Softbank Hawks pitcher Liván Moinelo (30) vowed to seek revenge in the Japan Series on the 21st. He pitched in a live BP (live batting practice) session at Mizuho PayPay Dome, throwing 35 pitches against developmental players without allowing any hits. In the first game of the CS Final Stage against Nippon-Ham on the 14th, he was removed from the mound after giving up 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings. Looking ahead to the championship series against DeNA, where he is expected to start Game 2 on the 25th (Yokohama), he showed signs of recovery, stating, 'My output was about 80%. It felt like my usual self.'

In the CS, he struggled with control, giving up four walks and Hit by Pitch. Chief pitcher Coach Kurano nodded at his progress, saying, '(In the live BP) he was able to pitch while reflecting on his mistakes. I think he was able to make good adjustments.' The ace left-hander, who recorded an overwhelming ERA of 0.76 in seven regular-season games, emphasized, 'I want to pitch by getting ahead with strike.' Having been helped by the lineup in the CS, this time he will use his own strength to pull the team toward a win for consecutive Japan Series titles. (Toyo Moriguchi)