There was a lot of excitement about this young Tigers team, particularly the first two draft picks in 2016. The team’s future slugger and ace, respectively, had great springs. But this is one game I’m sure both of them would rather forget…
Starting Pitchers: Taiki Ono vs. Kris Johnson
1
Amazing! We’re stealing bases again! Hiroki Uemoto stole second and came home on a Yoshio Itoi single. He then stole second and came home on a Kosuke Fukudome double. Running = runs! (For those keeping track at home, Yusuke Ohyama ended the rally with a chance to break the game wide open. And again with two runners in scoring position in the top of the third. We’ll save the rest for later.)
Hanshin 2, Hiroshima 0
3
While Ono had allowed no hits until this point, he did walk several. Including their pitcher to lead off this inning. Then two more guys. Then KABLAMO. First hit of the game for them produces 4 runs. And they added another before this frame ended.
Hanshin 2, Hiroshima 5
5
But we got back on our horses sooner than later. Shunsuke led off this frame with a single, and then Itoi crushed a ball to right…
🐯ヨッシャ〜❗
糸井のツーランですよ。👏🏻😆#阪神タイガース #糸井嘉男 pic.twitter.com/a0E4EhCKxv
— ⚾埼とら⚾今季も怪我無く！ (@yakyuragu) April 28, 2018
In his one “productive” at bat on the night, Ohyama hit a sacrifice fly to knot this one up. In all fairness, it almost dropped into center for a single, and it also resulted in Carp center fielder Yoshihiro Maru getting hurt. His ironman streak would be over at 700 games on this play.
Hanshin 5, Hiroshima 5
6
Ono’s night ended after the previous inning, with a 5 IP 111 TP 3 H 7 BB 5 R 4 ER 6 K line. In relief, Suguru Iwazaki gave up a walk and a couple of doubles to give the Carp the lead, and ultimately the game.
For the record, Ohyama had a chance in the top of the 7th (runners on 1st & 2nd) but ended the inning. He also had a final chance in the top of the 9th (runners on 1st & 2nd) but struck out looking. Doesn’t get more unclutch than that.