51.   A victory would have given Chunichi a new Japanese professional baseball record for consecutive wins to open the season.

52.   After winning the Central League home run title in two of the last four seasons, Matsui has become the most recognized player in Japanese baseball.

53.   Blatant spying is against Japanese professional baseball rules, although the Pacific League does not clearly state the penalties.

54.   Blatant spying is against Japanese professional baseball rules.

55.   But as Rhodes proved Monday night, Japanese baseball has come a long way since the days of Randy Bass.

56.   But Japanese baseball is best known abroad for its pitching.

57.   But Japanese baseball officials said he was unlikely to end up playing in Japan, Kyodo News reported.

58.   Chunichi maintained its four-game lead in the Japanese professional baseball Central League.

59.   For its part, Japanese baseball is trying to make its game more exciting.

60.   He has reportedly been offered political asylum by Japan, and rumours abound that he may end up joining a top Japanese baseball team.