Nippon-Ham pitcher Kota Tatsu (21) started in a training game against Rakuten Eagles on the 15th (Kin Town), pitching two innings and allowing two hit and no runs. He also showed signs of success with his new shot pitch. With ace pitchers Ito and Kitayama away for the WBC training camp, Tatsuta showed his determination to lead starter.

His 38 pitches were full of both learnings and challenges. He started six days after his first appearance of the season against Hanshin Tigers on the 8th (in Nago). Although closer two runs innings, he gave himself a harsh assessment, saying, "If this was the result for the season, I would have done well, but I need to reflect on how I performed at this stage." He pointed out that he needed 38 pitches in inning, and reflected on the obvious balls that hitter didn't swing at, saying, "There were a lot of balls that were no chance."

On the other hand, one positive takeaway was the sinker he's been working on this season. "My fastball to the inside corner against right-handed right-handed hitter isn't very strong," he said, explaining that he's been experimenting with it and tried it out on right-handed batters Irie and Komori. He gave up a single to Irie, but he said, "If it had been a little lower, I think it would have been a nice ground ball. I'm also happy with the movement it had," indicating he felt he had made good progress.

Starting with the fourth training session on the 14th, pitcher Ito and Kitayama, leaders of the team, were absent due to their WBC training camp. "When those two leave, the atmosphere changes completely, so I feel like I've started to feel like I need to take the lead a little bit." The 21-year-old, who has been confirmed as the starter for the third game of the season on March 29th (vs. Softbank Hawks, Mizuho PayPay), expressed his awareness, saying, "They're both frank people, but they're very tense during practice, so I hope I can effectively convey that tension to those around me." With six days between games, he is expected to pitch in the exhibition game against Hiroshima on the 22nd (in Nago). This self-aware future ace is steadily taking steps towards the opening game. (Haruki Kawakami)