The Nippon Ham Fighters secured a convincing 5-2 victory over the Tokyo Giants during their open game held at Escon Field on March 18, 2025. The match showcased both the offensive prowess of the Fighters and the struggles of the Giants' pitching staff, particularly starter Ondai.
The Giants initially took the lead early on. Koshu Maou, playing for the first time after his transfer, brought home the first run with a sacrifice fly during the second inning. This brief advantage was soon relinquished. The fifth inning became pivotal as the Fighters struck back decisively. With the score tied 1-1, they lit up the scoreboard, thanks to three consecutive solo home runs.
Kotono Mizutani opened the bombarding sequence with a solo shot, immediately followed by Yukito Nomura hitting his first home run of the open season, and Kota Kiyomiya adding another long ball just moments later. This onslaught turned the game to the Fighters' favor, allowing them to stretch their lead. Adding to their success, Martínez also blasted a home run during the seventh inning, solidifying the Fighters' 5-2 lead.
On the Giants' side, starting pitcher Ondai struggled to find his rhythm, throwing 80 pitches over just four innings. He allowed three hits and only one run, but his frequent walks and long pitching intervals prompted Manager Abe to express his frustration. "What’s with all the balls? I kept questioning how many pitches he was throwing," Abe remarked after the game, sharing his concerns over Ondai's performance.
Despite some bright spots, such as Sakamoto’s run-batted-in during the sixth inning, the Giants found themselves grappling to keep pace with the Fighters' explosive batting. Abe noted, "The intervals were long, and he kept throwing balls... It didn’t seem like he could settle down and gain control."
Abe highlighted Ondai’s upcoming responsibility, as he is expected to pitch early next week against the Chunichi Dragons. "He needs to figure it out by then," the manager stated. "I told him, 'Think for yourself!' I want him to stand on his own feet. He has to show improvement with his command and effectiveness on the mound."
This match served as both a test and preparation for the teams as they gear up for the regular season, set to begin soon. The Fighters demonstrated their ability to deliver under pressure, with Manager Shinjo expressing confidence about their performance. "The joy for winning is becoming contagious within the team; I’m really challenged when it’s time to finalize the roster," he commented.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the teams refine their strategies and roster choices leading up to the start of the season. With both teams showcasing talent and potential, the upcoming matches promise exciting developments.
