Korea's run came to an end today. Kelly wasn't terribly disappointed with the result of the latest Japan vs. Korea matchup (Korea made it further than most had predicted and were undefeated until the game today), but she thought it was dumb that they had to play each other three times during three different rounds of the same tournament. Maybe we just need more countries to participate so that the brackets fan out a bit more in future WBC Classics.
The Japanese finally found their stride today, and their bats came back to life. Uehara pitched really well, and the wind was completely taken out of team Korea's sails once pinch-hitter Fukudome roped that two-run dinger into the right-field stands. If it hadn't been for that rain delay in the middle of the 8th inning, I think Japan would have added a couple more runs to their total. Ichiro also played a great game.
They're still fuming here over that blown call the other night. I have no idea how well the press has been covering things back in the states, but just about everybody and her sister has added their two yen on this one.
After seeing the replay of the play at the plate, I recalled seeing a foreign face making the calls behind home during the Japan v. Korea game (played at Tokyo Dome) earlier this month. I think the argument that a third party ump should officiate during international games is definitely sound. Most of the Japanese officials that govern the game over here are years and years better than Davidson (the home plate umpire during the Japan v. America game), and it's very puzzling that they weren't invited to ref some of the games.
Well, justice may be served in the end. It looks like team USA is on the bubble in terms of qualification for the third round, and Japan might be able to squeak through despite being robbed a few nights ago. America is going to have to do a number on team Mexico in their last game of round two in order to qualify for the next round.
The upcoming Japan v. Korea game should be a good one!
I have a lot of chocolate to buy before I head to school tomorrow. The 14th of March is White Day, and I will catch grief if I don't have some on hand for those who believe they deserve it.
On White Day, traditionally (?), men give women candy or flowers. It's very similar to Valentine's day back home. The difference over here is that only women give presents on February 14th over here. I have to make sure that I remember to give chocolate back to those who made a down-payment in February. My tactic is to hold on to all of those small gifts from a month ago, and then pass them on to other people.
I also need to get a bottle of perfume for my special someone. I have no idea when I'm going to have enough time to do that.
