Leave it to us to be the second starting pitcher in the WBC! Lotte's Atsuki Taneichi pitched two perfect innings in his first start for the Samurai. The efforts he made this offseason led to great pitching

Sports Hochi

2025.3.7(金) 05:05

代表初先発のマウンドに上がり、２回を投げ、無安打無失点２奪三振と完璧な投球を披露した種市（カメラ・義村　治子）

◆LUXAS SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES 2025 Netherlands 0-9 Japan (6th, Kyocera Dome)

In the second game of the Rugzas Samurai Japan Series 2025, Japan, ranked No. 1 in the world, beat the Netherlands, ranked No. 7, 9-0 to win again. Lotte Atsuki Taneichi pitcher (26), making his first start for the national team, pitched a complete 2 strike out innings. The team has a full lineup of candidates to start in the WBC next March, including Otani, Yamamoto, Imanaga, and Sasaki, and they also have a full lineup of candidates to start in the second round. pitcher The team was perfect until the second death in the eighth inning and relayed 1 hit shutout game in two consecutive games. on March 6, exactly one year before the first game of the first round of the WBC (opponent undecided), they showed one of the best pitcher power to become the world's No. 1 for two consecutive tournaments.

The stadium was abuzz. Taneichi, starting for the national team for the first time, had two outs in the first inning. He crushed the bat of Dutch No. 3 hitter Profar with a fastball of 155 km/h, tying his personal best, and got him to ground out to shortstop. "I'm the one who's most surprised. I think I showed something I didn't have." He pitched two perfect innings with 23 pitches. With strike out, he has quickly emerged as a candidate to be the "second starter" for the 2026 WBC.

fork that got him struck out was what both of them call their "lifeline." Since this offseason, he has been conscious of throwing a "splitter" that drops in the mid-140 km range, and a "fork" that pursues a greater drop even if it means slowing down the speed. "Togo (of The Giants) was one of those who sought greater drop, and (Sasaki) Roki is fast, but the best ball is one that can't be hit." He said that advice from Roki, with whom he still keeps in contact, came in handy. His ability to freely control the dropping ball, which is considered effective against foreign hitter, is a big attraction. His career strike out rate is an impeccable 9.41, more than one strikeout per inning.

In addition, the WBC, like MLB, has introduced a "pitch clock" that sets a time limit between pitch, but Taneichi's fast-paced pitch will not be a problem. In the WBC, where the majors are likely to join the team, Ohtani (Dodgers) and other strong starting prospects are lined up, but Taneichi made his Samurai debut in March last year against the European National Team (Game 2), where he relieved from the eighth inning and completed the perfect game by successive pitches. It seems that the suitability of the "second starter", which is important on the international stage with a limited number of pitches, is also sufficient.

Taneichi, who impressed manager Ibata by saying, "He looked faster than the speed gun," was involved in the 2011 WBC as a support member. That's why he has stronger feelings about the tournament than anyone else. "I'll do my best this season so that I can participate in the WBC and make a big impact." The strong arm, who overcame right elbow surgery in 2020, is aiming to be included in the Dream Team. (Nakamura Kodai)

◆23 WBC second starter Mainly Otani, Darvish, Sasaki and Yamamoto were the starters, with Togo, Imanaga (who started the final), Takahashi Kuei and Ito as the second starters. NPB's ace players were the best in the world pitcher power and were the driving force behind the world's first three championships.