All anyone could do was wait. A decision that could have a big impact on the complexion of the Japan Series hung in the balance, as the umpiring crew checked replay after replay in the bottom of the seventh inning at Yafuoku Dome.
The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks had definitely scored one run on Akira Nakamura's hit to right to tie the game. The question was, had they actually scored two and taken a one-run lead, or had the Yokohama BayStars recorded the third out of the inning by the slimmest of margins.
After a very, very lengthy review, the verdict came in: Kenta Imamiya was safe at home, and the Hawks had a one-run lead.