Molina was hit by two homers, including Tsutsugo, and had four hits and four runs in the first inning.
■ Cardinals 18-4 Pirates (23rd Japan time, Pittsburgh)
Cardinals’ Yadier Molina, who has won the Gold Glove Award nine times, was the first pitcher in the 19th major year. In the Pirates match held in the enemy territory on the 23rd (24th Japan time), he pitched in the 9th inning with a large 18-point lead. He suddenly threw 1 inning, including Yoshitomo Tsutsugo’s outfielder No. 2 solo, and scored 4 hits and 4 runs. After the match, he exchanged “just stop” with Albert Pujols infielder who had pitched for the first time in the Giants game on the 15th (16th).
The 39-year-old legendary catcher, who boasts 2134 hits and 173 home runs in all majors, seems to be different on the mound. He allowed two home runs and scored four goals, including one shot at the lead Tsutsugo. After the match, he smiled and said, “I’m very angry because I can’t shut out,” recalling his first major pitch.
In the game against the Giants on the 15th (16th), 42-year-old Albert Pujols infielder, who boasts 3 MVPs, also pitched for the first time in the 9th inning with a large lead. He threw 1 inning, 3 hits, 1 walk and 4 runs. Both were hit by two arches, with four runs and an ERA of 36.00. The two legends “played around” with the pitch.
Pujols, who hit two home runs and extended his total home run to 683, said, “At least I got out before I was hit by a home run. You were hit by the first batter. I threw and earned run average. I was supposed to lower it, but (the team) sent you to the mound. ” On the other hand, Molina “fighted”, saying, “I couldn’t grip the ball firmly because of the rain. If it wasn’t raining, I would throw a split.” Oliver Marmol jokingly said that “Yadi (Molina) was in control of the fastball” about the two pitches.
(Full-Count editorial department)