Nippon Series Game 4
When I left you on Thursday, Game Four was tied 3-3 after seven innings, and since Hanshin was already down 2-1 in games, a loss would put them at a 3-1 disadvantage and essentially end their chances.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Orix pitcher walked a batter, who went to second a few on a wild pitch to the next batter, who then struck out.
One out.
On a 2-2 count, the Orix pitcher threw another wild pitch, and the runner advanced to third. The count was 3-2, the Orix pitcher had zero control over his slider and not much more over his fastball, and there were almost infinite possibilities.
Except for what actually happened.
Orix manager Satoshi Nakajima came out of the dugout and instructed the pitcher to intentionally walk the batter at the plate (on a 3-2 count!), then intentionally walk the next batter as well to load the bases.
In theory, this set up the possibility of a double play to end the inning. In practice, it was bonkers.
With the infield in, the next batter grounded a ball past the shortstop and Hanshin scored to win 4-3.
In the Reddit NPB group, one commenter said "It's the most Nakajima thing Nakajima has ever done."
Series tied 2-2, and I'll talk about Game Five, which was even more dramatic.
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