Marines soldier on after virus outbreak
What a week it was for the Chiba Lotte Marines. Technically, things got started Oct. 4, when pitcher Daiki Iwashita and a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequent testing early last week revealed 11 more infections (a total that included seven top-team players), the club ...
Eleven Lotte Marines players and staff infected with coronavirus
The news came just a day after the NPB-J. League COVID-19 task force said the two leagues would explore the possibility allowing more fans to attend games.
Virus-hit Tigers endure tough, eventful week in Central League
The difference between playing a mostly representative NPB season — as opposed to 50 or 60 games — or having it all fall apart was always as tenuous as some dinner plans. That was laid bare last week as the league experienced its first midseason ...
Tsuyoshi Sugano and Seiya Inoue both hit two-run first-inning home runs and right-hander Atsuki Taneichi allowed three runs over six innings to earn the win as the Chiba Lotte Marines held off the Saitama Seibu Lions 6-4 in the Pacific League on Saturday. The Marines ...
Fans welcomed back into NPB stadiums as COVID-19 precautions eased
Masks, physical distancing and refrained celebrations were the order of the day as teams played in front of crowds for the first time this year.
Former Lotte pitcher Randy Jackson arrested for cannabis possession
Former Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Randy "Jay" Jackson Jr. was arrested Friday on suspicion of cannabis possession at his home in Chiba, near Tokyo. The 32-year-old American, who played for the Hiroshima Carp between 2016 and 2018 and joined the Chiba-based Marines this season, remained ...
Red-hot Marines riding high after six-game sweep
There was a lot of action on display in the first full week of NPB games.
Laird hit his fifth home run of the year to help the hosts sweep the six-game series.
Loaded Hawks ready to reclaim PL crown
The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks will be vying to win the league pennant for the first time since 2017.
Waseda manager Satoru Komiyama brings modern outlook to old-fashioned game
For years, former major league pitcher Satoru Komiyama's measure of success was wins on the ballfield, now as manager of Waseda University's baseball team, he wants his yardstick to be the quality of character his players achieve. "We prepare these players so they can go ...
Roki Sasaki's first bullpen session draws raves reviews from former major leaguers on Lotte staff
Thirteen days into spring training, 18-year-old Roki Sasaki threw 25 pitches on Thursday in his first bullpen session since turning pro this year with the Chiba Lotte Marines. Although the pitcher himself was less than impressed, he drew rave reviews from the former big leaguers ...
Former Carp reliever Jay Jackson poised to sign with Marines
Right-hander Jay Jackson, who pitched last season for the Milwaukee Brewers, and spent the previous three seasons with the Hiroshima Carp, said Tuesday he has agreed to terms with the Chiba Lotte Marines. The 32-year-old was a part of three straight Central League championship teams ...
