2004 Nippon Series: Game 2
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2004 Nippon Series: Game 2
Tune in tonight here for the continuation of the 2004 Nippon Series, again at Nagoya Dome at 6:20 pm JST.
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Re: 2004 Nippon Series: Game 2
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Oct 17, 2004 10:24 PM
| YBS Fan
]
The Dragons evened the Series at 1-1 with a big 11-6 win this evening. While the final was a bit one sided, Chunichi was trailing going into the seventh after having lost the lead once before.
Read on for details.
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2004/10/17 22:19
CHATROOM 2004 Nippon Series/Game 2
MODERATORS westbaystars
18:02 westbaystars: Tonight's TV coverage is on Fuji TV's network.
18:02 westbaystars: Last night's TBS coverage was exceptionally good. Fuji's got a lot to live up to tonight.
18:04 westbaystars: Seibu's order is the same as last night for numbers one through eight.
18:05 westbaystars: Morino starts at first, Mori in left for the two changes in Chunichi's order tonight.
18:05 westbaystars: Matsuzaka will be throwing for the Lions.
18:06 westbaystars: Yamamoto is starting for the Dragons.
18:07 westbaystars: To answer the question "What was the longest arguement related delay in Pro Yakyu history?"
18:08 westbaystars: The answer is 1 hour and 19 minutes in the 7th game of the 1978 Nippon Series.
18:09 westbaystars: Yakult was hosting Hankyu at Korakuen Stadium.
18:15 westbaystars: No, Yakult was the visitors, as in the top of the sixth Ohsugi Katsuo hit the ball over the left field foul pole.
18:15 westbaystars: Yakult was leading 1-0 at the time.
18:17 westbaystars: Hankyu's Ueda-kantoku claimed that the ball hit off of Adachi Mitsuhiro was foul and pulled his team off of the ...
18:17 westbaystars: ... field when it was called a home run.
18:18 westbaystars: Ueda-kantoku went so far as to demand that they change the umpires for the game.
18:18 westbaystars: In the end, Kaneko-Commissioner talked Ueda-kantoku into resuming play, the home run stood.
18:19 westbaystars: Yakult went on to win the game 4-0.
18:19 westbaystars: And took the Japan Series.
18:20 westbaystars: Yamamoto is coming out to start warming up, so that'll do it for the pre-game talk.
18:20 westbaystars: ---
18:20 westbaystars: --- Top of First
18:20 westbaystars: ---
18:22 westbaystars: Satoh leads off for the Lions against Yomamoto.
18:23 westbaystars: Yamamoto's first pitch misses outside for ball one, and the game is under way (3 minutes late).
18:24 westbaystars: He then works the count to two and two.
18:24 westbaystars: The two-two pitch misses inside, full count.
18:25 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is lined to right, base hit!
18:25 westbaystars: The Lions have their lead-off runner on board.
18:26 westbaystars: Akada squares to show bunt from the start, but pulls the bat back when it's delivered and fouls the ball off.
18:26 westbaystars: He likes the buster.
18:27 westbaystars: He's hitting 58% of the time with Satoh on first and nobody out.
18:27 westbaystars: The second pitch is taken for ball one.
18:28 westbaystars: After a throw to first, Akada bunts the ball foul for strike two (and one ball).
18:29 westbaystars: He's still squaring, but pulls the ball back to hit, and takes ball two. Two and two.
18:29 westbaystars: Another throw to first.
18:29 westbaystars: Yamamoto is taking his time.
18:30 westbaystars: And another throw to first.
18:30 westbaystars: The next pitch is called strike three on the inside corner. One out.
18:31 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner on first and one out.
18:31 westbaystars: How does he do with a runner on but not in scoring position.
18:32 westbaystars: He takes ball one, then fouls off a screw ball to even the count at one and one.
18:32 westbaystars: The next pitch is a line drive deep into the left field stands!
18:32 westbaystars: Fernandez just stood a step up the line and watched it go!
18:33 westbaystars: No doubt about that one.
18:33 westbaystars: The Lions take a quick 2-0 lead.
18:33 westbaystars: He hit four home runs in the playoffs, and this is his first in the Nippon Series.
18:33 westbaystars: Cabrera comes up next.
18:34 westbaystars: Cabu holds up on the third pitch to run the count to one strike and two balls.
18:35 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is lifted high to the left side.
18:35 westbaystars: But it goes into the stands foul.
18:35 westbaystars: Two and two.
18:36 westbaystars: There was a danger of the ball hitting the celing and bouncing into playable territory, so Tatsunami gave a good chase.
18:36 westbaystars: Cabu is then walked a couple pitches later, Yamamoto thinking he had him struck out.
18:37 westbaystars: This is Yamamoto's third Nippon Series appearance. He's been here in 1988 and 1999 with Chunichi.
18:37 westbaystars: Wada follows.
18:37 westbaystars: Wada hit a home run just over the left field fense yesterday.
18:37 westbaystars: But here he grounds the ball to Ibata at short, who shovels to Araki at second, and the throw to ...
18:38 westbaystars: ... Morino at first completes the double play.
18:38 westbaystars: So, the Lions strike first with a huge two run home run by Fernandez, taking a quick 2-0 lead.
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:38 westbaystars: --- Bottom of First
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes the mound for the Lions.
18:40 westbaystars: The first batter he faces is Araki, who takes high and tight for ball one.
18:40 westbaystars: The next pitch hits 152 kph and is called strike one.
18:41 westbaystars: Yamamoto is a finesse pitcher, Matsuzaka is throwing constantly in the low 150s.
18:42 westbaystars: Araki battles well with a two - two count.
18:42 westbaystars: The seventh pitch is lifted to center.
18:42 westbaystars: The crowd gives a big scream, but Akada comes in to make the catch.
18:42 westbaystars: One out.
18:43 westbaystars: Ibata follows taking a 129 kph slider outside for ball one.
18:44 westbaystars: The second pitch is lined over Matsuzaka's head and into center field, base hit!
18:45 westbaystars: The Dragons only managed two hits last night, the E-6 in the fourth being changed to an infield hit.
18:45 westbaystars: Tatsunami lifts the ball high to right.
18:45 westbaystars: Takagi goes out, Satoh comes in.
18:45 westbaystars: Takagi calls the ball and makes the catch. Two outs.
18:46 westbaystars: Runner still at first with Alex coming up.
18:46 westbaystars: Alex was the only Dragon to have a clean hit last night, a single to left.
18:46 westbaystars: But before he gets a pitch, Matsuzaka throws the ball to first, hitting Ibata in the back as he dives back into first.
18:47 westbaystars: The ball gets away from Cabrera, and Ibata heads over to second.
18:47 westbaystars: Hey, is that the farthest a Dragon has made it this Series?
18:48 westbaystars: After two strikes to Alex, Matsuzaka misses low and away for ball one.
18:48 Christopher: Yes I think it is
18:48 westbaystars: The next pitch, a slider low and away, gets Alex unable to check his swing.
18:49 westbaystars: The Lions were all on their way off the field before the first base umpire confirmed.
18:49 westbaystars: So, the Dragons manage to get a hit and a runner as far as second, but they still have two bases to go for the first ...
18:49 westbaystars: ... run of the Series.
18:50 westbaystars: At the end of one complete, the Lions lead 2-0.
18:50 westbaystars: ---
18:50 westbaystars: --- Top of Second
18:50 westbaystars: ---
18:50 Christopher: Matsuzaka has made the better start but he's not at his best
18:50 westbaystars: Nakajima leads off the second inning for the Lions.
18:51 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is throwing heat. But it takes more than that sometimes.
18:52 westbaystars: The count runs to two and two.
18:52 westbaystars: The changeup is up and away, ball three. Full count.
18:52 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is called strike three.
18:53 westbaystars: Nice pitch on the outside corner.
18:53 westbaystars: One out.
18:53 westbaystars: Noda follows.
18:54 westbaystars: And Yamamoto has him in the hole quickly with two strikes.
18:54 westbaystars: The third pitch misses low on the outside part of the plate. Ball one.
18:54 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is outside, two and two.
18:55 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is lifted to left-center.
18:55 westbaystars: Inoue heads over, but had him played pretty well.
18:55 westbaystars: And he makes the catch for out number two.
18:55 westbaystars: Next up is H. Takagi.
18:56 westbaystars: Yamamoto strikes him out looking on three pitches!
18:56 westbaystars: A nice pitching job by Yamamoto.
18:57 westbaystars: The Lions are retired in order in the second, and continue to lead 2-0.
18:57 westbaystars: ---
18:57 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Second
18:57 westbaystars: ---
18:58 Christopher: Much better by Yamamoto
18:58 westbaystars: Matsuzaka faces Morino to start the second.
18:59 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka strikes Morino out looking on three pitches.
19:00 westbaystars: Both pitchers are throwing strikes.
19:00 westbaystars: I like to see san kyu shobu.
19:00 westbaystars: Tanishige follows.
19:00 westbaystars: Matsuzaka goes right after him with two straight strikes.
19:01 westbaystars: Tanishige swinging at a high pitch down the middle of the plate.
19:01 westbaystars: The third pitch is grounded up the middle.
19:01 westbaystars: Nakajima fields the ball on the third base side of the second base bag, and throws him out.
19:01 westbaystars: Six pitches, two outs.
19:02 westbaystars: Inoue breaks his bat on Matsuzaka's first pitch to him.
19:02 westbaystars: The ball is grounded right to Cabrera at first, who fields it and goes to the bag himself.
19:02 westbaystars: Three down.
19:02 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in order.
19:03 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's looking better after this inning.
19:03 westbaystars: He's got a much faster tempo.
19:03 westbaystars: So, at the end of two complete, the Lions continue to lead 2-0.
19:03 westbaystars: ---
19:03 westbaystars: --- Top of Third
19:03 westbaystars: ---
19:04 westbaystars: Matsuzaka leads off the third inning for the Lions.
19:04 westbaystars: When he was drafted in 1998, he wanted to go to the BayStars where he could bat.
19:04 westbaystars: He was a strong batter at Koshien.
19:04 westbaystars: He takes strike one.
19:05 westbaystars: Then fouls the next pitch off.
19:05 westbaystars: Unlike Ishii last night, Matsuzaka is up there to hit.
19:05 westbaystars: Close to the plate.
19:05 westbaystars: He takes ball one outside.
19:06 westbaystars: The fourth pitch, a screw ball, is fouled off to the right side.
19:06 westbaystars: Yamamoto's next offering is a slow curve that Matsuzaka waits for well.
19:07 westbaystars: But he grounds the ball to Araki at second, and is thrown out.
19:07 westbaystars: That was a respectable at bat for the Pacific League pitcher.
19:07 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Seibu order in Satoh.
19:08 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the ball past a diving Araki at second and into right.
19:08 westbaystars: That's Satoh's second hit of the game.
19:09 westbaystars: His third of the Series.
19:09 westbaystars: Akada comes up next.
19:09 westbaystars: He messed around his first at bat between bunting and not.
