Hiroshima’s Ryoji Kuribayashi, who has risen to become the guardian god representing the baseball world, is suffering.
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Photo: Reuters/Aflo
“Looking forward to the summer and beyond…”
In the game against Softbank (Mazda) on June 4, 2023, he pitched as a backup pitcher in the 6th inning with a lead of 1 point. Unlucky batting continues, causing a pinch. Left fielder Akira Nakamura’s inning led to a double by left fielder Ryoma Nishikawa. I wanted to somehow stop him in the no-death situation at first base and third base, but he was swallowed up by Softbank’s cleanup. When Kensuke Kondo’s timely hit to right lead caught up with the tying run, Yuki Yanagida allowed the win with a triple that hit the right field fence. In addition, Yanagimachi and others hit a double over the middle, giving up 3 points in 5 consecutive hits. He suffered five losses.
In 2001, he set a new team record with 22 consecutive shutouts since the opener, and recorded 0 wins, 1 loss, 37 saves and a 0.86 ERA in 53 pitches. Won Rookie of the Year. At the Tokyo Olympics in August of the same year, he served as the guardian god of Japan’s Samurai, contributing greatly to winning the gold medal with 2 wins, 0 losses and 3 saves and an ERA of 1 point. Last year, he pitched 48 games with 0 wins, 2 losses and 31 saves, and an ERA of 1.49, showing excellent stability. He was selected for SAMURAI JAPAN at WBC, but withdrew during the tournament due to a lower back strain. Although it was in time for the opening, four losses and a rescue failure continued in April. Registration canceled on May 1 due to right thigh injury. After an adjustment period of one month, the game against Softbank on the 4th was the second game after his return, but it was a profound blow far from his original appearance.
A sports newspaper reporter said, “My fastball doesn’t have the sharpness it should, so the fork of the winning shot is given up by the batsman. This year, I’ve been having a lot of trouble creating my condition because repeated injuries As things stand at the moment, it will be difficult for him to return as a guardian deity.
Kuribayashi’s power is indispensable for rebuilding the team. Can you get over this wall? (Kengo Nakamachi)
