Rakuten Eagles' second-round draft pick, pitcher Tatsuki Ito (23) from Waseda University, aims for his first professional start and first win in the game against the Orix Buffaloes on the 25th (Kyocera Dome). He has only made one appearance as a reliever in the first team, and this will be his first start. The right-hander, who arrived in Osaka by air on the 24th, expressed his determination, saying, 'Since I have already made my first appearance, I am not nervous or rushed. I hope to secure my first win.'

Since being removed from the active roster on June 6, he has focused on improving the accuracy of his fastballs and change-ups. "The overall quality of my pitches has improved. I've also gotten used to professional hitters and the strike zone." After consistently producing results, he delivered a strong performance with seven innings and no runs allowed in a farm league game against Lotte on the 15th (at Rakuten Eagles Mobile), seizing his opportunity.

On September 1st, six days after the game on the 25th, a game against the Orix Buffaloes in his hometown of Akita awaits. If things go smoothly, a starting appearance in a homecoming game will be in sight. "I want to pitch to each batter one by one," said Tatsuki Ito. Having recorded his first win, he will carry that momentum to the mound in his hometown. (Kota Miyauchi)