September 12, 2008

Friday Night Lights - Back to Koshien


Tonight we went to Koshien to see the hometown Hanshin Tigers take on the Hiroshima Carp. Thanks to the Ford and Atchison families, who gave us their unused tickets, we were sitting in the fourth row behind the Tigers dugout. We had an extra ticket, so Mike was able to bring a friend from work.
We had not been to Koshien for a while, and it was nice to get back there. It is always such a good time. And tonight was no exception.



Unfortunately, tonight was not a good night on the field, as the Tigers got blanked 4-0. But coming down the stretch, Hanshin is still in first place, with a six game lead over the rival Giants.

They threatened in only one inning, when they loaded the bases with one out for clean-up hitter and fan favorite Tomoaki Kanemoto. We love this guy too. (Think Paul O'Neill, without the temper.) He hit a rocket, but right at the Carp second baseman, who quickly turned the inning ending double play.

Offensively, they could really use their slugging first baseman Arai back. He was a dependable RBI machine (who we had compared to Andres Galaragga in his prime) before getting hurt at this year's Olympics.

After the game, we (along with EVERYONE else) hit the Tiger's store to grab some merchandise. Although Mike still can't find a jersey in a size comfortable enough to fit him (huge bummer), the whole family managed to walk out with matching Hanshin Tigers Hats.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Almost as exciting as the Mets! ;-) Glad you're having such a fun time. I love the pics as always but can't believe how grown up the kids look since I saw them last, especially Jacob! Kisses and hugs to all.