The Hanshin Tigers celebrated a remarkable victory on March 16, 2025, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 during the MLB preseason game at the Tokyo Dome. This victory marks their second consecutive shutout win against major league teams, showcasing their pitching prowess.
The star of the show was Hanshin's 26-year-old pitcher Koyo Saiki, who delivered an outstanding performance on the mound. Facing off against renowned superstar Shohei Ohtani, who previously hit a home run off him during their last encounter, Saiki struck out Ohtani twice, first with his powerful forkball and later with a fastball clocked at 152 km/h. "I wanted to strike him out with the ball I had been hit with," remarked Saiki, reflecting on the anticipation of the matchup, which occurred 741 days after their first meeting.
Saiki's fastball, showing excellent rotation quality, impressed even Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts, who praised the pitcher's ability, stating, "The pitch Saiki is throwing is of Major League level." Saiki's record during the game was exceptionally impressive: he pitched five innings, allowed only one hit, and struck out seven batters without giving up any runs.
Saiki's effective strategy focused on outpacing Ohtani, whom he faced first at the plate. Throwing two fastballs to establish dominance, he followed up with three forkballs, leading to Ohtani's swing and miss. "I thought it was ideal to push with fastballs and then use the forkball to get him out," he explained. The confidence Saiki displayed on the mound not only demonstrated his growth as a player but also proved resilient against high-caliber opposition.
During his subsequent matchup with Ohtani, Saiki showcased his capacity for precision, using mainly fastballs and tossing just one slider. His dedication paid off when he got Ohtani to fly out to center field, securing the second out against the formidable hitter.
The victory was solidified through Yoshio Sato's stellar performance, hitting the game-winning three-run home run off Dodgers' pitcher Blake Snell during the fourth inning. Following the game, Sato reflected on his achievement, noting the power behind his swing: "I just wanted to hit it well; even though I was just reacting, it still went out." His confidence during at-bats was evident, showing promise for the upcoming season.
Saiki's post-game was filled with learning opportunities; he approached Dodgers' pitcher Tyler Glasnow to inquire about grip techniques on his curveball. "I was able to learn something good from him about how he holds the ball and applies pressure," Saiki noted enthusiastically. Glasnow confirmed, saying, "He's really good and showed great stability on the mound today."
Despite their win over the Dodgers, Saiki maintained humility, acknowledging the conditions faced by his opponents. "Today’s experience was good, but the Dodgers were not fully prepared. I still have two weeks to adjust before the official opening of the season," he stated, exhibiting his focus and eagerness to enter the regular season strong.
The Hanshin Tigers' strong showing serves as not only great preparation for the upcoming season but also as a statement of their capabilities against some of the best talent on the international stage. With players like Saiki and Sato leading their charge, Tigers fans have much to be excited about as they gear up for their home opener against DeNA on April 1, 2025. The anticipated match is set to be another spectacle, following their impressive preseason results.
The final remarks from the game reflect the team spirit and community optimism surrounding the Tigers. "I believe we can produce outcomes like this through teamwork," said Sato, highlighting the collective efforts required to maintain this momentum and reach new heights this season. With the road to victory seemingly illuminated, Hanshin advocates are eager to see how the team adapts and advances.