◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 4-2 Rakuten Eagles (8th and Belluna Dome)

As the stadium was enveloped in darkness and silence, a huge cheer erupted as his name was called. It was the 9th inning, with a one-run lead. Seibu Lions 's pitcher Hakua Hakua Iwaki (22) took mound. It was his first appearance since the game against Lotte on the 2nd (at ZOZO Marine Stadium), and he admitted, "Even though I knew what the game felt like, it was difficult to get into the rhythm because of the long gap between games." Nevertheless, he captivated the attention of everyone in the stadium with a masterful pitch that showed no signs of nervousness.

He retired the first two batters, Kurokawa and Asamura, with his signature fastball, and finally, with a 3-1 count, he decided to "just throw a strong ball into the strike zone, that's all," and struck out Murabayashi with a 147 km/h fastball for a fly ball to third base. He recorded his 10th save with three outs. Reaching 10 saves in his 13th game as a rookie is the second fastest in NPB history, after Otaru of The Giants in 2022 who did so in 11 games, and the fastest in Pacific League. "I don't know! I'm indifferent," he said, feigning indifference, but then beamed with a smile, adding, "I'm incredibly happy."

In stark contrast to his dazzling presence in the heart of the stadium, he's an indoor type who often spends his days off in his dorm room. "I don't leave my room anymore. I enjoy sleeping in. I look at my phone and before I know it, I've been lounging around all day. I'm a really boring person." He spends his time relaxing in his own space, recharging his energy for the upcoming games.

His goal is the top. When asked on the podium about his aspirations to become the saves leader, the left-hander replied with determination, "I'll do my best." The rookie closer closed out the game, and the team finally reached a positive win-loss record on their fourth attempt this season. This is their first win-loss record in 299 days, since July 13, 2013. The steady rookie, who shows no signs of his age, is supporting the team. (Ayami Onaka)

He was born on September 17, 2003 in Toyama, Japan. 22 years old, he was drafted 2nd overall in the 25th round of the Japan Professional Baseball Draft. He was drafted 2nd overall in the 25th draft Seibu Lions from Toyama Sho and became the 7th rookie in history to get his first save in a professional game on March 31 Orix Buffaloes against Verna D. He is estimated to be paid 12.5 million yen this season. His salary this season is estimated at 12.5 million yen.

◆Record Notes Rookie Iwaki (Seibu) recorded his 10th save (S) in the game against Rakuten Eagles. Reaching 10 saves in his 13th appearance is the second fastest for a rookie, after Taisei (Giants) in 2022 who reached it in 11 games. In the Pacific League, it is the fastest, surpassing Kawamoto Ikuyuki (Lotte) in 19 years who reached it in 19 games. He is also only the second rookie in the team's history to record 10 or more saves, the first being Makita Kazuhisa in 2011 who recorded 22 saves.