On the cusp

Tigers came from behind here as Wada stupidly went with the Messenger/Fujii pairing. He should have started Umeno but he redeemed himself by replacing Fujii with Tsuruoka for the final three innings. Tsuruoka has been a revelation in the Climax Series showing a talent and ability behind the plate I hadn't thought he possessed. He has handled the relief with considerable aplomb and has been a major factor in the Tigers ability to hold their leads. Sugiuchi for the Giants couldn't hold the two run lead his side had gifted him and gave up two runs to Gomez to tie the score. Further runs followed in the seventh with Fukudome and Gomez sharing the honours. With a 4-2 lead Tigers relief held the game. The series now stands at 3-1 to the Tigers but we have to be a little cautious. Giants are in a backs to the wall situation and at home will play harder. They have previously gone three games down but come back to win the next three and take the series. Tigers though should win - they are showing more determination and application than before and should be able to leverage this for one more victory.