Intro:

Post game reactions after the Hanshin Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 12-6 in Tokyo on Monday in their final exhibition game in Tokyo.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPER CAPTION: Bob Melvin, Oakland Athletics Manager

(on the loss to the Tigers)

"You know, today wasn't our best day. We've had a real good spring. Focused all spring, played good defence and situational hitting and so forth, but today we just weren't there for it. Now, take nothing away from them, they played a great game and put pressure on us all game long. But we just didn't play one of our better games and they took it to us."

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPER CAPTION: Cliff Pennington, Oakland Athletics Shortstop

(on his thoughts about Japanese baseball clubs)

"They executed everything extremely well. They were always in the right position, outfielders were backing up stuff, infielders were in the right spot. Just about as clean and crisp a game as you can play. And they were also, their pitchers were excelling. They did really well yesterday and today, so it was good to see."

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPER CAPTION: Craig Brazell, Hanshin Tigers First Baseman

(on facing major league pitchers again and hitting 5-7 with an RBI and two runs against the A's and Mariners)

"The pitchers we saw, they are all major league quality pitchers and to come out and do what I did against these guys, it kind of gave me a good feeling going into the season. And you can't take anything away from these guys. They're in the major leagues for a reason and I just appreciate them coming over here and playing because I don't think they really realise what they are doing for Japan, coming over here and playing."