Last Week’s MVP: Second-year catcher Yuta Ishii (25) started five of six games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants. In the game against Hanshin on May 4, he guided first-round draft pick Nakanishi to his first professional victory with excellent game calling. At the plate, he added a solo home run to extend the lead. Through 21 games this season, Ishii is batting .272 with three home runs and nine RBIs, serving as a reliable hitting catcher in the middle of the lineup and contributing significantly to two consecutive series wins on both offense and defense. [Reported by Yuriko Sase]
This Week’s Spotlight: Second-year pitcher Yumeto Kanamaru (23) has posted four consecutive High Quality Starts (7+ innings, 2 or fewer earned runs). His walks-per-nine-innings rate of 0.92 is the best among all qualified NPB pitchers. Known for his exceptional command—allowing roughly one walk per nine-inning start—Kanamaru is on a two-game winning streak. On May 12, he is set to face Katsuki Higashi, the ace of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, whom he defeated in their previous matchup at home on April 28.
Roster Moves & Farm Team News: Infielder Ryuku Tsuchida (23), since his first call-up on April 24, has adapted to playing outfield for the first time in the top team despite being a natural shortstop. He has made an impact with two home runs, covering for the injuries plaguing the outfield. In the farm team, pitcher Tatsuya Shimizu (26), who was sidelined with back pain, has thrown six scoreless innings over six appearances with eight strikeouts, showing consistent form as he handles back-to-back outings.
Team Promotion: The “Victory Salt Rice Ball” has become a hit at the ballpark. Named after the “Mori-shio” (piled salt) tradition, it went on limited sale at home game concessions starting from the May 4 game against Hanshin. So popular that it sells out within 15–20 minutes of the gates opening, the rice ball has been extended for sale. The team’s win rate since its introduction is .667, making it a “luck-bringing” item.
