◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Seibu Lions (13th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks 's Haruto Fujiwara made a memorable debut, living up to his reputation as the "second coming of Senga." Although he missed out on his first professional win in his first appearance, fastball reached a maximum speed of 156 km/h. After four innings, allowing two hit and two runs, he returned to the dugout and exchanged a fist bump with manager Kokubo with a smile.

The 20-year-old from Iizuka High School (Fukuoka) was registered as a manager from the developmental ranks on August 8. He went to mound, where he had pitched in a practice game since the summer of his junior year when he was a member of the Kyotsuki Boys. An-Ko Lin struck out I was very nervous, but once the game started I was able to concentrate and pitch," he said.

However, a pitfall awaited them in the third inning, immediately after receiving a one-run lead. Koga Yu hit a single to right field to lead off, followed by Walk walk to Ishii. After Takizawa hit a fly ball to right field, putting runners on first and third with one out, a wild pitch allowed another run to score. Then, with runners on second and third with one out, Nishikawa hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly.

Nevertheless, he gave up two Walk in the fourth inning but kept the opposing team runs. His fastball had enough velocity to work against Seibu Lions' lineup. "I runs, but I was able to enjoy playing on the big league stage," said the right-hander. His 67 pitches left us hopeful for his next appearance.