[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda achieves 100th career win in NPB; rain delay was "a good opportunity," he said, showcasing his excellent pickoff move, "it was significant," after a tenacious 7-inning, 7-hit 2 runs pitching performance | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda achieves 100th career win in NPB. Despite a temporary rain delay, he said it was "a good opportunity" to showcase his excellent pickoff moves. He pitched a tenacious 7 innings, allowing 7 hit 2 runs

Sports Hochi

August 12, 2026 22:22

◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Orix Buffaloes (12th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda pitcher brilliantly, allowing only 7 hit 2 runs over 7 innings, to earn his 100th career win in NPB, becoming the 145th player in history to do so. "I knew I was just one win away, so when I came up to pitch at home like this, I really wanted to get it today, and I'm so happy that I was able to do it in front of everyone," he said excitedly.

It was his first time on the first-team mound in about a month. He got off to a good start. He retired slider in order in both the first and second innings, giving up no runs. He shut down hitter with a mix of fastballs that reached a maximum speed of 151 km/h and sliders.

The deadlock was broken in the fourth inning, with both teams scoreless. Kenta Maeda had been pitching well, but with one out and a runner on first, he gave up a two-run homer to Kurebayashi to left field, conceding the first run. Immediately afterward, the rain intensified, and with two outs and a runner on second, the game was suspended. After a 33-minute delay, the game resumed. He managed to get out of the jam without losing his concentration. "Honestly, I gave up a two-run homer and then created a jam, but thanks to the suspension, I had some time to calm down. For me, being able to reset my mindset during that suspension was a big help. I was able to refocus and pitch again from there, so it was a good time," he said.

In the sixth inning, with one out and a runner on first base, he picked off the runner with a throw. It was a play that shifted the momentum in their favor. "That was a big one," he recalled, and then laughed, adding jokingly, "Please vote for me in the Golden Glove Awards."

The batting lineup responded to the veteran pitcher’s strong performance. In the sixth inning, trailing by two runs, Kurokawa hit a solo home run to spark the comeback. Then, with no outs bases loaded, McCusker hit a bases loaded home run to take the lead. He secured the victory for the team.