Japanese baseball result

An amazing game and an amazing season for both the Hawks and the Tigers, and now the long wait until next season begins.

It's a small article because they don't want to bring attention to the fact that the Tigers were cheated on the very last play. The play was controversial and the NPB hopes this doesn't boil over.

The play was controversial and the NPB hopes this doesn't boil over.

Man, it was so frustrating after it happened. All they showed were the Hawks celebrating and no instant replay of the supposed out nor explanation. I think Softbank got away with murder and I really really hope the play gets challenged

I was rooting for the Hawks so I was relieved when I realized what had happened with that call, but I have massive sympathy for Tigers fans, that had to have been the most frustrating and maddening way to lose a series ever. Especially in the context of that inning, with Sarfate on the verge of melting down it really looked like the Tigers were at least going to tie the game if not pull ahead.

Also agree about the lack of a replay, though it was a tough situation. Normally with a play like that they would replay it 5 or 6 times to try and figure out what happened and if the call was correct, while simultaneously reporting on Manager Wadas protestations. But since it actually ended the series I cant fault them for focusing on the Hawks celebration, which is customary.

Anyway, looks like the Colonels curse is still effective. Im sure the end to that game will become part of the lore around that one just like Bill Buckner`s error in 1986 became part of the curse of the Bambino for Red Sox fans.

Here's a YouTube clip of the play with some analysis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXnhcXieuJs

It does appear that Nishioka strayed into the infield a bit too far. It was a tough call, but I think it was the correct call after seeing it slowed down. In realtime I didn't think runner interference at all, but when slowed down he does seem to divert his path to first. Still an awful way to end the penultimate game of the season for either team, and I don't fault anyone for the way it happened -- it was just circumstance.

Also, I know the rules may be different in Japan, but after seeing the slo-mo replay in YouTube the following does seem to apply (at least in the MLB):

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2014/official_baseball_rules.pdf

6.05k states:

"In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside the 3 foot line or inside the foul line, and in the umpire's judgement in doing so interferes with the fielder taking the throw at 1st base, in which case the ball is dead. except that he may run outside the 3 foot line or inside the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball."

The rules at least say the ball should be considered dead for running inside the foul line, and I think there is another rule that if the interference is deemed intentional than the runner should be called out.

The Colonel has been saved but still not forgiven Hanshin Tigers.

Typical Hawks, can't win anything fair and square, bunch of cheats.

And I live in Fukuoka!