Japan had its third no-hitter of the year on Tuesday, and the fourth game in which a pitcher no-hit his opponents through nine innings. There have been three no-hitters in a year several times, the last in 2012, the second year of Japan’s lifeless uniform ball. But this is the first time since 1966 that we’ve had three so early in the season.

The league’s split the Tuesday’s games, and with 30 games remaining, the CL holds a 42-36 lead while being outscored 272-252.

Meanwhile the Giants played the kind of chaotic game that has been their brand this season, something I kind of guessed, but didn’t really know until I dug into this year’s data of blown leads and comebacks.

So let’s get to it.

Tuesday’s games

BayStars 2, Fighters 0: At Sapporo Dome, Shota Imanaga (3-0) walked one batter while striking out nine, and saving his no-hitter with a reflex catch on a liner through the box after he hung an 0-2 curve in the sixth inning to Yuma Imagawa.

Imanaga’s command was exceptional most of the game, and his fastball, particularly, up in the zone was electric. The lefty threw 11 first-pitch strikes.

Continue reading NPB news: June 7, 2022 →