On the 3rd, Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi (23) vowed to strengthen the "Miyakure Hotline." He participated in a talk show hosted by Mizuno in Osaka with fellow pitcher Hiroya Miyagi (24). He drew laughter on stage, saying, "I have absolutely no intention of backing Miyagi..." but added, "Of course, we have to let our ace win, and I want Miyagi to pitch more like an ace. I'll do my best to hit over 30% (in my next year's games)!"

For Kurebayashi, Miyagi, who was drafted in the same year as him in 2019, is a close friend even in private. This season, Miyagi had a batting average of .232 with two Home Run in the games he pitched. Upon hearing this, the ace left-hander sharply retorted, "I've pitched 23 times... You haven't been doing well at all!" The starting short stop also "fired back" with a smile, saying, "I want Miyagi to win somehow, but this year he's been taking the points I've scored... I hope he does better next year!"

For the past few years, they have been competing half-jokingly over the number of Home Run and win. This season, Kurebayashi hit nine home runs, beating Miyagi, who had seven win, for the first time since turning pro in 20 years. "I won, so I want you to buy me something (laughs). I've only won once in six years, so I'll do my best to win every year." In response to Kurebayashi's declaration, Miyagi laughed fearlessly and said, "I want to aim for the quality of any pitch (in my arsenal) so that I can throw it from two-three (full full count). I want to do it all with the aim of getting short stop to short."

Regarding next spring's WBC, where they are expected to work together, Miyagi said, "I hope we can play together. It would be great if we could work hard together in the same place, like on the national team." Kurebayashi responded in his usual "true" style, "We're the same," and will make a leap forward with the bond of "Miyakure" in his heart. (Nambu Shunta)