Orix Buffaloes Riku Miyakuni pitcher (20) vowed to make his debut with a perfect score in the game against Nippon-Ham (Kyocera D) on August 8. The 154-kilogram right-hander was drafted third overall in the 2011 draft out of Toho, Aichi, and was announced as a managerial candidate on April 7. He said, "The stage will change, but I will still pitch in games. I'm looking forward to making my first start in the pros.

In his third professional season, he started seven games in the farm league, earning a tie for the most wins in the Western Division with four, and has now been promoted to the main roster, a long-held dream. He has received even more congratulatory messages than when he turned pro, approaching 200. On the day of the game, his high school coach, Yusuke Yamada, and his father, Osamu, are scheduled to watch. "My dad cried with joy, and my family laughed when they saw that (laughs)," he revealed about their phone conversation, and promised to repay their kindness.

Manager Kishida expressed his expectations, saying, "He has great potential, so I hope he'll be able to fully showcase it." The rising star, who hails from Ginowan City, Okinawa, the same city as ace pitcher Miyagi, will unveil his talent at the home stadium. (Shunta Nanbu)