April 21st, 2011
Chunichi Dragons 0
Tokyo Yakult Swallows 2
Streak: Won 4 Last 5: DWWWW
(Meiji Jingu Stadium)
Tateyama makes up for his last start, and Balentien gets the shaving cream treatment, as the Swallows sweep the Dragons.
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Tateyama throws a gem against the Dragons
The Swallows keep tweaking the 3-spot/left field portion of their line up, choosing to put Fukuchi in against the Dragons’ lefty Kawai. Today’s game felt a a lot like yesterday’s game as neither team could muster much offense. However, unlike yesterday’s game there were no head scratching moments that confused us. Tateyama was in control the entire game, scattering 5 hits and 3 walks over his 9 inning performance. He never allowed more than 1 base runner, and only once did he allow a runner past first. The Swallows defense also helped out their pitcher, turning double plays after each of Tateyama’s walks.
The Birds didn’t fare much better on offense but they managed to get one the most out of their 1 extra-base hit of the day. In the fourth inning, Hatakeyama walked to lead off the inning, and Aikawa struck out on three quick pitches. Balentien crushed the first pitch he saw into straight away center field to score the only runs in the game for either side. 2-0 Swallows
Miyamoto followed Balentien with a single but after that, the Swallows managed to go hitless the rest of the way.
Welcome to NPB Wladimir!
As expected Tateyama and Balentien were named heros of the game. As he was being interviewed, Balentien got a shaving cream pie to the face from none other than Josh Whitesell. Welcome to NPB Wladimir!!!
The team will now go on the road to face the red hot Hiroshima Carp who are in the midst of a 7 game undefeated streak.
About Kozo
