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vs. Swallows – September 27 – Sloppy Win, Slip into Fourth

The Hanshin Tigers have found too many weird ways to lose too many games this season. Even against these Yakult Swallows, success has been fleeting and hard losses have become the norm. Heading into this, the third-to-last game of the season, the Tigers were 11-12-1 against the defending Central League pennant winners. This one would…

vs. Carp – September 14 – Just Another Loss

There’s no decorating this or making excuses of any sort. The Hanshin Tigers have been utterly dominated by the Hiroshima Carp this year. After a decent 4-4 start in the season series, the Tigers lost 9 straight and have since limped to a 6-17 record against the Central League champs heading into this one. Game…

vs. Dragons – July 29-31 – Best Week of the Year

The Hanshin Tigers have no reason to get too high after sweeping the lowly Tokyo Yakult Swallows at home earlier this week. After all, they faced inferior pitching and were just starting to heat up at the plate after battering the Hiroshima Carp (pun intended) last Sunday. This would be their last chance to enjoy…

vs. Carp – July 8-10 – Seeing Red After Shellacking

vs. Carp – July 8-10 – Seeing Red After Shellacking

Did you know the Hanshin Tigers have not won two consecutive games since defeating the Rakuten Eagles back-to-back at the start of June? Since those two wins, the team has gone: LWL-LLL-LWL-WL-WLL-W-LLL-WL-LWL-LLW. That’s right. One series win (a split series against the Orix Buffaloes) and a combined record of 8-18. Not the way you want…

vs. BayStars – April 12-14 – Tigers Sweep ‘Stars in Two

After a disappointing opening series at Koshien against the Carp, the Tigers were determined to continue their push to the top against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars at home this week. With the Giants and Carp playing so well early in the season, they would need every win they could get against the young team led by…

vs. Carp – April 8-10 – Tigers Create Drama in Return to Koshien

At long last, the Hanshin Tigers would make their 2016 Koshien Stadium debut. The season was off to a decent start, all without having played on their true home turf yet. Could they take the momentum from their successful road trip – and dominant win against the Giants Thursday – back to their “Sacred Ground”? Game…

Spring Training Days 1-6 — Fielders

I was in Okinawa for the first week of spring training, but needed a day of recovery on February 4th. The players started on February 1st and are slated to bring things to a close on the 28th before returning to Kansai on February 29th. This session will look at the fielders, the next one at pitchers…

Fall Camp Invitees Announced

Fall Camp Invitees Announced

So you thought the Hanshin Tigers’ baseball season was over? Think again. For some players, the break was short or even non-existent. Many have been practicing at Koshien the past week or so, and starting November 1, the team will have its annual Fall Camp in Aki City (Kochi Prefecture). This will be their first…