Carp Shut Out by Shinnosuke Ogasawara as Losing Streak Reaches Three

The Hiroshima Carp's postseason hopes suffered another setback Sunday as they were shut out 4-0 by the Yomiuri Giants at Mazda Stadium.

The defeat extended Hiroshima's losing streak to three games and dropped the Carp back to 18 games under .500. It was also the first time since September 10-12, 2024 that Hiroshima had been swept at home in a three-game series by the Giants.

Hiroshima starter Minoru Mori lasted into the seventh inning but took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits.

Mori ran into trouble in the third inning when his command deserted him. After issuing a walk, allowing a sacrifice bunt and then walking another batter, he put runners on first and second with one out.

Izumiguchi then punished the mistake, launching a three-run homer to right field to give Yomiuri a 3-0 lead.

Mori faced another difficult situation in the sixth. A leadoff walk to Shota Ohshiro eventually loaded the bases with two outs, and Shunsuke Sasaki followed with an RBI single to left, extending the Giants' lead to 4-0.

Hiroshima's offense had virtually no answer for Ogasawara.

The Carp managed only one hit through the first five innings, and their best opportunity came in the sixth when they put runners on first and second with two outs.

However, Sasaki struck out swinging to end the threat.

Hiroshima finished with just four scattered hits and was shut out for the 15th time this season.

Manager Takahiro Arai acknowledged that Mori's outing could have been better, but praised him for battling through nearly seven innings.

“The way he gave up the runs was unfortunate, but he gave us almost seven innings.”

Arai also acknowledged that Mori's tendency to suddenly lose his command during games remains an issue.

“I think he understands that himself, so I want him to face that challenge and work on it.”

The manager was equally frustrated by the inability of his hitters to solve Ogasawara.

“We wanted to do something, but he kept us under control with good tempo and good command. It's frustrating.”

One of the few positives for Hiroshima came from Osera, who entered in the seventh inning with runners on base.

Despite making his third consecutive appearance, the 35-year-old veteran escaped the jam without allowing a run.

Arai explained that the situation left him little choice but to turn to the experienced right-hander.

“There were runners on base, and we were at the point where we couldn't afford to give up anything more. It was his third straight day, but we needed him. He pitched really well.”

Arai also expects Osera to play an important role in changing the momentum of games, even when Hiroshima is trailing.

“That's right. He has a lot of experience. If we don't use him, the workload in the bullpen becomes too concentrated.”

Osera's emergence as a reliable reliever has been one of the more encouraging developments for Hiroshima during a difficult season. After spending almost his entire career as a starter, he has now embraced a bullpen role and has begun to show the power and efficiency that made him a key member of the Carp rotation in his prime.

Arai also confirmed that outfielder Takashi Okamoto will be removed from the active roster because of tightness in his right shoulder.

With the Carp now 18 games under .500 and still chasing a spot in the Climax Series, Hiroshima has little margin for error. The offense will need to improve quickly, while the bullpen's recent workload could become another concern as the team enters the final stretch of the season.