A 139km/h folk ball hits the batter's head'Monster'Sasaki 6 innings with 4 runs, head shot exit, and two dunes, striking out 4

Sep 16, 2024

Sasaki was ejected for throwing a head shot to Nomura, the leadoff hitter in the seventh inning against Seibu on the 15th. It is the first time in five years that he has been sent off due to a threatening ball. Photo capture = Chiba Lotte Marines SNS

Loki Sasaki (23) of Chiba Lotte Marines, who was aiming for the most wins (9 wins) in a season, recorded the most losses (5 losses) in a season. He started an away game against the Seibu Lions on the 15th and pitched six innings, allowing four runs (three earned runs). He gave up five hits and two outs, and struck out only four.

Chiba Lotte, which is competing for third place, lost 1-7 to Seibu in the Pacific League 'last place'. Sasaki suffered a painful blow in the first start in seven days. As of the 15th, the third-place Chiba Lotte is three games ahead of the fourth-place Rakuten Eagles.

Down 1-3 in the bottom of the seventh. The ball thrown to No. 7 Nomura Daishu, the leadoff hitter in Seibu, headed to his head. At the ball count of 1B1S, a 139km/h folk ball hit the opponent's batter's head. The referee judged it as a threatening ball. Sasaki, who was standing near the home plate, was ordered to leave.

Coach Masato Yoshii protested, but the decision was not reversed. There are few breaking ball head shots and exits, but Sasaki is fast not only in fastballs but also in folk balls. I had no choice but to bear it.

First dune exit in my 5th year as a professional. It must have been a shock. Sasaki apologized to Nomura in a post-match interview, saying, `I'm sorry.'

In an instant, the atmosphere went over. Yoshida Ryo, who took the mound after Sasaki, failed to save. Seibu's ninth pinch hitter Takumi Kuriyama hit a timely RBI, and Kenda Sosuke hit a two-run home run. Sasaki's loss increased to four points.

Seibu added three more runs in the seventh inning to win the game completely. In other words, Sasaki's dune changed the flow. Seibu, who is staying at the top of the team with a winning percentage of 30%, has a team batting average of 210. It is the lowest batting average among the 12 teams in both leagues.

He passed the first inning without allowing a run, and lost his first run in the second inning. The leadoff hitter, Ryosei Sato, was sent off with a double to left field. At 2B, a 134-km-per-hour slider went into the high course in the middle. It was a real throw. Nomura's missed pitch became an infield hit. 0-1.

In the bottom of the third inning, when the score was tied 1-1. With one out and runners on the first and third bases, he allowed two runs against the Seibu centerline. Seibu No. 3 Nishikawa Manaya hit second base in left field. With runners on the second and third bases with one out, the third baseman dug into the home when Sato hit a grounder to the second base. The second baseman played a home game and became a safety.

Sasaki pitched 94 innings in 16 appearances this season. He expected full-time operation, but he will not meet the regular innings again this year. Photo capture = Chiba Lotte Marines SNS

He stopped the fourth or fifth inning with a three-and-out offense. Sato, the leadoff hitter in the sixth inning, was sent out with a pitch. The 140km/h fork ball fell out of his hand and flew toward the opponent's body. He struck out two batters in a row and stopped stealing to end the inning.

The previous game also failed to make a satisfactory pitch. He gave up seven hits and four walks until the fifth inning against Rakuten on Sept. 8. Thanks to the batting lineup, which scored nine points after allowing three runs, he won.

It's a tumultuous 2024.

Prior to the season, there were conflicts with the club over their entry into the Major League. He expected full-time operation in his fifth year of joining the team, but he left several times due to accumulation of injuries and fatigue. The mound in the regular innings (143 innings) has gone overboard early.

He played in 16 games and played 95 innings until the game against Seibu on the 15th. This year, he also failed to take off question marks about his ability to digest innings and durability. Last season, he pitched 91 innings due to three injuries. 129 ⅓ innings in 2022 are the most in a season.

8-5 with a 2.56 ERA.

Sasaki allowed four runs in six innings against Seibu on the 15th and won his fifth loss of the season. It's his biggest loss in a season. Reporter Song Jeong-heon

This is Sashiki's performance as of the 15th.

The modifier 'Monster Pitcher' is embarrassing.

huelva@sportschosun.com