◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Nippon-Ham 3-0 DeNA (11th, ES CON FIELD)

Even as he approached 100 pitches, Nippon-Ham Yi-Lei Sun (Sun Yilei) pitcher (21) never lost his power. In the sixth inning, with two outs and a runner on second, in the final crisis, he got Sano out on a 155 km/h fastball fly to right field, closer with no runs. He threw 95 pitches over 6 innings, throwing 2 hit no runs and 8 strike out pitching with power. In his third year in Japan, he earned his first win and laughed, saying, "I felt relieved. I was finally able to pitch well."

His greatest strengths came to the forefront. He entered the season having gained 11 kilograms in weight through training compared to last season. He has been working to find a form that will allow him to convey that power to the fullest. His average fastball speed in the minor leagues was 151 km/h, an increase of about 3 km/h from last season. He even recorded a personal best of 158 km/h in the first inning, and change-up was also effective with his fastball in the high 150s km/h. He nodded and said, "Thanks to my good fastball, I was able to create a game that was easy for me to pitch in."

This season's first seven-game winning streak ties the longest under Shinjo's management since July 2022. Shinjo smiled at the dynamism of his "children," who had requested to be added to the main roster last season, saying, "What was so great was that one walk. He's grown up about seven years since last year (laughs). The results of his daily efforts to build his physique are reflected in the speed of his pitches." Regarding the seven-game winning streak, the first since his first year as manager, he emphasized the difference in meaning, saying, "Back then, it wasn't about winning or losing. It was preparation for the battles we're having now."

With his first win in his first appearance of the season, the team has remained in contention for the championship in the interleague series. The manager welcomed the increased competition, saying, "It's decided that I'll let Son pitch next time. This will surely motivate Furubayashi as well." Son himself said, "It's fun to compete among so many good pitcher. Of course, I'm confident." The right-hander has a sun embroidered on the web of his glove, "because my name is Son (SUN)." A talented rising "sun" has joined the team, which is showing signs of improvement. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)