Daisuke Moriura Reaches 20 Saves as Carp Hold Off Hanshin

Hiroshima Carp reliever Daisuke Moriura reached a personal milestone on Wednesday, recording his 20th save of the season as the Carp defeated the Hanshin Tigers 3-1 at Koshien Stadium.

Moriura entered in the ninth inning with Hiroshima holding a 3-0 lead, taking over from starter Hiroki Tokoda to close out the game.

After retiring the first batter, Moriura gave up a solo home run to Hanshin outfielder Shota Morishita, who sent a pitch over the center-field wall to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Moriura, however, quickly settled down and retired the next two batters to secure the win and his 20th save of the season.

“I gave up the home run, but I'm glad the team was able to win. A strikeout is the best outcome, so I was going after one.”

The 28-year-old left-hander was also asked about reaching the 20-save mark, but he was not interested in looking too far ahead.

“The season is still ongoing, so I want to look back on it after the season is over.”

The save is already a significant career high for Moriura. He recorded 12 saves last season, meaning he has comfortably surpassed that total with several weeks still remaining in the regular season.

Wednesday's appearance was also his 52nd of the season, putting him within reach of another personal milestone. His career high is 60 appearances, set last season.

Now in his sixth professional season, Moriura has emerged as an increasingly important part of Hiroshima's late-inning bullpen. With the Carp fighting to stay in the postseason race, his ability to close out tight games could become increasingly valuable down the stretch.