19:09 westbaystars: He's swinging away at the first pitch this time, and lines the ball right at Alex in center.
19:09 westbaystars: Two down.
19:10 westbaystars: Next up is Fernandez, who took an inside pitch deep over the left field fense in the first.
19:10 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets a called strike one on the outside corner.
19:11 westbaystars: The second pitch is low and away, ball one.
19:11 westbaystars: Fernandez is one of those guys overlooked by the Majors, having a minor league career and then playing in Korea.
19:11 westbaystars: Before coming to the Lions.
19:12 westbaystars: Here, though, he grounds the ball to first.
19:12 westbaystars: Morino fields the tricky hop and takes the ball a step to the bag himself.
19:12 westbaystars: The Lions are retired in the third.
19:12 westbaystars: And they continue to lead 2-0.
19:12 westbaystars: ---
19:12 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Third
19:12 westbaystars: ---
19:14 westbaystars: Mori leads off the third for the Dragons.
19:14 westbaystars: He's swinging on the first pitch, grounding the ball past a diving Cabrera an into right.
19:14 westbaystars: Base hit!
19:15 westbaystars: The Dragons have their lead off runner on.
19:15 westbaystars: Pitcher Yamamoto comes up to bunt next, and the radio announcers assure us he's a very good bunter.
19:16 westbaystars: He lays the second pitch down the third base side, a beautiful bunt.
19:16 westbaystars: The throw by Fernandez is to first, sacrifice successful.
19:16 westbaystars: The Dragons have their second batter of the game and Series at second.
19:16 westbaystars: Can they get a runner to third?
19:17 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's first pitch to Araki hits him in the waist!
19:17 westbaystars: Ouch!
19:17 Christopher: First and second now
19:17 westbaystars: No, it was the elbow on the replay.
19:18 westbaystars: Still, outch.
19:18 westbaystars: This is the first time this Series the Dragons have had two runner on.
19:18 westbaystars: Ibata comes up next.
19:18 westbaystars: He had a base hit his first at bat.
19:18 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets ahead with two quick strikes.
19:19 westbaystars: Matsuzaka hits 154 kph, but misses outside for ball one.
19:19 westbaystars: That's a new max speed for the game.
19:19 westbaystars: The next pitch is 155 kph, and lined to right.
19:20 westbaystars: One bound in front of Satoh, and the Dragons have the bases loaded!
19:20 westbaystars: Speed isn't everything.
19:20 westbaystars: Next up is number three batter Tatsunami.
19:20 westbaystars: He takes strike one.
19:21 westbaystars: Tatsunami grounds the ball to Takagi at second.
19:21 westbaystars: Takagi shovels the ball to second for one.
19:22 westbaystars: But Nakajima doesn't relay the ball!
19:22 Christopher: Poor fielding by Seibu
19:22 westbaystars: One run scores!
19:22 westbaystars: The Dragons cut the Seibu lead in half and now trail 1-2.
19:23 westbaystars: Number four batting Alex drills the first Matsuzaka pitch through the right side, base hit!
19:23 westbaystars: The second run of the inning scores from third.
19:23 westbaystars: We have a tied ball game!
19:23 westbaystars: The infield comes up to the mound to have a talk with Matsuzaka.
19:23 westbaystars: He shakes his head "yes."
19:24 westbaystars: With game now tied 2-2, Morino stands in with runners at first and second and two outs.
19:25 westbaystars: Matsuzaka then hits Morino on the leg to load the bases again!
19:25 westbaystars: His second hit batsman this inning.
19:25 Christopher: Matsuzaka's control seems to be deserting him
19:25 westbaystars: The ball hit Morino just above his left (back) knee.
19:26 westbaystars: Tanishige takes strike one.
19:26 westbaystars: The next pitch misses just outside for ball one. One and one.
19:26 westbaystars: Slider misses outside, ball two.
19:27 westbaystars: And another slider missing low and away, ball three.
19:27 westbaystars: He's got to come in.
19:27 westbaystars: The fifth pitch misses outside!
19:28 westbaystars: Oshidashi!
19:28 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 3-2 lead!
19:28 westbaystars: Inoue is swinging at the first pitch, and lines it to right!
19:29 westbaystars: But Satoh comes in and, on a dead run, makes the catch.
19:29 westbaystars: That retires the side.
19:29 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons put together three runs to take a 3-2 lead.
19:29 westbaystars: ---
19:29 westbaystars: -- Top of Fourth
19:29 westbaystars: ---
19:30 westbaystars: That failed double play really hurt.
19:31 westbaystars: If I heard the radio announcer correctly, the Dragons are going for their first Nippon Ichi title in 50 years.
19:32 westbaystars: Cabrera leads off the fourth for the Lions.
19:32 westbaystars: And takes strike one from Yamamoto.
19:32 westbaystars: Cabrera rips the next pitch into the left field corner.
19:32 westbaystars: The ball bounces out pretty quickly, and there's a play at second!
19:33 westbaystars: Cabrera slides in just in front of the throw, safe!
19:33 westbaystars: Cabu has a lead off double.
19:33 westbaystars: Wada follows.
19:33 MHtrStevie: I had heard that too... it's been a while for the Dragons.
19:34 westbaystars: Wada, of course, started all scoring in the Series with a solo home run last night.
19:34 westbaystars: They've had a number of Central League championships, but haven't faired well here.
19:35 westbaystars: Yamamoto has been with them in 1988 and 1999 when Chunichi went to the Nippon Series.
19:35 westbaystars: This being his third Series.
19:36 westbaystars: Wada fouls off a couple of two strike, one ball pitches.
19:37 westbaystars: He fouls off another as Yamamoto's pace decreases with a runner on.
19:38 westbaystars: The next pitch is high, but swung on and missed by Wada.
19:38 westbaystars: One out, runner still at second.
19:39 westbaystars: Nakajima takes inside for ball one.
19:39 westbaystars: He swings and misses the second pitch, strike one.
19:40 westbaystars: Yamamoto's third pitch is called strike two, up in the zone.
19:40 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
19:40 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike three!
19:41 westbaystars: Two outs, runner still at second, unmovable.
19:41 westbaystars: Nice pitch down the middle and at Nakajima's knees.
19:41 westbaystars: Noda follows.
19:41 westbaystars: he fouls off the first pitch.
19:42 westbaystars: Second pitch misses outside, ball one.
19:42 westbaystars: Noda takes out-low, ball two.
19:43 westbaystars: Yamamoto's fourth pitch is taken on the outside corner for strike two. Two and two.
19:44 westbaystars: Noda fails to hold up on the fifth pitch low and away, strike three!
19:44 westbaystars: After a lead-off double by Cabrera, Yamamoto went on to strike out the remainder of the side in order.
19:44 westbaystars: Nice pitching.
19:45 westbaystars: To hold on to the Dragons' 3-2 lead.
19:45 westbaystars: ---
19:45 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fourth
19:45 westbaystars: ---
19:47 westbaystars: Mori lines out to left to lead off the fourth.
19:48 westbaystars: Yamamoto follows.
19:48 westbaystars: He swings and misses a 1-1 pitch, swinging pretty well.
19:48 westbaystars: Just not making contact.
19:48 westbaystars: The next pitch is called strike three, with Yamamoto swinging half way to boot.
19:49 westbaystars: Two quick outs for Matsuzaka in the fourth.
19:49 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Dragons' order in Araki.
19:49 westbaystars: Matsuzaka hitting Araki last inning was the beginning of his fall.
19:50 westbaystars: Araki lines the ball deep to left!
19:50 westbaystars: Going, going,
19:50 westbaystars: off the top of the fense!
19:51 westbaystars: The radio announcer was declaring it a home run, but it was off the very top.
19:51 westbaystars: Araki slides into second just in front of the throw for a two out double.
19:51 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata, who has two hits on the night in as many at bats.
19:52 westbaystars: The count goes even at 2-2.
19:53 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:53 westbaystars: The Dragons got a double, but no insurrance runs.
19:53 westbaystars: At the end of four complete, the Dragons continue to lead 3-2.
19:53 westbaystars: ---
19:53 westbaystars: --- Top of Fifth
19:53 westbaystars: ---
19:56 westbaystars: Takagi leads off the fifth.
19:56 westbaystars: He takes two strikes in a row.
19:56 westbaystars: The third pitch misses low, ball one.
19:57 westbaystars: The next pitch is blooped over second base and into center for a base hit.
19:57 westbaystars: The Lions have their game tying lead-off runner on again.
19:57 westbaystars: Matsuzaka comes up to bunt.
19:58 westbaystars: He pulls the bat back on the first pitch and takes strike one.
19:59 westbaystars: The second pitch is bunted to the first base side, but foul. Strike two.
19:59 westbaystars: Ochiai tells his infield to watch for him to swing away, but Matsuzaka squares and takes ball two.
19:59 westbaystars: No, ball one.
20:00 westbaystars: The clock strikes 8:00.
20:00 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is bunted foul back under Tanishige.
20:00 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is out on strikes.
20:01 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Lion order in Satoh.
20:01 westbaystars: Satoh has two hits on the night so far, this his third at bat.
20:03 westbaystars: With the count 1-1, Yamamoto throws over to first.
20:03 westbaystars: And again.
20:04 westbaystars: When Yamamoto comes to the plate, Satoh rips the ball up the left field line and into the corner.
20:04 westbaystars: Takagi head to third, and rounds it!
20:04 westbaystars: Before the ball can be brought back in, Takagi crosses the plate. We have a tie ball game, 3-3.
20:04 westbaystars: Satoh has a stands up RBI double.
20:05 westbaystars: That brings up Akada.
20:05 westbaystars: With one out and a runner at second.
20:05 westbaystars: Akada takes ball one, then takes strike on.
20:05 westbaystars: ... strike one.
20:06 westbaystars: The 1-1 pitch is fouled back for strike two.
20:07 westbaystars: Yamamoto misses way outside for ball two, two and two.
20:07 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is lined to left.
20:07 westbaystars: The ball hits in and goes to the wall.
20:07 westbaystars: Satoh scores the gyakuten run from second.
20:08 westbaystars: Seibu now leads 4-3.
20:08 westbaystars: Akada drifts into second with a stand up double.
20:08 westbaystars: With the back to back doubles, Ochiai-kantoku heads out to the mound.
20:08 westbaystars: And he sends Yamamoto into the dugout.
20:09 westbaystars: Ochiai Eiji is announced as the new pitcher.
20:09 westbaystars: No relation to the manager.
20:12 westbaystars: The first batter Ochiai faces is the feared Fernadez.
20:12 westbaystars: And his first pitch just nibbles the outside corner for strike one.
20:12 westbaystars: Fernandez is tough with runners in scoring position, and he's got a runner at second with one out.
20:13 westbaystars: But percentages aren't everything.
20:13 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball right back to Ochiai on one long bound.
20:13 westbaystars: Ochiai looks the runner back to second, then throws to first for the second out.
20:13 westbaystars: Tanishige goes out to talk to Ochiai about how to take Cabrera.
