BASEBALL

Giants rookie Kazuyuki Takemaru overcomes nerves and Tigers for opening day win

Trey Cabbage and Bobby Dalbec hit home runs for Yomiuri in the victory.

By The Japan Times

• March 27, 2026 at 1:40 PM

Giants rookie Kazuyuki Takemaru overcomes nerves and Tigers for opening day win Photo: The Japan Times

Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe poses for photos with pitcher Kazuyuki Takemura after the team's win over the Tigers at Tokyo Dome on Friday
Threads
Email
Print
Bookmark story
Copy link
The nervousness set in for Kazuyuki Takemaru long before the game
He actually felt it begin to creep in while he was in the bullpen warming up.

After all, the 24-year-old Yomiuri Giants pitcher was not only making his NPB debut
He was doing it on opening day at Tokyo Dome, and against the Hanshin Tigers, Yomiuri’s longtime rival and the reigning Central League champion.The nerves were still there by the time the game started, not that it was easy to tell with the way Takemaru calmly went up and down the Tigers’ fearsome lineup.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

SUBSCRIBE NOW
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories
However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name
in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting
What to know about Japan’s new traffic rules for cyclists
Bikes keep Honda afloat, yet even that business is under pressure
MSDF destroyer becomes Japan’s first ship capable of firing Tomahawk missiles
Asia braces for worst-case energy scenarios as Iran war drags on
Cabinet Office and Tokyo government prepare for Mount Fuji eruption risk
Tokyo earns seven spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list
Spring reawakens concerns over bear encounters in Japan
What you need to know about Japan’s new joint custody system
Beijing row highlights need for Japan to reduce cleantech dependence on China
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’
The human-made roots of Japan's hay fever crisis
Imperial Hotel, Kyoto: Where hospitality traditions meet
Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

Japan's tally of specified skilled workers hits record 390,296
8 hours ago
Japan's Ispace delays NASA-sponsored moon landing to 2030
8 hours ago
Shadow raises pitched as option for cash-strapped Japanese companies
8 hours ago
MSDF destroyer becomes Japan’s first ship capable of firing Tomahawk missiles
9 hours ago
Welcome to 'New Russia': How the Kremlin is remaking occupied Ukraine
10 hours ago