Tigers v Nippon Ham - In comes Kubo

Tigers started Fukuhara for this game (March 10). He wobbled significantly in the first innings giving up two runs. Fighter's pitcher was their 2nd Draft signing for 2009. He was excellent, 5 innings, 63 pitches and no hits or walks. This trend was continued by Toyoshima and it looked as if Tigers might be shut out. After Fukuhara, Tigers sent Tamaki and Fujita to the mound and they successfully shut Fighters down. Kubo entered for his first game in Tigers colours in the seventh. He gave up a hit but was otherwise secure. Things fell apart for Nippon Ham in Tigers eighth. Hoshino was on the mound and he gave up a hit to Imaoka and walked Lin. Mench then slammed a three run home run to give Tigers the lead 3-2. Kubo had to hold the lead and started with a two base hit to Botts. He was bunted to third by Iiyama but Kubo held his nerve to get the final two outs. A good first outing by Kubo who did give up hits but showed skill in character in ensuring nothing came of them.