20:14 westbaystars: And the plan is to walk him. Tanishige stands up and takes the pitches outside.
20:14 westbaystars: They'll take their chances with Wada.
20:14 westbaystars: Ball four, and we have runners at first and second with two outs.
20:15 westbaystars: Wada comes up to bat.
20:15 westbaystars: Wada takes low and inside for ball one.
20:16 westbaystars: The next pitch, a fork, misses low for ball two.
20:16 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined deep to left.
20:16 westbaystars: It hits mid way up the left field fense, bouncing back to Inoue.
20:17 westbaystars: One run is in.
20:17 westbaystars: Cabrera holds at third.
20:17 westbaystars: Wada has an RBI double to put the Lions up 5-3.
20:17 westbaystars: With first base open, Tanishige stands again and takes four pitches outside to Nakajima.
20:18 Christopher: He did well to retain his balance
20:18 westbaystars: That'll load the bases with two outs for Noda.
20:18 westbaystars: Noda takes ball one.
20:19 westbaystars: Ochiai is in a pinch.
20:19 westbaystars: The second pitch is reached for and lined toward the gap in left-center.
20:19 westbaystars: Inoue has a long way to go.
20:19 westbaystars: He dives.
20:19 westbaystars: And makes the catch!
20:20 westbaystars: Incredible save by Inoue!
20:20 westbaystars: It looks like he got rug burn on his elbow, but I think he can live with that for the time being.
20:20 westbaystars: That retires the side without any further damage.
20:21 westbaystars: But not before the Lions put three runs on the board with three RBI doubles.
20:21 westbaystars: The Lions take a 5-3 lead.
20:21 westbaystars: ---
20:21 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fifth
20:21 westbaystars: ---
20:22 westbaystars: Number three batting Tatsunami leads off the Dragon half of the fifth.
20:23 westbaystars: Seibu has tied their own record of three doubles in a Japan Series inning they set in 1988.
20:23 westbaystars: Tatsunami goes down swinging for the first out.
20:24 westbaystars: Alex comes up and takes ball one.
20:24 westbaystars: The second pitch is called strike one.
20:24 westbaystars: The third pitch is fouled off the third base side.
20:25 westbaystars: Alex grounds the ball to H. Takagi at second.
20:25 westbaystars: The throw to first gives Matsuzaka an easy two outs.
20:25 westbaystars: Morino follows.
20:26 westbaystars: He's struck out and been hit by a pitch tonight.
20:26 westbaystars: And takes a curve for strike one.
20:26 westbaystars: The next pitch is high and away, one and one.
20:26 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with the next pitch outside, ball two.
20:27 westbaystars: And high for ball three.
20:27 westbaystars: Then brings the count full with a called strike two.
20:27 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is taken over the inside corner for strike three.
20:28 westbaystars: The Dragons go down in order in the fifth.
20:28 westbaystars: And after five complete, now trail 3-5.
20:28 westbaystars: ---
20:28 westbaystars: --- Top of Sixth
20:28 westbaystars: ---
20:29 westbaystars: Hirai comes in to pitch for the Dragons in the sixth.
20:31 westbaystars: H. Takagi will be the first batter he faces.
20:32 westbaystars: And Hirai throws a 148 kph fast ball over for strike one, taken by Takagi.
20:32 westbaystars: The second pitch is fouled away, 152 kph.
20:32 westbaystars: Two quick strikes.
20:32 westbaystars: Pitch number three misses outside for ball one.
20:33 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is fouled away on the left side.
20:33 westbaystars: Takagi is 1 for 2 so far tonight.
20:33 westbaystars: Another fould ball.
20:34 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has a bat in the on deck circle.
20:34 westbaystars: The next pitch is grounded to Araki at second.
20:34 westbaystars: He throws to first, and we have the first out of the inning.
20:34 westbaystars: That brings up Matsuzaka to swing away.
20:34 westbaystars: He looked pretty good his first at bat, but grounded out to second.
20:35 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes strike two.
20:35 westbaystars: Tanishige sets up outside, and the next ball misses outside, two strikes, one ball.
20:35 westbaystars: Another pitch outside, and the count goes to two and two.
20:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is fouled back. A good cut.
20:36 westbaystars: It's been a while since high school, but Matsuzaka remains cool at the plate.
20:36 westbaystars: Another fould ball off to the right side.
20:37 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined past a jumping Ibata and into left field.
20:37 westbaystars: The Lions' nineth hit on the night.
20:37 westbaystars: A clean line drive base hit by Matsuzaka.
20:38 westbaystars: Up to the top of the Lions' order in Satoh, with a runner at first and one out.
20:38 westbaystars: Satoh takes ball one.
20:38 westbaystars: He's 3 for 3 tonight, 4 for 8 in the Series so far.
20:39 westbaystars: Hirai misses inside for ball two.
20:39 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to foul territory on the right side.
20:40 westbaystars: Mori gives chase, but can't get it.
20:40 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is grounded to the right side.
20:40 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball in the hold between first and second, turns all the way around to get the force at second,
20:40 westbaystars: the relay to first is *not* in time. Safe.
20:41 westbaystars: First base runner is exchanged, the out count goes up to two.
20:41 westbaystars: Akada bats left handed against the right handed Hirai (he's been batting right up until now).
20:41 westbaystars: He lifts the first pitch to left.
20:42 westbaystars: Inoue has a long run, but gets there to make the catch.
20:42 westbaystars: And he throws the ball into the stands as he jogs in.
20:43 westbaystars: Matsuzaka got himself a base hit, but nothing to show for it.
20:43 westbaystars: At the end of six complete, the Lions continue to lead 5-3.
20:43 westbaystars: ---
20:43 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Sixth
20:43 westbaystars: ---
20:43 westbaystars: Sorry, that's not six complete, is it?
20:44 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has throws 73 pitches through the first five innings.
20:44 westbaystars: And continues on the mound in the sixth.
20:44 westbaystars: He faces Tanishige to start the home half of the sixth.
20:46 westbaystars: After two quick strikes, Matsuzaka wastes a pitch, then Tanishige fouls the next pitch off.
20:46 westbaystars: The fifth pitch misses inside, two and two.
20:47 westbaystars: Tanishige then sends a sharp grounder up the first base side.
20:47 westbaystars: Cabrera back hands the ball a little off ballance.
20:47 westbaystars: But recovers, scoops to Matsuzaka covering, and gets Tanishige with time to spare.
20:48 westbaystars: That brings up Inoue, who perhaps made the most important defensive play in the fifth to hold the Lions at three.
20:48 westbaystars: Inoue lifts the ball high to right.
20:48 westbaystars: Satoh comes over, and in foul territory, makes the catch.
20:49 westbaystars: There really isn't much foul territory out there at Nagoya Dome.
20:49 westbaystars: Two outs.
20:49 westbaystars: Mori comes up next with nobody on.
20:50 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets two quick strikes on Mori.
20:50 westbaystars: Third pitch misses high, ball one.
20:50 westbaystars: Matsuzaka started running off the mound with the fourth pitch, but it was called ball high.
20:51 westbaystars: So he finishes Mori off with the next pitch, getting Mori to swing and miss to retire the side in order.
20:51 westbaystars: Matsuzaka appears to have settled down again.
20:52 westbaystars: Now, at the end of six, the Lions continue to lead 5-3.
20:52 westbaystars: ---
20:52 westbaystars: --- Top of Seventh
20:52 westbaystars: ---
20:53 westbaystars: Former Tiger Valdez comes in to pitch for the Dragons.
20:54 westbaystars: The first batter he faces is Fernandez.
20:54 westbaystars: Fernandez takes ball one.
20:55 westbaystars: Fernandez shatters his bat on the second pitch from Valdez, and he lines the ball to Araki at second.
20:55 westbaystars: One out.
20:55 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera.
20:55 westbaystars: He's swinginat the first pitch, but lifts it to shallow center.
20:56 westbaystars: Alex comes in to make the catch, and the Lions have two outs on three pitches.
20:56 westbaystars: That brings up Wada.
20:57 westbaystars: Wada takes Valdez' third pitch to him deep to left.
20:57 westbaystars: Going, going, haitaaaaaaa!
20:58 westbaystars: Wada misses first base, goes back to touch it after seeing the ball sail into the stands, and continues around.
20:58 westbaystars: The Lions take a 6-3 lead.
20:58 westbaystars: Wada has solo home runs in the first two games of this Series, now.
20:59 westbaystars: That brings up Nakajima.
20:59 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds a 2-2 pitch to first.
20:59 westbaystars: Morino fields the ball and takes it to first himself.
20:59 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:00 westbaystars: But not before the Lions increase their lead to 6-3 on Wada's solo home run.
21:00 westbaystars: ---
21:00 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Seventh
21:00 westbaystars: ---
21:01 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has thrown 88 pitches through the first six innings.
21:02 westbaystars: He faces pinch hitter Ohnishi to start the Dragons' Lucky Seven.
21:02 westbaystars: He's hitting for the pitcher.
21:02 westbaystars: And take strike one down the middle.
21:03 westbaystars: Ohnishi hits a high bounder to the right side.
21:04 westbaystars: Cabrera fields the ball, but by the time it comes down, Ohnishi is across first base with an infield single.
21:04 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the Dragons' order in Araki with nobody out and a runner on first.
21:04 westbaystars: Araki is swinging at the first pitch, and lines the ball to right!
21:04 westbaystars: But Satoh has him positioned well, and gets to the ball quickly, before it can drop in.
21:05 westbaystars: He pumps to double up the runner on first, but holds on to the ball.
21:05 westbaystars: One out.
21:05 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's first pitch to Ibana is over his head. Ibata ducks out of the pitch.
21:06 westbaystars: That gets the crowd a little riled up.
21:06 westbaystars: After taking ball two, Ibata lines the ball over Takagi's head an into right.
21:06 westbaystars: Ohnishi rounds second and heads to third.
21:06 westbaystars: Ibata holds at first with a single.
21:07 westbaystars: That was Ibata's third hit on the night.
21:07 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami with runners at the corners and one out.
21:07 westbaystars: Tatsunami hits .469 on 145 kph or faster fast balls.
21:07 westbaystars: His best speed range.
21:08 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with his first two pitches.
21:08 westbaystars: The third pitch is lifted deep to right.
21:08 westbaystars: Tatsunami has a smile on his face.
21:08 westbaystars: Haitaaaaaaa!
21:09 westbaystars: Game tying three run home run!
21:09 westbaystars: Seibu Lions 6 - 6 Chunichi Dragons.
21:09 westbaystars: Seibu's pitching coach has a word with Matsuzaka, but leaves him in there.
21:10 westbaystars: Alex follows.
21:11 westbaystars: The count runs to two and two.
21:12 westbaystars: The fifth pitch looked good, but called a ball outside. Full count.
21:12 westbaystars: Alex fouls the next pitch to his third base coach.
21:13 westbaystars: The next pitch is taken inside, ball four.
