HP Umpire Koichi Yanada ejected Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Kazahito Tadano for throwing a dangerous pitch (compare with: MLB/OBR 8.02(d), Intentionally Pitch at the Batter) in the top of the 4th inning of Game 5 of the NPB's Japan Series between the Yomiuri Giants and Fighters. With none out and one on, Giants batter Ken Kato attempted to retract a bunt attempt on a first pitch fastball thrown inside. Replays indicate the initial ruling of foul ball was correct. However, Kato fell to the ground and acted as he had been hit by the pitch, ultimately resulting in his award of first base and Tadano's expulsion for the up-and-in pitch. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 5-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 10-2.
Trivia: Fighters Manager Hideki Kuriyama and Umpire Yanada are former teammates (Yakult Swallows, 1980s). Said Kuriyama, "[Yanada] is so serious and works hard ... It's not like the umpires can't make mistakes. They are doing their best."
Wrap: Yomiuri Giants vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Sapporo Dome), NPB Gm 5, 11/1/12
Video: Batter fakes being hit by pitch, is awarded first base on reversed foul ball call
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
3 comments :
Wow! Do they play a different sport on that side of the Pacific or what?
The batter is a personal student of Derek Jeter. The young padawan has listened well to the master.
There's something refreshing about the politeness of the Fighters coach, he gets dumped on with a guy who faked the HBP, says he looked at the instant replay, but said he'd never dare bring it to the umpire's attention because it would be "cheating."
And what of Kato's Derek Jeter the Cheater imitation?
Post a Comment