Hiroshima pitcher Hiroki Tokoda was at Mazda Stadium on the 14th preparing for his next appearance against DeNA on the 15th (Mazda). The team has now lost six games in a row since the game against Hanshin Tigers on the 8th (Mazda), where he gave up three runs in the fourth inning and suffered his sixth loss (seven wins). On the 15th, he will be pitching against Higashi, who is tied for the most wins in the league with eight. "I think it will be a close game, so I'll just do my best. The losing streak started with me," he said, conscious of his role as the ace left-hander as he grabs a win.
The team has two wins and eight losses so far in July. Their struggles bring back bitter memories of last September, when they suffered their worst month in the team's history with 20 losses.
"I haven't been doing so well in these last two games either, but I'm trying to think positively rather than negatively. We allowed some runs last time, but they weren't hit hard, so it's different from last year (September)."
It was the second game in a row that he had two runs in the first inning. Since the resumption of league play, the offense has scored three or fewer runs in 15 consecutive games. It is the first time in 66 years since 1959 that they have played 17 consecutive games. Giving up the first goal is a fatal injury.
"In these two games, we gave up a hit to the leadoff batter in the first inning, and instead of one run, we ended up with two runs. In the current situation, and considering the opposing pitcher I think it will be tough to allow two runs. First of all, we need to be the leadoff batter. I want to do my best as the leadoff batter in each inning."
The team has won five of the nine games against DeNA at their home stadium, Mazda, since losing on October 13, 2021. They have a good record, having not lost in three years.
"At Yokohama Stadium, no matter how far we are in the lead, I always feel like something is going to happen. Mazda Stadium is not as narrow as Yokohama Stadium, so the way we attack is different. I think we can go all out to a certain extent."
He saves his team from a difficult situation with his aggressive attitude.
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