◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Seibu Lions (December 12th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks Hawks pitcher Haruto Fujiwara (20) participated in pre-game practice at his home stadium in preparation for his first professional start on the 13th against Seibu Lions (at Mizuho PayPay Dome). "I want to show what I've got from the first inning," he declared, indicating he intends to go for a straightforward, no-nonsense approach from the start. "Minor league manager Kazumi Saito told me that if I show what I've got, I can closer, so I want to pitch with confidence," he added, showing his determination.

Manager Hiroki Kokubo said, "He earned this right himself. Regardless of the team's win or loss, I want him to throw pitches he's satisfied with. He's not the type to hold back (by thinking about pacing himself). He can throw over 100 pitches at his maximum (power)." It seems he will be pitching with a target of 100 pitches.

Fujiwara joined the team in 2023 as the 6th pick in the developmental draft from Iizuka High School (Fukuoka). In the minor leagues, he had a record of 1 win and 1 loss ERA 2.28 in 6 games. His promotion to the main roster was announced on the 8th of this month.