The Cuban left-hander Liván Moinelo made an impressive debut as a starting pitcher in the current season of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and this Tuesday achieved his first victory of the year, leading the SoftBank Hawks to a 5-1 victory over the Nippon Ham Fighters.

In action corresponding to the Pacific League, the pitcher from Pinar del Río shone in his role as a starter, pitching seven solid innings, during which he allowed only two hits—a solo home run and a single—struck out six batters, issued one walk, and hit a batter, according to the report from the newspaper JIT.

With this performance, Moinelo left his mark at 1-0 and recorded an excellent earned run average (ERA) of 1.29, marking his debut as a starting pitcher in the current season, a change that confirms his versatility and value within the team.

Ariel Martínez unlucky at the plate

Less fortunate was the performance of his compatriot Ariel Martínez, the starting player from Matanzas for the Nippon Ham Fighters, who went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts in the game, which lowered his batting average to .167 at the start of the season.

Raidel Martínez also stands out with Yomiuri

The strong performance of Cuban pitching in Japan is not limited to Moinelo. Another player from Pinar del Río, the right-handed pitcher Raidel Martínez, has been a key contributor in the bullpen for the Yomiuri Giants, actively participating in two of the team’s three victories against Yakult.

In one of those outings, he recorded a victory, and in another, he achieved a save, establishing himself as one of the most reliable closers in the Japanese league.

With performances like those of Moinelo and Raidel, Cuban pitchers continue to make their mark in one of the most competitive leagues in world baseball, demonstrating that the talent from the islands continues to bear fruit far from home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liván Moinelo and Cuban Baseball in JapanHow did Liván Moinelo’s debut as a starter in the NPB go?

Liván Moinelo made a strong debut as a starter in the Japanese Professional Baseball League (NPB), achieving his first win of the season with the SoftBank Hawks by defeating the Nippon Ham Fighters 5-1. He pitched seven solid innings, allowing only two hits and recording six strikeouts.

What achievements has Liván Moinelo obtained in Japanese baseball?

Liván Moinelo has achieved several notable accomplishments, including the ERA title in the Japanese Professional Baseball League (NPB) with an impressive ERA of 1.88. Additionally, he was awarded the Gold Glove, recognized as the best defender in his position.

How did Ariel Martínez perform in his last game with the Nippon Ham Fighters?

In the last game, Ariel Martínez had no luck at the plate, going 0 for 3 with three strikeouts, which brought his batting average down to .167 at the start of the season.

What is the impact of Cuban pitchers in the Japanese Professional Baseball League?

Cuban pitchers are making a significant mark in the NPB, with outstanding performances by Liván Moinelo and Raidel Martínez. Moinelo has led in earned run average, and Martínez has been one of the most reliable closers, reflecting the quality of Cuban talent in Japanese baseball.