Carp Lefty Ryūnosuke Satō Throws Complete Game with One Run Allowed and Nine Strikeouts

Hiroshima Carp left-hander Ryūnosuke Satō went the distance in a 3–1 victory over the Shikoku Island League Select team on October 10 at Tenpuku Stadium in the Miyazaki Phoenix League.

Satō allowed five hits and one run over nine innings, striking out nine batters in a composed outing. He consistently worked ahead in the count and kept the opposing lineup in check with a sharp slider. His only run allowed came on a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, and he finished the game after throwing 102 pitches.

Reflecting on his performance, Satō said:

“I was able to pitch while watching how the batters reacted. As a starting point, it wasn't a bad outing.”

The Carp introduced PitchCom this fall, and Satō used the system to communicate pitch types and locations to his catcher, taking responsibility for constructing the pitch sequence himself.

“I was able to think things through and make my own pitching decisions. I'm glad I was able to go all the way through the ninth inning.”

Now in his second professional season, Satō made just one first-team appearance this year, working out of the bullpen. The left-hander joined Hiroshima as the club's second-round pick in the 2024 draft, and expectations remain high.

He knows he still has work to do, but hopes to use the fall league to make a strong impression.

“I still have a long way to go in terms of ability. I want to show what I can do this fall and put myself in contention for a spot in the Opening Day rotation.”

Satō will be aiming to turn this autumn into an important step toward a bigger role with the Carp next season.