Pitcher Kota Tatsu reveals conversation with Shinjo after Hosono’s no-hitter at Nippon Ham By Beatriz
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Pitcher Kota Tatsu, from Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, reacted in a peculiar way to the no-hitter thrown by teammate Haruki Hosono. The feat occurred in the 9-0 victory against Chiba Lotte Marines, in the opening game of the season at home in Es Con Field Hokkaido, on Kitahiroshima. Tatsu, a close friend of Hosono and similar in age, commented on the performance with humor and a slight criticism of the tone of his colleague’s post-game interview.
He highlighted that he expected a more lively reaction from Hosono after the no-hitter. Instead, the 24-year-old pitcher took a reserved stance on future chances. Tatsu expressed surprise at his friend’s modest statements, but recognized the historical value of the achievement.
- Hosono became the 91st pitcher in NPB history to throw a no-hitter.
- The performance included 12 strikeouts on 128 pitches over nine full innings.
- It was the first no-hitter of the 2026 season and the first at Stadium Es Con Field Hokkaido.
Tatsu’s reaction to his companion’s achievement
Kota Tatsu celebrated Haruki Hosono’s no-hitter with direct and humorous comments. Ele mentioned that his friend’s hero interview did not follow the expected standard for such a special moment. Segundo Tatsu, Hosono demonstrated humility by avoiding ambitious promises for the next game.
Even so, the pitcher recognized the rarity of the achievement within the Fighters squad. Apenas few players on the team had achieved something similar before. Tatsu pointed out that the feat motivates the search for even higher levels on the mountain.
Exchange of words with the technician Shinjo
After the game, Kota Tatsu exchanged a few words with coach Tsuyoshi Shinjo. The coach joked with the pitcher by saying that Hosono had beaten him to the mark. Tatsu responded immediately, noting that he had not yet released a perfect game.
This light conversation reflected the positive atmosphere in the locker room after the first victory of the season. The team had started the championship with three consecutive defeats before winning at home. Hosono’s dominant performance helped ease the early pressure.
Coach Shinjo publicly praised Hosono’s performance, highlighting the positive tension the young pitcher demonstrated before the match. Ele noted that the pitcher maintained consistent speed, reaching 150 km/h even in the ninth inning. Shinjo expressed optimism about the athlete’s future.
Details of Hosono’s historic no-hitter
Haruki Hosono, a 2024 first-round draft pick, completed his first full game of his professional career with the no-hitter. Ele allowed just two runners on base, both by ball four or hit by pitch, with no clean hits. The Fighters defense contributed with important plays, including a double play at the beginning of the match.
The 24-year-old left fielder recorded 12 strikeouts and avoided any real threat over the course of nine innings. The 9-0 victory marked the team’s first victory of the 2026 season. Foi also the first no-hitter recorded in modern Es Con Field Hokkaido since its inauguration in 2023.
Motivation for the next challenge
Kota Tatsu indicated that Hosono’s no-hitter serves as personal inspiration. Ele mentioned that only seven players in the history of Fighters have achieved the feat, with five specific instances in Nippon Ham. Para Tatsu, now all that’s left is to aim for the perfect game as the next goal.
He plans to use his partner’s achievement as fuel for his own presentations. Tatsu should climb to the top soon, with the possibility of facing Orix Buffaloes at a later date. The internal rivalry between young pitchers promises to raise the level of the Fighters pitching staff.
Context at the start of the season
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters entered the season with high expectations after changes to the squad. The no-hitter victory in the opening game at home represented immediate relief after an uneven start. The team had consistent offensive contributions to support Hosono’s dominance on the mound.
Haruki Hosono adopted a new pitching format during pre-season preparation. Essa Change contributed to greater consistency and speed in the game. Ele avoided grandiose statements after the feat, preferring to focus on maintaining runless innings.
Coach Shinjo demonstrated confidence in the group by highlighting the collective work. The defense and attack responded well to the pressure of opening the season at home. The atmosphere in the locker room remained light, with jokes between players and the coaching staff.
Tatsu Kota maintained a relaxed tone when assessing the moment. Ele joked about the need to celebrate the achievement appropriately, without exaggeration. The friendship between the two young pitchers reinforces the team spirit in Nippon Ham.
The no-hitter went down in NPB history as the 103rd in the modern era, including perfect games. Hosono joined relevant names by reaching the milestone early in his career. The performance reinforces the potential of the new generation of Japanese pitchers.
Kota Tatsu remains focused on his own goals for the season. The exchange with Shinjo illustrates the relaxed atmosphere that the coach cultivates in the group. Os Fighters are now looking to maintain the positive momentum in the following rounds of the Pacific League championship.
