[Seibu] Just one more pitcher... Missed a no-hitter with a relief pitcher. Manager Nishiguchi, who attempted a no-hitter three times during his playing days, said, "That's the only place you can get hit."

Sports Hochi

2025.3.11(火) 19:41

◆Preseason match: Seibu 1-0 Hanshin Tigers (11th, Belluna D)

On the 11th, Seibu recorded a shutout game win over Hanshin Tigers in their first home exhibition game, but failed to achieve no hitter with a relay pitcher.

With one man left to accomplish the feat, two deaths runner none in the ninth inning. Manager Fumiya Nishiguchi, who had three "no-no" attempts during his active career, felt a slight stirring. He said, "I've been hit twice with two outs myself, so if I'm going to get hit, that's the only place I'm going to do it."

His hunch turned out to be correct. "There's nothing particularly similar to what I experienced back then. But I did have a bit of a thought in my mind that maybe he'd hit it." The 11th pitch, thrown by the fifth pitcher Wingenter, was hit by Hanshin Tigers 's Maekawa towards center fielder. Shortstop Takizawa tried his best to catch up, but it was ruled an infield hit. The "H" light was lit for the first time on the scoreboard. He couldn't help but make his first request since his time as a second-division manager in 2000, but it was to no avail. The manager looked up to the sky modestly from the bench. However, he held the next batters closer one hit and win shutout game. "There's nothing to say. It was a great game," he said with a delighted look.