In a gripping matchup at Koshien Stadium on April 19, 2025, the Hanshin Tigers faced off against the Hiroshima Carp in the fifth game of their season series. Despite a commendable performance from starting pitcher Jon Duplantier, who struck out eight batters, the Tigers fell short in their quest for victory, as defensive miscues ultimately cost them the game.
Duplantier, making his second start since joining the Tigers from the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, aimed for his first win in Japan. The 30-year-old right-hander showed promise, pitching five innings and allowing three runs, none of which were earned. His high pitch count of 97, however, led to his early departure from the game.
"The cut fastball felt good early on, and I wanted to create a good rhythm by minimizing defensive time, but my pitch count got a bit high," Duplantier reflected after the game. "Overall, I thought my stuff was good, and I want to pitch well for the team in the future." His desire to contribute positively to the team was evident throughout the game.
In the first inning, Duplantier faced a bit of a challenge, issuing two walks but managing to strike out three batters without allowing a run. However, the tide turned in the second inning when misfortune struck. After a ground ball from Hiroshima's lead-off hitter, Favian, was fumbled by shortstop Kagiwara, the Carp capitalized on the mistake.
With two outs and runners on first and third, Yano hit a slow roller between third and shortstop, which resulted in an infield hit, allowing the Carp to score the first run of the game. The inning continued to spiral as Ugetsu followed up with a two-run single to center field, bringing the total to three runs for Hiroshima.
Duplantier managed to settle down after the rough second inning, allowing only one hit through the next three innings. His ability to strike out eight batters showcased his potential, but it was not enough to secure his first victory in Japan.
As the game progressed, the Hanshin lineup saw some changes. Takumu Nakano, who had been sidelined after being hit by a batted ball on April 18, returned to the second batting position, looking energetic during pre-game practice. Kagiwara also made his way back into the lineup, batting eighth and playing shortstop.
The Tigers' starting lineup featured Chika-moto leading off, followed by Nakano, Morishita, Sato Teru, Oyama, Maekawa, Sakamoto, Kagiwara, and Duplantier on the mound. Despite the lineup adjustments, the Tigers struggled to find their rhythm against the Carp.
Defensively, the Tigers faced challenges that hampered their efforts. The errors committed during crucial moments highlighted a need for improvement as they look to bounce back in their next games. Duplantier's performance, while strong in many respects, was marred by the team's inability to support him defensively.
After Duplantier exited the game, Sugawara took over on the mound, but the damage had already been done. The Tigers found themselves in a tough spot, trailing 3-0. The team's offense needed to rally to change the momentum, but they struggled against a solid Hiroshima pitching staff.
As the game unfolded, fans at Koshien Stadium remained hopeful, cheering on their team despite the setbacks. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the Tigers looked to mount a comeback. However, the Carp's pitching held strong, keeping the Tigers at bay.
Duplantier's quest for his first win in Japan will have to wait for another day as the Tigers aim to regroup and refocus. The loss continues a frustrating trend for the Hanshin squad, who are still seeking their first win of the season for their foreign pitchers.
With the season still in its early stages, the Tigers have time to address their defensive issues and find their groove. As they look ahead to their next matchups, the team will need to harness the potential shown by Duplantier and improve their overall performance on the field.
In conclusion, while it was another missed opportunity for Duplantier, his determination and skill are clear. The Hanshin Tigers will aim to turn the tide in their upcoming games, learning from their mistakes and building on the positives from this matchup.
