In 5 open games, the right arm with an ERA of 0.00 and a strikeout rate of 19.50 was selected.
Nippon-Ham Director Shinjo announced on the 23rd that he will update his SNS and entrust the opening pitcher to draft 8th place rookie Koki Kitayama. With the first team (PayPay Dome) with Softbank on the 25th approaching two days later, the announcement on SNS became an “unprecedented” attempt.
Big Boss posted on Twitter, “I will go with Koki Kitayama, the opening pitcher of the Fukuoka Softbank opening game starting on the 25th.” Kitayama, who joined the team from Kyoto Sangyo University in 8th place in the draft, threw a total of 6 innings in 5 open games and 3 hits and no runs. He appealed with an earned run average of 0.00 and a strikeout rate of 19.50. He was regarded as a candidate for guardian deity, but once again, he was selected as a surprise of the “Big Boss style”. It is the first time in nine years since Takahiro Norimoto (Rakuten) in 2013 that a newcomer will work as the opening pitcher. It will be the first time in 66 years for the team since Noburu Makino in 1956.
Director Shinjo announced on his Instagram on the 22nd that “The opening pitcher will be announced on Instagram Twitter tomorrow !!”. Attention was focused not only on the media but also on the “worldwide transmission” that reaches the fans directly.
A major role in the opening round, which is the “face” of the team. Kodai Senga will be in charge of the Softbank fighting Nippon Ham.
(Full-Count editorial department)