A few years ago when I was teaching junior high school kids, I came to a certain realization: some kids’ writing is just ugly. Can’t make out their chicken scratches to save my life. “What’s THAT supposed to say, Shota?” “W.”
“THAT’s a W???”
Same could be said of last night’s 2019 season opener against the Yakult Swallows at Kyocera Dome. It sure didn’t look anything like a W… but in the end, we accept that ugly writing and ugly wins are what they are.
Starting Pitchers: Randy Messenger vs. Yasuhiro “Ryan” Ogawa
Top 1 – What’s Going ON Here?
Messenger gave up singles to the first three guys he faced. The third of them looked like it would score the game’s opening run… but a great throw from rookie centerfielder Koji Chikamoto got the runner at home. Crisis averted.
Bottom 3 – A hit for us at last!
Ryutaro Umeno singled with one out, but Messenger’s sac bunt attempt ended in a double play. Ho-hum.
Top 4 – Scoreless Tie Broken
Nori Aoki led things off with a double, and then a Balentien strikeout was sandwiched by a couple of walks. A sacrifice fly gave the visitors a one-run lead, but Randy kept the damage to a minimum. Yakult 1, Hanshin 0
Bottom 6 – Rookie Combo FTT (For the Tie)
Kinami got on base thanks to an error by their shortstop (bobbled the sharp grounder), and Chikamoto brought him home on this gapper to right-center. Hanshin 1, Yakult 1
Top 7 – Foolish Baserunner!
Their catcher (Nakamura) rapped a one-out single to right, but was lazy getting back to first during the next at bat (where it appeared they were trying to bunt him over). Umeno made him pay for his sluggishness.
Bottom 11 – Weirdest Walkoff Ever
Takashi Toritani led the inning off with a near-homer, but he legged out a triple and then headed to the bench for a pinch runner.
Then one out later, this:
Final Score: Hanshin 2, Yakult 1
So here’s my compilation of videos
Any reason why Jefry Marte didn’t play on opening day? I was looking forward to seeing him in action.
He is nursing a calf injury and there is no timetable for his return. I’m hoping soon, but I’m also hoping the injury does not recur…