◆ Pacific League 0-3 Softbank Hawks (19th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Softbank Hawks 's Yu Maeda has achieved an undefeated seven-game winning streak since the start of the season. He pitched seven scoreless innings, runs only four hit and no no walk. "I want to be able to pitch longer inning and in fewer difficult situations," he said, showing his ambition even after his brilliant performance. He is the first player to achieve this feat within three years of graduating from high school since Shohei Ohtani (Nippon-Ham) in 2015, 11 years ago. For the team, it is the first time in 61 years since Toshihiko Hayashi's 12-game winning streak in 1965.

There were two surprises before the game. His alma mater, Osaka Toin, which was aiming for back-to-back spring and summer championships Koshien, was defeated in the fourth round of the Osaka tournament. "I was like, 'Seriously?' It's the same in amateur and professional baseball; you never know what's going to happen," he said, steeling himself. His classmate, Rintaro Sasaki of Stanford University, announced that he would be joining the Marlins instead of his own team, which had selected him first overall in the draft last fall. "If I were in his position, I wouldn't be able to make a decision so quickly. I think it's amazing," he said honestly.

Though they have chosen different paths, the growth curve of the 2023 first-round draft pick left-hander is strong. Manager Kokubo also praised him highly, saying, "He is in a cycle that will propel him to become a top player." From Rookie of the Year to ace, he is on a winning streak. (Koichiro Shimao)