My Book Ⅰ
Written by Hiroyuki Ikeda
［No.23］ From the Newspaper-2 7.2, 2013
Silent ‘Tigers’ scored 7runs in the 7th and 8th innings!
Murton’s Victory Hit!
“Somehow Matt Murton can save the game.” Tigers fans' prayers came true.
The Hanshin Tigers came from behind for victory from what seemed likely to be a no-hitter game. In the 8th inning , chasing the Hiroshima Carp by three points, No. 4 hitter Matt Murton, an outfielder, hit a two-run-scoring hit. Suffering through a discomfort weather index of 100%, finally the Tigers fans could shout the triumph song of ‘Rokko–Oroshi 六甲おろし ( Tigers theme song)’. The Tigers reduced to 2.5 games the difference between them and the Yomiuri Giants.
Returning to Koshien after 19 days' away game, the sound of Murton's hit was drowned out by the rumbling of the crowd. The sharp grounder went to the Carp shortstop's right and Akamatsu of centre field fell on his behind. To the cheering, revelry, and beating of yellow megaphones Murton shouted in Japanese on the triumph stand お立ち台,「マートン メッチャ スキヤネン、甲子園！」"Murton Truly, Sukiyanen, Koshien!" ( Truly I love Koshien stadium !)
On that night, Murton's parent came to Japan and visited Koshien stadium for the first time watching of this season. “ I gave my best present to my parent." he said. From the Carp's pitcher Takeuchi, no-hit until the 6th inning, Murton's active play of three RBI two hits saved the Tigers. " I am quite happy!” with his shy smile he said.
Even facing hot summer war, in full swing, Murton's momentum does not stop.
Nikkansports 6.29, 2013
Carp 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 | 4
Tigers 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 X | 7
Victorious Trajectory of Matt Murton
In the 8th inning, the Tigers were chasing the Carp by 3 points. TheTigers’ 1st batter, Nishioka, hit a grounder to 1st base. The Carp’s 1st baseman, Matsuyama, made throwing error to 2nd base, and the 2nd base runner was safe.
With runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out, Yamato hit a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. The pitcher passed the ball to second base, but shortstop Abe dropped it.
Opportunity came to Murton with a difference of 1 point and runners on 2nd and 3rd. The Carp’s guardian Kam Mickolio, 205 centimeters tall, was on the mound. With 2 balls and 1 strike, Murton swang away at 155-kilometer pitches.He managed to stay alive with some foul balls.
A big point of the game had been hideen in this scene. Murton said, “ I could escape with foul balls. At that time I was aware of not just aiming straight with the 2 strikes.
As a result of his strong commitment to the center returns, it was possible to react to the lower slider.The Tigers scored 6 points all at once with a 2-run hit before center of inversion.
Murton became the hero of the day-game series and he broke the winning streak of their opponents in the 3-game series.
