WBC warm-up match: Orix Buffaloes Korea 5-8 (3rd, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

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.

On this day, he took the mound against the Korean national team. "I think I'm strong," he said, realizing that he would come aggressively, but he also had the image of coming to the details. He finished off with a different pitch, such as fork for the struck out, two seam fastball for the third grounder, and cutter for the middle fly. A legend who will turn 42 on the 8th. Inspired by the samurai, it adds breadth and depth to the pitch. (Toru Osada)