Alex Ramirez is going to play this one by the numbers. That goes for the lineup he'll field against the Hanshin Tigers in the first stage of the Central League Climax Series and also his starting pitcher.
Kenta Ishida will get the call over ace Shota Imanaga for Game 1 at Yokohama Stadium on Saturday, Ramirez announced on Friday morning, acknowledging it probably wasn't the choice most expected.
"Ishida has been the most consistent in Yokohama Stadium," Ramirez said. "In 41 innings, he has a 3-0 record, his ERA is below 2.00 and they are only hitting a little bit over .200 against him here. So he was one of the best pitchers to start the game tomorrow."