The Tokyo Dome was the stage on March 16, 2025, for Giants pitcher F. Griffin's meet-up with the Cubs, but the encounter didn't go as planned for the right-hander. After showcasing promise through the first four innings, Griffin stumbled badly at the start of the fifth, allowing four runs and failing to secure his team's early momentum.
Griffin, age 29, took to the mound with high hopes. The preseason game served as both preparation and a possible gauge of his readiness for the upcoming NPB season. On the eve of the clash, he stated, "The opponent doesn’t matter; I’m adjusting for the NPB season opening." The tunes of quiet determination accompanied him as he stepped to the mound.
The first inning provided immediate tension for Griffin as he issued two walks, bringing two runners on base with one out. Nevertheless, he managed to escape the jam by inducing Bush to hit a groundout. The inning ended without runs against his name, but it foreshadowed turbulence lurking beyond the horizon.
Following the early escapades, Griffin showed patches of brilliance. He kept the Cubs hitters at bay, even pulling off impressive feats such as three consecutive strikeouts during the fourth inning. Facing Swanson at the top of the second inning, he allowed only one hit—a double to left field—but quickly righted himself and regained control by knocking out the next two batters, achieving his first three-batter shutout by the third inning.
Just as Griffin appeared settled, the fifth inning tested his mettle. It began innocuously enough with Griffin allowing a lead-off double to Cruz. Soon after, Cruz executed a daring steal to third base, providing the Cubs with another scoring opportunity. Workman capitalized, earning the first score of the game with a right-field single.
The wheels began to fall off for Griffin after this initial blow. Things escalated with another single and walks, loading the bases. Facing Suzuki, Griffin displayed uncharacteristic wildness with a pitch wild enough to let another run slip by, raising the Cubs’ lead to 2-0. While Griffin managed to strike out Suzuki with precision, the Cubs maintained momentum, and Shaw hit a two-run timely single to cap the five-run inning, leaving Griffin visibly shaken.
By the inning's end, Griffin had thrown 31 pitches, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, and suffering from the wild pitch, showcasing the unraveling of his earlier composure.
Despite his struggles, there were bright spots: Griffin’s fastball clocked at 150 km/h, displaying physical readiness. Yet the day belonged to the Cubs, and Griffin’s ending would likely prompt questions around his reliability as the season looms closer.
Griffin's bounce-back performance would be necessary if he wishes to solidify his role as part of the Giants' rotation. With time still before the NPB season's official opening, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely for signs of adjustments and improvements. One thing for sure, Griffin knows this performance will not define him. The fight continues, both on the field and within.