Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri (34) vowed on the 11th to rely on his "intuition" to secure his first win at a regional ballpark. The right-hander, who will start against Rakuten Eagles on the 12th (in Hirosaki), has yet to win or lose in four games at regional ballparks, including his time with Hiroshima. He participated in pitcher practice at Maishima in Osaka and emphasized the importance of staying natural.

"If I had been there before, I might have ideas like, 'I'll do this, I'll do that.' But since I've never been, I don't know anything." Aomori Prefecture is a place he has never visited even in his private time. He has stopped thinking about it before going on the mound and says, "I think I'll think about it when I've thrown five pitches (during pitch) before the game," indicating that he plans to make his tactics against Rakuten Eagles right before the game.

In his 13th year as a professional, he has 84 wins in 291 games. His top priority is the team's win. In the game against Rakuten Eagles on April 11th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), he gave up 5 runs in the middle of the 4th inning and suffered his first loss. "We were beaten last time in Sendai. I want to do something to get revenge," he said, looking straight ahead.

On this day, the main visual for the annual popular event "Orihime Day" was unveiled. The veteran, who is in his second year with the team and just one step away from making it into the top 10 as a "Next Orimen," said, "Even though I'm an old man, I think I'll give it my best," showing a slight awareness of the Orimen as well. He is full of fighting spirit and stamina. He will stick to his iron-armed style. (Toru Nagata)