In a thrilling matchup on April 28, 2025, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano delivered a standout performance against the New York Yankees, earning his third win of the season. The game, which took place at Camden Yards, saw Sugano pitch five innings, allowing five hits and no runs while striking out a personal-best eight batters. His impressive outing helped the Orioles secure a 4-3 victory.
Sugano, who is 35 years old, faced a challenging Yankees lineup, including star slugger Aaron Judge, who entered the game with a staggering batting average of .406. The pressure was on as Sugano made his first official start against the Yankees in a regular season game. He noted, "Every time I pitch, I discover something new. One thing is that my sweeper has improved, and I was able to use my fastball effectively today, which I think was a key factor in my performance."
The game began with Sugano encountering a bases-loaded situation in the first inning, but he managed to escape unscathed by inducing a groundout from Yankees' infielder Anthony Volpe. Sugano then settled into a rhythm, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. In the third inning, he struck out the formidable duo of Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm back-to-back, further solidifying his dominance on the mound.
Despite allowing two hits to Judge earlier in the game, Sugano maintained his composure and struck him out with a 141 km/h splitter in the fifth inning, a highlight of the match. This moment was particularly satisfying for Sugano, who recalled a previous spring training encounter where he had walked Judge, resulting in boos from the crowd. He humorously remarked, "I didn't want to be booed again, so I focused on winning this time." This lighthearted comment elicited laughter from reporters in the locker room.
Throughout the game, Sugano's pitching strategy was evident. He effectively utilized his sweeper and splitter to keep the Yankees' hitters off balance. His performance was marked by precision and control, as he threw a total of 95 pitches, achieving a remarkable strikeout rate. The Orioles' offense provided him with four runs of support, allowing him to pitch confidently.
After the game, Sugano reflected on his performance, stating, "I felt a sense of responsibility pitching in this game, especially since it was my first start against the Yankees. The support from my teammates was invaluable, and I'm glad we could secure the win together." His ERA now stands at 3.00, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound this season.
The win not only boosted Sugano's confidence but also added to the Orioles' momentum as they continue to compete in the American League East. The victory over the Yankees, a strong rival in the division, is a significant achievement for Sugano and the Orioles as they look to build on this success moving forward.
Sugano's ability to perform under pressure and his strategic pitching choices have made him a key player for the Orioles this season. As the team prepares for their next matchup, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Sugano continues to develop and contribute to the team's success.
In conclusion, Tomoyuki Sugano's stellar performance against the Yankees not only marked a personal milestone but also underscored his importance to the Orioles' pitching staff. With his blend of experience and skill, Sugano is poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.
