◆ Saito also gives his seal of approval: "He's steadily progressing down the path to becoming a great pitcher."

Softbank Hawks 's Yugo Maeda started on the mound against Orix Buffaloes on the 8th. Although he gave up 8 hit, he achieved his fourth consecutive high-quality start (HQS = 7 or more innings pitched, 2 or fewer earned runs).

Regarding the third-year left-hander who is gaining momentum, Takagi Yutaka, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on the 8th, said, "He didn't get the win, but it was a great pitch performance, giving up only one runs in seven innings." Commentator Nomura Hiroki was impressed, saying, "He's fearless. He doesn't shake his head even once, he nods to catcher 's signs and just keeps throwing his pitches there. That's why he gives up hits, but it doesn't matter if there are runner on hit, he just keeps throwing without breaking a sweat." He added, "He's a lively pitcher, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does next."

Another commentator, Masashi Saito, gave his seal of approval, saying, "He was used very carefully at first, but recently his inning have increased. So I feel like he's steadily walking the path to becoming a good pitcher." Takagi added, "He has a good look on his face when he pitches," and Nomura also expressed his expectations for further success, saying, "He has a good face. He's challenging hitter, so I'm really looking forward to seeing him play."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"