Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) issued an unusual request to pitcher Haruki Hosono (24), who will start in the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 7th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), on the 6th. To the left-hander who achieved no hitter against Lotte on March 31st (at Escon) and is aiming to become the first player in NPB history to achieve this feat in two consecutive games, Shinjo made a rather low request, saying, "shutout game would be fine (laughs). There are stages to it," expressing his expectations.

On this day, Hosono made his final adjustments, including catch, at Escon before flying to Sendai. He maintained a humble attitude, saying, "Just like in the first game, I won't be greedy. I want to focus only on the batter in front of me and not get carried away."

He said that Tatsumi, a boy two years younger than him and a close friend in his private life, gave him the tank top that Tatsumi had worn to celebrate his no-hitter. "It was just like him..." he said, grateful for the unusual gift. Tatsumi also teased him, saying, "Your hero interview wasn't interesting at all (laughs). I thought it would be exciting if you said something like, 'Next time I'll perfect game.'" He responded, "That's just like Tatsumi (laughs). Unlike Tatsumi, I have a modest personality, so I'll just be myself." The powerful pitcher from the north continues to rack up wins in his own way. (Haruki Kawakami)