[Orix Buffaloes] Opening pitcher candidate Alen Kuri pitch three runs innings, allowing only three hits, but still hit tenaciously at key moments | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Opening pitcher candidate Alen Kuri pitched three innings without runs and only hit three hits, but showed tenacious pitch at key moments.

Sports Hochi

March 7, 2026 15:25

◆Open game Orix and The Giants (7th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri pitched three scoreless runs before being replaced after 52 pitches. With two outs and a runner on second base in the first inning, he struck out Dalbec with a fly ball to right field. With one out and a runner on first base in the second inning, he quickly got Sakamoto out with a pickoff throw. With two outs and a runner on second base in the third inning, he also struck out Minagawa with a fly ball to right field, preventing a run.

With aces Miyagi and Soya selected to represent Japan in the WBC, the veteran right-hander is currently considered a candidate to be the opening pitcher along with Yamashita and others. He showed tenacious pitch at key moments, demonstrating that he is in good shape.