On the 19th, SoftBank achieved a significant victory against Hiroshima with a score of 16-2, showcasing an explosive offensive performance that resulted in 16 hits and as many runs. Among the standout performers in this dominant game was pitcher Yuki Tsukimori, who made his return to the first team. The 27-year-old side-arm thrower, who had previously pitched over 40 games for four consecutive seasons, started the season in the first team but was demoted on May 1 due to poor performance.
After a month and a half of adjustments in the second team, Tsukimori made his comeback in the ninth inning when the team was ahead by 14 runs. He delivered an impressive performance, striking out two consecutive batters with pitches exceeding 150 km/h, finishing the inning without allowing any hits. Manager Kimiyasu Kudo praised Tsukimori, stating, “The biggest takeaway from today is Tsukimori. He is completely different from when he was previously in the first team. Given our struggles in the bullpen, if he continues this level of pitching, he might enter our winning pattern.”
Tsukimori acknowledged the importance of his return, emphasizing, “The score gap didn’t matter. I didn’t want to be regretting my time back in the first team, so I threw with everything I had.” The Hawks have faced challenges with injuries leading to the removals of players like Osuna, Hernandez, and Ogata, intensifying the focus on Tsukimori’s preparation before his elevation—he was well aware of the team situation.
Regarding his ambitions, he expressed, “I want to pitch in important situations. Right now, my goal is to keep the score zero and deliver a strong performance, no matter where I pitch.” The coaching staff has high hopes for Tsukimori to meet these expectations moving forward.
This article not only highlights the performance of Tsukimori but also reflects the resilience and determination of a team navigating through difficult circumstances. SoftBank’s ability to adapt and leverage their pitchers could be a pivotal factor in their ongoing season, sparking optimism for fans and team management alike.