11/2/08 – Japan Series – Saitama vs. Yomiuri – Game 2
November 2nd, 2008
Saitama Seibu Lions 2
Yomiuri Giants 3
(Tokyo Dome)
A 9th inning sayonara homer from Alex Ramerez was the difference as Yomiuri evened the 2008 Japan Series at one game a piece.
Yomiuri took an early 2nd inning 0-1 lead off Lions starter Hoashi, before the Lions hit back in the top of the 4th. A Kataoka double off Yomiuri starter Takahashi followed soon after by a homerun from Nakajima put the Lions ahead 2-1.
And at 2-1 it stayed until the bottom of the 6th when Kamei, pinch hitting for pitcher Takahashi, hit a double to bring home Sakamoto to tie the scores at two all.
And so the the bottom of the 9th, where Ramirez hit a Okamoto pitch out of the park to provoke scenes of vomit inducing celebrations and back slapping from the muppets in orange.
The teams now take a day off before travelling the short distance west to Tokorozawa Tuesday for games 3, 4 and 5 at the Seibu Dome.
Anyone know how bad the damage to Ogasawara’s left hand is?
Argh. With Graman’s shakiness, he may not have been the best option, but he is the closer, so he should’ve been pitching the 9th to keep the game alive. How frustrating, this is a game the Lions could’ve won. I’m still hoping for a Three Lions Asia Series (+ Wyverns).
I was a little curious about that decision as well. After all, Ramirez had faced Okamoto many times when he was still pitching for Chunichi.
However, I don’t know exactly how well Rami-chan fared face-to-face against Okamoto prior to last night’s long ball.