◆ "Despite being able to get the struck out when he wants, his ERA is in the 4s" "It's a bit disappointing, isn't it?"

Rakuten Eagles' Kosei Shoji started the game against Lotte on the 9th. He left the mound after throwing 111 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 7 hits, 7 strike outs, 2 Walks, and 4 runs.

Shoji's number of strike out reached 148, moving him back to the top of the Pacific League. Regarding the heated race for the strike out king title, Yutaka Takagi, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's 'Pro baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 9th, said, 'I think it's an interesting competition. There's Shoji, Hiromi Ito (in 2nd place with 143), and one more person, Chihiro Sumida (in 3rd place with 135).' Commentator Shohei Tateyama pointed out some challenges, saying, 'Shoji can get the struck out, but despite being able to get them when he aims for them, his ERA is in the 4s, so I think he could get them at better timings. The quality of each individual pitch is good, and it's a fact that he's getting more struck out than inning pitched, but I want him to pitch through to grow into an even better pitcher by learning how to use those struck out. His ERA is a bit disappointing.' When Takagi expressed expectations for his growth as an ace, saying, 'We naturally want more from him. He is the pillar of the Rakuten Eagles, after all,' Tateyama nodded and added, 'I want him to go up one more level. I hope he competes well while reaching the same level as Hiromi Ito and Chihiro Sumida.'

Finally, Mr. Tateyama predicted that Ito would become the strike out king, while the other commentator, Mr. Takahiro Saeki, chose Sumida, and Mr. Takagi chose Shoji.

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