[Seibu Lions] Chihiro Sumida, making his first appearance since returning from the WBC, runs four scoreless innings. “The performance itself wasn’t bad, but…”
Sports Hochi
March 23, 2026 06:00
◆Exhibition game: Seibu Lions 2-4 DeNA (22nd, Belluna Dome)
Seibu Lions starting pitcher Chihiro Sumida (26), making his first appearance since returning from the WBC, pitched four innings, allowing one hit strike out giving up no runs. “The performance itself wasn’t bad, but I still can’t throw my fastball the way I want to, so I want to make sure I adjust properly,” he said, acknowledging areas for improvement.
He started strong, retiring the side in order with just eight pitches. In the second inning, he gave up a single to Viciedo, the leadoff hit, but shut down the subsequent batters. He felt some discomfort switching back from the MLB ball used in the WBC to the NPB ball, and although he was “controlling it with his hands,” he only allowed one more Walk (a walk) after that, and finished the four innings with just 47 pitches. His fastest pitch was recorded at 152 km/h. Even so, he was still reflecting on his performance, saying, “My output dropped by 2 or 3 km/h towards the end, so I want to prepare so that doesn’t happen during the season.”
After being taken out of the game, he headed to bullpen. He will enter the season with only one appearance in the preseason games, but he said with confidence and a positive outlook for the start of the season, “It might sound bad, but for me, (the WBC) was also preparation for the season, and I went there with the intention of getting results. I was able to prepare well during the WBC, so I think I was able to pitch today.”