Iguchi Moters to New Pa Record, Ties Japan Record

Daiei's Tadahito Iguchi has had three-hit games for five games in a row starting on June 3 against the BlueWave. In Japan, getting three hits or more in a game is referred to as "mou-da-shou" (sounds like "motor show"), which is literally translated as "super hit award." With five in a row, Iguchi surpasses Tuffy Rhodes (Kintetsu - 1997) and Michihiro Ogasawara (Nippon Ham - 2000) who shared the Pacific League record of four consecutive mou-da-shou.

Iguchi is now tied for the Japanese record of five consecutive mo-da-sho held by Chunichi's Michio Nishizawa who did the feat on August 3 - 8, 1954. That's a record that has stood alone for 49 years.

Iguchi will be facing the Lions' Matsuzaka this evening (June 9). He commented, "There's now way I'll be able to hit three (hits) off of Matsuzaka. But I'll try to get one more hit each time." (Not a literal translation.)

Over the last five games, Iguchi has hit 15 for 24 (.625) with 4 RBIs. Gambatte Iguchi!

Source: Nikkan Sports