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Eagles vs Lions Game 23 Preview

This matchup looked a heck of a lot more exciting a couple weeks ago when the Eagles and Lions were fighting tooth and nail for 3rd spot in the Pacific League.  After dropping 4 in a row to close out September however, Seibu is going to need an absolute miracle for a chance to defend their 2008 Nippon Series title.  They're 4.5 games behind 3rd place Softbank with only 5 games remaining.  I've got a better chance of playing for the Eagles!

Photo © Yahoo! Japan

Pitching Matchup

Since last night's game was rained out, I was hoping to see Tanaka pitch tonight but it looks like Nomura is going to start Koji Aoyama (2-4, 5 SV, 5.59) instead.  It's still an important game for the Eagles, as they could clinch their first ever playoff berth with a victory tonight.  Looking at the schedule though, if Nomura follows a 5-man rotation then Tanaka should pitch tomorrow, and his next start would be on the 10th against 1st place Nippon Ham.  Or maybe he's just giving him an extra day's rest.

At any rate, Aoyama will be today's starting pitcher.  The 26-year old righty has been lit up like a Christmas tree against the Lions this year.  In 5 appearances he's surrendered 21 hits and 13 earned runs over 8.2 innings.  Just getting out of the first inning without giving up a run would be considered a huge victory for Rakuten tonight.  Luckily due to yesterday's postponement the bullpen should be nice and rested if called upon.

They'll be facing Kazuyuki Hoashi (9-5, 3.23) who has been unstoppable and should be a lock for September's pitcher of the month award.  The left-hander went a perfect 4-0 last month with an astounding 4 complete games!  He dominated the Eagles last month as well going 2-0 with a 1.09 ERA.

Rakuten and Seibu have split the season series so far with 11 victories each.

(I'm just going to recycle the Who's Hot / Cold from yesterday's preview, since they didn't play... and I'm lazy.)

Photo © www.rakuteneagles.jp

Who's Hot

LF Todd Linden, one of last game's heroes, has been tearing up opposing pitchers. Over the last six games he's hitting .481 (13 for 27) with 8 RBI. 3B Daisuke Kusano had a great series versus Softbank, with a .417 BA and 4 runs scored. CF Teppei Tsuchiya broke out of a mini-slump last game, going 2 for 3 with a walk, home run, and two runs scored.

Who's Cold

If you've been reading this site over the past couple weeks, then you know who's name is going to come next. DH Takeshi Yamasaki continued his horrific slump last game, going hitless in four attempts. I can't even post his batting average over the last ten games, so instead I'll say that he isn't hitting .917 over this stretch. There, that looks better doesn't it?

If we can find any silver lining in the huge cloud over his head, is that he's making good contact with the ball. Two of his fly outs reached the warning track last game. Let's hope the cheers from the crowd can push the ball a little further tonight.

I'll be at the game tonight with my better half and a friend, so I'll tweet some pics and comments as the game progresses.  Check out my Twitter feed, or just look at the top of this website for my latest tweet.  Nippon Ham plays Lotte tonight as well, so be sure to send some good vibes over to Bobby Valentine's club as well!

Related posts:

1. Eagles vs Lions Game 20 Preview
2. Eagles vs Lions Game 22 Preview
3. Eagles vs Lions Game 24 Preview
4. Eagles vs Lions Game 21 Preview
5. Eagles vs Hawks Game 24 Preview

About Andrew

Andrew has lived in Japan since 2006, spending time exploring the Tohoku region. He frequently attends Rakuten Eagles games in Sendai. You'll find him sitting along the 3rd base line drinking Guinness wearing a #46 Teppei jersey, next to a Japanese girl in a #5 Seguignol jersey.          You can follow him on Twitter if that makes you happy.