The Hanshin Tigers are generating buzz as they aim for their first Central League title in two years, particularly following impressive performances during the MLB preseason games against the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team managed to shut out both of these top-tier opponents, winning each game with a score of 3-0, which has led many to champion them as strong contenders for the upcoming season.
Baseball commentator Tsuneo Horinouchi, who played for the Giants, highlighted the Tigers' potential through his recent blog update on March 18, 2025, stating, "This year, the Hanshin might be strong." He particularly praised the two starting pitchers from the recent games: Kadowaki, who delivered five spectacular innings without giving up any hits or runs against the Cubs on March 15, and Saiki, who followed suit with another five-inning performance allowing only one hit against the Dodgers the next day. Horinouchi stated, "These two were impressive; Saiki showed composure, and Kadowaki, at just 20 years old, pitched freely with great control. If they maintain this level of performance, the Giants might struggle to score against them this season," illustrating the confidence he has in the young duo.
The Giants did not fare as well as the Tigers during the same period, suffering back-to-back losses with scores of 1-5 against the Dodgers and 2-4 against the Cubs, thereby highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Horinouchi pointed out the necessity for Giants' pitchers to shed their nervousness, comparing them to the composed performances of the Tigers’ young talent.
This spring's intense preparations have also featured Hanshin's top draft pick, left-handed pitcher Ryuto Iohara, whose chances of starting the opening game against Yakult are looking favorable. At just 24 years old and coming from NTT West Japan, Iohara impressed during his practice by achieving three scoreless innings over his first three games this spring. He is set to pitch against Yakult on March 18 at Jingu Stadium, where he is bolstered by the encouraging atmosphere from his teammates and coaches.
During practice at the Nisshin Seiko Plate SGL Stadium, Iohara expressed his confidence, stating, "I am adjusting my pitching routine to find the optimal timing for entering games." The upcoming match is particularly significant as Iohara competes with Jon Duplantier, the new foreign pitcher from Dodgers 3A, for the final spot in the rotation set to face DeNA on April 2 at Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Historically, the Jingu stadium has not been intimidating for Iohara, who recalls his time there during university competitions. He mentioned, "I don’t have any terrible memories from there, and my previous performances were not too bad," indicating his positive mindset heading toward his first start against the top teams of the Central League.
The managerial staff, including coach Fujikawa, also appear optimistic about Iohara, noting, "He is definitely where he needs to be to make the rotation," as anticipation grows for his performance against the seasoned Yakult lineup. Sato Teruaki, another key player for Hanshin, has also shown remarkable talent, hitting three-run homeruns against two-time Cy Young Award winner Snell during the preseason, making him one to watch.
Fans are eagerly watching both Iohara and the team as they gear up for the official season opener on March 28, 2025. The Tigers' managerial staff also revealed the starting lineup for the upcoming game against Yakult. The batting order features leading figures such as Kondo, Nakano, and Teruaki, as they prepare to face off against Yakult’s opener, Okugawa, who has been selected as their starting pitcher.
With their recent performances and the growing confidence among their players, the Hanshin Tigers are positioned to enter the season with high expectations, signaling not only their goals of reclaiming the Central League championship but also aiming for renewed pride and strength within their franchise.
