2026.07.12 [7/9 vsT: Norimoto's Disappointing Pitching Performance] from Radiotalk

Norimoto's pitching determined the game's fate.

Although Norimoto was expected to perform well against Hanshin, he had a surprisingly rough outing. Allowing 8 runs in 5 innings, he could not stop the momentum of the Hanshin lineup. In contrast, Hanshin's starter, Ihara, delivered an impressive performance in his first mound appearance in months, highlighting a stark contrast between the two pitchers.

After the Giants took an early lead, Hanshin's relentless attack continued.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, the Giants took an early 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly. However, immediately in the top of the 2nd inning, they gave up a comeback 2-run homer to Maekawa, and the Hanshin lineup's barrage of hits didn't stop there. With additional runs scored in the 3rd and 4th, the Giants were unable to find a way to mount a comeback as the innings progressed.

Attention was also focused on the rise of young pitchers.

Despite the difficult game, the episode carefully records the movements of next-generation players, including the performance of Hanshin's second-year pitcher Monbetsu and the Giants' relief corps. Especially with zabo's unique perspective on Monbetsu's profile and expectations for this season, it is a must-listen for baseball fans. Please listen to the full episode for how the game unfolded in the second half.