DeNA BayStars close to upset Softbank Hawks
For an inning and a half, the DeNA BayStars could hope for a miracle as they scored three runs in the top of the sixth to take a 3-1 lead over the Softbank Hawks. But the team of manager Alex Ramirez had to surrender three runs in the bottom of the seventh that gave the Hawks a 4-3 victory.
The Hawks were not as dominant as the previous game in which they beat up the BayStars 10-1. In the first inning they broke open the score as Yuji Yanagida could score from second base on a timely hit to left field by Alfredo Despaigne. For the next four innings nothing much happened as DeNA’s starting pitcher Kota Imaga kept the Hawks lineup in check rather well . Imaga lasted six innings in which he allowed one run on five hits and struck out ten.
Before the bottom of the sixth inning, which was Imaga’s last inning of today, the BayStars managed to score three runs on two home runs; one solo shot by Takayuki Kajitani and a two run shot by Toshiro Miyazaki. But in the remaining three innings, the BayStars didn’t come close to scoring another run.
The Softbank Hawks on the other hand flexed their muscles and started a rally in the bottom of the seventh. Kota Imaga was replaced by Tomoya Mikami, but that appeard to be a wrong move by manager Ramirez. Mikami gave up a double to pinch hitter Kenji Akashi, who was bunted over to third base. Ramirez reacted by pulling Mikami and replaced him with Yoshiki Sunada. Yuki Yanakita then came through with a RBI single to center field. An error and a walk loaded the bases before Akira Nakamura drove in the game-tying and go-ahead runs with a single.
Despite the good game the BayStars played the team is trailing 2-0 in the Nippon Series now. The circus will move to Yokohama now where the next three games will be played on October 31st, November 1st and November 2nd.
Reliever Shuta Ishikawa earned the win. In the seventh inning he gave up a walk and struck out one. Dennis Safate earned the save for the Hawks. In the top of the ninth he faced four batters, walked one and struck out two.
Yuki Yanagita was the best hitter for the Softbank Hawks as he went 2 for 4 with a RBI.