Nippon-Ham Fighters’ Kota Tatsu: “I thought you were taking us for granted.” Manager Shinjo’s praise spurred his competitive spirit, leading to his seventh win in a month and a half.
Sports Hochi
2025.9.5(金) 06:10
He didn’t let him step on home base, even if he wanted to. Nippon-Ham The first time I saw him, I thought he was a good player. Kota Tatsu pitcher (21) gave a refreshing smile as he tapped his glove with his right hand after getting Yasuda to fly out to center field with two outs in the sixth inning. fork hit strike out runs He was the first player to win in seven games in a month and a half since July 14 Seibu (Tokyo D), and he said, “I was willing to die to pitch. It feels longer when you don’t win. I’m happier than my first win win. The 21-year-old’s resurgent star helped him defend his two-game lead over Softbank and prevent the magic from lighting up.
This season, he entered the rotation in May and went on a six-game winning streak, a record for a professional baseball player, surpassing even Otani (now with the Dodgers), who has won seven in a row in all of his starts since his debut in 1947. However, after that, he went four straight games without a win. Shinjo’s casual comment to Rote, who had been “hitting a wall in the pros,” inspired him.
His last appearance was on August 26th against Seibu (Belluna D). He gave up two hit and no runs through the sixth inning, but gave up four consecutive hits in the seventh inning, giving up two runs and taking the mound. After the game, the manager commented, “You made a game of it. That was enough.” Upon hearing this, he said, “I thought you were taking it lightly. That’s not enough. I don’t want to be the kind of pitcher who says ‘Well done’ after giving up just two runs in the sixth inning,” and the manager’s praise instead fueled his competitive spirit.
During the time he was away from win, he said, “When I slept, all I could think of was getting hit,” and he had nightmares that replayed over and over. On the previous day, the 3rd, he was so hungry for victory that he said, “I walked the 10-minute journey from my lodgings to Zozo while saying, ‘Win, win!'”
Manager Shinjo laughed at Tatsu’s bold statement, saying, “I wonder what kind of mouse will come out if closer the score at zero today.” The 21-year-old, a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, said, “We’ve got three more wins. If we keep up this momentum, we’ll do well.” Having overcome the obstacle, this future ace candidate is steadily climbing the ladder in the thrilling battle for victory. (Kawakami Haruki)
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AloJapan.com