Rakuten Eagles pitcher Seiya Ouchi (19) is honing his skills in preparation for a breakthrough in his third year. In his second year as a pro, 2013, he pitched in two games. He made his professional debut and first start in an interleague game against The Giants on June 7th, pitching four innings with one hit, three strike out no runs, resulting in a strong debut. His second appearance was his first at home against Seibu Lions on October 3rd. He pitched five innings with four hit, three strike out two runs, but he said, "Pitching five innings gives me confidence," and is taking one step at a time.

Standing 191cm tall, he is a right-handed pitcher whose weapons are a fastball that reaches a maximum speed of 152km/h and a breaking breaking ball that drops to take advantage of the difference in pitching speed. He is a starter in the second team, and his goal is to make it into the first team's starting rotation. Competition is fierce, with players like Kosei Shoji (25), Tatsuki Koja (24), Takayuki Kishi (41), and Takahisa Hayakawa (27), who is looking to recover from left shoulder surgery, but he will compete with his youthful pitch.

During his private training, he studies under Shoji, who is similar to him in both physique and style. He is eager to learn as much as he can from someone close to him. Ouchi is taking one step at a time, saying modestly, "I want to get my first win first. From there, I'd like to be in the starting rotation." He is a true "Tohoku kid," having been born and raised in Miyagi. As a child, he would go to the stadium as a spectator and cheer on the team. He will now be the one to receive huge cheers as he throws a powerful pitch on the first-string mound.

◆Ouchi Seiya (Ouchi Seiya) Born March 9, 2006, Miyagi Prefecture, 19 years old. He joined the team as the 7th pick in the 2011 draft from Nippon Wellness Miyagi. In his second year this season, he started in two games, including his professional debut. He has pitched in two NPB games, with a record of 0 wins, 0 losses, and 0 saves, ERA 2.00. He is 191 cm tall and weighs 77 kg. He throws and bats right-handed.