Yuki Nishi really did not have his best stuff tonight. He did not have his health, either, it seems. After giving up two runs and recording only five outs, he left the game and was replaced by Kosuke Baba. Then Masashi Itoh. Then Raul Alcantara. All the relievers did a good job, allowing just one hit, until the ninth inning. With the game tied, closer Robert Suarez entered the game, and put himself into a tough spot: one out and runners on second and third. With a drawn-in infield and outfield, he fanned Naoki Yoshikawa. Then all he needed to do was get Seiya Matsubara, he of the 27-game hitting streak, out. And he did! They did not win, but the Tigers ensured themselves a winning record at Tokyo Dome for the year. The gap widened between the Tigers and Swallows, unfortunately – 2.5 games with just 9 left to play.
