As the heavy rain stops, the sky has cleared for a brief break in the rainy season, setting the stage for a restart battle. Amidst the dampness of the field, both teams' fighting spirits fill Koshien. Hanshin, fighting for the top spot, sends out Kaito Shimomura, who crawled his way up from surgery in his rookie year, for his long-awaited pro debut. Chunichi, desperate to escape the bottom, counters with their rock-solid ace Yuya Yanagi. A must-see clash of pride and tenacity.
[Central League Game 13] Hanshin vs Chunichi (July 2, 18:00 Koshien)
Awakening of Young Talent or the Pride of a Veteran Ace?
Starting Pitcher Analysis
Hanshin's starter is 3rd-year right-hander Kaito Shimomura (#19), a Nishinomiya native. Overcoming a long, grueling rehab from Tommy John surgery in 2024, he finally reaches the first-team stage. He has steadily stepped up in the minors this season, showing perfect form on June 21 against Orix with 7 scoreless innings (83 pitches), allowing only 1 hit and striking out 7. With his sharp fastballs and breaking balls, can he grab his first pro win at his home ground, Koshien?
Chunichi answers with Yuya Yanagi (#17), who boasts outstanding stability with a 2.31 ERA, 4 wins, and 2 losses in 13 starts this season. In his last outing on June 21 against the Giants, he ground through 5.2 innings and 101 pitches, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits. He has a great affinity against Hanshin with a 1.50 ERA over 2 no-decision starts. He plans to shut down the young Tiger's momentum with his pinpoint control to the low-and-away corner and masterful change of pace.
Batting / Team Situation
In head-to-head matchups, Hanshin holds an overwhelming advantage at 10 wins and 2 losses. Their team AVG .270, 15 HRs, and 53 Runs far exceed Chunichi's AVG .228, 10 HRs, and 40 Runs. Hanshin also won the most recent close game 3-2 on June 30 at Koshien. The Hanshin lineup aims to provide strong run support for Shimomura's debut.
On the other hand, for Chunichi, who is struggling, attention is on Yuki Okabayashi, who is in top form with a .328 batting average in June. He had 2 hits in the June 30 game. The turning point of the game will be whether he can initiate attacks to resolve their scoring drought and provide early run support for Yanagi, whose good pitching often goes unrewarded.
Detailed Data Room
[Head-to-Head Stats This Season]
Hanshin: 10 W - 2 L - 0 T | ERA 3.20 | AVG .270 | Runs 53 | Hits 107 | HR 15 | SO 109 | BB 36
Chunichi: 2 W - 10 L - 0 T | ERA 4.53 | AVG .228 | Runs 40 | Hits 91 | HR 10 | SO 106 | BB 40
[Recent Matchups]
- 6/30 (Tue) Hanshin 3 - 2 Chunichi (Koshien)
- 5/20 (Wed) Hanshin 8 - 7 Chunichi (Koshien)
- 5/19 (Tue) Hanshin 4 - 2 Chunichi (Kurashiki)
[Starting Pitchers' Recent Stats]
Hanshin: Kaito Shimomura (No first-team appearances this season / Minor league stats below)
・6/21 vs. Orix: 7.0 IP, 83 Pitches, 1 Hit, 7 SO, 0 Runs
・6/12 vs. SoftBank: 5.0 IP, 73 Pitches, 5 Hits, 3 SO, 3 Runs
・6/5 vs. Orix: 3.0 IP, 29 Pitches, 0 Hits, 3 SO, 0 Runs
・5/22 vs. Orix: 1.0 IP, 24 Pitches, 1 Hit, 0 SO, 1 Run
Chunichi: Yuya Yanagi (This Season: 13 G, 4 W - 2 L, ERA 2.31 / vs Hanshin ERA 1.50)
・6/21 vs. Giants: 5.2 IP, 101 Pitches, 8 Hits, 8 SO, 3 Runs
・6/12 vs. Nippon-Ham (L): 5.0 IP, 116 Pitches, 8 Hits, 5 SO, 3 Runs
・6/5 vs. Seibu: 7.0 IP, 116 Pitches, 5 Hits, 5 SO, 0 Runs
・5/29 vs. Orix (W): 6.0 IP, 113 Pitches, 6 Hits, 4 SO, 1 Run
[Broadcast Schedule]
TV: Sun TV 1, Mie TV 1, Sky A
Streaming: DAZN, Toratele
Radio: Tokai Radio, CBC Radio, MBS Radio, ABC Radio
Spot-on Prediction: Hanshin 4 - 2 Chunichi
The focus is on how the Chunichi lineup (especially the red-hot Okabayashi) attacks Shimomura in the early innings. However, supported by the massive home crowd and the fervor of this brief break in the rainy season, Shimomura is expected to pitch with full adrenaline. I predict the Hanshin lineup will capitalize on Yanagi's slight mistakes in the late innings to stage a comeback. Shimomura will secure a tearful first professional win!
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