In a highly anticipated matchup at Tokyo Dome on March 21, 2025, Lotte's pitcher Kazuya Ojima faced off against the rival Giants in what would prove to be a challenging opening game for him and his team. Despite being named the opening pitcher for the third consecutive year, Ojima struggled to find his form, a development that raised eyebrows as the season rapidly approaches.
Ojima, who is 28 years old, was looking to channel his prior successes into a strong start this season. In his three prior spring training games, he recorded an impressive 1.50 ERA, but with no wins and one loss to his name, concerns were mounting. Nevertheless, he previously had a standout performance on March 7 at ZOZO Marine Stadium, pitching five innings against SoftBank with only one hit allowed and striking out six batters. Those stats fueled hopes of a strong start.
Prior to the match, Ojima had taken on a leadership role within the team, even going so far as to invite new foreign pitchers to a barbecue during pre-season training. Ojima’s intent was to foster camaraderie among players who were navigating a new cultural experience. "Foreign players are going to experience living in a different country for the first time, and I don't want them to feel that away-from-home loneliness. I believe it's best if players around my age help bring them into the team," he remarked, showing his commitment to team unity.
As the game unfolded in the first inning, Ojima appeared poised and ready, taking care of the first three batters with a quick succession—only five pitches needed to secure three outs. However, the second inning was a different story. A hit and a walk placed runners on base, and Ojima couldn’t stave off Nakayama, who scored the game's first run. A couple of batters later, Koushi smacked a three-run home run, casting dark clouds over Ojima's performance.
Ojima ended up allowing five hits and ultimately five runs before the third inning wrapped up. This was a stark contrast to his prior outings and created alarming doubts about his readiness just one week ahead of the actual season kickoff. The moment brought Ojima’s self-reflections to light as he pondered adjustments he would need to make: "I have to become more adaptable on the mound in these moments," Ojima commented post-game, underscoring the pressure he felt as the designated opening pitcher.
Meanwhile, the Giants took advantage of the situation with a powerful offensive display. Their players capitalized on Ojima's missteps, particularly in the second inning when timely hits started to accumulate. It was in that early frame that Nakayama's hit provided the Giants the lead, swiftly followed by Koushi's impressive three-run home run which sent the crowd into a frenzy. From that point on, the Giants were firmly in control.
Even as the game progressed, the Giants continued to pile on runs, creating a 6-2 lead, effectively sealing the victory. The pitching by Ojima came under fire from critics who wondered how he would fare as the season's challenges ramped up. Entering this season as Lotte's ace is no small feat, and being unable to reassure fans and management raises significant questions about his capabilities and whether he is truly prepared to shoulder the responsibility.
After the match, Ojima expressed gratitude toward his teammates, recognizing support even amidst the disappointing outing. He remains dedicated to overcoming the obstacles and ensuring his performances will improve as the season unfolds. "We showed our power with timely hits and solid pitching," said the Giants' manager, embodying the contrasting sentiment from the two team's dugouts.
The victory marks an early step in a season that promises high stakes and competitive intensity, underscoring the necessity for players like Ojima to find their footing quickly. As fans eager for a successful season look ahead, this game offered a mix of optimism and concern ahead of opening day. For Ojima, the need for improvement is evident, and the pressure will only increase as the season progresses.
