It was a victory that truly embodied the “Tigers style.”
Hanshin defeated DeNA on the 10th, snapping a two-game losing streak. With the front-running Yakult losing, the gap was reduced to just one game.
It was their eighth shutout win of the season. Manager Kyuji Fujikawa, 45, praised the victory, saying, “That’s just like the Tigers.”
Starter Hiroto Saiki pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, to earn his fourth win of the season. Despite a lack of support early, Saiki executed a safety squeeze in the fifth inning to break the deadlock, capitalizing on the scoring chance.
Relievers Iwasaki and Dolis closed out the game with a clean 3-0 lead in the eighth and ninth innings. Highlighting the team’s defensive strength, Fujikawa remarked, “It’s all about defense—especially the double-play combination and the center line. They’re functioning perfectly, and that’s a huge factor.” He also praised the infield, not just the pitchers.
“A seemingly dull game—how we execute that cleanly is exactly what makes us the Tigers,” Fujikawa added. With their identity restored, Hanshin looks like a formidable force.
