“These two days were priceless,” Hanshin Tigers Manager Kyuji Fujikawa said through an interpreter, encapsulating the sentiment after his team’s remarkable performance against MLB’s elite. And the Dodgers management, too, did not shy away from acknowledging the Tigers’ exceptional performance. Their triumph against the star-studded LA, identified for its substantial investments, is going to stay in the pages of baseball.
The Tokyo Dome witnessed an unexpected turn of events when the Tigers clinched a 3-0 victory over the Dodgers.
Central to the Tigers’ triumph were standout performances from Teruaki Sato and Hiroto Saiki. Dave Roberts described Saiki as “had major league stuff” and lauded Sato as a “really good baseball player.”
Dave Roberts spoke highly of the Hanshin Tigers.
Said today’s starter Hiroto Saiki“had major league stuff.”
Teruaki Sato, who hit a three-run homer, “looks the part. Really good baseball player.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 16, 2025
Teruaki Sato’s offensive prowess was marvelous. Sato delivered a three-run homer that shifted the game’s momentum. His capability to act under pressure highlighted his potential to compete at the highest levels. And Saiki’s pitching was exceptional. He recorded a stellar 13-3 win-loss record while managing a 1.88 ERA over 167 2/3 innings. Saiki’s performance against the Dodgers only reinforced his status as an elite talent.
The Tigers’ overall approach and execution were commendable. Their 74-63 record in the previous season highlights the team’s consistent performance. Last year, their resilience got them second place in Japan’s Central League.
Recalling the game’s experience, Dave Roberts admired the Hanshin Tigers. And such commendations from MLB professionals highlight the high level of skill and competitiveness available in the NPB.
The Tigers’ victory over the Dodgers showcased individual talents as well as the collective power of NPB teams on the international stage. This victory is like a testament to the enhancing parity in global baseball, where skill and strategy can transcend budgets and big names.
A history of NPB stars making an MLB statement
The Dodgers’ loss to the Tigers is not just a one-off surprise—it is a testament to the talent enhancement from NPB. Over the years, the Dodgers have acknowledged Japan’s baseball excellence. The team has continuously invested in top-tier NPB players.
This offseason, they made another vital move by signing Roki Sasaki. He is a generational pitching talent identified for his 102.5 mph fastball. With their financial muscle and global scouting, the Dodgers have established themselves as the premier destination for elite Japanese talent, after a pattern established by past signings, like, Hideo Nomo, Kenta Maeda, and now Sasaki.
Beyond the Dodgers, NPB’s effect on Major League Baseball is undeniable.
Shohei Ohtani has shattered expectations by excelling as a pitcher and a hitter. He became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. He earned the National League MVP award unanimously. Ohtani has guided the Dodgers to a World Series title. Similarly, Yu Darvish has established a long and successful career as a dominant starter, continuously ranking among league leaders in strikeouts and earning multiple All-Star selections.
The Tigers’ win serves as another reminder that NPB is brimming with talent ready to shine on the international stage. As MLB teams scout Japan for the next big star, one question looms large: Who will be the next sensation to take over the majors?
The post Tigers’ Teruaki Sato & Hiroto Saiki’s “Major League Stuff” Leave Dodgers’ Skipper Spellbound After Electrifying Tokyo Series Triumph appeared first on EssentiallySports.