nioka has a base hit and a pair of pop outs so far this evening.
21:26 westbaystars: Iwase's first pitch misses high and over the outside part of the plate.
21:26 westbaystars: Ball one.
21:27 westbaystars: Nioka swings and misses the second offering. 1 and 1.
21:27 westbaystars: The third pitchis lifted to right field.
21:27 westbaystars: Lee heads over into foul territory.
21:28 westbaystars: Then steps back into fair territory on the line to make the catch.
21:28 westbaystars: After 8 complete now, the Dragons hold on to a 6-4 lead.
21:28 westbaystars: Does anybody need a game recap at this point?
21:28 westbaystars: Or does http://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/professional/score/2007/cl2007101901.html suffice?
21:28 westbaystars: Uehara is announced for the Giants.
21:29 westbaystars: Hara-kantoku had said before the Series that he was going to use Uehara whether winning or losing.
21:29 westbaystars: But he didn't last night.
21:29 westbaystars: His job will be to keep the game close here.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:30 westbaystars: Top of 9th
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: 32 saves on the season. Not a save situation here.
21:31 westbaystars: But Hara-kantoku is hoping Uehara can turn this into a winning situation by keeping it close.
21:31 westbaystars: Nori leads off the the Dragons.
21:31 westbaystars: Hittless so far tonight.
21:32 westbaystars: Kisanuki had his number, fanning him twice.
21:32 westbaystars: Uehara quickly ahead in the count, 2 strikes, no balls.
21:32 westbaystars: The wastes one low and away.
21:33 westbaystars: In 12 games against Chunichi, Uehara was 1 and 0 with 7 saves and a 0.00 ERA.
21:33 westbaystars: Nori gives the ball a ride!
21:33 westbaystars: To left.
21:33 westbaystars: But the ball bounces off the wall just left of the foul line.
21:34 westbaystars: Long foul ball, bringing the count to 2 strikes and a ball.
21:34 westbaystars: The next offering is grounded to Nioka at short.
21:34 westbaystars: Pleanty of time for the throw to first for the first out of the nineth.
21:34 westbaystars: That brings up Lee.
21:35 westbaystars: Lee hit a 2-run triple in the 7th, putting Chunichi up 5-1 at the time.
21:35 westbaystars: He swings and lifts the next pitch just left of center.
21:35 westbaystars: Tosses the bat.
21:35 westbaystars: And starts jogging.
21:35 westbaystars: The ball clears the wall, haittaaaaaaa.
21:35 westbaystars: Dragons go up 7-4.
21:36 westbaystars: That's the first earned run Uehara has given up against the Dragons all year.
21:36 westbaystars: Fujii, who came in defensively and is batting for the first time,
21:36 westbaystars: singles to left on the first offering by Uehara.
21:37 westbaystars: That'll bring up Tanishige with a runner at first and one out.
21:37 westbaystars: tanishige fouls the first pitch off back over the back stop.
21:37 westbaystars: Iwase starts to put on batting gloves.
21:38 westbaystars: He'll go up there to strike out if called upon.
21:38 westbaystars: The down side to having pitchers bat. Kawakami was the up side.
21:38 westbaystars: Tanishige is 4 for 4 so far tonight.
21:38 westbaystars: With the runner going on the 1-1 pitch, Tanishige lifts the ball up.
21:39 westbaystars: Abe calls for the ball up a little way along the first base line.
21:39 westbaystars: And he makes the catch in foul territory.
21:39 westbaystars: Two down.
21:39 westbaystars: Iwase coming to the plate.
21:39 westbaystars: He's way at the back of the batter's box.
21:39 westbaystars: Taking the first pitch over the plate, which he couldn't reach if he wanted to.
21:40 westbaystars: Takes the second pith on the inside part of the plate. He could have reached that one.
21:40 westbaystars: Then takes strike three down the middle.
21:40 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in the 9th.
21:40 westbaystars: But not before Lee gives the ball a ride, homering just left of center.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: Bottom of 9th
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: Giants' last chance, trailing by a score of 7-4.
21:42 westbaystars: Abe, Wakiya, and Hollins to face Iwase.
21:42 westbaystars: Morino moves to third, Nori moves to first, and Ueda comes in to left (in Woods' spot).
21:43 westbaystars: "Babe" Abe stands in.
21:43 westbaystars: Takes the first pitch high and tight for ball one.
21:43 westbaystars: Abe is 1 for 3 so far tonight.
21:43 westbaystars: Takes the next offering for a called strike one.
21:43 westbaystars: 1 and 1 the count.
21:44 westbaystars: Iwase has a bit of stubble on his face. Didn't shave today?
21:44 westbaystars: Next offering misses outside.
21:44 westbaystars: And the fourth offering is called strike two. 2 and 2.
21:45 westbaystars: Fifth pitch misses up high. Full count.
21:45 westbaystars: Abe fouls the next pitch off and out of play to the left side. Stay'n alive.
21:46 westbaystars: And the seventh offering misses up high. Ball four.
21:46 westbaystars: That'll bring up pinch hitter Yano.
21:46 westbaystars: 15 for 46 (.326) with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs as a pinch hitter this season.
21:46 westbaystars: Swinging at the first pitch.
21:47 westbaystars: Tanishige, over in front of the entrance to the third base dugout,
21:47 westbaystars: makes the catch for out number one.
21:47 westbaystars: After 7 pitches to walk Abe, one pitch to retire Yano should help Iwase.
