Softbank Hawks ・Shinji Kurano pitcher, chief coach and head coordinator, praised Hokuto pitcher—who made his first-team debut on the 4th against the Lotte Marines (at Mizuho PayPay) = Chuo University semi-hardball team= — on the 6th.

He joined the team last fall as the 8th pick in the developmental draft, and after a stable performance in the farm league with 2 wins (0 losses) and ERA of 1.37 in 7 appearances, he was registered as a regular player on the 1st. The man who was the 116th and last player to be called out in the draft by all 12 teams made his debut as a starter in just about six months. The result was 8 runs allowed in 2 innings, but coach Kurano said, "It can only be a good experience. There was some bad luck involved, but you just have to accept the result. I think he also understood the difference between the first team and the second team," hoping that he would use it to his advantage.

He continued, "The fact that a developmental player who hadn't even arrived in Miyazaki in February has stood on mound at this speed is truly amazing. It's due to his own rapid growth, but also to the farm team staff. I want to commend him most for reaching this stage." He praised the fact that the player, who joined from the semi-hardball baseball club, adapted so quickly to the change in the ball. "This is the first time I've seen a developmental player become a regular player in just three months. It's a great achievement. There are also areas that need improvement, so if he works hard to improve, he will become a valuable asset." After his first appearance, we look forward to seeing him grow and mature even further.