After yesterday’s rather frustrating loss to the Dragons, the Tigers were in need of a win on Saturday at Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Starting Pitchers: Takumi Akiyama (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Dillon Gee (0-1, 7.50 ERA)
1
Tsuyoshi Nishioka got his first start of the year, and reached base in his first at bat via an error. He would go on to score on a Kosuke Fukudome single up the middle.
Tigers 1, Dragons 0
4
Wilin Rosario picked up a walk, and a couple of batters later, Yusuke Ohyama hit a 2-1 cutter over the fence in right – his second opposite field homer of the year after none in his rookie campaign.
いいぞ大山！第2号はツーランホームラン！！！ #hanshin #虎テレ pic.twitter.com/FGYVKyQPPU
— 虎テレ運用担当 (@toratele) April 7, 2018
Tigers 3, Dragons 0
6
After cruising through the first five innings without incident, Akiyama gave up a leadoff single to Ohshima and an RBI double to Almonte. Because this wasn’t a strike.
奥さん、これがボールですってよ pic.twitter.com/yofFAzgZLF
— aki (@aki_ne0108) April 7, 2018
A couple of walks later, the bases were juiced, but Akiyama ended his start with a clutch strikeout. His line: 6 IP, 92 TP, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 R, 4 K.
Tigers 3, Dragons 1
8
It didn’t take long for Marcos Mateo to load the bases, and it looked as though the Dragons would put a dent in the lead, if not wipe it out. But an infield fly was followed by a double play, and the lead was preserved.
9
Rafael Dolis entered the game, got a couple of quick outs on lazy fly balls, walked their leadoff guy, but struck out last year’s Rookie of the Year to preserve the win. Just 4 hits for our guys today, but it was enough to get the W.