In a thrilling encounter at Koshien Stadium on April 20, 2025, the Hanshin Tigers triumphed over the Hiroshima Carp with a resounding score of 8-1, leveling their season series at three wins apiece. The game, however, was marred by a controversial incident involving Hiroshima pitcher Okamoto Masaru, who was ejected for throwing a dangerous pitch that struck Hanshin's Sakamoto.
Okamoto, a 22-year-old rookie making his first appearance at Koshien, faced a challenging situation in the eighth inning. With one out and runners on first and second, he threw a changeup that slipped out of his hand, hitting Sakamoto in the head. The moment was tense; Okamoto immediately removed his cap in a gesture of apology, but the scene escalated quickly. Hanshin's manager, Fujikawa, rushed towards home plate, visibly upset, prompting both teams' benches to clear in a chaotic display of emotions.
In the aftermath, Okamoto was officially declared out of the game, and the match was designated as a warning game due to the dangerous pitch. The incident left both teams on edge, with players concerned for Sakamoto's well-being. "I was worried about Sakamoto after the pitch," said Hiroshima manager Shinjo Takahiro. "It was a changeup that got away from Okamoto, and I felt sorry for that."
Reflecting on the incident, Okamoto expressed remorse, stating, "I felt like my grip on the ball was off; I just want to apologize to Sakamoto next time I see him. I don’t know many players on the Hanshin team, but I’ll make sure to reach out." Catcher Ishihara added that he immediately checked on Sakamoto, saying, "In that situation, I felt it was important to keep things calm. Sakamoto assured me he was fine, so I apologized to him right away."
The game saw Hanshin's starting pitcher, Mori Shota, 27, put in a solid performance despite facing some challenges. He pitched four innings, giving up three runs on six hits, which marked his first loss of the season. After the game, Shinjo commented on Mori's inconsistency, noting, "He had some good pitches and some bad ones, but he’s been doing well overall. I hope he can make the necessary adjustments for his next start."
Shinjo also praised the offensive efforts of his team, particularly noting the performance of rookie Nakamura Akito, who made his first start and contributed with two hits. "Nakamura is making a strong case for himself, and it’s great to see competition heating up within the team," he remarked.
Despite the loss, the Carp managed to maintain their composure throughout the match. Shinjo emphasized the need for improvement as they prepare to face the Yakult team next week, stating, "We need to tighten up our game. We’ve been playing well, but we can’t afford to let our guard down."
The atmosphere at Koshien was electric, with fans witnessing not only a decisive victory for the Tigers but also a dramatic incident that added an unexpected twist to the game. As the teams move forward, all eyes will be on how they respond in their upcoming matches, especially for Okamoto, who will likely carry the weight of this experience into his future outings.
In conclusion, this match served as a reminder of the intensity and unpredictability that baseball can bring. With the season still young, both teams have plenty of opportunities to refine their skills and strategies as they aim for success in the Central League.
