Before the Japan Series started, pretty much everyone predicted a low-scoring series. However, that surely has not been the case. Starter Hiroto Saiki labored through five innings but held the Buffaloes to a single run despite 8 base runners, and the relievers allowed the tying run to cross home (they were helped by a Tigers error, too)… and now through four games, 32 runs have been scored – 16 apiece. Furthermore, the series has seen two 8-run wins and two 1-run affairs. This one was not well-played by any means (Orix had 3 errors and 2 wild pitches; Hanshin had an error and a few other less-than-stellar fielding moments), but even ugly games have winners, and I for one am glad it was the Tigers. Series tied, and it is now a best-of-three! Action resumes tomorrow at Koshien with Game 5. Here we GO!
