Softbank One Win (or Tie) Away From Japan Series
Listen to the story
Softbank is close to the Japan Series. The team needs only a win or a tie. Then Softbank moves to the next round.
The game can go to extra innings. If the score is still tied after 12 innings, the game ends. This is called a called game. A tie also helps Softbank move on.
There is even a small chance of a rare play. A walk-off hit could tie the score at the very end. This almost never happens.
During the game, there was also a scary moment. A Nippon-Ham player named Kato was hit by a pitch. The ball hit his right elbow. He felt a lot of pain. But he continued to play.
Softbank player Kurihara was also hit by a pitch. This shocked people watching at the stadium.
Fans are now watching closely. They want to see if Softbank will win and go to the Japan Series.
Vocabulary5 words
- extra innings
- more playing time when the score is equal
- called game
- a game that is stopped early by the officials
- walk-off
- a hit that ends the game right away
- elbow
- the middle joint of your arm
- stadium
- a big place where people watch sports
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A win or a tie 2. The game becomes a called game 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Softbank is close to the Japan Series. The team needs only a _____ or a tie.
The game can go to extra _____. If the score is still tied after 12 innings, the game ends.
This is called a called _____.
There is even a small chance of a rare play. A _____ hit could tie the score at the very end.
A Nippon-Ham player named Kato was hit by a _____.
The ball hit his right _____.
He felt a lot of _____. But he continued to play.
Softbank player Kurihara was also hit by a pitch. This _____ people watching at the stadium.
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