Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers face struggles in Central League

The Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers are facing significant struggles in the NPB Central League. The Giants suffered a heavy 13-2 loss to the DeNA BayStars, marked by a poor performance from starting pitcher Shosei Togo, who allowed nine runs and four home runs in just two innings. The team has also struggled with defensive errors, recording 11 errors in 12 games during September.

Meanwhile, the Hanshin Tigers have entered a slump, suffering their sixth consecutive loss and three consecutive shutout defeats. Their offense has struggled significantly, failing to score in recent games. Analysts have noted a decline in the team’s ability to draw walks, a key component of their previous championship-winning strategy. Despite these setbacks, Hanshin remains in first place by a 0.5-game margin due to the Giants' recent losses.