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The MLB All-Star team sent to play in the Japan Series was no-hit by four Samurai Japan pitchers in a 4-0 loss early Saturday morning.
Takahiro Norimoto started the game and whiffed six major league hitters in five innings before turning it over to Japan's bullpen, which recorded seven more strikeouts in four innings. Lucas Duda, Dexter Fowler and Salvador Perez each reached via walk, but that was all the offense mustered by the MLB squad.
Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, who homered in the previous game, went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts and made the final out in the ninth inning. Free-agent reliever Franklin Morales, also representing the Rockies, pitched two-thirds of an inning and didn't allow a baserunner.
Mariners star Robinson Cano suffered a broken toe when he was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning. He'll miss the remainder of the series and won't be able to resume baseball activities until mid-December.
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The Marlins should talk to the Rockies before following through with their $320 million offer to Giancarlo Stanton, says Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. I don't agree with Patrick's overall premise here; Tulowitzki, even while missing 40 percent of every season, is still worth the money he makes, which is also nothing close than the AAV the Marlins are offering their star. Stanton has a chance to be, as well, for at least a few years before that deal becomes an inevitable albatross.
The Rockies need pitching, writes David Martin of Rockies Review. Huh.
Colorado's outfield situation is worthy of a new look after Michael Cuddyer bailed for the Big Apple. J.J. Buck of Rockies Zingers obliges.