Japanese Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sets The 14 Strikeouts Record In Japan Series

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher, staged a powerful comeback in what may be his last game in Japan before he’s expected to head to the major leagues.

Japanese Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sets The 14 Strikeouts Record In Japan Series

With a Japan Series record 14 strikeouts in a full game on Saturday, Yamamoto helped the Orix Buffaloes upset the Hanshin Tigers 5-1 and set up a pivotal Game 7.

Although Yamamoto, 25, does not have enough service time to be considered a free agent in Japan, big league teams may be interested in signing him under the posting system that MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball have agreed upon.

With 14 strikeouts and no walks in 138 pitches, the Orix Buffaloes ace pitched a complete game masterpiece in Game 6 of the Japan Series, defeating the Hanshin Tigers 5-1 to force a crucial seventh game on Sunday.

This season, Yamamoto finished 16-8 with a 1.21 ERA, a 0.844 WHIP, and 169 strikeouts in 164 innings. He is anticipated to be posted by Orix this winter.

In the Japan Series, his 14 strikeouts in Game 6 broke Yu Darvish’s previous record of 13 from 2007.

projected to begin at over $200 million over six or seven years, the Yamamoto bidding is projected to surpass the highest deal ever inked by Masahiro Tanaka with the Yankees in 2014, which was for $155 million.

“I went to the mound able to concentrate really well,” Yamamoto said, according to Kyodo News. “I’m very happy that I was able to deliver the goods right until the end. The crowd’s cheers at the start of the ninth really gave me a boost.”

In September, Yamamoto pitched his second no-hitter of the season in front of numerous MLB executives. This year, he threw for Japan’s World Baseball Classic-winning squad as well.

On Sunday, Orix will try to win the Japan Series for the second time in a row.

 

 

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