◆ LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026 Softbank Hawks 4-0 Japan (23rd, Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki)

Samurai Japan's starting pitcher, Seibu Lions' Hibiki Shinohara (19), reflected on his "Samurai debut game" as a support member on the 23rd, saying that it "gained him confidence."

As the starter for the Samurai Japan team, he took the mound wearing the uniform number "84" and the name "NOHMI" on his back. He made an impressive debut, striking out Downs struck out and then getting Masaki to fly out to left with one out and Kurihara to strike out struck out. He surrendered no hits hit in one inning Walk and no walks runs. The fastest speed was 153 kilometers per hour.

"I wasn't nervous. There were a lot of great players behind me, so it was easy to pitch. It gave me confidence because we were playing against the same Pacific League" said the right-hander. There were also many surprised comments on social media, and he enthusiastically said, "I'm very happy that people have high expectations of me. I'll do my best to become pitcher who can live up to those expectations."

Taking over from Shinohara, pitcher Chihiro Sumida (26), who was in the starting rotation for Seibu Lions last season, took the mound as the second starter. It is expected that pitcher who normally start for their teams will often pitch as reliever during the WBC in March, so this unusual selection was made as a dry run.

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, finishing with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss and ERA of 10.29.