21:47 westbaystars: Next up is Hollins.
21:48 westbaystars: Hollins' three run home run in the 7th made this a 2-run ball game at the time.
21:48 westbaystars: Giants down by 3 right now.
21:48 westbaystars: Hollins is hand cuffed this time, popping out weakly to Araki.
21:48 westbaystars: Giants are down to their last out.
21:49 westbaystars: And Hara-kantoku calls on Gonzales to pinch hit.
21:49 westbaystars: Iwase's first offering is swung on and fouled back over the back stop.
21:49 westbaystars: Strike one.
21:50 westbaystars: Second offering is swung on and fouled back to the back netting.
21:50 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
21:50 westbaystars: One strike away.
21:50 westbaystars: 後一球。
21:50 westbaystars: Iwase comes set.
21:50 westbaystars: The pitch.
21:50 westbaystars: Misses high and away.
21:50 westbaystars: Next offering is grounded up the middle.
21:51 westbaystars: Ibata fields the ball left and behind the second base bag.
21:51 westbaystars: Takes the ball there himself for the force.
21:51 westbaystars: And the side is retired.
21:51 westbaystars: The Chunichi Dragons defeat the Yomiuri Giants by a score of 7-4 in Game 2.
21:51 westbaystars: That puts the Dragons up 2 games to none in the best of 5 series.
21:52 westbaystars: They only need one more win to move on to the Nippon Series.
21:52 westbaystars: 14 hits for Chunichi to 7 hits for the Giants.
21:52 westbaystars: And Kawakami is called out as the game's hero.
21:53 westbaystars: I invite you all back again tomorrow.
21:53 westbaystars: I'm afraid that I won't be here. I'll be on the third base side at Tokyo Dome.
21:54 westbaystars: Nose bleed seats according to the friend who got tickets.
21:54 westbaystars: But I plan on enjoying the game nonetheless.
21:55 westbaystars: And I'll try to get some pictures and video clips to share with you all.
21:55 westbaystars: But my zoom isn't that good. ;-(
21:56 westbaystars: Hopefully someone can step up and give those of you who can't watch the game an idea of what's going on.
21:57 westbaystars: ====
21:57 westbaystars: Game Final
21:57 westbaystars: Chunichi Dragons 7 - 4 Yomiuri Giants
21:57 westbaystars: ====
21:57 westbaystars: Take care all.
Re: 2007 Central League Climax Series - Stage 2 Game 2
[ Author: Guest: zman | Posted: Oct 19, 2007 11:15 PM
]
Nice way to recap the game Westbay. Dragons up by two, the YGs fans must be moving on already. Can't see the YGs taking three straight from the Dragons now. Dragons have got their mojo going, were able to get it started against the punchless Tigers.
Enjoy the game tomorrow despite the seat location.
Suggest you simply call Abe (B)Abe. Will save you some key strokes. Or you could add in "the" (B)Abe.
Enjoy the game tomorrow despite the seat location.
Suggest you simply call Abe (B)Abe. Will save you some key strokes. Or you could add in "the" (B)Abe.
Re: 2007 Central League Climax Series - Stage 2 Game 2
[ Author: Deanna | Posted: Oct 20, 2007 1:40 AM
| NIP Fan
]
Hey, sorry to nitpick, but I have to correct a whole bunch of names in this post or my brain will explode.
Early on you say Wakui several times when you mean Wakiya. That's a pretty big insult to Hideaki Wakui, heh.
18:55 you said Koyano's cameraman dive, only it was Naoto Inada, not Eiichi Koyano, who did that. And it's "Arakibata" or "Ibataraki" not "Ibaraki" - one's a two-headed DP combo monster and the other is the place where people like Kei Igawa come from.
19:17 Hirata leads off ... and then Ibata lifts the ball? What?
20:25 - I know it's not Inaba-Ibata-Inada season yet, but this time it's Ibata, not Inaba. Inaba and Inada aren't in this game!
21:08 Tyrone! I just discovered they spelled his name Tyron on his all-star baseball card, but ...
Hmm.
So anyway, this makes me all confused about who to cheer for tomorrow. I'd love the Dragons to sweep but I have a ticket to Sunday's game. If they sweep, no game on Sunday! But if they don't, then there's always a chance of a Giants comeback.
Early on you say Wakui several times when you mean Wakiya. That's a pretty big insult to Hideaki Wakui, heh.
18:55 you said Koyano's cameraman dive, only it was Naoto Inada, not Eiichi Koyano, who did that. And it's "Arakibata" or "Ibataraki" not "Ibaraki" - one's a two-headed DP combo monster and the other is the place where people like Kei Igawa come from.
19:17 Hirata leads off ... and then Ibata lifts the ball? What?
20:25 - I know it's not Inaba-Ibata-Inada season yet, but this time it's Ibata, not Inaba. Inaba and Inada aren't in this game!
21:08 Tyrone! I just discovered they spelled his name Tyron on his all-star baseball card, but ...
Hmm.
So anyway, this makes me all confused about who to cheer for tomorrow. I'd love the Dragons to sweep but I have a ticket to Sunday's game. If they sweep, no game on Sunday! But if they don't, then there's always a chance of a Giants comeback.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Some rights reserved.
I heard "Moero Dragons" in the tea house I had lunch in this afternoon. Was this an omen?
Anyway, hope to see you all at the chat room again tonight.