Lotte's No. 1 draft pick, Genki Ishigaki, was surprised by the pitch of No. 2 draft pick, Kaito Mori. "It floated up from the bottom. It was scary." | Pacific League

[Lotte] Draft pick #1 Genki Ishigaki was surprised by pitcher #2 Kaito Mori 's pitches: "They rise up from below. It was scary."

Sports Hochi

January 10, 2026 12:46

Genki Ishigaki playing catch (Photo by Tomomi Watanabe)

Lotte's joint voluntary training for rookies began on the 10th at their home stadium, Zozo, with 10 rookie players participating.

First-round draft pitcher Genki Ishigaki (Kendai Takasaki) catch with second-round draft pitcher Kaito Mori (Meiji University). After receiving a pitch from one of the best left-handed college pitchers, he commented, "I'd seen videos of Mori on YouTube, and he was more unique than I expected, like he was floating up from below, so it was scary." Despite being a fellow rookie, he sensed the high level of Mori's pitching.