◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Fukuoka Softbank, Game 9 (19th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham pitcher Kota Tatsu delivered a perfect relief performance over two innings.

In the top of the 7th inning, with a two-run lead, pitcher Tatsu took mound after pitcher Hiromi Ito. He immediately overwhelmed the first batter, Taisei Makihara, with a 153 km/h fastball that forced him to hit a foul fly ball to third base. He then retired the next three batters with breaking ball, getting three outs in just nine pitches. In the top of the 8th inning, which he pitched into the next inning, his pitching power did not diminish, and he even broke Tomoya Masaki 's bat with a fastball. He contributed to win with two perfect pitch.

pitcher had been adjusting his relief pitching in three farm team games since the game against The Giants on May 29th. In the game against Hiroshima on the 16th, he made his first professional relief appearance, striking out two struck out and retiring the side in order, keeping the opposing team at bay. He also earned his first hold.

Written by Ao Yokoyama