On March 15, 2025, Hanshin Tigers' 20-year-old pitcher Kadowaki Hirato delivered a stunning performance against the Chicago Cubs during the MLB preseason game at Tokyo Dome. Kadowaki achieved perfection, pitching five shutout innings without allowing a single runner on base, garnering widespread attention and praise from fans and commentators alike.
Kadowaki, who has made significant strides since his debut, showcased his talent by throwing with impressive speed, reaching up to 146 km/h. This game marked his sixth spring practice match, where he continued to shine, maintaining an unblemished record of 20 innings pitched without allowing any runs. The future looks bright for this rising star, especially with his recent performance raising expectations for his potential inclusion on the opening day roster.
Facing the formidable Cubs lineup, Kadowaki's pitching remained unyielding from the very first inning. He opened with solid control, forcing Ian Happ to fly out to right field on his very first pitch. He quickly followed with Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, who hit the ball hard back to center, only to be caught by Chikamoto, effectively silencing the powerful hitters. Kadowaki concluded the inning by placing Kyle Tucker, the 2023 AL RBI leader, to fly out to left, demonstrating his command right from the start.
Moving forward to the second inning, Kadowaki continued to dazzle, retiring three more batters including veteran Justin Turner and Dansby Swanson, maintaining his remarkable perfection.
Throughout the game, Kadowaki struck out two batters and kept the Cubs from reaching base. His ability to mix pitches and his strategic approach to the batters proved effective in handling the high-caliber lineup from Major League Baseball. Commentary from Isao Ika emphasized the importance of Kadowaki’s timing and rhythm against American hitters, noting, "Despite the differences in timing tendencies between Japanese pitchers and Major League hitters, Kadowaki was adept at keeping them off balance."
The admiration didn't stop at just professional commentators; fans were also electrified by Kadowaki's flawless outing. Social media buzzed with comments, including one fan's suggestion, "Let's bring Kadowaki back to Chicago!" expressing optimism about his potential. Another online observer shared excitement over the prospect, stating, "He's just 20; he should be pitching here!" Many saw Kadowaki's performance as groundbreaking, with fans exclaiming, "This year, he’s been remarkable!"
After finishing his five innings, Kadowaki walked off the mound to applause, having made it clear he plans on taking this momentum and confidence with him as he heads toward the regular season. Reflecting on his exceptional showing, Kadowaki stated, "I prepared to enter with the same mindset as always. Umeno led me well, and I’m happy with the result." His focus on consistency and readiness seems to set the tone for his upcoming rookie season.
Kadowaki's performance is particularly significant considering his previous season, where he struggled with two losses and no wins across five appearances. This marked turnabout leaves analysts and fans alike optimistic about his ability to excel. Commentator Kazuo Matsui praised Kadowaki, saying, "It was truly terrifying; he pitched with remarkable confidence against Major League hitters." His poise and execution have caught the eye of many, making him one of the most talked-about pitchers this preseason.
The game ended with the Hanshin Tigers clinching a firm 3-0 victory against the Cubs, with timely hits from Chikamoto, Maekawa, and Sato Teru contributing to this hard-fought win. Following Kadowaki's outstanding display, the bullpen maintained the momentum, succeeding with their own scoreless innings to complete the shutout.
With the Tigers now moving toward the regular season, Kadowaki has solidified his role, and as he expressed his determination, "I want to make my first win and experience this hero interview during the season." Fans, coaches, and teammates will undoubtedly keep their eyes on him, hoping for continued success from the young left-hander.
Overall, Kadowaki's display against the Cubs leaves both his team and fans eagerly anticipating what he’ll bring to the table throughout the season. Whether it’s the excitement of his pitches or his determined mindset, Kadowaki is ready to make his mark and feel the thrill of professional baseball.