Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri (35) vowed on the 31st to secure his first-ever 'birthday win.' He is scheduled to start in the game against the Rakuten Eagles (Akita) on September 1st, his 35th birthday. Having suffered losses on his birthday in both 2016 and 2020 during his time with Hiroshima, he expressed his focus on the 'third time's the charm,' stating, 'It would be best if I could win.'

In this second season since his FA transfer, he appeared in 22 games and pitched 135 2/3 innings, the most on the team. "I want to play in the professional world for as long as possible. I want to show a performance that makes people wonder, 'Is he really 35?'" he said, intending to pursue a youthful pitch. In the game against the Rakuten Eagles on August 25 (Kyocera Dome), he took his 9th loss (8 wins) after giving up 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings. "I want to be able to act as a closer to keep them to as few runs as possible," he said, burning with a fighting spirit for revenge.

On this day, he made adjustments in Maishima, Osaka. Although it will be his first appearance in Akita, he has no concerns, stating, 'I hope to get a feel for it with five pitches (during warm-ups) before the game.' With 23 games remaining, they are 9 games behind third-place Nippon-Ham, who are within the CS range. He aims to secure a win on this anniversary and show a never-give-up attitude. (Shunta Nambu)