Despite three extra innings (the match lasted 5 hours and 30 minutes), neither Hanshin or Chunichi could score.
Context:
Second game of the series. With only one game ahead the Giants, losing could be dangerous for the Tigers. But since the Giants won against Hiroshima, a tie is not a good result.
Summary:
A game full of turnarounds. The Tigers were first winning 2 to 0, but the Dragons tied in the next inning. Then, the Tigers were losing 4 to 0 from the 3rd inning on, but they scored in the 7th and 8th inning so they tied. The Dragons took the lead again in the 9th inning, but the Tigers did not admit defeat and tied again. At this moment, the game have already lasted more than three ours. They played the three extra innings but nobody was able to score. The game was certainly difficult for Hanshin's starter Naoto Tsuru, who was obliged to left the mound after 4 innings pitched and only 78 throws. But it was even more painful for Chunichi's pitchers. The batters resisted during endless minutes (that is why the match lasted so long). The Dragons' starter Nakata, did 132 throws in 5 innings and a third. The closer Iwase (Central League number 1) threw 30 times in the 9th inning. To compare: Hanshin's relief Nishimura did 29 throws in two innings, and Fujikawa 15 in one inning. The following video shows the battle between the Tigers and Iwase.
- The tops and flops -
Top: Kanoh vs Iwase.
Like his teammates, Kanoh was able to remain focussed despite the stress. Today, he exemplified Hanshin's determination, not losing against Iwase even if he is underused and underrated by Mayumi. Yet he has proven many times that he is a valuable player, and the second team coaches would not say otherwise.
Flop: Tsuru's pitching.
Tsuru's performance left a feeling of emptiness. We have seen him in better condition. After only 78 throws he must have the strength to pitch one or two innings more. But after giving up four runs, perhaps he was mentally tired...
Central League scores:
Swallows 1 - 7 Baystars @Koriyama
Tigers 5 - 5 Dragons @Koshien Stadium
Carp 0 - 5 Giants @Mazda Stadium
Pacific League scores:
Fighters 0 - 5 Lions @Obihiro
Eagles 5 - 8 Buffaloes @Kleenex Stadium
Marines 5 - 14 Hawks @Chiba Marine Stadium
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