January 9, 2024 11:00 Giant Kota Nakagawa (Photo taken on September 30, 2023)
Giant pitcher Kota Nakagawa (29) has an ideal image of a reliever.
“The intermediate position is one where there is a possibility of pitching even when you are not 100% ready. I think pitchers who are able to use their strengths even if they suddenly have to pitch are amazing.”
I don’t know if I’ll be able to play as a reliever. There are many days when he is not pitching in a game, and there are many days when he is working on his shoulders behind the scenes. Perhaps the day when he was hit might get more attention than the day when he held it down. It is a role that is directly connected to victory, and it is a demanding job.
While watching the game, he calculates his turn and prepares. However, he often heads to the mound under unexpected circumstances, such as a dangerous pitch, a pitcher out of order, or a change in batting order. “At such times, I think it’s reassuring to see a pitcher who is just as strong as he always is, and I think we can trust the bench players as well.”
In that sense, for Nakagawa, last season’s game against Seibu on June 15th was a day when he could be proud of his work. In the 9th inning with the score tied, many players gave him a dangerous ball and he was forced to retire. He was suddenly entrusted with the mound with no outs and 1st and 2nd base. He stayed scoreless with a strikeout and a double play, leading to a walk-off victory. “At that time, I was nervous going into the game, but I think it’s amazing that a pitcher can come back pitching the same way he always does, no matter what.”
Of course, it can’t always be suppressed. The game will still come the day after you get hit. Being able to switch your mood is also important.
“It’s too much. I’m starting to think that there’s no point in dragging it on.” I feel frustrated. Of course I feel regret, like things like things I should have done at that time, but no matter how much I say things like that, I don’t know what to do. The game is coming up on the day of the day. Even if I force myself, something good will happen today. I will get a good result today. I try to go into the game with that in mind.”
Last season, after returning from a back injury, he pitched in 44 games with 1 win, 4 losses, 17 holds, and 18 saves for an ERA of 2.08. He was also given the task of keeping the team in check during a large number of withdrawals. Looking ahead to this season, “I’m going to be a middle reliever, so I want to keep an eye on numbers like pitching and holds.” For a team whose relief ERA was 3.81 last season, the lowest in the league, Nakagawa’s performance is essential for the team’s comeback.[Giants in charge = Yuta Ueda]
Giants vs. Seibu Kota Nakagawa exchanges touches with his teammates after keeping no runs in the top of the 9th inning (Photo taken on June 15, 2023) This column contains back issues.
2024-01-09 08:31:32
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