Series Roundup: Eagles vs Marines

As this August heatwave continues to punish northern Japan, it would appear that the Eagles too have started to warm up. In the sweep of the Lotte Marines the Eagles began to resemble their 2009 form - aggressive running, solid pitching, timely hits, and home runs. Let's see if this was just a blip on an unimpressive 2010 season, or the start of a push up the standings.
Hisashi Iwakuma (7-6, 2.69) didn't have his best stuff on Tuesday, but it was just enough to keep the Marines at bay. Norihiro Nakamura hit a three run blast, and the Eagles held on to take the opener 5-3.
Lefty Kohei Hasebe (3-2, 5.85) went seven innings but left the game trailing 3-2. Koji Aoyama came on in relief, and Rakuten got some heroics from Teppei Tsuchiya and Takeshi Yamasaki to complete the come from behind victory. Shinichiro Koyama picked up his ninth save of the season.
Satoshi Nagai (7-7, 3.43) had a chance to complete the sweep on Thursday night, the eve of the Tanabata Festival, and didn't disappoint, going the distance as the Eagles beat the Marines 9-3. Rarely used catcher Suguru Ino and Daisuke Kusano both collected three hits and a pair of RBI, powering Rakuten to their first series sweep since July 8th, also against the Marines.
Video highlights, and the foreign players series stats, and some other breakdowns after the break.
Eagles vs Dragons Postgame: The B-Team

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - Rakuten trotted out their weaker pitchers last night and it showed, getting lit up for three runs in the first inning alone on route to a 7-2 loss last night. A pair of errors by the defense didn't help things either.
Eagles vs Dragons Postgame: Four in the Fourth

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - The Eagles erupted for four runs in the fourth inning, and rode the back of Satoshi Nagai to take the first of a 2-game set against the Chunichi Dragons. Tom Selleck did not play first base for the Dragons last night.
Eagles vs Tigers Postgame: Streakin’

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - The Rakuten Eagles continued their strong play of late with their second walk-off (sayonara) hit in the past three games, and are now undefeated in five. Teppei Tsuchiya provided the heroics last night, along with a strong debut by Randy Ruiz and a surprisingly effective effort by starter Darrell Rasner. You know what's inside, just click it.
Week In Review, Vol.7

The week begins on Wednesday, doesn't it? Head inside for the latest late edition of the Week In Review.
Week In Review, Vol.5

A day late and a hundred yen short, but nevertheless here's volume five of the Week In Review. Just like back in the 'real' world, it was sweeps week as the season entered May. Rakuten fell to Softbank, but came back strong to sweep the plummeting Orix Buffaloes. Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach after the break.
Eagles @ Lions Postgame: Throwing It Away

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SEIBU DOME, SAITAMA - The Rakuten Eagles, having chased the dragon for the past four games, finally burned out and dropped yet another close affair, this time falling 6-5 in extra innings. Box score, video, and what went wrong after the break.
Eagles @ Lions Postgame: Timely Teppei

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SEIBU DOME, SAITAMA - The Eagles came out victorious in another squeaker yesterday afternoon in a game which they probably should've lost. Kenji Tomura made his second start for the ichi-gun squad, and was bailed out by a breakout performance by Teppei Tsuchiya. The usual shenanigans after the break.
Series Roundup: Eagles vs Fighters, April 23rd – 25th

The Rakuten Eagles got their first (victorious) series sweep of the season, taking out the Nippon Ham Fighters under rain, clouds, and sun (sometimes all at the same time). Game recaps and video highlights after the break.
Eagles vs Marines Postgame: Rude Welcoming

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KORIYAMA, FUKUSHIMA - The Rakuten Eagles unveiled their alternate uniforms last night, as well as their top pick from the 2009 draft, Kenji Tomura. Unfortunately, the uniforms performed better than Tomura, who was making his debut with the ichi-gun squad. Box score, video, and some thoughts after the break.
13th: Win 4-0
17th @ 6:00 pm
16th Win 11-4
21st Loss 9-8