21:13 westbaystars: The go ahead run walks to first base.
21:13 westbaystars: Morino follows.
21:14 westbaystars: Morino is 0 for 3 tonight, 0 for 6 in the Series so far.
21:15 westbaystars: And he's hit on the left (back) knee - again!
21:15 westbaystars: That's the second time he's been hit on the left left by Matsuzaka.
21:15 westbaystars: The third hit batsman tonight.
21:15 westbaystars: Araki-pitching coach is running into the club house.
21:15 westbaystars: As Tanishige comes up.
21:16 westbaystars: Tanishige strokes the first pitch to left, base hit.
21:16 westbaystars: The ball goes all the way to the wall.
21:16 westbaystars: Alex comes across the plate, gyakuten!
21:16 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 7-6 lead!
21:16 westbaystars: Morino is in at third.
21:17 westbaystars: Tanishige has a stand-up, lead taking double.
21:17 westbaystars: And that's it for Matsuzaka.
21:17 Christopher: Matsuzaka finished?
21:17 MHStevie: Did they leave him in too long?
21:17 westbaystars: Hoshino comes in to relieve him.
21:18 westbaystars: Too long.
21:19 westbaystars: His bout with Ibata should have been a warning sign.
21:19 westbaystars: The fans have a wave going around Nagoya Dome.
21:20 westbaystars: Hoshino is a left handed side arm pitcher.
21:20 westbaystars: His first pitch to pinch hitter Takahashi is taken for ball one.
21:21 westbaystars: The next pitch is ripped up the middle, base hit!
21:21 westbaystars: One run in!
21:21 westbaystars: Tanishige holds at third.
21:21 westbaystars: The Dragons lead 8-6.
21:22 Martin: What is happening with th eLions?
21:22 westbaystars: Fujiya comes in to pinch run for Takahashi, who's taking congratulations all around the first base dugout.
21:22 westbaystars: Mori stands in.
21:22 westbaystars: Pitching fell apart? Or the Dragons finally figured out how to hit Matsuzaka.
21:23 westbaystars: Hoshino hasn't allowed a single home run all season.
21:23 westbaystars: Runners at first and third, one out.
21:23 Christopher: They had an inkling in the third when Matsuzaka got into trouble
21:24 westbaystars: It seemed to be a rehash of that inning.
21:24 westbaystars: Matsuzaka had a great inning just before that one, too.
21:25 westbaystars: He looked invincipal, then fell apart the next inning.
21:25 westbaystars: The count goes full on Mori.
21:25 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
21:25 westbaystars: That's the second out of the inning, runners still at first and third.
21:26 westbaystars: Ohnishi comes up next.
21:26 westbaystars: He lead off the inning as a pinch hitter with a base hit.
21:27 westbaystars: Hoshino gets ahead of Ohnishi with two quick strikes.
21:27 westbaystars: The third pitch misses high and away, ball one.
21:28 westbaystars: A pitch way outside, the count is even at two and two.
21:28 westbaystars: Noda did all he could to keep that from going to the backstop.
21:29 westbaystars: After fouling one off, Ohnishi takes ball three. Full count.
21:29 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted deep to left.
21:29 westbaystars: Going, going,
21:29 westbaystars: caught at the warning track.
21:29 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:30 westbaystars: But the Dragons had a very lucky seventh, knocking Matsuzaka out and turning the game around.
21:30 westbaystars: At the end of seven complete, the Lions now lead 8-6.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: --- Top of Eighth
21:31 westbaystars: ---
21:33 westbaystars: Ozeki comes on to pinch hit for Noda.
21:33 westbaystars: Okamoto climbs the mound for the Dragons.
21:34 westbaystars: Okamoto's first pitch is swung on and fouled away to the left side for strike one.
21:34 westbaystars: His second pitch is likewise fouled off to the stands on the third base side.
21:35 westbaystars: After taking ball one, Ozeki fouls off another to the left side.
21:36 westbaystars: Okamoto misses high and away with his fifth pitch, two and two.
21:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to center.
21:36 westbaystars: Alex moves over toward left a little bit, and makes the catch.
21:36 westbaystars: One out.
21:37 westbaystars: H. Takagi comes up next.
21:37 westbaystars: Takagi lifts the ball to shallow center.
21:38 westbaystars: Araki goes out, Alex comes in.
21:38 westbaystars: Alex calls Araki off and makes the catch.
21:38 westbaystars: Two outs.
21:38 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Y. Ishii for Hoshino.
21:40 westbaystars: The former BayStar grounds the ball up left of the second base bag.
21:40 westbaystars: Ibata dives for the ball, gets it, tries to throw the ball, but doesn't get a handle on it.
21:40 westbaystars: Infield hit.
21:40 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the Lions' order in Satoh, 3 for 4 so far tonight.
21:41 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch, and grounds out to Araki at second.
21:41 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:41 westbaystars: The Lions are now down to their final three outs, down 6-8.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Eighth
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:43 westbaystars: Mori Shinji comes in to pitch for the Lions.
21:43 westbaystars: Hosokawa takes over behind the plate.
21:44 westbaystars: The Dragons start with the top of their order in Araki.
21:45 westbaystars: Araki's lone hit for the Series was a double off the very top of the left field fense earlier tonight.
21:46 westbaystars: Mori throws a strike, ball, strike, ball. Two and two.
21:47 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is called strike three.
21:47 westbaystars: Nice pitch.
21:47 westbaystars: One out.
21:47 westbaystars: Next up is Ibata.
21:47 westbaystars: Ibata has three hits on the night so far.
21:48 westbaystars: He grounds the second pitch up the middle for his fourth hit of the night.
21:48 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami, who tied the game last inning with a three run home run to right.
21:48 westbaystars: It was his first home run in over two months.
21:50 westbaystars: The count goes even to two and two.
21:51 westbaystars: With Ibata running, Tatsunami fouls the fifth pitch off to the right side.
21:52 westbaystars: Mori tries to pick off Ibata, and just misses him. Close pick off play at first.
21:52 westbaystars: The next pitch is grounded through the righ side, base hit!
21:52 westbaystars: Ibata kicks second and heads to third.
21:52 westbaystars: The throw to third just misses him! Safe.
21:52 westbaystars: That brings up Alex with runners at the corners and one out.
21:54 westbaystars: Alex takes a ball low, then swings and misses a pitch outside to even the count at 1-1.
21:54 westbaystars: The third pitch misses inside, ball two.
21:55 westbaystars: The next pitch is foul tipped if not swung on and missed. (Radio announcer said it was foul.)
21:55 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is lined to center.
21:55 westbaystars: Akada doesn't have to move at all to make the catch.
21:56 westbaystars: But the throw back is not in time to get Ibata touching up from third. He scores!
21:56 westbaystars: Chunichi takes a 9-6 lead.
21:57 westbaystars: Hidenori, who came in to pinch run last inning and stayed in in right, comes up.
21:57 westbaystars: Ochiai talked to him before he came up.
21:58 westbaystars: And while squaring and taking strike two, Tatsunami steals second.
21:58 westbaystars: Mori hasn't paid much attention to the runners, except after Ibata started on a foul ball.
21:59 westbaystars: Mori throws a waste pitch high and away.
21:59 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
21:59 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined to right-center.
21:59 westbaystars: The outfielders were playing in.
21:59 westbaystars: And the ball goes by them both!
21:59 westbaystars: One run comes in.
22:00 westbaystars: Hidenori goes diving into third with an RBI triple.
22:00 westbaystars: Chunichi now leads 10-6.
22:00 westbaystars: Tanishige comes up next.
22:01 westbaystars: When either team has gotten hits, they've both managed to put them together for some runs tonight.
22:01 westbaystars: Tanishige grounds the ball through the left side, base hit!
22:01 westbaystars: Hidenori scores the Dragons' 11th run from third.
22:02 westbaystars: Watanabe follows.
22:02 westbaystars: He came in defensively last inning at first.
22:04 westbaystars: Nabe works the count full.
22:04 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is called strike three.
22:05 westbaystars: That retires the side.
22:05 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons add three more to take a five run lead.
22:05 westbaystars: At the end of eight complete, the score is now Seibu Lions 6 - 11 Chunichi Dragons.
22:05 westbaystars: ---
22:05 westbaystars: --- Top of Nineth
22:05 westbaystars: ---
22:06 westbaystars: Iwase comes in to throw the nineth for Chunichi.
22:08 westbaystars: Akada leads off for the Lions' last chance.
22:08 westbaystars: And he swings and misses Iwase's first offering.
22:09 westbaystars: Akada grounds to Kawai now at third.
22:09 westbaystars: Kawai's throw to first is in time, one away.
22:10 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez, who hit a two run home run long, long ago this evening.
22:11 westbaystars: Iwase evens the count at two and two.
22:12 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is fouled away.
22:12 westbaystars: Fernandez takes low to bring the count full.
22:12 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is lifted high to right.
22:13 westbaystars: Hidenori calls it, and properly makes the catch for out number two.
22:13 westbaystars: The Lions are down to their last out.
22:13 westbaystars: Cabrera holds the weight on his shoulders.
22:13 westbaystars: The first pitch is swung on *big* for strike one.
22:14 westbaystars: The second pitch is lifted foul behind the first base dugout.
22:14 westbaystars: Strike two.
22:14 westbaystars: The crowd chants "auto ikkyu" - "one more pitch."
22:15 westbaystars: The third pitch is in the dirt, but swung on and missed!
22:15 westbaystars: Strike three!
22:15 westbaystars: The Dragons win the see saw game 11-6.
22:15 westbaystars: That evens the series at 1-1.
22:15 westbaystars: 11 runs on 14 hits tonight for Chunichi, compared to no runs on two hits last night.
22:15 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** Game Final
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** Seibu Lions 6 - 11 Chunichi Dragons
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** 1 game to 1
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:17 westbaystars: If there are not questions or comments, I'll post this and go take a bath.
22:17 habs: When is game 3?
22:17 westbaystars: I played two softball games before sitting down to cover this game.
22:17 westbaystars: And am aching all over.
22:17 MHtrStevie: Is Game #3 going to be Tuesday?
22:18 westbaystars: Game 3 will be Tuesday at Seibu Dome.
22:18 westbaystars: Starting at 6:20 JST.
22:18 habs: Night see you maybe then.
22:18 MHtrStevie: OK, cool... I'll stop in for as much as I can... see you then!
22:18 westbaystars: So sleep in if you can tomorrow.
22:18 MHtrStevie: Great job as always!
22:19 westbaystars: Have a good one.
22:19 habs: good game see you then,
Read on for details.
TRANSCRIPT generated on 2004/10/17 22:19
CHATROOM 2004 Nippon Series/Game 2
MODERATORS westbaystars
18:02 westbaystars: Tonight's TV coverage is on Fuji TV's network.
18:02 westbaystars: Last night's TBS coverage was exceptionally good. Fuji's got a lot to live up to tonight.
18:04 westbaystars: Seibu's order is the same as last night for numbers one through eight.
