Hiroshima Carp solidified their position at the top of the league with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Hanshin Tigers on April 19, 2025, at Koshien Stadium. The win marks the Carp's second consecutive victory, showcasing a blend of solid pitching and timely hitting.
Starting pitcher Manabu Koeda was the star of the show, delivering a stellar performance by pitching 7 innings, allowing only 6 hits, and not conceding a single run. This victory not only earned him his second win of the season but also marked a significant milestone as it was his 50th career win in his ninth year as a professional. Koeda's performance was characterized by his ability to escape tight situations, including a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning.
The Carp took control of the game early in the second inning, capitalizing on defensive errors from the Tigers. The inning started with Fabian reaching base after a fumble by shortstop Kizawa. With two outs and runners on first and third, Yazawa delivered a timely infield hit that resulted in Kizawa's wild throw to first, allowing Yazawa to reach safely and score the first run of the game.
Following Yazawa’s hit, the Carp continued to apply pressure. Hazuki, who was making his first start of the season on his 25th birthday, stepped up to the plate with two runners in scoring position. He delivered a clutch two-run hit to center field, extending the Carp’s lead to 3-0. Hazuki expressed his delight after the game, stating, "Yazawa connected, so I was desperate to connect as well. I'm glad I could support Koeda."
Koeda's pitching was complemented by solid defense, particularly in the sixth inning when Chikamoto hit a deep ball into left-center. However, a perfectly executed relay play from center fielder Nonma and Yazawa resulted in Chikamoto being tagged out at third base, keeping the Tigers scoreless.
In the seventh inning, Koeda faced more pressure with two outs and runners on first and second. Yet, he remained calm and collected, getting Oyama to ground out, thus preserving his shutout. Koeda finished his outing after throwing 111 pitches, and his performance drew praise from manager Takahiro Arai, who noted, "You can watch with peace of mind even when he's carrying a pinch. He has clearly grown into a wonderful pitcher."
The Carp's relief pitchers, Ha-n and Kuribayashi, continued the shutout in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, ensuring that the Tigers would not find a way back into the game. This victory further solidified Hiroshima's lead in the standings, showcasing a well-rounded team effort.
On the other side, the Hanshin Tigers are struggling this season, particularly at home, where they now hold a disappointing record of 1 win, 7 losses, and 1 draw at Koshien Stadium. Manager Fujikawa acknowledged the team's shortcomings, particularly in their defensive play, which allowed three runs in the second inning due to multiple errors. Kizawa was notably underperforming, committing two errors in the second inning and another in the ninth, leading him to say, "It's my fault."
The Tigers have now faced three shutout losses this season, and their struggles against left-handed pitchers continue, with a record of 2 wins and 6 losses. The team will need to regroup quickly, as they face an uphill battle to turn their season around.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on their performances. For Hiroshima, the combination of Koeda’s pitching and timely hitting from players like Yazawa and Hazuki could prove crucial as they aim to maintain their lead in the league. Meanwhile, Hanshin will need to address their defensive issues and find ways to support their pitchers to avoid further losses.
With the season still young, there’s plenty of excitement ahead as teams battle for position in the league. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as the Carp and Tigers look to make their mark in the coming weeks.
