Japan takes a 3-0 lead against the MLB All-Stars

November 29, 2014

by Jordan Fickling, sports editor

The MLB All Stars and the Japanese All Stars have been competing recently and sadly for MLB fans, the Japanese are currently out in front and winning the series 3-0. The Japanese have a superb bullpen with a great defense, and with a great defense creates a great offense, that's how it works in basically any sport. If the other team can't score than it's quite difficult to lose in a competitive match. Photo by public domain. — The MLB All Stars and the Japanese All Stars have been competing recently and sadly for MLB fans, the Japanese are currently out in front and winning the series 3-0. The Japanese have a superb bullpen with a great defense, and with a great defense creates a great offense, that’s how it works in basically any sport. If the other team can’t score than it’s quite difficult to lose in a competitive match. Photo by public domain.

Game three of the highly anticipated series between the MLB and Japanese All-Stars took a turn of the worst for the MLB.

Due to the superb pitching of the Japanese bullpen, starting pitcher Takahiro Norimoto and three other relievers ( pitchers) achieved a “no hitter”. This was the key to the success of the Japanese All-Stars and this is what led to their emphatic victory.

A no-hitter is when a pitcher or pitchers completes a game in which a team that batted in at least nine innings recorded no hits.

“It’s too good to be true. I wanted to see how my pitches would work against MLB hitters. The fact that my teammate (Motohiro) Shima was catching made me feel at ease and I was able to perform as usual. The atmosphere at the park was really nice. It was the best outing of my career,” Takahiro Norimoto said.

In addition, Shortstop Hayato Sakamoto and Outfielder Sho Nakata both hit home runs to take the lead over the struggling MLB All-Stars.

Japan has hit the ground running in this series and it feels that the MLB has not secured a victory in this series. Fans are wondering if they can ever rebound from this onslaught.

“The fact that the MLB didn’t send every single one of their all-stars (they sent only the all-stars that wanted to go) to compete against Japan that selected their very best players is the simplest form underestimating your opponent, in every way,” senior Gunhee Cho said.

What makes matters worse is the fact that Second Baseman Robinson Cano was hit by a pitch on his right foot. As a result, Cano has suffered a non-displaced fracture on his right toe. This injury is expected to last three to four weeks.

For the next game of the “Japan Series” the MLB all-stars pitcher, Chris Capuano will pitch and Shintaro Fujimami will pitch for Japan.