18:05 westbaystars: Morino starts at first, Mori in left for the two changes in Chunichi's order tonight.
18:05 westbaystars: Matsuzaka will be throwing for the Lions.
18:06 westbaystars: Yamamoto is starting for the Dragons.
18:07 westbaystars: To answer the question "What was the longest arguement related delay in Pro Yakyu history?"
18:08 westbaystars: The answer is 1 hour and 19 minutes in the 7th game of the 1978 Nippon Series.
18:09 westbaystars: Yakult was hosting Hankyu at Korakuen Stadium.
18:15 westbaystars: No, Yakult was the visitors, as in the top of the sixth Ohsugi Katsuo hit the ball over the left field foul pole.
18:15 westbaystars: Yakult was leading 1-0 at the time.
18:17 westbaystars: Hankyu's Ueda-kantoku claimed that the ball hit off of Adachi Mitsuhiro was foul and pulled his team off of the ...
18:17 westbaystars: ... field when it was called a home run.
18:18 westbaystars: Ueda-kantoku went so far as to demand that they change the umpires for the game.
18:18 westbaystars: In the end, Kaneko-Commissioner talked Ueda-kantoku into resuming play, the home run stood.
18:19 westbaystars: Yakult went on to win the game 4-0.
18:19 westbaystars: And took the Japan Series.
18:20 westbaystars: Yamamoto is coming out to start warming up, so that'll do it for the pre-game talk.
18:20 westbaystars: ---
18:20 westbaystars: --- Top of First
18:20 westbaystars: ---
18:22 westbaystars: Satoh leads off for the Lions against Yomamoto.
18:23 westbaystars: Yamamoto's first pitch misses outside for ball one, and the game is under way (3 minutes late).
18:24 westbaystars: He then works the count to two and two.
18:24 westbaystars: The two-two pitch misses inside, full count.
18:25 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is lined to right, base hit!
18:25 westbaystars: The Lions have their lead-off runner on board.
18:26 westbaystars: Akada squares to show bunt from the start, but pulls the bat back when it's delivered and fouls the ball off.
18:26 westbaystars: He likes the buster.
18:27 westbaystars: He's hitting 58% of the time with Satoh on first and nobody out.
18:27 westbaystars: The second pitch is taken for ball one.
18:28 westbaystars: After a throw to first, Akada bunts the ball foul for strike two (and one ball).
18:29 westbaystars: He's still squaring, but pulls the ball back to hit, and takes ball two. Two and two.
18:29 westbaystars: Another throw to first.
18:29 westbaystars: Yamamoto is taking his time.
18:30 westbaystars: And another throw to first.
18:30 westbaystars: The next pitch is called strike three on the inside corner. One out.
18:31 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez with a runner on first and one out.
18:31 westbaystars: How does he do with a runner on but not in scoring position.
18:32 westbaystars: He takes ball one, then fouls off a screw ball to even the count at one and one.
18:32 westbaystars: The next pitch is a line drive deep into the left field stands!
18:32 westbaystars: Fernandez just stood a step up the line and watched it go!
18:33 westbaystars: No doubt about that one.
18:33 westbaystars: The Lions take a quick 2-0 lead.
18:33 westbaystars: He hit four home runs in the playoffs, and this is his first in the Nippon Series.
18:33 westbaystars: Cabrera comes up next.
18:34 westbaystars: Cabu holds up on the third pitch to run the count to one strike and two balls.
18:35 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is lifted high to the left side.
18:35 westbaystars: But it goes into the stands foul.
18:35 westbaystars: Two and two.
18:36 westbaystars: There was a danger of the ball hitting the celing and bouncing into playable territory, so Tatsunami gave a good chase.
18:36 westbaystars: Cabu is then walked a couple pitches later, Yamamoto thinking he had him struck out.
18:37 westbaystars: This is Yamamoto's third Nippon Series appearance. He's been here in 1988 and 1999 with Chunichi.
18:37 westbaystars: Wada follows.
18:37 westbaystars: Wada hit a home run just over the left field fense yesterday.
18:37 westbaystars: But here he grounds the ball to Ibata at short, who shovels to Araki at second, and the throw to ...
18:38 westbaystars: ... Morino at first completes the double play.
18:38 westbaystars: So, the Lions strike first with a huge two run home run by Fernandez, taking a quick 2-0 lead.
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:38 westbaystars: --- Bottom of First
18:38 westbaystars: ---
18:40 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes the mound for the Lions.
18:40 westbaystars: The first batter he faces is Araki, who takes high and tight for ball one.
18:40 westbaystars: The next pitch hits 152 kph and is called strike one.
18:41 westbaystars: Yamamoto is a finesse pitcher, Matsuzaka is throwing constantly in the low 150s.
18:42 westbaystars: Araki battles well with a two - two count.
18:42 westbaystars: The seventh pitch is lifted to center.
18:42 westbaystars: The crowd gives a big scream, but Akada comes in to make the catch.
18:42 westbaystars: One out.
18:43 westbaystars: Ibata follows taking a 129 kph slider outside for ball one.
18:44 westbaystars: The second pitch is lined over Matsuzaka's head and into center field, base hit!
18:45 westbaystars: The Dragons only managed two hits last night, the E-6 in the fourth being changed to an infield hit.
18:45 westbaystars: Tatsunami lifts the ball high to right.
18:45 westbaystars: Takagi goes out, Satoh comes in.
18:45 westbaystars: Takagi calls the ball and makes the catch. Two outs.
18:46 westbaystars: Runner still at first with Alex coming up.
18:46 westbaystars: Alex was the only Dragon to have a clean hit last night, a single to left.
18:46 westbaystars: But before he gets a pitch, Matsuzaka throws the ball to first, hitting Ibata in the back as he dives back into first.
18:47 westbaystars: The ball gets away from Cabrera, and Ibata heads over to second.
18:47 westbaystars: Hey, is that the farthest a Dragon has made it this Series?
18:48 westbaystars: After two strikes to Alex, Matsuzaka misses low and away for ball one.
18:48 Christopher: Yes I think it is
18:48 westbaystars: The next pitch, a slider low and away, gets Alex unable to check his swing.
18:49 westbaystars: The Lions were all on their way off the field before the first base umpire confirmed.
18:49 westbaystars: So, the Dragons manage to get a hit and a runner as far as second, but they still have two bases to go for the first ...
18:49 westbaystars: ... run of the Series.
18:50 westbaystars: At the end of one complete, the Lions lead 2-0.
18:50 westbaystars: ---
18:50 westbaystars: --- Top of Second
18:50 westbaystars: ---
18:50 Christopher: Matsuzaka has made the better start but he's not at his best
18:50 westbaystars: Nakajima leads off the second inning for the Lions.
18:51 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is throwing heat. But it takes more than that sometimes.
18:52 westbaystars: The count runs to two and two.
18:52 westbaystars: The changeup is up and away, ball three. Full count.
18:52 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is called strike three.
18:53 westbaystars: Nice pitch on the outside corner.
18:53 westbaystars: One out.
18:53 westbaystars: Noda follows.
18:54 westbaystars: And Yamamoto has him in the hole quickly with two strikes.
18:54 westbaystars: The third pitch misses low on the outside part of the plate. Ball one.
18:54 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is outside, two and two.
18:55 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is lifted to left-center.
18:55 westbaystars: Inoue heads over, but had him played pretty well.
18:55 westbaystars: And he makes the catch for out number two.
18:55 westbaystars: Next up is H. Takagi.
18:56 westbaystars: Yamamoto strikes him out looking on three pitches!
18:56 westbaystars: A nice pitching job by Yamamoto.
18:57 westbaystars: The Lions are retired in order in the second, and continue to lead 2-0.
18:57 westbaystars: ---
18:57 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Second
18:57 westbaystars: ---
18:58 Christopher: Much better by Yamamoto
18:58 westbaystars: Matsuzaka faces Morino to start the second.
18:59 westbaystars: And Matsuzaka strikes Morino out looking on three pitches.
19:00 westbaystars: Both pitchers are throwing strikes.
19:00 westbaystars: I like to see san kyu shobu.
19:00 westbaystars: Tanishige follows.
19:00 westbaystars: Matsuzaka goes right after him with two straight strikes.
19:01 westbaystars: Tanishige swinging at a high pitch down the middle of the plate.
19:01 westbaystars: The third pitch is grounded up the middle.
19:01 westbaystars: Nakajima fields the ball on the third base side of the second base bag, and throws him out.
19:01 westbaystars: Six pitches, two outs.
19:02 westbaystars: Inoue breaks his bat on Matsuzaka's first pitch to him.
19:02 westbaystars: The ball is grounded right to Cabrera at first, who fields it and goes to the bag himself.
19:02 westbaystars: Three down.
19:02 westbaystars: The Dragons are retired in order.
19:03 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's looking better after this inning.
19:03 westbaystars: He's got a much faster tempo.
19:03 westbaystars: So, at the end of two complete, the Lions continue to lead 2-0.
19:03 westbaystars: ---
19:03 westbaystars: --- Top of Third
19:03 westbaystars: ---
19:04 westbaystars: Matsuzaka leads off the third inning for the Lions.
19:04 westbaystars: When he was drafted in 1998, he wanted to go to the BayStars where he could bat.
19:04 westbaystars: He was a strong batter at Koshien.
19:04 westbaystars: He takes strike one.
19:05 westbaystars: Then fouls the next pitch off.
19:05 westbaystars: Unlike Ishii last night, Matsuzaka is up there to hit.
19:05 westbaystars: Close to the plate.
19:05 westbaystars: He takes ball one outside.
19:06 westbaystars: The fourth pitch, a screw ball, is fouled off to the right side.
19:06 westbaystars: Yamamoto's next offering is a slow curve that Matsuzaka waits for well.
19:07 westbaystars: But he grounds the ball to Araki at second, and is thrown out.
19:07 westbaystars: That was a respectable at bat for the Pacific League pitcher.
19:07 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Seibu order in Satoh.
19:08 westbaystars: Satoh grounds the ball past a diving Araki at second and into right.
19:08 westbaystars: That's Satoh's second hit of the game.
19:09 westbaystars: His third of the Series.
19:09 westbaystars: Akada comes up next.
19:09 westbaystars: He messed around his first at bat between bunting and not.
19:09 westbaystars: He's swinging away at the first pitch this time, and lines the ball right at Alex in center.
19:09 westbaystars: Two down.
19:10 westbaystars: Next up is Fernandez, who took an inside pitch deep over the left field fense in the first.
19:10 westbaystars: Yamamoto gets a called strike one on the outside corner.
19:11 westbaystars: The second pitch is low and away, ball one.
19:11 westbaystars: Fernandez is one of those guys overlooked by the Majors, having a minor league career and then playing in Korea.
19:11 westbaystars: Before coming to the Lions.
19:12 westbaystars: Here, though, he grounds the ball to first.
19:12 westbaystars: Morino fields the tricky hop and takes the ball a step to the bag himself.
