About the professional baseball team, Oisix Niigata Albirex BC. On June 20th, pitcher Shotaro Kasahara, from Akihabara Ward, Niigata City, held a press conference to announce his joining the team, and made a start in the game on the 22nd. Over 2,000 people gathered at the stadium.

On the 22nd, Oisix played against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Yukyuzan Stadium in Nagaoka City.

More than 2,000 spectators came to the stadium, including some fans wearing Chunichi Dragons uniforms.

The person who attracted all the attention was Kasahara Shotaro, a native of Akihabara Ward, Niigata City, who played for the Chunichi Dragons and other teams.

Kasahara took the mound as a starter just two days after his joining press conference, but in the first inning, he allowed a three-base hit over center field by No. 2 batter Yamada, and then lost a run on a grounder to second base by No. 3 batter Muto.

Kasahara struggled early on, but in the second inning he struck out No. 5 Yasuda with a curveball, retiring all three batters.

However, in the third inning, he gave up two runs, including a timely two-base hit to No. 2 Yamada down the right field line. It was a bittersweet debut.

[Pitcher: Shotaro Kasahara]
“I was pretty nervous because it was my first time pitching in my hometown. I wasn’t able to pitch as well as I wanted to, but the fact that I was able to pitch in my hometown was a positive thing for me today.”

Oisix lost 12-5, but after the game, fans were seen asking Kasahara for an autograph…

【fan】
“I’m very happy to see him doing well in his hometown of Niigata, and I hope he returns to the NPB.”

Feeling the expectations of the fans firsthand, Kasahara once again vowed to do his best in his hometown.

[Pitcher: Shotaro Kasahara]
“I hadn’t had the chance to pitch in Niigata since I became a professional, so it was fun. Next time, I hope I can show the fans that I’m pitching well.”