Dodgers Fall to Hanshin Tigers in Japan

Introduction to the Game

TOKYO — Maybe the Hanshin Tigers are baseball’s real evil empire. One day after the Japanese team, which plays in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, shut out the Chicago Cubs in an exhibition contest at the Tokyo Dome, they did the same Sunday with a 3-0 win over the defending World Series champion Dodgers — and their nearly $400-million roster — in what was the Dodgers’ final tuneup before their season-opening series here against the Cubs.

The Game Highlights

The Tigers were led by a superb start from right-hander Hiroto Saiki, a six-year NPB veteran with a career 2.41 ERA in the Japanese league. Over five scoreless innings, he struck out seven batters, starting with the first at-bat of the game against Shohei Ohtani. He didn’t give up a hit until the fifth inning, when Max Muncy led off with a single.

Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell delivers against the Hanshin Tigers at the Tokyo Dome on Sunday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Turning Point of the Game

By that point, the Tigers had also 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 fans that made the 2½-hour train ride from Osaka.

Post-Game Analysis

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was complimentary of both Saiki and Sato, saying they both looked like MLB-caliber players. “They’ve clearly showed they can play at the top level,” he said. Snell, who was making his final spring outing before a likely start in the Dodgers’ domestic home-opener back at Dodger Stadium on March 27, started his day with three flawless innings, retiring his first nine batters while striking out five.

Concerns for the Dodgers

But in the fifth, he issued a leadoff walk, surrendered a single, then threw an elevated two-strike fastball that Sato deposited into the right-field seats. Tyler Glasnow finished the game with three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while striking out six. For the Dodgers, however, the real focus came before the game, when shortstop Mookie Betts, who is questionable for the team’s season-opening contests Tuesday and Wednesday because of an illness, went through pregame hitting and fielding drills.

Mookie Betts’ Status

On several occasions, Betts looked fatigued taking ground balls. After the game, Roberts acknowledged Betts “really showed some fatigue, understandably so” as he continues to recover from an illness that has kept him out of spring action since March 9. Asked the likelihood that Betts is in 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 said. “Not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt.”

Conclusion

Betts is expected to participate in the Dodgers’ off-day workout Monday. But, Roberts noted, if he continues showing signs of fatigue, “I just don’t think the training staff would feel good about that.” The Dodgers’ performance against the Hanshin Tigers has raised questions about their readiness for the upcoming season, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Mookie Betts’ health.

FAQs

• Q: Who won the game between the Dodgers and the Hanshin Tigers?
  • A: The Hanshin Tigers won the game 3-0.
• Q: Who was the starting pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers?
  • A: Hiroto Saiki was the starting pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers.
• Q: Is Mookie Betts expected to play in the Dodgers’ season-opening game?
  • A: Mookie Betts’ participation in the season-opening game is uncertain due to illness.
• Q: Who hit a home run for the Hanshin Tigers?
  • A: Teruaki Sato hit a home run for the Hanshin Tigers.