There is something about watching Haruto Takahashi pitching that puts fans’ minds at ease. He did not disappoint on this night, either. Everyone expected he would get a shot at another Maddux (complete game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches) but for some reason, he was pulled through 8 innings with just 90 pitches on the odometer. Still, the bats came through in a big way, also capitalizing on a Dragons error, to score four quick runs and chase ace Yuya Yanagi off the mound after two. Unfortunately, Koji Chikamoto also left the game early with an aggravated hamstring. No word on the seriousness of the injury. Swallows lost and the gap is 0.5 games. (Keep in mind, they have games in hand, plus their abundant ties work in their favor, so it’s still an uphill battle!) Keep going strong, Tigers!
