In a thrilling matchup at the Vantelin Dome, the Chunichi Dragons edged out the Yomiuri Giants 3-2 on April 1, 2025, marking a significant moment for veteran pitcher Iwasaki Sho. After a long 1413 days without a win, Iwasaki, now 35 years old, finally celebrated his first victory since joining the Dragons, shedding tears of joy on the mound.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams tied at 1-1 as the seventh inning unfolded. Iwasaki, making his first appearance of the season, was called to the mound in a high-pressure situation. With one out, he faced a challenging moment after allowing consecutive hits to Hernandez and Kabuto, loading the bases. But the seasoned pitcher showed his mettle, inducing a ground out from Nakayama and a fly out from Tobata, escaping the inning without conceding a run.
Following Iwasaki's impressive effort, his teammates rallied to score a crucial run in the bottom of the seventh, securing the win. This victory was especially poignant for Iwasaki, who had not tasted success since May 19, 2021, during his time with the SoftBank Hawks. "I haven't been able to do anything since coming to the Dragons... I'm happy," he expressed, his voice choked with emotion as he reflected on his journey back to the top.
Iwasaki's road to recovery has been fraught with challenges. After joining Chunichi in 2021 as part of a compensation deal for Yakushi, he suffered a right elbow injury during his first appearance in 2022, leading to Tommy John surgery. The following year was spent rehabilitating, and last season, he made 21 appearances with a less-than-stellar ERA of 5.85. Despite these setbacks, Iwasaki remained determined to contribute to his team this year.
On the mound, Iwasaki showcased his enduring skills. His fastball reached an impressive speed of 154 km/h, and he relied heavily on his forkball, consistently throwing in the 140 km/h range. "The doctors helped me maintain my speed, and I want to keep training hard to defy my age," he vowed, embodying the spirit of a true competitor.
After the game, Iwasaki attempted to hand the winning ball to Manager Inoue, but the manager graciously declined, choosing instead to let Iwasaki keep it as a symbol of his hard-fought victory. In a light-hearted moment during the post-game hero interview, Iwasaki expressed gratitude to his catcher, Kinoshita, saying, "Thanks to Kinoshita's lead, I think something good will happen." His smile was infectious, and the home crowd erupted in applause, celebrating not just the win, but Iwasaki's remarkable comeback.
This victory also served as a bright spot for the Dragons, who were eager to start their season on a high note. The home opener was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they fought hard against a formidable opponent in the Giants. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Iwasaki can maintain this momentum and continue to be a key contributor to the Dragons' success.
The Chunichi Dragons' victory over the Yomiuri Giants is more than just a win in the standings; it symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the power of determination in the face of adversity. Iwasaki's journey serves as an inspiration not only to his teammates but also to fans who have followed his career through its ups and downs. As the Dragons look to build on this success, one thing is clear: Iwasaki Sho is back and ready to make his mark in the 2025 season.
