Seibu Lions pitcher Hibiki Shinohara (20) of Samurai Japan emerged as a candidate for the closer role on the 6th. In his second year out of high school this season, he appeared in 46 games, recording 3 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 2.22. He played a key role in the Seibu Lions' winning relief patterns. He is expected to pitch in high-leverage situations late in games during the Asia Championship as well. 'As a reliever, the closer position is the place I should aim for. I want to do my best to pitch as late in the game as possible,' he said, expressing his ambition for the closer role.

Manager Iguchi, who checked the pitches in the bullpen, evaluated him, saying, '(Shinohara) was throwing powerful fastballs and is one of the candidates for the back end.' As the youngest selection on the team, if he earns a save, he will be the youngest ever for Samurai Japan in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship. His ideal image of a closer is Miller of the Padres, who recorded a strike out rate of 16.59 in the MLB this season. 'A closer who comes back after consecutive batters are struck out is ideal.' The rapidly growing right-hander is preparing to close out games. (Kota Miyauchi)