In a historic opening game on March 28, 2025, Orix pitcher Hiroya Miyagi came agonizingly close to achieving a no-hitter, but ultimately fell short, marking a significant moment in Japanese professional baseball history. Miyagi, who was the starting pitcher for the second consecutive year, dazzled fans at Kyocera Dome Osaka as he pitched flawlessly through seven innings, not allowing a single runner to reach base.
The excitement in the stadium was palpable as Miyagi struck out the first three batters in the opening inning, showcasing his impressive mix of fastballs exceeding 150 kilometers per hour and slow curveballs in the 80-kilometer range. His ability to keep the opposing lineup guessing was a testament to his skill and preparation.
However, the dream of a perfect game came to a heartbreaking end in the eighth inning. Leading off the inning, Hotaka Yamakawa hit a ground ball that rolled just past the pitcher’s mound, resulting in an infield hit. The crowd, which had been roaring with anticipation, fell silent as the realization set in that the perfect game had slipped away.
As if that wasn’t enough, the situation quickly escalated. With one out, Miyagi allowed a right-field hit to pinch-hitter Franco, putting runners on first and third base. The tension in the stadium was thick as the Orix fans held their breath. Then, with the pressure mounting, Ito stepped up to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring the first run of the game and dashing Miyagi’s hopes for a shutout.
The crowd’s reaction was a mix of disappointment and admiration; they had witnessed an extraordinary performance, even if it didn’t conclude with the historical no-hitter. "It was a tough loss, but I gave it my all out there," Miyagi said after the game, reflecting on his performance. "I’ll learn from this and come back stronger for the next game."
Historically, no pitcher in Japanese professional baseball has ever achieved a no-hitter in an opening game, and the feat is incredibly rare in Major League Baseball as well. The only instance in MLB history occurred on April 16, 1940, when Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox.
Despite the disappointment, Miyagi’s performance was a bright spot for Orix, who are looking to build on their success from the previous season. His ability to dominate through the early innings showcased his potential as a leading pitcher in the league. "We have high hopes for Hiroya this season," said Orix manager, expressing confidence in his star pitcher. "He showed today that he can compete at the highest level, and I believe he will continue to improve."
The Orix team will be looking to bounce back in their next game, with fans eager to see how Miyagi responds after this near-miss. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on him to see if he can achieve the elusive no-hitter, a goal that now seems even more tantalizing after this near-historic performance.
As the excitement of the opening game fades, the focus shifts to the upcoming matchups. Orix will face strong competition in the coming weeks, and with Miyagi in the rotation, they are poised to make a significant impact. The fans are hopeful that this season will bring not only personal achievements for players like Miyagi but also collective success for the team.
In the world of sports, moments like these are what make the game so thrilling. Even though Miyagi fell short of a perfect game, his performance has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. With the right mindset and continued hard work, there’s no telling what he might achieve next.