19:12 westbaystars: The Lions are retired in the third.
19:12 westbaystars: And they continue to lead 2-0.
19:12 westbaystars: ---
19:12 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Third
19:12 westbaystars: ---
19:14 westbaystars: Mori leads off the third for the Dragons.
19:14 westbaystars: He's swinging on the first pitch, grounding the ball past a diving Cabrera an into right.
19:14 westbaystars: Base hit!
19:15 westbaystars: The Dragons have their lead off runner on.
19:15 westbaystars: Pitcher Yamamoto comes up to bunt next, and the radio announcers assure us he's a very good bunter.
19:16 westbaystars: He lays the second pitch down the third base side, a beautiful bunt.
19:16 westbaystars: The throw by Fernandez is to first, sacrifice successful.
19:16 westbaystars: The Dragons have their second batter of the game and Series at second.
19:16 westbaystars: Can they get a runner to third?
19:17 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's first pitch to Araki hits him in the waist!
19:17 westbaystars: Ouch!
19:17 Christopher: First and second now
19:17 westbaystars: No, it was the elbow on the replay.
19:18 westbaystars: Still, outch.
19:18 westbaystars: This is the first time this Series the Dragons have had two runner on.
19:18 westbaystars: Ibata comes up next.
19:18 westbaystars: He had a base hit his first at bat.
19:18 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets ahead with two quick strikes.
19:19 westbaystars: Matsuzaka hits 154 kph, but misses outside for ball one.
19:19 westbaystars: That's a new max speed for the game.
19:19 westbaystars: The next pitch is 155 kph, and lined to right.
19:20 westbaystars: One bound in front of Satoh, and the Dragons have the bases loaded!
19:20 westbaystars: Speed isn't everything.
19:20 westbaystars: Next up is number three batter Tatsunami.
19:20 westbaystars: He takes strike one.
19:21 westbaystars: Tatsunami grounds the ball to Takagi at second.
19:21 westbaystars: Takagi shovels the ball to second for one.
19:22 westbaystars: But Nakajima doesn't relay the ball!
19:22 Christopher: Poor fielding by Seibu
19:22 westbaystars: One run scores!
19:22 westbaystars: The Dragons cut the Seibu lead in half and now trail 1-2.
19:23 westbaystars: Number four batting Alex drills the first Matsuzaka pitch through the right side, base hit!
19:23 westbaystars: The second run of the inning scores from third.
19:23 westbaystars: We have a tied ball game!
19:23 westbaystars: The infield comes up to the mound to have a talk with Matsuzaka.
19:23 westbaystars: He shakes his head "yes."
19:24 westbaystars: With game now tied 2-2, Morino stands in with runners at first and second and two outs.
19:25 westbaystars: Matsuzaka then hits Morino on the leg to load the bases again!
19:25 westbaystars: His second hit batsman this inning.
19:25 Christopher: Matsuzaka's control seems to be deserting him
19:25 westbaystars: The ball hit Morino just above his left (back) knee.
19:26 westbaystars: Tanishige takes strike one.
19:26 westbaystars: The next pitch misses just outside for ball one. One and one.
19:26 westbaystars: Slider misses outside, ball two.
19:27 westbaystars: And another slider missing low and away, ball three.
19:27 westbaystars: He's got to come in.
19:27 westbaystars: The fifth pitch misses outside!
19:28 westbaystars: Oshidashi!
19:28 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 3-2 lead!
19:28 westbaystars: Inoue is swinging at the first pitch, and lines it to right!
19:29 westbaystars: But Satoh comes in and, on a dead run, makes the catch.
19:29 westbaystars: That retires the side.
19:29 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons put together three runs to take a 3-2 lead.
19:29 westbaystars: ---
19:29 westbaystars: -- Top of Fourth
19:29 westbaystars: ---
19:30 westbaystars: That failed double play really hurt.
19:31 westbaystars: If I heard the radio announcer correctly, the Dragons are going for their first Nippon Ichi title in 50 years.
19:32 westbaystars: Cabrera leads off the fourth for the Lions.
19:32 westbaystars: And takes strike one from Yamamoto.
19:32 westbaystars: Cabrera rips the next pitch into the left field corner.
19:32 westbaystars: The ball bounces out pretty quickly, and there's a play at second!
19:33 westbaystars: Cabrera slides in just in front of the throw, safe!
19:33 westbaystars: Cabu has a lead off double.
19:33 westbaystars: Wada follows.
19:33 MHtrStevie: I had heard that too... it's been a while for the Dragons.
19:34 westbaystars: Wada, of course, started all scoring in the Series with a solo home run last night.
19:34 westbaystars: They've had a number of Central League championships, but haven't faired well here.
19:35 westbaystars: Yamamoto has been with them in 1988 and 1999 when Chunichi went to the Nippon Series.
19:35 westbaystars: This being his third Series.
19:36 westbaystars: Wada fouls off a couple of two strike, one ball pitches.
19:37 westbaystars: He fouls off another as Yamamoto's pace decreases with a runner on.
19:38 westbaystars: The next pitch is high, but swung on and missed by Wada.
19:38 westbaystars: One out, runner still at second.
19:39 westbaystars: Nakajima takes inside for ball one.
19:39 westbaystars: He swings and misses the second pitch, strike one.
19:40 westbaystars: Yamamoto's third pitch is called strike two, up in the zone.
19:40 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
19:40 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is called strike three!
19:41 westbaystars: Two outs, runner still at second, unmovable.
19:41 westbaystars: Nice pitch down the middle and at Nakajima's knees.
19:41 westbaystars: Noda follows.
19:41 westbaystars: he fouls off the first pitch.
19:42 westbaystars: Second pitch misses outside, ball one.
19:42 westbaystars: Noda takes out-low, ball two.
19:43 westbaystars: Yamamoto's fourth pitch is taken on the outside corner for strike two. Two and two.
19:44 westbaystars: Noda fails to hold up on the fifth pitch low and away, strike three!
19:44 westbaystars: After a lead-off double by Cabrera, Yamamoto went on to strike out the remainder of the side in order.
19:44 westbaystars: Nice pitching.
19:45 westbaystars: To hold on to the Dragons' 3-2 lead.
19:45 westbaystars: ---
19:45 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fourth
19:45 westbaystars: ---
19:47 westbaystars: Mori lines out to left to lead off the fourth.
19:48 westbaystars: Yamamoto follows.
19:48 westbaystars: He swings and misses a 1-1 pitch, swinging pretty well.
19:48 westbaystars: Just not making contact.
19:48 westbaystars: The next pitch is called strike three, with Yamamoto swinging half way to boot.
19:49 westbaystars: Two quick outs for Matsuzaka in the fourth.
19:49 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Dragons' order in Araki.
19:49 westbaystars: Matsuzaka hitting Araki last inning was the beginning of his fall.
19:50 westbaystars: Araki lines the ball deep to left!
19:50 westbaystars: Going, going,
19:50 westbaystars: off the top of the fense!
19:51 westbaystars: The radio announcer was declaring it a home run, but it was off the very top.
19:51 westbaystars: Araki slides into second just in front of the throw for a two out double.
19:51 westbaystars: That brings up Ibata, who has two hits on the night in as many at bats.
19:52 westbaystars: The count goes even at 2-2.
19:53 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
19:53 westbaystars: The Dragons got a double, but no insurrance runs.
19:53 westbaystars: At the end of four complete, the Dragons continue to lead 3-2.
19:53 westbaystars: ---
19:53 westbaystars: --- Top of Fifth
19:53 westbaystars: ---
19:56 westbaystars: Takagi leads off the fifth.
19:56 westbaystars: He takes two strikes in a row.
19:56 westbaystars: The third pitch misses low, ball one.
19:57 westbaystars: The next pitch is blooped over second base and into center for a base hit.
19:57 westbaystars: The Lions have their game tying lead-off runner on again.
19:57 westbaystars: Matsuzaka comes up to bunt.
19:58 westbaystars: He pulls the bat back on the first pitch and takes strike one.
19:59 westbaystars: The second pitch is bunted to the first base side, but foul. Strike two.
19:59 westbaystars: Ochiai tells his infield to watch for him to swing away, but Matsuzaka squares and takes ball two.
19:59 westbaystars: No, ball one.
20:00 westbaystars: The clock strikes 8:00.
20:00 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is bunted foul back under Tanishige.
20:00 westbaystars: Matsuzaka is out on strikes.
20:01 westbaystars: Back to the top of the Lion order in Satoh.
20:01 westbaystars: Satoh has two hits on the night so far, this his third at bat.
20:03 westbaystars: With the count 1-1, Yamamoto throws over to first.
20:03 westbaystars: And again.
20:04 westbaystars: When Yamamoto comes to the plate, Satoh rips the ball up the left field line and into the corner.
20:04 westbaystars: Takagi head to third, and rounds it!
20:04 westbaystars: Before the ball can be brought back in, Takagi crosses the plate. We have a tie ball game, 3-3.
20:04 westbaystars: Satoh has a stands up RBI double.
20:05 westbaystars: That brings up Akada.
20:05 westbaystars: With one out and a runner at second.
20:05 westbaystars: Akada takes ball one, then takes strike on.
20:05 westbaystars: ... strike one.
20:06 westbaystars: The 1-1 pitch is fouled back for strike two.
20:07 westbaystars: Yamamoto misses way outside for ball two, two and two.
20:07 westbaystars: The 2-2 pitch is lined to left.
20:07 westbaystars: The ball hits in and goes to the wall.
20:07 westbaystars: Satoh scores the gyakuten run from second.
20:08 westbaystars: Seibu now leads 4-3.
20:08 westbaystars: Akada drifts into second with a stand up double.
20:08 westbaystars: With the back to back doubles, Ochiai-kantoku heads out to the mound.
20:08 westbaystars: And he sends Yamamoto into the dugout.
20:09 westbaystars: Ochiai Eiji is announced as the new pitcher.
20:09 westbaystars: No relation to the manager.
20:12 westbaystars: The first batter Ochiai faces is the feared Fernadez.
20:12 westbaystars: And his first pitch just nibbles the outside corner for strike one.
20:12 westbaystars: Fernandez is tough with runners in scoring position, and he's got a runner at second with one out.
20:13 westbaystars: But percentages aren't everything.
20:13 westbaystars: Fernandez grounds the ball right back to Ochiai on one long bound.
20:13 westbaystars: Ochiai looks the runner back to second, then throws to first for the second out.
20:13 westbaystars: Tanishige goes out to talk to Ochiai about how to take Cabrera.
20:14 westbaystars: And the plan is to walk him. Tanishige stands up and takes the pitches outside.
20:14 westbaystars: They'll take their chances with Wada.
20:14 westbaystars: Ball four, and we have runners at first and second with two outs.
20:15 westbaystars: Wada comes up to bat.
20:15 westbaystars: Wada takes low and inside for ball one.
20:16 westbaystars: The next pitch, a fork, misses low for ball two.
20:16 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined deep to left.
