For two days in Japan, the Hanshin Tigers have shown themselves to be the dominant team, outshining Major League Baseball clubs.
In a display of the growing strength of Japanese baseball, the Tigers completed a two-game exhibition sweep against MLB teams with a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday at the Tokyo Dome.
Even more remarkable, the Tigers managed to shut out their opponents in both games. Daichi Ishii secured the final out, striking out James Outman with a 95 mph fastball, completing 18 consecutive scoreless innings.
“These two days were invaluable,” said Hanshin manager Kyuji Fujikawa through an interpreter.
The Tigers broke through in the fourth inning against two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, scoring three runs. After the first two batters reached base, Teruaki Sato launched a three-run homer into the right-field stands, sparking a celebration from the jubilant Hanshin fan club.
On the mound, right-handed pitcher Hiroto Saiki delivered a stellar performance, pitching five innings of dominance. He allowed only one hit and one walk while recording seven strikeouts. Saiki began the game by striking out Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and later induced a harmless popup from the slugger in the fourth inning.
“Really good ballclub,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I thought they played excellent defense. They handle velocity well — good with the fastball. The starter (Saiki) had major-league caliber stuff. Great command, good split. And then Sato, he definitely looks the part; he’s an impressive baseball player.”
Saiki was one of Japan’s top pitchers last season, finishing with a 13-3 record and a 1.88 ERA over 167 2/3 innings. The Tigers posted a 74-63 record last season, securing second place in Japan’s Central League.
The Tigers kicked off their two-game sweep with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, with 20-year-old left-handed pitcher Keito Mombetsu throwing five perfect innings. No Cubs player reached base until Miguel Amaya hit a single in the sixth inning that just got past the shortstop.
Hanshin also showcased their speed on the bases against the Cubs, successfully stealing three bases on three attempts.
“They clearly showed they can compete at the highest level,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Japanese players have made a significant impact on Major League Baseball, especially in the last 30 years. Former Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, and this week’s Tokyo Series features five Japanese players, including three on the Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.
Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga are representing the Cubs.
The Tigers and Yomiuri Giants have faced off against the Cubs and Dodgers in Japan over the last two days as part of the Tokyo Series. The Cubs and Dodgers will begin their regular season matchup on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.
