For two thrilling days in Japan, the Hanshin Tigers have dominated the spotlight, appearing as the standout team in what seemed more like a National League showcase. Demonstrating the growing prowess of Japanese baseball, the Tigers ended a successful two-game exhibition series against Major League Baseball (MLB) teams with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in the Tokyo Dome.
Remarkably, the Tigers maintained a flawless defense, not allowing a single run in either of the games. Daichi Ishii secured the final out by striking out James Outman with a powerful 95 mph fastball, concluding an impressive 18 scoreless innings. “These two days were invaluable,” stated Hanshin manager Kyuji Fujikawa through an interpreter.
In their matchup, the Tigers scored three runs in the fourth inning off two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, after the first two batters got on base. Teruaki Sato electrified the crowd with a three-run home run that soared into the right-field seats, igniting a joyous celebration among the Tigers’ passionate fanbase.
On the pitching front, Hiroto Saiki delivered a standout performance, pitching five formidable innings with just one hit and one walk allowed, while striking out seven batters. Saiki impressively began the game by striking out Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani and then later forced a harmless popup from him in the fourth inning.
“They’re a really solid team,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Their defense was tight, and they could handle fast pitches with ease. Saiki, in particular, has major-league caliber with excellent command and a nasty split-finger pitch. Sato is also a promising talent, a genuinely impressive baseball player.”
Saiki’s performance this season is rooted in his stellar form from the last, where he posted a 13-3 record coupled with a 1.88 ERA over 167 2/3 innings. Last season, the Tigers ended with a 74-63 record, securing second place in Japan’s Central League.
The Tigers’ two-game triumph started with a 3-0 win against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, propelled by 20-year-old lefty Keito Mombetsu, who pitched five perfect innings. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that Miguel Amaya managed to break the perfect game by hitting a single through the infield.
Additionally, Hanshin demonstrated tactical superiority on the bases against the Cubs, executing a perfect 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts. “It’s clear they can compete at the highest level,” added Roberts.
Japanese players have made significant contributions to MLB, particularly in recent decades. This week’s Tokyo Series highlights this with five Japanese players in action, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki for the Dodgers, while Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga represent the Cubs.
The Hanshin Tigers, along with the Yomiuri Giants, took on the Cubs and Dodgers in Japan as part of the Tokyo Series over the last two days. Looking ahead, the Cubs and Dodgers are set to commence their regular-season games against each other on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.
