Sports

Hanshin Tigers Are on the Verge of Their First Japan Series Title in 38 Years

Shota Morishita delivered the big hit in Game 5 as the Tigers scored six runs in the eighth and took a 3-2 lead over the Orix Buffaloes in the Japan Series.

Published

6 months ago

November 3, 2023

Jim Armstrong

Hanshin Tigers right fielder Shota Morishita hits a go-ahead, two-run triple to right in the eighth inning off Orix Buffaloes reliever Yuki Udagawa in Game 5 of the Japan Series on November 2, 2023, at Koshien Stadium. (ⒸSANKEI)

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Rookie Shota Morishita hit a clutch triple in the eighth inning on Wednesday, November 2 as the Hanshin Tigers came from behind to beat the Orix Buffaloes 6-2 and move within one win of capturing their first Japan Series title since 1985.

With a big six-run eighth inning rally, the Tigers have seized the momentum heading into Game 6, which will be played on Saturday, November 4 at Kyocera Dome.

"This was our last game in Koshien this season and we wanted to end on a high note," Hanshin manager Akinobu Okada said. "As you saw in the eighth, everyone contributed and that has been the hallmark of this team all season."

Things didn't get off to a good start for the Central League champions.

Marwin Gonzalez hit a solo homer in the fourth off Hanshin starter Kotaro Otake to give defending champion Orix a 1-0 lead. The Buffaloes later capitalized on sloppy defense in the seventh to make it 2-0.

Orix batter Tomoya Mori hit a grounder to Takumu Nakano. It was not an easy play to make but the second baseman bobbled the ball and let it roll past him.