I know, I know, this game hasn’t even been played yet. Heck, the last one just finished a couple of hours ago. But tomorrow – tomorrow, this is it. If Our Marines can’t get a win, the 2013 season will be over. I just gotta throw a few thoughts out there. The starters are set …
Author: Steve Novosel
I've gotta write, usually my voice is shot from yelling too much during Lotte games!
CS First Stage Game 2 – Can We Get A Do-Over?
I suppose after all the gloating yesterday we had it coming. We’re going to play a Game 3 in this Climax Series First Stage. I suppose that’s what the fierce Lotte-Seibu rivalry demands.
CS First Stage Game 1 – Tokorozawa Takedown
I ask you, Lotte fans – what do you want in a playoff game? Victory, yes, sure. Lots of offense? Great. Strong pitching? Uh huh. A close game? Well… Sorry, can’t help you with the last one.
The 100% Biased Climax Series First Stage Preview
If you came to this site looking for balanced, level-headed coverage of Our Marines and their trip through the NPB post season – well friend, you came to the wrong site. I have a standard that I apply to fan blogs, especially my own: If you’re not biased in your coverage, you don’t love your team enough. And this is We LOVE Marines – so clearly we love Our Marines, it says so in the title. Seibu coverage can be found at I Enjoy Lions (Even Though Being A Seibu Fan Is Not As Much Fun As Being A Lotte Fan, But Whatever).com.
It Ends Here: Lotte at Seibu, 8 October 2013
The good news is, we are in Climax Series. We’re playing Seibu on Saturday. The bad news is, we could not possibly be slumping more, and Seibu could not possibly hotter. On the last night of their 2013 season, Our Marines got steamrolled by the Lions in Tokorozawa, 10-2. That’s three losses in a row to end the year for Chiba, compared to 8 wins in a row for Saitama.
Bring It Back Home: Lotte vs Orix, 5-6 Oct 2013
Marines fans, you can see that sticky up above. Our Marines have made it to the postseason for the first time in three years. If you are new to being a Marines fan, it may be hard to get why this is such a big deal. Here’s why: In the last 39 years since the championship when the team was still the Lotte Orions and played in Sendai, this team has played postseason baseball just 4 times, this the first time since 2010. It’s huge.
BREAKING NEWS: LOTTE BACK IN CLIMAX SERIES!
LOTTE FANS! It’s been three years since Our Marines have played meaningful October baseball but baby, we’re doing it this year! With tonight’s loss by the Hawks, Chiba can finish no worse than third in the Pacific League. And of course, we still have the inside track at coming in second. A pair of wins …
The Silver Medal Push – Last Rakuten: 3 Oct 2013
There was a time tonight when I couldn’t take any more. The tension was too much. Our Marines, once holders of an early 4-0 in Sendai vs the PL champion Eagles (where have I heard that one before?) had coughed up the lead due mostly to some absolutely horrific defensive work and timely Rakuten hitting. But I gave the game one more chance, and the Boys from Makuhari gave themselves one more chance, ultimately coming from behind to gain a tough 7-6 victory.
No Revenge – The Silver Medal Push vs Seibu: 1 Oct 2013
To be honest, this game was pretty depressing. Our Marines had some huge early opportunities to put a major hurt on Seibu starter Togame but generally failed to convert, while Lions bats had little resistance in beating up Fujioka. It adds up to a 4-2 Seibu win.
The Silver Medal Push vs Hamu: 30 Sep 2013
For those who follow Our Marines – cheer them at QVC and on the road, catch the games on TV or in the paper, follow the team from overseas and cheer when you can – does it get any better than a crucial, extra inning 1-0 Sayonara victory off the venerable bat of Chiba’s own Fukuura, scoring fleet-of-foot fan favorite (and my favorite) T OGINO?