The Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball emerged as the surprise star of the MLB Tokyo Series. With consecutive 3-0 victories against the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, they showcased the excellence of Japanese baseball.

Under the leadership of new manager Kyuji Fujikawa, Hanshin achieved a commanding 3-0 victory over the Dodgers in the 2025 MLB World Tour Tokyo Series preseason game held at Tokyo Dome on the 16th. The day before on the 15th, they also won against the Cubs 3-0, recording 18 consecutive scoreless innings in two games, showcasing their pitching strength against Major League teams.

In the game against the Cubs, left-handed pitcher Keito Montez, who had not yet registered a win after appearing in 7 games over 2 seasons, made a surprise start. He impressed with a perfect performance over 5 innings, striking out 2 batters. The Cubs, failing to capitalize on Hanshin's bullpen, managed only 3 scattered hits without scoring.

Against the stronger lineup of the Dodgers, Hanshin's pitching also shined. Right-hander Hiroto Saiki, who emerged as the ace last year and was selected for the Premier 12 Japan national team, overwhelmed the Dodgers’ lineup with 5 innings pitched, allowing just 1 hit, 1 walk, and striking out 7 without conceding any runs. The Dodgers were held to 3 scattered hits without scoring and struck out 12 times.

Saiki, who had a no-hitter until giving up his first hit to lead-off batter Max Muncy in the 5th inning, threw a total of 83 pitches and induced 16 swings and misses. His fastball reached a maximum speed of 95 mph (152.9 km/h), averaging 93.4 mph (150.3 km/h), complemented by forkballs (16), sliders (14), curves (5), and changeups (2).

The fastball from the 189cm tall pitcher had a maximum spin rate of 2775 RPM and an average of 2617 RPM, showing impressive power. The combination of the fastball and the sharply dropping forkball left the Dodgers hitters swinging at air multiple times. Out of 7 strikeouts, 5 were from forkballs. Along with stable control grazing the borderline, his performance was impeccable. Shohei Ohtani also experienced a swinging strikeout from Saiki's low falling forkball in the 1st inning, followed by a flyout to center field after hitting a high fastball in the 3rd.

According to Japanese media, after the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Saiki, saying, “He has Major League caliber stuff. His splitter was good, and his control was solid.” Tyler Glasnow, a Dodgers pitcher who advised Saiki on throwing curveballs after the game, noted, “I wanted to ask Saiki a lot of questions, but there wasn’t enough time. He did very well. His consistency was impressive.”

In the Hanshin lineup, the performance of 'left-handed slugger' Teruaki Sato stood out. In the 4th inning with no outs and runners on 1st and 3rd, he faced a high outside fastball clocking in at 95 mph (152.9 km/h) from the 2-time Cy Young Award-winning left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, resulting in a three-run home run to right field. The ball had a speed of 100.4 mph (161.6 km/h) and a distance of 373 feet (113.7 m), with a launch angle of 34 degrees, marking the game-winner.

Manager Roberts commented on Sato, stating, “He’s an excellent hitter. He didn’t miss the swing for power,” and he added, “Hanshin was a fantastic team overall. Their defense was solid, and their hitting was good. It was impressive how the hitters handled the fastballs.” Not only Sato, but Shota Morishita also connected for a left-field double off Snell's 95.9 mph (154.3 km/h) inside fastball in the 4th.

With their outstanding results and gameplay, Hanshin had an opportunity to boost their confidence as the season opener approaches. Manager Fujikawa remarked, “Saiki delivered a very strong performance, and I hope that continues into the season,” adding, “This was a very significant time for each player and likely served as valuable experience. Now with the pennant race ahead, we must focus on preparing as a team starting tomorrow.”

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