by Tina Woo, Board Member
On Sunday, July 13th, 36 friends and family participated in the inaugural Nisei Ski Club SF Giants vs LA Dodgers baseball game at Oracle Park. Many of us arrived early and received the free promotional Spirit Jersey. Board member Curtis Otaguro met us prior to the game for lunch and “fav” Crazy Crab sandwich in the View Reserved Section. Several NSC board members attended, as well: Frank Chang, Joel Hayashida, Jeanne Katsuro, and Roland Lee.
You could not have asked for a better pitching match-up to decide this series. A pair of “All Stars”: one from each side: Robbie Ray for the Giants and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers.
The game was scoreless until the 4th inning, then with hits from Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers were able to score 1 run for the lead. Miguel Rojas hit a HR in the 5th for a 2-run lead. Yamamoto did a sensational job pitching, with 7 shutout innings. Camilo Doval, the Giants’ closer was brought into the game in the 9th. Matt Chapman was able to get onto 1st and Luis Matos homered to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th inning.
At this point, it was a brand-new ballgame! However, the Dodgers were able to score 3 runs in the top of the 11th. Final Score: LA Dodgers 5, SF Giants 3. Not to mention the late game drama, nail-biting and innumerable grey hairs for the fans!
What is a Ghost Runner? (courtesy of Sandy Kiyomura).
In MLB regular season games, if the score is tied after 9 innings, extra innings are played to determine a winner. A key rule change places an automatic runner on second base at the start of each extra inning (10th and beyond). This runner is the player who batted immediately before the leadoff hitter (or the last guy out). This is known as the “ghost runner” rule.
This rule aims to shorten extra-inning games, reduce pitcher fatigue, and add excitement by increasing scoring opportunities.
Group Comments
“This was such a good game. My family hasn’t gone to a game in years, but my Mom often took my kids to games.”
“Yes! Die hards to the end! It was fun!”
“Had a great time.”
Everyone had a great time visiting with each other and enjoyed the classic rivalry between the two teams. Come join us at the next NSC baseball game between the Giants and Dodgers on Sunday, September 14. Please contact Tina Woo for game details. OPEN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
