"LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026" Softbank Hawks vs. Japan (23rd, Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki)

Samurai Japan starter Seibu Lions Hibiki Shinohara pitcher (19) pitched one inning in his "Samurai debut" as a supporting member on the 23rd, giving up no hits hit 1 Walk and no walks runs. His fastest speed was 153 km/h. The second starter was Chihiro Sumida pitcher (26), who was in the starting rotation Seibu Lions last season. pitcher, who usually starts for his team, is expected to pitch as reliever in the WBC in March, so he was chosen unusually for the "rehearsal.

He learned he had been selected as a support member on the morning of the 20th, when he was called by manager Nishiguchi. "For a moment, I thought maybe I'd be demoted to the second team," he said, preparing for demotion. "I thought it would be a good experience, so go pitch," he was told, recalling, "I was surprised when I was told that." He joined the team from Nango, Miyazaki, where Seibu Lions 's first team is holding its spring training camp. He warmed up and adjusted his training.

He joined Seibu Lions as the fifth pick in the 2024 draft from Fukui University of Technology. In his rookie year last season, he pitched in two games, including his professional debut, with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss and ERA 10.29.

He overwhelmed Softbank Hawks batting line, and the internet was flooded with comments of surprise, such as "Hibiki Shinohara is in such good shape," "Who is this 19-year-old Hibiki Shinohara who is starting for Japan?! He's an incredibly pitcher," and "Hibiki Shinohara Hibiki is awesome."