20:16 westbaystars: It hits mid way up the left field fense, bouncing back to Inoue.
20:17 westbaystars: One run is in.
20:17 westbaystars: Cabrera holds at third.
20:17 westbaystars: Wada has an RBI double to put the Lions up 5-3.
20:17 westbaystars: With first base open, Tanishige stands again and takes four pitches outside to Nakajima.
20:18 Christopher: He did well to retain his balance
20:18 westbaystars: That'll load the bases with two outs for Noda.
20:18 westbaystars: Noda takes ball one.
20:19 westbaystars: Ochiai is in a pinch.
20:19 westbaystars: The second pitch is reached for and lined toward the gap in left-center.
20:19 westbaystars: Inoue has a long way to go.
20:19 westbaystars: He dives.
20:19 westbaystars: And makes the catch!
20:20 westbaystars: Incredible save by Inoue!
20:20 westbaystars: It looks like he got rug burn on his elbow, but I think he can live with that for the time being.
20:20 westbaystars: That retires the side without any further damage.
20:21 westbaystars: But not before the Lions put three runs on the board with three RBI doubles.
20:21 westbaystars: The Lions take a 5-3 lead.
20:21 westbaystars: ---
20:21 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Fifth
20:21 westbaystars: ---
20:22 westbaystars: Number three batting Tatsunami leads off the Dragon half of the fifth.
20:23 westbaystars: Seibu has tied their own record of three doubles in a Japan Series inning they set in 1988.
20:23 westbaystars: Tatsunami goes down swinging for the first out.
20:24 westbaystars: Alex comes up and takes ball one.
20:24 westbaystars: The second pitch is called strike one.
20:24 westbaystars: The third pitch is fouled off the third base side.
20:25 westbaystars: Alex grounds the ball to H. Takagi at second.
20:25 westbaystars: The throw to first gives Matsuzaka an easy two outs.
20:25 westbaystars: Morino follows.
20:26 westbaystars: He's struck out and been hit by a pitch tonight.
20:26 westbaystars: And takes a curve for strike one.
20:26 westbaystars: The next pitch is high and away, one and one.
20:26 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with the next pitch outside, ball two.
20:27 westbaystars: And high for ball three.
20:27 westbaystars: Then brings the count full with a called strike two.
20:27 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is taken over the inside corner for strike three.
20:28 westbaystars: The Dragons go down in order in the fifth.
20:28 westbaystars: And after five complete, now trail 3-5.
20:28 westbaystars: ---
20:28 westbaystars: --- Top of Sixth
20:28 westbaystars: ---
20:29 westbaystars: Hirai comes in to pitch for the Dragons in the sixth.
20:31 westbaystars: H. Takagi will be the first batter he faces.
20:32 westbaystars: And Hirai throws a 148 kph fast ball over for strike one, taken by Takagi.
20:32 westbaystars: The second pitch is fouled away, 152 kph.
20:32 westbaystars: Two quick strikes.
20:32 westbaystars: Pitch number three misses outside for ball one.
20:33 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is fouled away on the left side.
20:33 westbaystars: Takagi is 1 for 2 so far tonight.
20:33 westbaystars: Another fould ball.
20:34 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has a bat in the on deck circle.
20:34 westbaystars: The next pitch is grounded to Araki at second.
20:34 westbaystars: He throws to first, and we have the first out of the inning.
20:34 westbaystars: That brings up Matsuzaka to swing away.
20:34 westbaystars: He looked pretty good his first at bat, but grounded out to second.
20:35 westbaystars: Matsuzaka takes strike two.
20:35 westbaystars: Tanishige sets up outside, and the next ball misses outside, two strikes, one ball.
20:35 westbaystars: Another pitch outside, and the count goes to two and two.
20:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is fouled back. A good cut.
20:36 westbaystars: It's been a while since high school, but Matsuzaka remains cool at the plate.
20:36 westbaystars: Another fould ball off to the right side.
20:37 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined past a jumping Ibata and into left field.
20:37 westbaystars: The Lions' nineth hit on the night.
20:37 westbaystars: A clean line drive base hit by Matsuzaka.
20:38 westbaystars: Up to the top of the Lions' order in Satoh, with a runner at first and one out.
20:38 westbaystars: Satoh takes ball one.
20:38 westbaystars: He's 3 for 3 tonight, 4 for 8 in the Series so far.
20:39 westbaystars: Hirai misses inside for ball two.
20:39 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to foul territory on the right side.
20:40 westbaystars: Mori gives chase, but can't get it.
20:40 westbaystars: The fourth pitch is grounded to the right side.
20:40 westbaystars: Araki fields the ball in the hold between first and second, turns all the way around to get the force at second,
20:40 westbaystars: the relay to first is *not* in time. Safe.
20:41 westbaystars: First base runner is exchanged, the out count goes up to two.
20:41 westbaystars: Akada bats left handed against the right handed Hirai (he's been batting right up until now).
20:41 westbaystars: He lifts the first pitch to left.
20:42 westbaystars: Inoue has a long run, but gets there to make the catch.
20:42 westbaystars: And he throws the ball into the stands as he jogs in.
20:43 westbaystars: Matsuzaka got himself a base hit, but nothing to show for it.
20:43 westbaystars: At the end of six complete, the Lions continue to lead 5-3.
20:43 westbaystars: ---
20:43 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Sixth
20:43 westbaystars: ---
20:43 westbaystars: Sorry, that's not six complete, is it?
20:44 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has throws 73 pitches through the first five innings.
20:44 westbaystars: And continues on the mound in the sixth.
20:44 westbaystars: He faces Tanishige to start the home half of the sixth.
20:46 westbaystars: After two quick strikes, Matsuzaka wastes a pitch, then Tanishige fouls the next pitch off.
20:46 westbaystars: The fifth pitch misses inside, two and two.
20:47 westbaystars: Tanishige then sends a sharp grounder up the first base side.
20:47 westbaystars: Cabrera back hands the ball a little off ballance.
20:47 westbaystars: But recovers, scoops to Matsuzaka covering, and gets Tanishige with time to spare.
20:48 westbaystars: That brings up Inoue, who perhaps made the most important defensive play in the fifth to hold the Lions at three.
20:48 westbaystars: Inoue lifts the ball high to right.
20:48 westbaystars: Satoh comes over, and in foul territory, makes the catch.
20:49 westbaystars: There really isn't much foul territory out there at Nagoya Dome.
20:49 westbaystars: Two outs.
20:49 westbaystars: Mori comes up next with nobody on.
20:50 westbaystars: Matsuzaka gets two quick strikes on Mori.
20:50 westbaystars: Third pitch misses high, ball one.
20:50 westbaystars: Matsuzaka started running off the mound with the fourth pitch, but it was called ball high.
20:51 westbaystars: So he finishes Mori off with the next pitch, getting Mori to swing and miss to retire the side in order.
20:51 westbaystars: Matsuzaka appears to have settled down again.
20:52 westbaystars: Now, at the end of six, the Lions continue to lead 5-3.
20:52 westbaystars: ---
20:52 westbaystars: --- Top of Seventh
20:52 westbaystars: ---
20:53 westbaystars: Former Tiger Valdez comes in to pitch for the Dragons.
20:54 westbaystars: The first batter he faces is Fernandez.
20:54 westbaystars: Fernandez takes ball one.
20:55 westbaystars: Fernandez shatters his bat on the second pitch from Valdez, and he lines the ball to Araki at second.
20:55 westbaystars: One out.
20:55 westbaystars: That brings up Cabrera.
20:55 westbaystars: He's swinginat the first pitch, but lifts it to shallow center.
20:56 westbaystars: Alex comes in to make the catch, and the Lions have two outs on three pitches.
20:56 westbaystars: That brings up Wada.
20:57 westbaystars: Wada takes Valdez' third pitch to him deep to left.
20:57 westbaystars: Going, going, haitaaaaaaa!
20:58 westbaystars: Wada misses first base, goes back to touch it after seeing the ball sail into the stands, and continues around.
20:58 westbaystars: The Lions take a 6-3 lead.
20:58 westbaystars: Wada has solo home runs in the first two games of this Series, now.
20:59 westbaystars: That brings up Nakajima.
20:59 westbaystars: Nakajima grounds a 2-2 pitch to first.
20:59 westbaystars: Morino fields the ball and takes it to first himself.
20:59 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:00 westbaystars: But not before the Lions increase their lead to 6-3 on Wada's solo home run.
21:00 westbaystars: ---
21:00 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Seventh
21:00 westbaystars: ---
21:01 westbaystars: Matsuzaka has thrown 88 pitches through the first six innings.
21:02 westbaystars: He faces pinch hitter Ohnishi to start the Dragons' Lucky Seven.
21:02 westbaystars: He's hitting for the pitcher.
21:02 westbaystars: And take strike one down the middle.
21:03 westbaystars: Ohnishi hits a high bounder to the right side.
21:04 westbaystars: Cabrera fields the ball, but by the time it comes down, Ohnishi is across first base with an infield single.
21:04 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the Dragons' order in Araki with nobody out and a runner on first.
21:04 westbaystars: Araki is swinging at the first pitch, and lines the ball to right!
21:04 westbaystars: But Satoh has him positioned well, and gets to the ball quickly, before it can drop in.
21:05 westbaystars: He pumps to double up the runner on first, but holds on to the ball.
21:05 westbaystars: One out.
21:05 westbaystars: Matsuzaka's first pitch to Ibana is over his head. Ibata ducks out of the pitch.
21:06 westbaystars: That gets the crowd a little riled up.
21:06 westbaystars: After taking ball two, Ibata lines the ball over Takagi's head an into right.
21:06 westbaystars: Ohnishi rounds second and heads to third.
21:06 westbaystars: Ibata holds at first with a single.
21:07 westbaystars: That was Ibata's third hit on the night.
21:07 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami with runners at the corners and one out.
21:07 westbaystars: Tatsunami hits .469 on 145 kph or faster fast balls.
21:07 westbaystars: His best speed range.
21:08 westbaystars: Matsuzaka misses with his first two pitches.
21:08 westbaystars: The third pitch is lifted deep to right.
21:08 westbaystars: Tatsunami has a smile on his face.
21:08 westbaystars: Haitaaaaaaa!
21:09 westbaystars: Game tying three run home run!
21:09 westbaystars: Seibu Lions 6 - 6 Chunichi Dragons.
21:09 westbaystars: Seibu's pitching coach has a word with Matsuzaka, but leaves him in there.
21:10 westbaystars: Alex follows.
21:11 westbaystars: The count runs to two and two.
21:12 westbaystars: The fifth pitch looked good, but called a ball outside. Full count.
21:12 westbaystars: Alex fouls the next pitch to his third base coach.
21:13 westbaystars: The next pitch is taken inside, ball four.
21:13 westbaystars: The go ahead run walks to first base.
21:13 westbaystars: Morino follows.
21:14 westbaystars: Morino is 0 for 3 tonight, 0 for 6 in the Series so far.
21:15 westbaystars: And he's hit on the left (back) knee - again!
