◆ He's just one inning away from reaching the required number innings pitched. "He needs to keep pushing and get through it."

Seibu Lions 's Kaima Taira started on the mound against Orix Buffaloes on the 18th. He pitched 7 innings, throwing 101 pitches, allowing 7 hit strike out 4, Walk 2, and giving up 2 runs, earning his 9th win of the season.

Taira recorded two consecutive high-quality starts (HQS = 7 or more innings pitched, 2 or fewer earned runs). On the Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on the 18th, MC Mitsuru Manaka praised him, saying, "He's maintaining a very good condition." However, commentator Hatsuhiko Tsuji pointed out, "Finally, finally, these two games. He wasn't doing well before that, he was throwing too many pitches and usually had to be taken out around the 5th inning because of the high pitch count. In these two games, he pitched until the 7th inning, and he needs to be able to pitch that far consistently so that the relief pitchers can pitch in a good position." When Manaka said, "Mr. Tsuji is tough on Taira. He has different expectations of Taira," Tsuji emphasized, "He's pitcher that we need to be able to pull hard and carry the game forward."

Another commentator, Ryota Igarashi, analyzed the game, saying, “What I like about Taira is that, whether he’s playing well or not, his tempo never changes—he just calmly works through the play inning. He doesn’t let up even when he’s behind runner; he stays in the zone and competes pitcher, so I think it must be easier for the defense to establish a rhythm.” Mr. Manaka added,“He only needs one more win innings pitched to meet the requirement. His ERA ERA (1.55) is excellent and among the league’s best, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what he does next,” he said with high hopes.

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