InsideJapan News Network

For the third match running, Yu Darvish pitched a shutout last night (June 8th), meaning that the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters' pitcher has now equalled the Japanese league record.

Darvish's successful stint at the mound helped his team to a narrow 1-0 victory over the Chunichi Dragons, with Sho Nakata breaking the deadlock in the seventh inning, Japan Times reports.

The 24-year-old pitcher, who is widely tipped to make the step-up to the US major leagues, has now pitched 44 innings without conceding a point, while four of his last five starts have resulted in a shutout.

"I always try to pitch my best game, but it's a bit scary if things go this well. I was backed by solid defense and things got easier for me as the Dragons were hitting early in the count," Darvish said.

The result of this interleague match leaves both teams second in their respective leagues.

Written by Mark Smith


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