Kuribayashi Allows 5 Runs in 3.2 Innings, No Decision as Fighters' 9-Game Win Streak Ends

(Taipei, June 14, CNA by reporter Hsieh Ching-wen) Yu-Yang Ku, the Taiwanese pitcher for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, made a return to the first team and started against the Chunichi Dragons today. He pitched only 3.2 innings, allowing 5 earned runs, and received no decision. The Fighters ultimately lost 5-9, ending their recent 9-game winning streak.

The Fighters hosted the Chunichi Dragons at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO. Ku, returning to the top squad, started on the mound. In the top of the 1st inning, although the first batter, Yuki Okabayashi, hit a single, Ku quickly recorded three outs without allowing a run.

In the top of the 2nd, with two outs, Ku issued a walk, then allowed doubles to Yuta Ishii and Miyano Mikaya, resulting in 2 runs. After Okabayashi added another run with a single, Ku stabilized and induced a ground ball for the final out, preventing further damage.

Ku walked a batter in the 3rd but escaped without allowing a run. In the 4th, he walked the leadoff hitter and, with two outs, gave up two consecutive hits, surrendering 2 more runs. He was pulled before completing the 4th inning, and the reliever prevented further scoring.

Ku threw 74 pitches over 3.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, recording 2 strikeouts and 3 walks, with 5 earned runs. His fastball reached 153 km/h, and his ERA rose to 7.50 after the game.

The Fighters scored first in the bottom of the 1st on a timely hit by Yuki Nomura. In the 3rd, Franmil Reyes hit a solo home run to close the gap. In the 4th, Daiki Narama delivered another timely hit, cutting the deficit to 3-5. In the 6th, Ruan Tsubo and Chonsei Manami both hit solo homers to tie the game 5-5, relieving Ku of a potential loss.

In the top of the 7th, Shigeya Hosokawa hit a two-run homer to take the lead, followed by a solo shot from Takuya Ishikawa. The Dragons added an insurance run in the 8th. The Fighters failed to score in the later innings and suffered the loss. The losing pitcher was Koji Fukatani. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150614

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