Nippon-Ham pitcher Hiromi Ito (28) quietly expressed his determination to defeat Softbank Hawks on the 18th. The right-hander, who will start the first game after the interleague series against Softbank Hawks on the 19th (at Escon Stadium), said with conviction, "I think it's good to be a little nervous. I think that's what everyone on the team is thinking, and everyone should be nervous about getting the first win."

The team is currently on an eight-game losing streak against Softbank Hawks, a club-worst record. He himself has started two games and suffered one loss with ERA of 8.74, failing to produce results. "I think we were probably too conscious of them. We've been beaten by them for two years in a row, and we haven't been able to play our usual baseball. Even when we're doing well, we get overturned in the second half, or our starting pitcher gets beaten in the middle innings, or our relievers get beaten. I think there won't be any problems as long as we can get our minds together. But tomorrow, I think we should all be extra motivated." The ace, who is in good form with seven wins tied for the league lead, will lead the charge.

　前回登板９日のＤｅＮＡ戦（エスコン）は９回５安打１失点で完投勝利。そこから中９日でのマウンドとなる。空いた期間ではリカバリーに重点を置きつつ、ソフトバンク打線の研究にも時間を割いた。中でも参考にしたのが同じ右腕のヤクルト・奥川。１４日のソフトバンク戦で完封勝利を挙げており、「この間の奥川くん、それを僕ができるかどうか別として、ヒントはありました」と、研究の成果を見せる。

"I think this will be a very important game. The other teams are strong, The Lions and Orix Buffaloes are strong, but we've lost to The Hawks for two years in a row, so there's something meaningful about meeting The Hawks at such a crucial time. I want to pitch in a way that will allow us to secure the win." The interleague series finished with a 14-4 record. Shinjo's absolute ace will show his determination to the reigning champions as they aim for the league championship.