Atsushi Endo Finds His Groove as Carp Reliever Records Nine Straight Scoreless Appearances

Hiroshima Carp reliever Atsushi Endo has quietly developed into one of the team's most reliable bullpen arms.

Endo pitched a scoreless seventh inning in Hiroshima's 3–2 victory over the Yomiuri Giants on August 23 at Tokyo Dome, earning his fourth win of the season and extending his scoreless streak to nine consecutive appearances.

The right-hander did face some trouble in the inning. After retiring the first two batters, he allowed back-to-back singles that put runners on first and second.

But Endo stayed composed and retired Matsumoto on a fly ball to center field, escaping the inning without allowing a run.

His recent numbers have been particularly impressive.

Three of Endo's four wins this season have come in August, and he has yet to allow a run during the month. The 27-year-old has clearly found a different level of consistency in the second half of the season.

Interestingly, Endo believes his first All-Star Game appearance may have been an important turning point.

The 2026 All-Star Game was Endo's first selection in his ninth professional season. Rather than simply enjoying the experience, he used the opportunity to learn from some of the league's best pitchers.

One of those pitchers was Hanshin Tigers left-hander Haruto Takahashi.

Endo learned about pitching his breaking stuff from Takahashi and other players during the All-Star break, and one particular pitch has become an important weapon.

“I was taught things about how to throw breaking pitches by Haruto Takahashi and others.”

That experience gave Endo greater confidence in his changeup.

“Now I can throw my changeup confidently and without hesitation.”

That change in mindset appears to have translated directly to his performances on the mound.

Endo said that his main objective every time he takes the mound is simple: put up a zero.

So far, that approach has worked exceptionally well.

The timing is also important for Hiroshima. With the bullpen facing an increasingly demanding schedule later in the season, having a reliever who can consistently protect close games is becoming increasingly valuable.

Endo may not have entered the season as one of the Carp's most prominent bullpen names, but his recent performance has changed that.

Nine straight scoreless appearances, three August wins and renewed confidence in his changeup have turned Endo into one of Hiroshima's most dependable relief options.

And if his All-Star experience really was the turning point, the Carp may have found an unexpectedly important piece for their bullpen at exactly the right time.