The Yomiuri Giants have started the 2026 season with a frustrating trend:

👉 “They’re not playing badly… but they can’t win.”

After losing close games against the Hanshin Tigers and Chunichi Dragons, several clear issues have emerged.

In this article, we break down the Giants’ struggles from a tactical and data-driven perspective.

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Chunichi Game (1–2 Loss) | Lack of Clutch Hitting

This game was a textbook example of a “close but lost” scenario.

• Starter: Takahiro Norimoto → 7 IP, 2 ER (solid outing)
• Offense: Scored only 1 run late in the game

👉 The key issue:

👉 Lack of clutch hitting

Against Yudai Ono, the Giants managed to get runners on base but failed to deliver the decisive hit.

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Tactical Problems

• Too many early-count weak contacts
• Predictable approach with runners in scoring position
• Lack of walks to build pressure

👉 Result:

👉 Hits without runs

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Hanshin Series | Weakness in Late Innings

The Giants went 1–2 in the opening series.

Game 3 (6–12 loss) exposed a major flaw.

• Competitive through the middle innings
• Collapsed in the late innings

👉 The critical issue:

👉 Inability to close out games

They allowed key hits to players like:

• Shota Morishita
• Seiya Kinami

…and completely lost momentum.

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The 3 Major Issues (Data & Strategy)

① Poor Efficiency with Runners in Scoring Position

• Hits are there
• Runs are not

👉 The lineup lacks connectivity

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② Unstable Bullpen

• Giving up runs in close games
• Unable to stop momentum

👉 No clear defined winning pattern

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③ Game Management Gap (vs Hanshin)

Hanshin’s approach:

👉 Score early → Add insurance → Close the game

Giants’ pattern:

👉 Create chances → Fail to score → Give up runs late

👉 The difference:

👉 Game plan execution

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Positive Signs | Not a Hopeless Situation

Despite the losses, there are encouraging factors:

• Starters like Norimoto are performing well
• New players (including foreign signings) are contributing
• The offense is creating opportunities

👉 In short:

👉 They are close to clicking

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Key Adjustments Going Forward

Offense

• Better situational hitting (opposite field, productive outs)
• Improve on-base percentage at the top of the lineup

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Pitching

• Define bullpen roles clearly
• Establish a consistent late-game winning formula

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Conclusion | Not Weak — Just Not Clicking Yet

The current state of the Giants:

• Pitching: Solid
• Offense: Functional
• Results: Missing

👉 Final takeaway:

👉 Clutch hitting + late-inning execution = everything

If those improve, the Giants have the potential to quickly become a top contender.

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