TOKYO — Perhaps the Hanshin Tigers are baseball’s actual evil empire.
At some point after the Japanese group, which performs within the Nippon Skilled Baseball league, shut out the Chicago Cubs in an exhibition contest on the Tokyo Dome, they did the identical Sunday with a 3-0 win over the defending World Collection champion Dodgers — and their almost $400-million roster — in what was the Dodgers’ ultimate tuneup earlier than their season-opening collection right here towards the Cubs.
The Tigers have been led by an excellent begin from right-hander Hiroto Saiki, a six-year NPB veteran with a profession 2.41 ERA within the Japanese league. Over 5 scoreless innings, he struck out seven batters, beginning with the primary at-bat of the sport towards Shohei Ohtani. He didn’t hand over successful till the fifth inning, when Max Muncy led off with a single.
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell delivers towards the Hanshin Tigers on the Tokyo Dome on Sunday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Occasions)
By that time, the Tigers had additionally surged out a 3-0 lead, courtesy of a fourth-inning blast from Teruaki Sato off of Dodgers starter Blake Snell — setting off a raucous celebration from the heavy contingent of Tigers followers that made the 2½-hour prepare journey from Osaka.
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts was complimentary of each Saiki and Sato, saying they each regarded like MLB-caliber gamers.
“They’ve clearly showed they can play at the top level,” he stated.
Snell, who was making his ultimate spring outing earlier than a probable begin within the Dodgers’ home home-opener again at Dodger Stadium on March 27, began his day with three flawless innings, retiring his first 9 batters whereas putting out 5.
However within the fifth, he issued a leadoff stroll, surrendered a single, then threw an elevated two-strike fastball that Sato deposited into the right-field seats.
Tyler Glasnow completed the sport with three scoreless innings, giving up only one hit whereas putting out six.
For the Dodgers, nonetheless, the actual focus got here earlier than the sport, when shortstop Mookie Betts, who’s questionable for the group’s season-opening contests Tuesday and Wednesday due to an sickness, went via pregame hitting and fielding drills.
On a number of events, Betts regarded fatigued taking floor balls. After the sport, Roberts acknowledged Betts “really showed some fatigue, understandably so” as he continues to recuperate from an sickness that has stored him out of spring motion since March 9.
Requested the chance that Betts is within the opening day lineup, Roberts didn’t sound optimistic.
“We’re really trying to be mindful of not just Opening Day but not putting him in harm’s way,” Roberts stated. “Not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt.”
Betts is anticipated to take part within the Dodgers’ off-day exercise Monday. However, Roberts famous, if he continues exhibiting indicators of fatigue, “I just don’t think the training staff would feel good about that.”
