Full box scores

Recap of Yoshida's outing:

1st inning - 0 runs, 1 hit
single, fly out to the catcher, GIDP

2nd inning - 2 runs, 1 hit
fly out to second, fly out to left, HBP, 2-run homer, fly out to short

3rd inning - 2 runs, 3 hits
ground out to third, fly out to right, single, balk, RBI single, stolen base (2nd), walk, wild pitch, RBI single, throw out at home.

Final Line: 3.0 IP, 14 BF, 46 NP (27 S), 5 H (1 HR), 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, 1 HBP, 2 WP

Yoshida also went 1-for-1 at the plate with an RBI batting out of the 9-hole (bases loaded, 2 outs).

Some other, perhaps interesting, notes:

• Ila Borders was the first woman to play in the US Independent Leagues (St Paul Saints in 1997).  She threw a fastball (topped out in the 125km/h range) curve, and screwball; and batted and threw the ball from the left.  Borders finished out her career 2-4 with a 6.73 ERA.
• About 3,500 fans were in attendance.
• It seems 45 different news agencies applied for interview opportunities with Yoshida.
• T-shirts with her name were on sale for $15 (about 1,350 yen).  They prepared 40 and sold most of them.
• They sold 200 gameday programs for $2 (about 180 yen)

Jiji press has also printed an interview.  My translation:

Were you nervous?

Before getting on the mound, I just decided to go out and do my best.  I actually wasn't all that nervous.

Were you surprised about the bunt single in the first?

I'm a little frustrated that I wasn't prepared for it.  [I give my overall performance a] 20%.  I couldn't get the basics.

Were you satisfied with your outing?

I figured out some things I need to work on after pitching.  My told myself I would go with my knuckler, but  I wasn't able to throw it very well.  So I'd like to gain as much experience on the mound as possible and would like to pitch in all kinds of situations (rotation / bullpen).

You recorded your first RBI and hit.

I couldn't believe it.  I was happy that I was able to keep the inning going.

Your thoughts on the cheering fans.

They gave me a boost.  I was also reminded at how difficult it is to be a knuckleball pitcher.

Sponichi is carrying the following quote from Yoshida's father:

I watched the game online.  They scored a run on her with 2 outs and she probably isn't really satisfied with her knuckleball.  But I think it's amazing she's pitching in a place like that, everything, including how she's living her life over there, will be a great experience for her.  It's a tough world where players that don't perform get cut, all I wish for her is that she has fun playing and doesn't get hurt.

===

Sources:

「明日はエリ・ヨシダが歴史つくります」

吉田えりちゃん４失点デビュー／投球詳細

吉田えり初先発　自己採点は「２０点」

独立リーグ史上初の女性選手は…

ナックル姫グッズ大人気！クラブハウス泥棒騒ぎも

‐初登板‐２３‐

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