Yasunari Kudo

Hanshin faced Yakult in a Central League game that drew wide attention in Japan. The focus was on Hanshin pitcher Kudo Yasunari, who came on to close out the win, becoming the first player in NPB history signed from a development squad to record a closing appearance in a victory. Kudo said he had long dreamed of being surrounded by teammates on the mound. Japanese sports outlets highlighted the milestone.