Series Roundup: Eagles vs Buffaloes

The Eagles dropped two of three at home last week. In the series opener, the bullpen couldn't stop a threat in the sixth inning, giving up four runs just after they'd scored four themselves, losing 6-4. Former closer Tsuyoshi Kawagishi (2-5, 5.70) took the loss.
Takashi Kawai (1-2, 4.10) started the second game but couldn't keep the ball in the park as three Buffaloes home runs put the visitors up by five runs early. T. Okada blasted a pair, his 23rd and 24th of the season. Rakuten tried to make a game of it late, but ultimately fell 8-5.
Sunday's game marked the return of Masahiro "Ma-kun" Tanaka (9-6, 2.83), one of the league's best pitchers, and he didn't disappoint, striking out six in a 94 pitch, six inning performance. The bullpen was able to hold onto the lead this time, as Koji Aoyama and Shinichiro Koyama prevented Orix from the series sweep. Koyama picked up his seventh save of the year, and Randy Ruiz hit his seventh home run, a solo shot.
Video highlights, and the foreign players series stats after the break.
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.
Week In Review, Vol. 10

Since there was no review last week, I'm just skipping number nine and moving on to week 10. Rakuten's been enjoying a good run during the Interleague play, thanks in large to the offense. While the Eagles went 4-1 last week they haven't been able to gain much ground in the standings; all the Pacific League teams are doing well against their Central League counterparts.
Eagles vs Tigers Postgame: No Coffee For Kawagishi

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - The Rakuten Eagles, on the verge of reaching a season high six game unbeaten streak, melted down in spectacular fashion in the ninth inning last night in front of a packed house. Witness the carnage inside.
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.
Eagles vs Giants Postgame: The Chono Show

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - Home runs proved to be the Eagles' Achilles Heel once again, as the visiting Giants put three into the outfield stands, two off of starter Hisashi Iwakuma. Rookie Hisayoshi Chono knocked two out, including the game winning homer in the top of the ninth inning, off of Tsuyoshi Kawagishi's first pitch. Hiroshi Katayama (1-1) took the loss. Box score and video inside.
Eagles @ Carp Postgame: Welcome Back, Phillips

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KURE NIKOH STADIUM, HIROSHIMA - Rakuten manager Marty Brown and 1B Andy Phillips faced off against their team from last season, the Hiroshima Carp, last night. Both Phillips, Norihiro Nakamura and starter Satoshi Nagai had strong games for the Eagles, powering them to a 6-4 victory. Head inside for the box score and some stats (no video though).
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.
Eagles vs Buffaloes Postgame: Sweeps Week

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - The Eagles continue to burn hot and cold, this time being on the happy side of a sweep against the struggling Orix Buffaloes. Rakuten has now been a part of three consecutive sweeps, victorious against the Fighters and Buffaloes with a loss to the Hawks in between. Read on how it all fell in to (and nearly out of) place after the break.
Eagles vs Buffaloes Postgame: Mr. Dependable

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KLEENEX STADIUM, SENDAI - In another closely contested battle, the Eagles dove their way to a 2-1 victory this afternoon in front of over 16,000 fans to kick off Golden Week in Japan. Hisashi Iwakuma won his fourth straight game for Rakuten, and Tsuyoshi Kawagishi picked up his 4th save of the year despite loading the bases in the 9th inning. Box score and video highlights after the break.
13th: Win 4-0
17th @ 6:00 pm
16th Win 11-4
21st Loss 9-8