◆パ・リーグ　ロッテ５―３日本ハム（１４日・ＺＯＺＯマリン）

Lotte pitcher Yuji Nishino (35) smiled and shook the hands of his teammates that were extended to him one after another in front of the first base dugout after the game. He pitched 8 1/3 innings, throwing 78 pitches, allowing 5 hit and 2 runs, earning his first win in two years, since the game Seibu Lions on September 28, 2012 (Belluna Dome). "It's really special when you get a win like this. It feels great, I'm so happy." In the 9th inning, Yokoyama saved the team from a comeback by giving up a home run, and Nishino received the winning ball. When Yokoyama congratulated him, Nishino honestly admitted, "I was nervous," as he thanked him.

The offense gave him three runs in the first inning, which eased his mind. He focused on throwing fastballs in the 140 km/h range, along with slider and two seam fastball, keeping them low in the strike zone and pitching with good tempo. In the ninth inning, he looked set to pitch the team's first complete game of the season, but gave up a solo home run to Asama, the leadoff batter, and was taken out of the game. "I had plenty of energy left. I hadn't thrown many pitches either," he said, showing some regret.

In 2024 he had nine wins, but last season he was win due to a right forearm injury. Although he is 35 years old, he says, "I think I'm a veteran from the outside, but I'm young at heart. I want to be the best I can do," and this competitive spirit towards younger players is what sustains the 18-year veteran right-hander. The second game of the All-Star Series will be held in his hometown of Toyama on July 29th. "I would be happy if I could make it," he said, accumulating wins to make it into the series. (Shunsuke Ami)