On March 26, Hirokazu Ibata, 50, manager of Samurai Japan, announced the additional members of Japan's national team for the 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. Orix Buffaloes ・ Hiroya Miyagi pitcher (24) was selected for the team, following the previous tournament in 2011. I hope I can show that I have grown more than last time.

Miyagi joined Orix Buffaloes from Konan High School (Okinawa) as the first pick in the 2019 draft. In his second year as a pro in 2021, he recorded 13 wins (4 losses) and was named Rookie of the Year. He then recorded double-digit win and cleared the required innings pitched for three consecutive years until 2023. In 2013, he pitched a career-high 150 1/3 innings and recorded strike out rate in both leagues at 9.88.

In the previous tournament in 2011, he made his first appearance as the third pitcher in the first round match against the Czech Republic (Tokyo Dome) on March 11th, pitching well and allowing only one runs in five innings to record a save. Although he only played in that one game in the tournament, he became a cog in the world's best team. In the Samurai Japan training match against the Netherlands (Kyocera Dome Osaka) on March 5th, 2013, he started and pitch a perfect three innings, allowing no hit and no runs and strike out. "He's at that level now, so there's no need to worry about it. Naturally, he'll be positioned there (as a left-handed pitcher)," says manager Ibata, who has great confidence in him.

On this day, Miyagi said, "I've been given a great opportunity. I'll prepare well, and although there will be a lot of pressure, I hope I can contribute to Japan. I hope we can all work hard and get there." He had his sights set on the top spot. In an international tournament with a pitch count limit, the presence of a left-handed pitcher who can be counted on as the second starter is invaluable. He will be the driving force behind the team's quest for consecutive world championships.

◆Miyagi Hiroya Born on August 25, 2001 in Ginowan, Okinawa. 24 years old. Started playing baseball with the Shimashi The Dragons youth baseball team, and played for the Ginowan Ponies in junior high. Played Koshien in the summer of his first and second years at Konan High School. Selected for the U-18 Japan national team in his third year, he joined Orix Buffaloes as the first pick in the 2019 draft. Recorded 13 wins in 2021 and was named Pacific League Rookie of the Year. Contributed to Samurai Japan's victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. 171 cm tall, 85 kg. Throws and bats left-handed.