DeNA’s ace pitcher, Higashi, is set to start in today’s game against the Chunichi Dragons. So far this season, he has achieved an impressive record of 9 wins, leading the Central League. A victory today would grant him his 10th win and establish him as the first pitcher in the league to reach this milestone this season. If he succeeds, this will be the first time a DeNA pitcher has reached 10 wins first in the league since Shoichi INo in 2014, and will mark the first instance for a left-handed pitcher since Hiroki Nomura during his time with Yokohama in 1993.
Higashi has faced the Dragons 18 times throughout his career, boasting a remarkable record of 14 wins and 2 losses, along with a stellar ERA of 1.35 against them. Notably, since April 30, 2023, he has been on a winning streak, with 9 consecutive victories over the course of his last 10 outings. As he concludes the first half of the season, fans are hopeful that he will end on a high note by securing both his 10th league win and extending his winning streak against Chunichi to 10 games.
This matchup not only highlights Higashi’s outstanding performance but also emphasizes the potential for DeNA to take a commanding lead in the league. With historical implications riding on today’s game, it’s an exciting time for DeNA fans and the team alike.