21:15 westbaystars: That's the second time he's been hit on the left left by Matsuzaka.
21:15 westbaystars: The third hit batsman tonight.
21:15 westbaystars: Araki-pitching coach is running into the club house.
21:15 westbaystars: As Tanishige comes up.
21:16 westbaystars: Tanishige strokes the first pitch to left, base hit.
21:16 westbaystars: The ball goes all the way to the wall.
21:16 westbaystars: Alex comes across the plate, gyakuten!
21:16 westbaystars: The Dragons take a 7-6 lead!
21:16 westbaystars: Morino is in at third.
21:17 westbaystars: Tanishige has a stand-up, lead taking double.
21:17 westbaystars: And that's it for Matsuzaka.
21:17 Christopher: Matsuzaka finished?
21:17 MHStevie: Did they leave him in too long?
21:17 westbaystars: Hoshino comes in to relieve him.
21:18 westbaystars: Too long.
21:19 westbaystars: His bout with Ibata should have been a warning sign.
21:19 westbaystars: The fans have a wave going around Nagoya Dome.
21:20 westbaystars: Hoshino is a left handed side arm pitcher.
21:20 westbaystars: His first pitch to pinch hitter Takahashi is taken for ball one.
21:21 westbaystars: The next pitch is ripped up the middle, base hit!
21:21 westbaystars: One run in!
21:21 westbaystars: Tanishige holds at third.
21:21 westbaystars: The Dragons lead 8-6.
21:22 Martin: What is happening with th eLions?
21:22 westbaystars: Fujiya comes in to pinch run for Takahashi, who's taking congratulations all around the first base dugout.
21:22 westbaystars: Mori stands in.
21:22 westbaystars: Pitching fell apart? Or the Dragons finally figured out how to hit Matsuzaka.
21:23 westbaystars: Hoshino hasn't allowed a single home run all season.
21:23 westbaystars: Runners at first and third, one out.
21:23 Christopher: They had an inkling in the third when Matsuzaka got into trouble
21:24 westbaystars: It seemed to be a rehash of that inning.
21:24 westbaystars: Matsuzaka had a great inning just before that one, too.
21:25 westbaystars: He looked invincipal, then fell apart the next inning.
21:25 westbaystars: The count goes full on Mori.
21:25 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is swung on and missed, strike three.
21:25 westbaystars: That's the second out of the inning, runners still at first and third.
21:26 westbaystars: Ohnishi comes up next.
21:26 westbaystars: He lead off the inning as a pinch hitter with a base hit.
21:27 westbaystars: Hoshino gets ahead of Ohnishi with two quick strikes.
21:27 westbaystars: The third pitch misses high and away, ball one.
21:28 westbaystars: A pitch way outside, the count is even at two and two.
21:28 westbaystars: Noda did all he could to keep that from going to the backstop.
21:29 westbaystars: After fouling one off, Ohnishi takes ball three. Full count.
21:29 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted deep to left.
21:29 westbaystars: Going, going,
21:29 westbaystars: caught at the warning track.
21:29 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:30 westbaystars: But the Dragons had a very lucky seventh, knocking Matsuzaka out and turning the game around.
21:30 westbaystars: At the end of seven complete, the Lions now lead 8-6.
21:30 westbaystars: ---
21:31 westbaystars: --- Top of Eighth
21:31 westbaystars: ---
21:33 westbaystars: Ozeki comes on to pinch hit for Noda.
21:33 westbaystars: Okamoto climbs the mound for the Dragons.
21:34 westbaystars: Okamoto's first pitch is swung on and fouled away to the left side for strike one.
21:34 westbaystars: His second pitch is likewise fouled off to the stands on the third base side.
21:35 westbaystars: After taking ball one, Ozeki fouls off another to the left side.
21:36 westbaystars: Okamoto misses high and away with his fifth pitch, two and two.
21:36 westbaystars: The next pitch is lifted to center.
21:36 westbaystars: Alex moves over toward left a little bit, and makes the catch.
21:36 westbaystars: One out.
21:37 westbaystars: H. Takagi comes up next.
21:37 westbaystars: Takagi lifts the ball to shallow center.
21:38 westbaystars: Araki goes out, Alex comes in.
21:38 westbaystars: Alex calls Araki off and makes the catch.
21:38 westbaystars: Two outs.
21:38 westbaystars: That brings up pinch hitter Y. Ishii for Hoshino.
21:40 westbaystars: The former BayStar grounds the ball up left of the second base bag.
21:40 westbaystars: Ibata dives for the ball, gets it, tries to throw the ball, but doesn't get a handle on it.
21:40 westbaystars: Infield hit.
21:40 westbaystars: That brings us to the top of the Lions' order in Satoh, 3 for 4 so far tonight.
21:41 westbaystars: He's swinging at the first pitch, and grounds out to Araki at second.
21:41 westbaystars: That retires the side.
21:41 westbaystars: The Lions are now down to their final three outs, down 6-8.
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:41 westbaystars: --- Bottom of Eighth
21:41 westbaystars: ---
21:43 westbaystars: Mori Shinji comes in to pitch for the Lions.
21:43 westbaystars: Hosokawa takes over behind the plate.
21:44 westbaystars: The Dragons start with the top of their order in Araki.
21:45 westbaystars: Araki's lone hit for the Series was a double off the very top of the left field fense earlier tonight.
21:46 westbaystars: Mori throws a strike, ball, strike, ball. Two and two.
21:47 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is called strike three.
21:47 westbaystars: Nice pitch.
21:47 westbaystars: One out.
21:47 westbaystars: Next up is Ibata.
21:47 westbaystars: Ibata has three hits on the night so far.
21:48 westbaystars: He grounds the second pitch up the middle for his fourth hit of the night.
21:48 westbaystars: That brings up Tatsunami, who tied the game last inning with a three run home run to right.
21:48 westbaystars: It was his first home run in over two months.
21:50 westbaystars: The count goes even to two and two.
21:51 westbaystars: With Ibata running, Tatsunami fouls the fifth pitch off to the right side.
21:52 westbaystars: Mori tries to pick off Ibata, and just misses him. Close pick off play at first.
21:52 westbaystars: The next pitch is grounded through the righ side, base hit!
21:52 westbaystars: Ibata kicks second and heads to third.
21:52 westbaystars: The throw to third just misses him! Safe.
21:52 westbaystars: That brings up Alex with runners at the corners and one out.
21:54 westbaystars: Alex takes a ball low, then swings and misses a pitch outside to even the count at 1-1.
21:54 westbaystars: The third pitch misses inside, ball two.
21:55 westbaystars: The next pitch is foul tipped if not swung on and missed. (Radio announcer said it was foul.)
21:55 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is lined to center.
21:55 westbaystars: Akada doesn't have to move at all to make the catch.
21:56 westbaystars: But the throw back is not in time to get Ibata touching up from third. He scores!
21:56 westbaystars: Chunichi takes a 9-6 lead.
21:57 westbaystars: Hidenori, who came in to pinch run last inning and stayed in in right, comes up.
21:57 westbaystars: Ochiai talked to him before he came up.
21:58 westbaystars: And while squaring and taking strike two, Tatsunami steals second.
21:58 westbaystars: Mori hasn't paid much attention to the runners, except after Ibata started on a foul ball.
21:59 westbaystars: Mori throws a waste pitch high and away.
21:59 westbaystars: Two strikes, one ball.
21:59 westbaystars: The next pitch is lined to right-center.
21:59 westbaystars: The outfielders were playing in.
21:59 westbaystars: And the ball goes by them both!
21:59 westbaystars: One run comes in.
22:00 westbaystars: Hidenori goes diving into third with an RBI triple.
22:00 westbaystars: Chunichi now leads 10-6.
22:00 westbaystars: Tanishige comes up next.
22:01 westbaystars: When either team has gotten hits, they've both managed to put them together for some runs tonight.
22:01 westbaystars: Tanishige grounds the ball through the left side, base hit!
22:01 westbaystars: Hidenori scores the Dragons' 11th run from third.
22:02 westbaystars: Watanabe follows.
22:02 westbaystars: He came in defensively last inning at first.
22:04 westbaystars: Nabe works the count full.
22:04 westbaystars: The sixth pitch is called strike three.
22:05 westbaystars: That retires the side.
22:05 westbaystars: But not before the Dragons add three more to take a five run lead.
22:05 westbaystars: At the end of eight complete, the score is now Seibu Lions 6 - 11 Chunichi Dragons.
22:05 westbaystars: ---
22:05 westbaystars: --- Top of Nineth
22:05 westbaystars: ---
22:06 westbaystars: Iwase comes in to throw the nineth for Chunichi.
22:08 westbaystars: Akada leads off for the Lions' last chance.
22:08 westbaystars: And he swings and misses Iwase's first offering.
22:09 westbaystars: Akada grounds to Kawai now at third.
22:09 westbaystars: Kawai's throw to first is in time, one away.
22:10 westbaystars: That brings up Fernandez, who hit a two run home run long, long ago this evening.
22:11 westbaystars: Iwase evens the count at two and two.
22:12 westbaystars: The fifth pitch is fouled away.
22:12 westbaystars: Fernandez takes low to bring the count full.
22:12 westbaystars: The shoubu pitch is lifted high to right.
22:13 westbaystars: Hidenori calls it, and properly makes the catch for out number two.
22:13 westbaystars: The Lions are down to their last out.
22:13 westbaystars: Cabrera holds the weight on his shoulders.
22:13 westbaystars: The first pitch is swung on *big* for strike one.
22:14 westbaystars: The second pitch is lifted foul behind the first base dugout.
22:14 westbaystars: Strike two.
22:14 westbaystars: The crowd chants "auto ikkyu" - "one more pitch."
22:15 westbaystars: The third pitch is in the dirt, but swung on and missed!
22:15 westbaystars: Strike three!
22:15 westbaystars: The Dragons win the see saw game 11-6.
22:15 westbaystars: That evens the series at 1-1.
22:15 westbaystars: 11 runs on 14 hits tonight for Chunichi, compared to no runs on two hits last night.
22:15 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** Game Final
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** Seibu Lions 6 - 11 Chunichi Dragons
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: *** 1 game to 1
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:16 westbaystars: ***
22:17 westbaystars: If there are not questions or comments, I'll post this and go take a bath.
22:17 habs: When is game 3?
22:17 westbaystars: I played two softball games before sitting down to cover this game.
22:17 westbaystars: And am aching all over.
22:17 MHtrStevie: Is Game #3 going to be Tuesday?
22:18 westbaystars: Game 3 will be Tuesday at Seibu Dome.
22:18 westbaystars: Starting at 6:20 JST.
22:18 habs: Night see you maybe then.
22:18 MHtrStevie: OK, cool... I'll stop in for as much as I can... see you then!
22:18 westbaystars: So sleep in if you can tomorrow.
22:18 MHtrStevie: Great job as always!
22:19 westbaystars: Have a good one.
22:19 habs: good game see you then,
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Some rights reserved.