Tatsuya Imai was once again crushed by the opposing lineup, exiting after only 0.2 innings despite having a 9-run lead.

Houston Astros Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai endured another disastrous outing. Facing the Kansas City Royals today, he failed to complete even a full inning, surrendering 5 runs in just 0.2 innings before being pulled. This marks the second time he has been knocked out before finishing one inning, following a 0.1-inning start on April 10 (U.S. time).

The Astros' lineup was extremely supportive in the top of the first inning, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring 9 runs while hitting 3 home runs, including a two-run shot and a grand slam by Yordan Alvarez, as well as a solo homer by Christian Walker.

Before even taking the mound, Imai already held a 9-0 lead, yet he still fell apart. He began by allowing a hit and issuing a walk, putting runners in scoring position with no outs. An RBI single by Vinnie Pasquantino got the Royals on the board, and a groundout by Maikel Garcia brought in the second run. Imai recorded the second out via a strikeout, but then Michael Massey doubled. The Astros then replaced him with Steven Okert. The runners Imai left on second and third were both driven in by Kameron Misner's single. In the end, Imai's line was 0.2 innings, 4 hits, 5 runs allowed, 1 strikeout, and 1 walk. His ERA, which briefly dropped to the 5.xx range, ballooned back to 6.43.

Astros beat reporter Javier Gonzalez stated bluntly: "There are no words left to describe Tatsuya Imai's performance today. He had a 9-run lead before throwing his first pitch, yet managed to give up 5 of those runs with only 2 outs recorded." Fan criticism was equally harsh, with comments like "Can they send him back to Japan?"

The Astros used 7 pitchers in the game, and the 9-run outburst in the top of the first secured the win, as they ultimately defeated the Royals 10-8.