Shinichi Murata praises Nippon-Ham Hiromi Ito, saying, “No matter what, pitcher has good control.” Choosing him as the fourth batter is “typical of Manager Shinjo.”
Sports Hochi
2025.10.18(土) 05:50
◆2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific Final Stage Game 3 Softbank 0-6 Nippon-Ham (17th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)
From Softbank ‘s perspective, it was just a loss. They can easily move on and say it was just a case of great pitching by Ito, who has the most wins. However, if there are still a few concerns, it’s that they were hit by Gunji, who was a drag on them in the first and second games. Even though they lost, it was because they were hit by a guy they didn’t like.
Gunji couldn’t hit as the fourth batter in the first game, and was demoted to the seventh batter and replaced in the second game. Including strikeouts in chances, he went 0-for-8 in those two games. But I guess it’s typical of Manager Shinjo, a testament to his trust in him. In this desperate situation, he was moved back to the fourth batter and produced results. It’s a short-term battle, so results are the best medicine. If Gunji can hit hard again and win in the fourth game… it could really get the team going.
Ito was still great. In a game with so much pressure on him, he was able to control all types of pitches, including the vertical slider and fork pitches, not to mention the straight ones. And, pitcher, it’s all about control, isn’t it? Even when he was in a pinch, he turned it up a notch and took struck out the ball with superb control. He is indeed the ace with the most wins. I’m proud of him. (Shinichi Murata, Sports Hochi Critic)
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AloJapan.com