Shinjo’s Ace in the Making: Ito’s Consecutive Shutout Wins Earn Manager’s Highest Praise
Pacific League: Nippon-Ham Secures 3-0 Victory Over Softbank
Nippon-Ham has won six straight games against Softbank and its head-to-head record is 11-11-1. Starting pitcher Taikai Ito (27) has won two consecutive shutouts since September 10 against Seibu, marking his 13th win of the season, his only lead in the Pacific League.
Ito continued to pitch tenaciously despite receiving 9 hits, throwing 135 pitches in the 9th inning, his most of the season, with 9 hits, no runs and 9 strikeouts, proving his presence as a right-handed ace.
Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo praised Ito, saying: “He’s already my ideal. My ideal for the last three years is for the starting pitcher to go to a new mound and stay on the mound until the end. That’s my ideal way to develop a game. I’ve always thought that’s how it should be. I thought it would be great if there were at least three more players like that that I felt comfortable with. A great compliment.
He threw over 130 pitches in the 9th inning and was considered for replacement. However, with two outs and 1st and 2nd base, Kawase was hit in left field and the manager said, “If I get hit by the last batter, I’ve already talked about going with Tanaka (Masayoshi). The great thing about him is he can keep it down there.” “Sure,” he said, nodding.
Key Statistics:
- Nippon-Ham’s head-to-head record against Softbank: 11-11-1
- Taikai Ito’s consecutive shutout wins: 2
- Taikai Ito’s season wins: 13
- Taikai Ito’s pitches in the 9th inning: 135
- Taikai Ito’s strikeouts: 9
Related Topics:
- Nippon-Ham
- Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo
- Taikai Ito
- Pacific League
- Baseball