Yutaro Watanabe, who won his second game in seven innings with two runs Seibu wins, moves up to second place alone.

Sports Hochi

2025.5.17(土) 06:40

◆ Pacific League Seibu 3-0 Orix (16th, Belluna Dome)

I wanted to pitch just a little longer. After pitching 7 innings with 3 hit and no runs, Seibu 's Watanabe returned to the bench, where Nishiguchi, the manager, said with a wry smile, "What was that ball, that ball?" In the 7th inning, he suddenly started pitching balls first, and fatigue was apparent. "I was aiming for that, but..." Although he missed his first complete game first shutout game in his 7th year as a pro, he threw fastballs and breaking ball at around 150 km/h with a good tempo and did not allow the runner to reach third base. "I'm happy after all," he said with a smile, after winning his second game since the game against Nippon-Ham on April 13 (ESCON).

The team left Fukuoka just after 8am that day, and headed to Tokorozawa in the afternoon. Taking fatigue into consideration, they finished practice at 3pm. "In a road game, the starting pitcher needs to pitch long innings and score runs in the early innings," said the manager. The game unfolded as planned, lasting just 2 hours and 12 minutes, the shortest in the league this season. They have risen to second place alone. "We still have a long way to go, but it feels good to be at the top," said manager Nishiguchi. They have firmly set their sights on the top spot. (Masami Akimoto)