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Games 13-15 @ Dragons: Split Down the Middle

Games 13-15 @ Dragons: Split Down the Middle

The truth is, the Hanshin Tigers aren’t that good at Vantelin Dome. But an even greater truth is that in Akinobu Okada‘s six years as Tigers manager (2004-08, 23) they have a winning record in Nagoya four times. Whether that means he simply knows how to win in such environs, or it is just coincidence,…

Games 1-3 @ Giants: Bats Slumber 25/27 Innings

Games 1-3 @ Giants: Bats Slumber 25/27 Innings

The title defense began on March 29 at Tokyo Dome. You would think the defending champs, and the only CL team to finish in the top 3 for 5 straight years, would get to start their season at home! However, the Tigers traded that privilege for the right to host the Yomiuri Giants at Koshien…

Japan Series Game 1: Everything Went (Almost) Perfectly!

Japan Series Game 1: Everything Went (Almost) Perfectly!

It’s always a little alarming when people start talking about a perfect game before it’s half over, but Shoki Murakami was dealing. No one reached base against him through four innings, conjuring up images of his first start in 2023 against the Yomiuri Giants (April 12, 7 perfect innings). The perfect game vanished against the…

Game 128 vs. Giants: WE A.R.E. THE CHAMPIONS!

Game 128 vs. Giants: WE A.R.E. THE CHAMPIONS!

History was made at Hanshin Koshien Stadium last night, September 14. The Tigers had a magic number of 1, and were riding a 10-game winning streak. Their perfect September was on the line, and an 11-game streak had not been achieved in 41 seasons. Nevertheless, the team put aside some early-inning jitters (see recap below)…

Player-Themed Ballpark Food 2023

Player-Themed Ballpark Food 2023

When attending a baseball game in Japan, one must experience the food in tandem with the action on the field! Japan is world-renowned for putting a lot of thought, effort, and quality into its cuisine… and the ballparks are no exception! There is a lot of great food besides what we have for you here,…

Games 22-24 @ Swallows: Shutouts and Bombs!

Games 22-24 @ Swallows: Shutouts and Bombs!

The Tigers came off their biggest shutout win of the two-league era on Thursday night at Koshien (where they defeated the Yomiuri Giants 15-0). The good times continued at hitter-friendly Jingu Stadium, as they kept the home team off the board for 20 straight innings. Koutaro Ohtake was effective on Friday for 5 innings, and…