Lotte announced on the 15th that pitcher Akira Yagi was selected from the Pacific League for the "Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award" (sponsored by Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.) with 62 HIKESHI points.

Yagi expressed his joy through the team, saying, "I am honored to have been selected for the newly established 'Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award.' This season, I often pitched in situations where we were behind, in tough spots with runners on base, or in bases loaded crises, but I continued to take the mound with a strong mindset. There were games where I escaped a pinch with just a few pitches, and there were times when the lineup turned the game around after I pitched, so I was helped by the team's excellent momentum and was able to record my first professional win. I am extremely happy that my work as a reliever is being evaluated in a visible way through 'HIKESHI points.' I want to continue doing my best for the victory of The Marines next season as well."

*What is the Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award?

Relief pitcher who performed exceptionally well in the regular season regular season are honored. Selection is quantified based on runner situations during pitching, contributions to preventing runs by overcoming critical situations, and "how the team stopped a crisis," based on objective indicators developed by the Japan baseball Organization and Sompo Japan (in cooperation with Data Stadium Co., Ltd.)