Chunichi Up Against the Ropes

The chances of Chunichi keeping their postseason steak going are starting to look slim, but they still have opportunities to fight back into a playoff spot.  With eleven games left Chunichi is chasing Hiroshima by 5.5 games.  Definitely a big hill to climb, but fortunately the Dragons will be playing a weaker opponent this weekend in Yokohama while Hiroshima will facing Yomiuri in Tokyo.  Also, four of Chunichi's final 11 will be against the Carp including a series starting Tuesday at the Nagoya Dome.  So this next six game stretch will be Chunichi's best opportunity to make up ground.  If they aren't within a game or two of Hiroshima by next Friday you can stick a fork in 'em, but I'm holding out hope that the Dragons can make a run.  Momentum isn't currently on Chunichi's side, as they've been playing about .500 ball this month while Hiroshima has gone 11-4 this September.  Still if the Dragons can close the gap and apply some pressure, they are by far a more playoff-hardened group than the Carp who only have a handful of guys who have played in a professional postseason game.  It won't be easy, but it's not over, stay fired up Dragons fans!