This is what it means for Hidetaka Okadome to pitch in the first team [8/6 vs. Swallows ●]

Three days ago, it was T. Austin. And on this day, it was D. Santana. These were the batters Hidetaka Okadome faced when he took the mound. Both are right-handed power hitters who represent the league, have few weaknesses, and will never let a hanging pitch go unpunished. For Okadome, a right-handed pitcher with a sidearm delivery, making it in the first team means suppressing these kinds of right-handed batters.

Okadome also pitched in the game three days ago. He held them in the first inning, but gave up runs in the next inning after staying on for a second. He was hit hard, allowing four hits in one inning. Furthermore, he committed a throwing error on a pick-off attempt, allowing a runner to score. Finally, he gave up a finishing RBI hit to Shugo Maki, who had already hit a home run against him this season. It was not a performance where he could show his strengths.

He did not pitch in Sunday's victory. Then, on this day, Okadome's name was called again. It was a crisis in the 7th inning. One out, runners on first and third, trailing by one run. If he allowed all the runners on base to score, the game would surely be decided right there. After finishing his warm-up pitches, Okadome struck the rosin bag he had placed on the ground hard. It looked like he was psyching himself up.

The showdown with Santana was decided in three pitches. Santana hit the fastball toward shortstop. The ball was sent to second and then to first, completing a double play. As he stepped back from the mound, Okadome watched the infield defense. The moment the ball was secured at first base, Okadome slapped his glove hard and clenched his right fist.

Immediately after this, the Tigers created a chance in the top of the 8th inning and tied the game. Without Okadome's excellent relief pitching, this comeback would not have happened.

Of course, if Daichi Ishii or Takuma Kirishiki had pitched, they might have been able to get out of that jam. However, we cannot have them pitch in every remaining game. If that were to happen, both of them would burn out before the pennant race ends. That is why every relief pitcher on the first team is an indispensable asset. Games where the relief pitchers outside the winning pattern hold the remaining innings while waiting for a chance to counterattack are absolutely necessary for the Tigers from here on out. To that end, Okadome's strength will definitely be needed.

Compared to last year, he must be having more fulfilling days. He had opportunities to be promoted to the first team last year, but he wasn't blessed with chances to play. There were times when he didn't pitch for nearly two weeks, even as his bullpen teammates took the mound one after another.

Shutting down right-handed power hitters. That is the role Okadome has been entrusted with on the first team. Lately, he has been facing situations where his heart feels like it might burst from the tension, but it is much better than feeling frustrated by not having a chance to play.