The Hanshin Tigers displayed their impressive form in Tokyo by sweeping MLB teams, notably defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 and the Chicago Cubs 3-0. Over two games, they did not allow a single run. Manager Kyuji Fujikawa highlighted the significance of these victories, while Daichi Ishii capped off the performance with a strikeout to seal 18 consecutive scoreless innings. Pitcher Hiroto Saiki shone with his dominant five-inning performance, striking out seven and limiting the Dodgers to just one hit. The exhibition games reflect the growing strength of Japanese baseball.
Daichi Ishii recorded the final out, freezing James Outman for strike three on a 95 mph fastball to cap 18 scoreless innings in a row.
These two days were priceless, Hanshin manager Kyuji Fujikawa said through an interpreter.
I thought they played really good defense. They can handle velocity good with the fastball. The starter (Saiki) had major-league stuff. Good command, good split.
Saiki was one of the best pitchers in Japan last season, finishing with a 13-3 record and a 1.88 ERA over 167 2/3 innings.
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