Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri has been scheduled to start against The Giants on the 2nd (Tokyo Dome). In his last start on the 26th against the DeNA BayStars (Yokohama Stadium), he pitched 8 innings, runs 3 hit and strike out win. "I'll just prepare properly as usual and go up to mound," he said, aiming for his sixth win, which would put him at the top of the team's win-loss record.

This will be his first appearance on the mound against The Giants since 2014, when he was with Hiroshima. "They have some fast runners and lots of experienced players. I want to focus on getting each out properly," he said, acknowledging the tough competition while also visualizing the challenge. He played alongside veteran Yoshihiro Maru for five years in Hiroshima. "I'm looking forward to it, but he's a good hitter. I want to do my best to closer," he said excitedly.

On this day, he was training in Maishima, Osaka. "It also serves to change hitter 's perspective. There's a possibility of getting hit, so it's a bit scary, but I'll try not to be too afraid and use a variety of pitches," he said, indicating that his true strength lies in striking out batters with a variety of breaking ball balls, including the 60 km/h super slow curveball he showcased in his last appearance. "I'll do my best. Even though I don't have much talent... (laughs)," he added, also aiming to contribute at the plate. The tough right-hander is looking to give the league's leader his first defeat.