On March 18, 2025, the SoftBank Hawks showcased their prowess by defeating the Chunichi Dragons 5-0 at Mizuho PayPay Dome, setting the tone for the upcoming season with impressive performances from their star players.
Making his first pitching appearance of the season, left-handed pitcher Moineiro was undeniably the star of the show. The Hawks’ pitcher delivered six perfect innings, dominating the game with six strikeouts and throwing only 71 pitches. His exceptional performance not only ensured the shutout win but also demonstrated his readiness for the challenges awaiting the team as the season approaches.
Moineiro approached the game with fierce determination. From the sixth inning onward, he practiced pitching with runners on base to make it feel as realistic as possible. “I was trying to simulate the situation as closely to real play as possible,” Moineiro explained, as he mentally prepared for any potential runners during the match.
Following his dominant stint on the mound, Moineiro assessed his performance with self-reflection, stating, “I would give my performance 88 points.” This level of self-critique speaks volumes about his drive to improve continuously—a mindset he has adopted since making the transition to being a starting pitcher last season, where he won the title for the best ERA.
The SoftBank Hawks maintained the same lineup against Chunichi as they did on March 16, when they played against the Nippon Ham Fighters. With seasoned players like Shuto, Kondoh, Yanagita, and Yamakawa filling the positions, the team looks well-poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.
Last season marked Moineiro’s first year as a starting pitcher, and he enjoyed considerable success. His achievements on the mound earned him memorable accolades, and this year, he is already setting high aspirations for himself. “I want to contribute significantly to my team,” he mentioned before the game, highlighting his commitment to making as positive of an impact as possible.
Among the points he hopes to improve this season include increasing the speed of his fastball, which clocked at 151 km/h during the game, sharpening the precision of his breaking balls, and enhancing his first-pitch strike rate. Following his time on the mound, he didn't relax; instead, he continued honing his skills by heading straight to the bullpen and throwing 15 pitches to keep his arm loose and focused.
With his ninth season now upon him, Moineiro is determined to leave his mark and help propel the SoftBank Hawks toward success. His unyielding work ethic and ambition reflect not only personal goals but also the overarching aspirations of his team as they gear up for what they hope will be another remarkable campaign.
Overall, the Hawks’ new season is buzzing with anticipation, and players like Moineiro are set to lead the charge. The open game on March 18 served as both a showcase of skill and tactical preparation, laying the groundwork for what fans can expect this season. With players maintaining sharp skills and impressive performances, SoftBank fans have every reason to remain optimistic as the new baseball season approaches.
