◆ＷＢＣ強化試合　オリックス５―８韓国（３日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher (41) wished the Japanese WBC team a consecutive world championship on March 3. A veteran of the WBC, he made his first appearance in the 2005 tournament, in which Japan was eliminated in the semifinals, and pitched in six relief games. I have no choice but to cheer them on and wish them the best. That's all I can do (to become world No. 1). I want them to show us a strong Japan.

In Ibata Japan, a junior who is closely involved with Orix Buffaloes plays for the team. I had dinner with Yamamoto, the ace, in the off-season and sent him warm words of encouragement, saying, "I know it must be tough for you to keep pitching, but do your best. He himself gained recognition as a pitcher in the 2005 WBC, and challenged for the major leagues the following year. Since this season, he has been pitcher also serving as a coach and has been stepping up to the forefront.

　この日は韓国代表を相手に登板した。「積極的に来ますけど、細かいこともやってくるイメージもあった。強いと思います」と実感しながら、１回を３人斬り。空振り三振はフォーク、三ゴロはツーシーム、中飛はカットボールと異なる球種で仕留めた。８日に４２歳を迎えるレジェンド。侍から刺激を受け、投球に幅と深みを加える。（長田　亨）