Rakuten Eagles pitcher Yasunori Soji (25) warms up during starting pitcher practice. (Photo by Kana Takahashi)
Rakuten’s Yasunori Soji is set to aim for his fifth win of the season, matching his career best, in his first-ever start in Aomori.
The right-hander is scheduled to start against the Orix Buffaloes at Haruka Dream Stadium on the 12th. This marks his first outing at a local ballpark in three years, following a start against the SoftBank Hawks at Kirayaka Stadium on May 17, 2023, during his rookie season. “There’s only one chance like this each year, so I want to make it a good memory for everyone. Carrying that responsibility, I’ll give my best to show a good performance,” he said with strong determination.
Soji first visited Aomori last November 17 as part of the “TOHOKU SMILE ACTION” initiative, alongside infielder Rui Muneyama (23), when they visited an elementary school in the prefecture. “They welcomed us with enthusiasm. I believe the Eagles are a symbol of sports for children in Tohoku, so I’d be delighted if they come to watch,” he said, expressing gratitude for the connection. Originally from Niigata, Soji used to attend local professional games as a child and admired his current teammate, pitcher Takayuki Kishi (41), who was with the Seibu Lions at the time. Now, he aims to be the one delivering dreams and hope from the mound.
Facing the Orix Buffaloes, who have held the top spot in the league since the season opener when Soji earned his first win, he commented, “I want to focus on the fundamentals. I’ll consult on areas where opponents target me and build
