In an electrifying display of pitching prowess, Hanshin Tigers' Koyo Muraue achieved a remarkable feat on May 10, 2025, at Koshien Stadium, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over the Chunichi Dragons. This win marked Muraue's sixth of the season, placing him at the top of the league standings. Not only did he secure the win, but he also accomplished a rare 'Maddux'—a complete game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches—throwing just 98 in the process.
Muraue, 26, showcased his exceptional skills on the mound, continuing his impressive form from his previous outing on May 2 against the Yakult Swallows, where he also recorded a shutout without allowing a single walk. His performance against Chunichi was nothing short of spectacular, as he maintained his streak of not issuing walks for 28 consecutive innings, a testament to his control and command.
The game started with a shaky moment for Muraue when Chunichi's leadoff hitter, Okabayashi, hit a single, placing a runner in scoring position with one out. However, a stellar throw from right fielder Morishita prevented any runs from crossing the plate, allowing Muraue to settle into his rhythm. "I think it would have been a different game had we allowed a run there. I’m really grateful for the good play from my teammates," Muraue reflected after the game.
Hanshin's offense provided the necessary support, with Morishita driving in the first run in the opening inning. Following a double from Nakano, Morishita connected with a timely hit off Chunichi's starting pitcher Takahashi Hiroshi, who threw a fastball clocked at 151 km/h. This marked Morishita's fifth consecutive game with an RBI, showcasing his consistency at the plate.
In the sixth inning, Teruaki Sato added to the lead with another timely hit, extending his league-leading RBI total to 32. The Tigers' offense, while not explosive, was effective enough to secure the victory, halting a four-game losing streak against the Dragons that dated back to the previous season.
Manager Akinobu Okada expressed his pride in Muraue's performance, stating, "He always delivers solid pitching, and it makes it easier for our infielders. His rhythm on the mound today was truly wonderful." Okada also acknowledged the frustration from last season, where Muraue finished with a 2.58 ERA but had a disappointing record of 7 wins and 11 losses. "He seems to be making up for last year’s frustrations with his results this season. I still want him to keep pushing and not feel too comfortable, but today, I hope he can relax a bit," Okada added.
The victory solidified Hanshin's position at the top of the league, improving their record to 19 wins, 14 losses, and 1 tie, with a comfortable five-game lead. The team has shown resilience, bouncing back after a tough series against Chunichi earlier in the season where they faced three consecutive losses.
As the game concluded, Muraue's teammates celebrated his achievement, recognizing the significance of his back-to-back shutouts and the Maddux accomplishment. This feat is not common in professional baseball, making it all the more impressive. Muraue is now among a select group of pitchers who have achieved such a milestone, something that hasn't been done by a Hanshin pitcher since Takahashi in 2021.
In addition to Muraue's outstanding performance, the atmosphere at Koshien Stadium was electric, particularly as the team held its annual 'TORACO DAY' event, dedicated to female fans. The stands were filled with enthusiastic supporters, adding to the excitement of the day.
Looking ahead, the Hanshin Tigers will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their season, with Muraue leading the charge on the mound. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver exceptional results will be crucial as the Tigers push for a strong finish in the league.
With Muraue's recent performances, fans are hopeful that he can continue this form and lead the Tigers to further victories. The blend of solid pitching and timely hitting could be the recipe for success as the season progresses.
