Displaying strong command and impressive velocity, Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Hiromi Ito took the mound against the Lotte Marines on April 12 at ZOZO Marine Stadium. The 28-year-old right-hander tossed seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out four.
From the outset, Ito leaned on a fastball that consistently exceeded 150 km/h, paired with well-located breaking balls. “I feel like I’ve added a new dimension to my game. The result wasn’t perfect, but it was a very rewarding outing,” Ito said after securing his fourth win of the season, tying for the most in the Pacific League.
His fastball reached a season-best 154 km/h, surpassing his previous top mark of 151 km/h set earlier this year. “When I’m in that kind of condition, I can pitch that way,” he nodded. However, he was frustrated by allowing a run with two outs in the sixth inning and a solo home run to Lotte’s Ueda in the seventh. “I want to raise my standards even higher,” he added, biting his lip.
Making his first start on a Tuesday this season and pitching on five days’ rest, Ito also earned back-to-back wins for the first time in 2025. “If I don’t win, the team won’t get going. Next time, I’m determined to hold them scoreless,” the ace said, already looking ahead to his next outing.
