Orix Buffaloes ・ Hiroya Miyagi pitcher (24), who participated in the WBC, restarted in earnest for the opening of the season on the 19th. It was the first time bullpen pitch for him after returning to Japan on March 16 at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka. The first time he played in the NPB, he threw 23 pitches carefully to catcher his seat as if to check the feel of the NPB ball after a long time.

He pitched for Japan in the first round against Taiwan and the Czech Republic (both at Tokyo D), and pitched a total of 3 1/3 innings without a loss runs. The pitches were all fast and strong. I thought there were a lot of players who gradually gained momentum and used their best types of pitches struck out to get outs pitcher." During the tournament, he was inspired by top-class players regardless of whether they were on the same side or opposite. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in an open game on the 21st Hanshin Tigers against Kyocera D in his seventh season as a professional. I hope to see how all the pitches change when thrown seriously with the Japanese ball," he said, setting a theme for the game.

pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25), who represented Japan alongside Miyagi, also entered bullpen. He is expected to pitch in the game against Hanshin Tigers on the 21st. Although he only pitched in one game during the WBC, he said, "I was pitching in practice, so my physical condition is not bad. I want to be conscious of hitter' reactions when I pitch." The two left-handed ace pitchers have been continuing practice since the 17th, the day after returning to Japan. They are getting themselves into top condition as they aim to reclaim the championship for the first time in three years. (Shunta Nanbu)