◆ Analyzing his breakthrough this season: "It's like he's running his own pitch clock."

Softbank Hawks 's Yugo Maeda started on the mound against Lotte on the 19th. He pitched 7 innings, throwing 98 pitches, allowing 4 hit strike out 8 no walk, and giving up no runs, recording his seventh consecutive win since the start of the season.

Achieving seven consecutive wins to start the season within three years of graduating from high school is a feat not accomplished since the draft system was implemented, and only by a fourth player in 11 years since Shohei Ohtani, and the fifth time overall. On the Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on the 19th, commentator Chikao Ikeda praised Maeda, saying, "What's great about him is his fast rhythm and tempo. He pitches with a rhythm that makes you think he's running his own strike clock, and he keeps throwing strikes. Even when he allows runner on base or gives up hits, he keeps attacking, which puts hitter in a difficult position. He has a 7-0 record, putting him ahead by seven games, and ERA is 1.55. Is there anything to criticize?" Regarding pitch performance that day, he praised him, saying, "The best thing about him today was that he didn't give up any Walk. He's attacking hitter even in the windy conditions (at Zozo Marine Stadium), and even when he has runner on base and is in a pinch, he keeps attacking. I think that's what makes him so good, and it's something that hitter can sense."

Regarding his future pitch, he expressed his expectations, saying, "Rather than focusing on wins, I think he'll cherish each and every time he takes mound, and that's where his true self will be."

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