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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Giants interim manager Hashimoto protests controversial no-catch call in Hiroshima game
A controversial catch call in the ninth inning of the Giants-Carp game was overturned on review, prompting Giants interim manager Hideki Hashimoto to protest in vain. Hiroshima's challenge changed the call from a clean catch to no catch, putting runners on first and second. Closer Radley Martínez then recorded a one-pitch save to seal the Giants' 7–3 victory.




Quick Facts
Who
Hiroshima Carp
What
hit fly ball to left field
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Mazda Stadium, Hiroshima
- hit fly ball to left field
- challenged catch ruling
- overturned to no catch
- protested decision
- threw one pitch for save
In the ninth inning of the June 23 Central League matchup between the Hiroshima Carp and the Yomiuri Giants at Mazda Stadium, a disputed catch call led to a rare moment of frustration for Giants interim manager Hideki Hashimoto. With one out and a runner on first, Hiroshima's fifth batter, Kazuki Kozono, hit a fly ball to left field. Giants left fielder Ryota Sasaki attempted a sliding catch. Initially, third-base umpire Fukuya ruled it a clean catch, resulting in an out. However, Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai immediately challenged the call. Upon video review, the umpires overturned the decision, declaring no catch and that the ball had bounced before Sasaki's glove. The ruling placed runners on first and second base, allowing the inning to continue. Hashimoto emerged from the dugout to argue, but under league rules, the review decision could not be contested. He returned with a wry smile. In response, Hashimoto replaced pitcher Hideaki Tanaka with closer Radley Martínez. Martínez threw just one pitch, inducing a double-play grounder from pinch hitter Kashio Sasaki to end the game. The incident marked Martínez's first career one-pitch save in his 10-year, 387-appearance career, and the first such save by a Giants foreign pitcher in club history.
Topics
Why This Matters
This incident highlights the increasing role of video review in Japanese baseball, where even a one-pitch save can hinge on a disputed catch. For fans and analysts, it underscores how managerial challenges and quick reliever decisions can dramatically shift game outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to instant replay in high-leverage moments.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireGame at Mazda Stadium; ninth inning, one out, runner on first.