Ohtani hits a two-run home run in a dream exhibition game! Japanese players shine in MLB spring training! (March 14-17)

Darvish pitched well in his second start, allowing only one run in four innings.

March 14, 2025 (Japan time)

Kansas City Royals 6-5 San Diego Padres (Surprise Stadium)

Darvish made his second start in the preseason games.

He showed good form by retiring the first three batters in order in the first inning. However, in the second inning, he gave up a run on a triple followed by an infield grounder. In the third inning, he walked a batter but got a double play to keep the score at 0-0. In the following fourth inning, he retired the next three batters in order again, finishing his four innings pitched.

The Padres held onto a three-run lead going into the ninth inning, but their relief pitchers faltered, giving up four runs and ultimately suffering a heartbreaking come-from-behind loss. Darvish pitched four innings, throwing 54 pitches, allowing only two hits, striking out four, walking two, and giving up one run, demonstrating a generally stable performance and showing he is in even better condition heading into the season opener.

Sugano, who kept a clean sheet, received a standing ovation from the crowd!

March 15, 2025 (Japan time)

Baltimore Orioles 10-0 Minnesota Twins (Ed Smith Stadium)

In his fourth appearance in the preseason games, Tomoyuki Sugano retired the side in order in the first and second innings. In the third inning, he allowed a walk, but then struck out several batters in a row to extend his scoreless streak. In the fourth inning, he retired the leadoff batter, but then gave up several hits before leaving the mound. As he left the mound, the crowd gave Sugano a standing ovation for his excellent pitching and extended scoreless streak.

The offense also exploded, and the game ended in a dominant 10-0 victory for the Orioles. In this game, Sugano pitched 3.1 innings, striking out 4, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk, and recording a top speed of 94 mph (approximately 151 km/h). After the game, Sugano told an interpreter, "I feel like I'm handling the ball much better now," and "This is my second time playing against the Minnesota Twins. I changed my approach and it worked."

Sugano has steadily been preparing for his major league debut, and we can't help but have high expectations for his performance once the season starts.

The exhibition game is finally starting in Japan!

March 15, 2025 (Japan time) - Exhibition game

Hanshin Tigers 3-0 Chicago Cubs (Tokyo Dome)　

An exhibition game between the Hanshin Tigers and the Chicago Cubs was held prior to the opening game in Tokyo. Fans who had been eagerly awaiting the game filled the seats at Tokyo Dome.

Cubs' Suzuki started as the second batter and designated hitter. In his first at-bat, he hit a line drive to center field, and in his second at-bat, he hit a powerful hit with an initial ball speed of 111.7 mph (approximately 180 km/h), but it didn't go far enough and he was out for a fly ball to center field. Hanshin's pitcher, Keito Monbetsu, was in excellent form, and Suzuki continued to struggle to get hits. However, in his third at-bat, he hit a single through the gap between third base and shortstop and reached first base, but it didn't lead to a run. In his fourth at-bat, he drew a walk and got on base, but he didn't get a chance to score, and he finished his first day of homecoming games with 1 hit in 3 at-bats.

March 15, 2025 (Japan time) - Exhibition game

Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Dome)

In the exhibition game held prior to the opening game, Ohtani started as the leadoff hitter and designated hitter. The Tokyo Dome erupted in what could only be described as a frenzy of cheers as the superstar made his appearance. In his first at-bat in the first inning, he drew a walk and got on base. Although it didn't directly lead to a run, the team had a two-run lead by the second inning. In the third inning, with no outs and a runner on second base, he took a full swing at the first pitch, a curveball. The ball soared high and in a beautiful arc into the stands for a two-run home run, extending the lead to four runs. The ball's initial velocity was 105 mph (approximately 169 km/h), the launch angle was 32 degrees, and it traveled 391 feet (approximately 119 m), making it a perfect home run befitting his triumphant return.

In this game, Ohtani drew a walk in his first at-bat, hit a two-run home run in his second, and grounded out to second base in his third, thus ending his role after his third at-bat. The team also held off the Giants' offense and secured a 5-1 lead to win their first game.

R Sox's Yoshida hits a long hit! Raises his batting average to .320.

March 17, 2025 (Japan time)

Boston Red Sox 6-5 Minnesota Twins (Lee Health Sports Complex)

Starting as the fifth batter and designated hitter, Masataka Yoshida took a full swing in his first at-bat. The ball made a resounding crack and went over the center field fence for a hit. Yoshida had been struggling to get extra-base hits during the preseason, but in this at-bat he hit a long hit that traveled 405 feet (approximately 123 meters). He struck out in his second at-bat, but in his third at-bat he hit a sharp line drive back to the pitcher for a run to first base. Yoshida went 2-for-3 in this game, raising his preseason batting average to .320. It seems he is in perfect condition to warm up for the upcoming opening game.

*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication.