Baseball
ODDS and EVENS | Daichi Ishii Delivers Record-Breaking Consistency for the Hanshin Tigers
In the 2025 NPB season, Tigers reliever Daichi Ishii has allowed one run in 44 games. He's broken the record for most consecutive scoreless outings.
The Hanshin Tigers (67-42-2) hold a whopping 13-game lead over the second-place Yomiuri Giants in NPB's Central League through Wednesday, August 20. And one of the keys to the Tigers' impressive success in 2025 is their stellar pitching staff, including sensational reliever Daichi Ishii.
Like high tide and low tide, Ishii's mound performances this season have been ― save for one blip ― automatic. Brilliant. Effective. And somewhat understated.
"I've prepared with pride," Ishii was recently quoted as saying by Sankei Sports.
On Sunday, August 17, Ishii pitched in his 40th consecutive game without allowing a run.
It was an NPB record-breaking feat, and he helped the Tigers earn a 3-1 victory over the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome.
From Ishii's vantage point, watching the Tigers and the Giants vie for victory, the competition was compelling. And he was determined to make an impact.
"I thought it was a good game while in the bullpen," Ishii said after the game, according to Sankei Sports. He added, "I just wanted to do my job."
The 29-year-old entered the series finale against the archrival Giants in a familiar spot ― the eighth inning ― and bridged the gap between the Tigers' middle relievers and left-handed closer Suguru Iwazaki.
It's a recipe for success. The hard-throwing Ishii yielded one hit and struck out one. And the Giants scored zero runs against the Akita native.
An Injury Setback for Daichi Ishii
On August 13, Daichi Ishii had his 39th straight scoreless appearance while pitching against the Hiroshima Carp. That tied him with Kaima Taira of the Saitama Seibu Lions for the then-NPB record set in 2021.
After breaking Taira's record a few days later, Ishii acknowledged he's had some luck along the way this season.
For instance, on June 6, at Koshien Stadium, Orix Buffaloes third baseman Taishi Hirooka smacked a line drive that hit Ishii in the head in the ninth inning of a scoreless interleague game. Ishii was knocked down and taken to a local hospital by ambulance.
"In the game where the ball hit my head, I had to leave the mound after two pitches," Ishii said, according to NHK. "So I think the record continued thanks to the pitcher who came in after me."
Atsuki Yuasa stepped in to replace the injured Ishii in that game against the Buffaloes. He retired the side without yielding a run. And the Tigers beat the Buffaloes 1-0 in 10 innings.
That was Ishii's 24th appearance of 2025, his fifth season as a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Ishii was sidelined for nearly a month after that hard-hit liner ricocheted off his head.
Scoreless Appearance after Scoreless Appearance
Since his return to mound duty on July 1 against Yomiuri, the Hanshin right-hander has extended his scoreless games streak again and again. And he's boosted the Central League-leading squad's bullpen corps.
Setup men Yuasa (19 holds, 2.15 ERA) and Masaki Oyokawa (32 holds, 0.90 ERA) are often called upon to pitch before Ishii enters the game in the eighth inning.
Tigers lefty Iwazaki (25 saves, 1.58 ERA) is one of the CL's best closers.
The four relievers mentioned above, along with top starters Hiroto Saiki (11-5, 1.57 ERA) and Shoki Murakami (10-3, 1.91), have helped carry Hanshin to the brink of the 2025 Central League title.
Speaking in general terms about Ishii and his teammates, Hanshin manager Kyuji Fujikawa said motivation is a key catalyst in terms of performance.
"The players are still on their journey," Fujikawa said, according to Sports Hochi. "At the end of the season, their individual performances will be a source of personal satisfaction, but during the four hours of the game, they fight as one team. Given the current situation, I don't think they're satisfied yet."
Daichi Ishii: A Look at the Numbers
In 44 innings this season, Ishii has held foes to 26 hits while walking six and fanning 36. And the man who wears the Tigers' No 69 jersey has a jaw-dropping 0.20 ERA. He allowed a single run against the Giants on April 4. His scoreless games streak began the next day.
After Ishii's record-breaking appearance on Sunday, Fujikawa described it as one that fits a pattern.
"I think he pitched as usual, in his usual style," Fujikawa said in a postgame TV interview, Sankei Sports reported.
Two days later, Ishii was back on the mound, facing the Chunichi Dragons at Kyocera Dome. In the eighth inning, he allowed a hit and struck out one. He also spoiled the visitors' winning aspirations, giving up no runs.
The Tigers won, 5-4, as Ishii extended his record to 41 scoreless games in a row.
In its game report on Daichi Ishii, Sports Hochi referred to him as the "no-run man."
To give Ishii's streak proper context, consider this: The MLB record of 40 consecutive scoreless outings is shared by relievers Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers (2021-22) and Ryan Pressly of the Houston Astros (2018-19).
Pitchers usually command the media spotlight more than catchers. That said, Ishii is appreciative of Tigers catcher Seishiro Sakamoto's contributions. Throughout the season, Ishii has complimented Sakamoto for his work behind the plate, noting his efforts are essential.
Indeed, in a team sport, individual success is augmented by teammates' support.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.