Baseball pitcher apologizes after hitting star player with pitch, causing injury

The Hanshin Tigers secured a crucial 4-1 victory over their rivals, the Yomiuri Giants, on Tuesday, officially inching closer to a championship title. Pitcher Kōtarō Ōtake delivered a strong performance, allowing only three hits and no runs in six innings to earn his fifth win of the season.

However, the celebratory mood was dampened when Tigers outfielder Shohta Tomisawa was struck by a pitch near his left wrist in the bottom of the seventh inning. The 148 km/h fastball from Giants pitcher Yuji Akahoshi hit Tomisawa as he attempted to dodge, forcing him to leave the game. Tomisawa struggled to get up initially but eventually walked back to the dugout for treatment.

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Although it was during a game with stakes, I ended up hitting the opponent. I am truly sorry for throwing such a pitch in such an important game.

Following the incident, Akahoshi, as he walked off the mound, turned towards the Tigers' dugout and bowed deeply with his cap off in apology. In a post-game interview, Akahoshi expressed his regret, stating, "Although it was during a game with stakes, I ended up hitting the opponent. I am truly sorry for throwing such a pitch in such an important game."

Tigers manager Kōji Fujikawa revealed that he had proposed the introduction of protective gear covering the shoulder blade to the wrist to Nippon Professional Baseball earlier in April. "I want to protect our players, and I want to protect all players on other teams too," Fujikawa said, emphasizing his concern for player safety.

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I want to protect our players, and I want to protect all players on other teams too.