Rakuten Eagles 's pitcher Takahisa Hayakawa will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 31st (at Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi).

Hayakawa had his sights set on a winning streak. "We want to win the first game and, if possible, do something like Boston (Red Sox) did, going from 11 games behind to 15 games in a row and ending up with 4 games above .500. I hope we can do something similar. I hope I can be the one to make that happen," he said with fighting spirit. The team is currently 18 games behind and in last place, but they are aiming for a "Red Sox-level" comeback.

Having returned this season after surgery on his left shoulder, he has started 13 games, compiling a record of 4 wins and 4 losses ERA 2.93. He has been entrusted with the role of "opening day pitcher" for the second half of the season. This is not merely a coincidence. Manager Yoshii sent him off with high expectations, saying, "It's just like being the opening day pitcher. It sends the message that 'The Eagles will be fighting with this pitcher at the center of their strategy.'"

Hayakawa, of course, has a strong sense of responsibility as a key player on the team. "If our generation doesn't lead the way, the team won't be able to move up. I think it's up to people like us in our mid-twenties to work hard. How we start tomorrow's game will be really important." He will carry his passion with him and aim to get results in the first game of the second half of the season.