[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda pitches well but misses out on his 100th career win in NPB. He gives up 4 hit 2 runs in 7 innings, resulting in a no-decision. He also suffered an accident when a batted ball hit him, but still pitched a great game. | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda pitches well but misses out on his 100th career win in NPB. He gives up 4 hit 2 runs in 7 innings and is not given a decision. He also suffered an accident when he was hit by a batted ball, but he pitched with determination.

Sports Hochi

July 15, 2026 20:34

Rakuten Eagles starting pitcher, Kenta Maeda throws with all his might (Photo by Akihiro Takematsu)

◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Rakuten vs. Orix Buffaloes (15th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles pitcher Kenta Maeda started the game against Orix Buffaloes and was taken out after 7 innings, having given up 4 hit 2 runs.

He started off well, getting outs at a good pace. He retired Nakagawa, a junior from PL Gakuen, with a fly closer to center field in the first inning, and didn't allow any runs. He got off to a good start.

However, in the third inning, they were leading by one run. With two aggressive hit, they put runners on first and third with no outs, and runs with a safety squeeze (record sacrifice bunt fielder’s choice). Then, with one out and bases loaded, Yamanaka allowed a sacrifice fly to right field, giving the team the lead.

An accident occurred in the fifth inning. line drive from the leadoff batter, Kida, hit him directly in the neck area. He temporarily went to the dugout for treatment but returned to mound.

He had been struggling since the start of the season, but recently he had regained his pitch and was on a two-game winning streak. A win in this game would have given him his 100th career win in NPB, but he was taken out of the game with the score tied, so that milestone will have to wait.