Pitcher Tetsuya Utsumi, who announced his retirement from professional baseball and Seibu at the end of this season, pitched in relief in the game against Softbank held on the night of the 17th, and showed a good throw without allowing any runs in the first inning, saying, "I managed to work. I'm relieved," he said.
"I'm relieved that I managed to get the job done."
Seibu pitcher Utsumi, who announced his retirement this season on the 16th, led 3 to 5 in the match between the leader Seibu and the 2nd place Softbank held at the Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture on the night of the 17th. I pitched as the third person in the 8th inning.
Utsumi pitched Akira Nakamura in the lead with a fastball to ground the pitcher, and struck out second player Daiki Mimori with a breaking ball.
After the game, pitcher Utsumi, who pitched for the first time since May this year, said, "When I went up to the mound, I was encouraged by cheering, and a switch was turned on in me. Pitching in an unexpected situation with a two-point difference. I was nervous, but I'm relieved that I managed to get the job done."
Regarding the fact that he pitched in a direct confrontation with Softbank in second place while the team was fighting for the championship, he said, "It was not a retirement match, but a serious game, so I was able to pitch even after I announced my retirement. I am truly grateful," he said.
Regarding the rest of his active life, he said, "I can't change anything from now on, but I can show young players that I prepare well. I will overcome it while opening all the drawers in my career. I want to," he said enthusiastically.