"My fastball was an issue last week, but I was able to fix it," Rakuten 's Takahisa Hayakawa shut out the opposing team in the fourth inning and is ready to start pitcher for the second year in a row.

Sports Hochi

2025.3.22(土) 06:00

◆Preseason match: Chunichi 2-3 Rakuten (21st, Vantelin Dome)

With a pitch of good consistency, Rakuten Hayakawa is ready for the opening pitcher for the second year in a row. He started and threw four innings, allowing two hit four strike out and no runs. He struck out two swings on a straight pitch struck out and said, "Straightness was something I worked on last week, but I was able to fix it." Considering that he cleared the regulation innings pitched for the first time last year (170 1/3 innings) and pitched for Japan in the Premier12 in November, he has been slow since February camp. With each throw, he improved his form and set his sights on the opening of the season. Ahead of the Orix match (Kyocera D) on the 28th, he expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Overall, my condition has improved, and I hope we can continue to do so."

Manager Miki also has high expectations, saying, "He was throwing some good pitches. Let's have him do his best in the opening game and throughout the season." In the fourth inning, the leadoff hitter hit a ball near his thigh, but he was relieved, saying, "It was on my glove, so it was no problem. I'm glad I was able to come back uninjured." In last year's opening game, he pitched well, giving up six hit and one runs over 7 1/3 innings, but lost to Seibu. "I want to bring joy to Tohoku. I hope I can work towards that goal," said Hayakawa with confidence, bringing the team its first opening win in two years. (Ariyoshi Hiroki)