◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 10-0 Nippon-Ham (22nd, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Taiki Kikuchi pitcher, who joined from The Giants in the active draft last December, made his debut in Nippon-Ham. He pitched the 7th inning with two outs and runners on first and third in the 7th inning, pitching 1/32 hit 1 runs. He recorded a top speed of 149 km/h and said, "The pitch I threw itself was good. The fastball was strong, but if I had made a low pitch, I think the result could have been much different. I really wanted to end that scene with zero somehow. I think we need to seriously reflect on that." He took the mound carrying runner and regretted giving up 2 hit 1 Walk in seven pitch innings.

Still, in the eighth inning that crossed the inning, he showed his strong strike out ability by letting Masaki lead off slider, and letting Kurihara run out with a cutter from two outs and a runner on first, cutting it to struck out. "My breaking ball feel was good. My fastball was also strong, so now I want to think more about the pitching course and keep pushing my pitching skills," he vowed to improve further.

This season, he has pitched in 12 games in the minor leagues, with an ERA of 7.63, which hasn't been very impressive, but he said that his condition was improving, "the ball itself was getting better and better." During practice that day, manager Shinjo gave him his seal of approval, saying, "I watched the minor league games and saw that your pitches were good, so I've brought you up (to the first team). Attack the batters aggressively and go for it," which has given him renewed determination. Kikuchi said, "I was surprised at first because I haven't been getting results, but now that I've been told, I want to fulfill my role as pitcher closer them scoreless," as he aims to make a comeback in the first team.

The talented right-handed pitcher, who appeared in 50 games during his time The Giants in 2023, said, "I want to live up to expectations and contribute to the team." The hardworking 26-year-old has started a new chapter in his career under manager Shinjo.