On April 23, 2025, at Yokohama Stadium, the Hanshin Tigers triumphed over the DeNA BayStars with a thrilling 3-2 victory, thanks to a game-winning home run by Yuusuke Ohyama in the tenth inning. This match marked Hanshin's third consecutive win and extended their impressive winning streak against DeNA to seven games, a feat not achieved in two years.
The game was a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing their skills in a tightly contested match. Hanshin's manager, Akihiro Yagi, expressed confidence in Ohyama, who had been struggling at the plate, hitting only .208 with no home runs prior to this game. "I always believed he would hit eventually. I wasn't worried about it at all," Yagi stated, reflecting his faith in the player.
In the ninth inning, the tension escalated when Shimamoto successfully navigated a two-out situation, preventing DeNA from capitalizing on a scoring opportunity. However, it was Ohyama's moment that would steal the spotlight. With the score tied at 2-2 in the tenth inning, Ohyama stepped up to the plate and faced DeNA's pitcher Yamazaki. After working the count to 3-2, Ohyama connected perfectly, sending a liner that soared into the front row of the left-field seats—his first home run of the season in his 85th at-bat, a significant milestone for the 30-year-old.
Ohyama's home run brought a wave of relief and joy to the Hanshin fans present at Yokohama Stadium, and he couldn't help but smile as his teammates rushed to congratulate him. In the post-game interview, Ohyama reflected on his performance, saying, "I have been helped by everyone on the team, and I wanted to step up and contribute. I'm glad I could do that today." He acknowledged the cheers from the fans, stating, "The loudest cheers came after the game ended, and I think this victory was a result of our collective effort as a team."
The scoring began early in the match, with Hanshin taking the lead in the first inning. Chikamoto led off with a single, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Nakano, putting him in scoring position. The third batter, Morishita, delivered a timely hit, giving Hanshin a 1-0 advantage. DeNA responded in the fourth inning when Maekawa hit a double, setting up a two-out opportunity. With the bases loaded, Nakano came through with a crucial hit, giving DeNA a 2-1 lead.
Despite the setback, Hanshin's resilience shone through. The team's pitching staff, led by starter Kanemitsu, managed to limit DeNA's scoring opportunities. Kanemitsu pitched 5.1 innings, allowing only three hits and two runs, but was unable to secure the win, leaving the game with a no-decision.
As the game progressed, both teams battled fiercely, with the relief pitchers from both sides stepping up to keep the score close. The Hanshin bullpen, in particular, was instrumental in maintaining the tie and setting the stage for Ohyama's heroics.
Yagi praised his team's overall performance, noting, "We played a very resilient game today. It was a good team effort, and I'm proud of how we handled the pressure." His confidence in Ohyama was evident, as he believed that the slugger's struggles would soon turn around, which they did in spectacular fashion.
This victory not only secured Hanshin's third consecutive win but also marked their largest lead in the standings this season, with a positive differential of three games. Fans are hopeful that this win is a sign of greater things to come as the season progresses.
The Hanshin Tigers now look ahead, aiming to build on this momentum and continue their winning streak. With players like Ohyama stepping up in crucial moments, the team is poised for a strong season as they navigate the competitive landscape of professional baseball.
As the excitement of this game settles, the Tigers are set to face their next challenge, and fans are eager to see if they can maintain their winning ways. The thrill of victory is sweet, but the journey ahead promises to be just as exhilarating.
