(Photographs by The Tokyo Reporter, November 15, 2014)
TOKYO (TR) – Prior to the start of the five-game series between the Major League Baseball All-Stars and Samurai Japan, few would have predicted a one-sided affair — by either team.
But after starter Takahiro Norimoto and three relievers combined to no-hit the MLB team on Saturday night Japan has been perfect over the first three games.
Two-run home runs by Hayato Sakamoto and Sho Nakata in the early innings lead the offense, and Norimoto was in control for the first five innings, striking out six.
And after Yuki Nishi, who replaced Norimoto, punched out four over the next two innings, many of the MLB faithful of the announced 46,084 in attendance at Tokyo Dome likely sought a diversion from the drubbing — possibly one of the many beer girls roaming the stands and dispensing frosty beverages for around 800 yen a cup.
A Tokyo Reporter photographer at the game provided the gallery above, which shows Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory were well represented.