◆Pre-season game Orix Buffaloes 0-1 Softbank Hawks (8th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Naruki Teranishi (23) has once again made a successful case for inclusion in the opening rotation. He pitched two perfect innings in a warm-up game against the Japanese WBC team on the 2nd (Kyocera Dome Osaka). He made a name for himself by shutting down major league players Ohtani, Suzuki, and Yoshida. On this day, he pitched as the second reliever from the 4th inning, allowing one runs in four innings and strike out, including four in a row. The right-hander's presence is growing as he has experienced the big stage.

The man who shut down Samurai Japan was inundated with messages. "Everyone was talking about Ohtani... They were saying he was amazing, and it made me realize just how amazing he is." Six days earlier, he had faced an all-fastball challenge, hitting a fly ball to left field with his two-way style. "There was an atmosphere. It was scary," he said, and the experience gave him the courage to take on the offensive as pitcher.

"I'm able to take on hitter properly. I'm able to go for it without running away," he said, no walk against the Pacific champion Softbank Hawks batting lineup. This was a first-year pro who struggled to come up with a finishing pitch and relied on cutter. He has been practicing fork since last fall and has made progress. Senior pitcher such as Hirano and Miyagi have taught him how to grip and throw the pitch, and he has learned how to use it depending on the condition of each pitch. "I hope to keep practicing and improve my level of perfection," he said with a smile.

Miyagi and Soya, who played in the WBC, are absent, but this is a chance for Teranishi. "He's connected from last time to this time, and is feeling good," said manager Kishida, giving him high praise. He is a breakout candidate with limitless potential and ambition. He is set to make a big leap in his second year. (Osada Toru)