ARLINGTON, Texas — Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai completed six innings without surrendering a hit Monday night in his team’s game against the Texas Rangers.
The rookie hurler struggled with his control early, issuing walks to three of the initial four batters he encountered, though a double play in the opening frame helped limit the damage. From that point forward, Imai found his rhythm and set down 16 consecutive Rangers hitters.
Imai’s control issues continued sporadically as he walked Brandon Nimmo to start the fourth inning, marking his fourth free pass of the contest. However, Ezequiel Duran immediately followed with a ground ball that resulted in another double play.
The 28-year-old pitcher is experiencing his debut major league campaign after making the transition from professional baseball in Japan. Through his initial five outings with Houston, Imai had compiled a 1-2 record alongside an 8.31 earned run average. During Monday’s six-inning performance, he delivered 57 strikes among his 97 total pitches while recording two strikeouts. The Astros maintained a 4-0 advantage.
Texas leadoff man Joc Pederson was denied a hit in the third inning thanks to an impressive defensive sequence when shortstop Jeremy Peña executed a backhand stop followed by an off-balance throw to first base for the out. The Rangers came closest to breaking through in the fifth inning when Justin Foscue and Danny Jansen each made solid contact that resulted in deep fly balls.
