Ryoji Kuribayashi Determined to End Carp’s Losing Streak Against Yakult

Hiroshima Toyo Carp pitcher Ryoji Kuribayashi is determined to help end his team’s five-game losing streak when he starts against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium on August 11.

Kuribayashi emphasized that his priority is to prevent the Swallows from scoring first and give the bullpen a chance to protect a lead.

“The most important thing is to do what I can,” Kuribayashi said. “I want to avoid giving up the first run and hand the game over to the relievers in a good position.”

Hiroshima has struggled to get off to good starts recently. The Carp have allowed the first run in each of their nine games since the second half of the season began.

Kuribayashi, however, has shown an ability to help the team recover from difficult stretches. This season, Hiroshima has gone on to win four games in which Kuribayashi started while the team was in the middle of a losing streak or had just recorded a draw.

The Carp are also dealing with significant changes to their pitching staff.

Left-hander Hiroki Tokoda has been sidelined with inflammation around his left shoulder joint. Kanya Suzuki, who started against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on August 9 as Tokoda’s replacement, will remain in the starting rotation.

Manager Takahiro Arai confirmed that Suzuki will make another start.

With Hiroshima’s starting rotation under pressure and the team desperately needing to stop its slide, Kuribayashi’s performance against Yakult could be particularly important.

For a team that has struggled to score first throughout the second half, his message is straightforward: keep the game under control early, and give the bullpen a chance to finish the job.