In a disheartening performance at Belluna Dome on May 6, 2025, Seibu's pitcher Daiga Ueda struggled significantly against SoftBank, allowing 10 runs in just 5 innings. This marked a low point for the 23-year-old right-hander, who was seeking his first professional victory after being drafted as the second pick from Osaka University of Commerce last year.
Ueda's outing began on a troubling note as he faced Yuji Nomura, who struck a double that hit the fence, setting the tone for a challenging first inning. After allowing a timely hit to Yumasada with one out, Ueda's control faltered, leading to two consecutive walks. This resulted in a disastrous inning where he faced 9 batters and threw 34 pitches, ultimately giving up 4 runs before the inning concluded.
Despite the shaky start, Ueda managed to stabilize somewhat in the second and third innings, allowing base runners but preventing any further damage. He was aided by a remarkable defensive play from first baseman Navin, who made a crucial throw to home plate to cut down a runner in the second inning. However, the relief was short-lived as Ueda continued to struggle with his command.
In the fourth inning, he again faced trouble, surrendering another timely hit to Yumasada, which contributed to 2 more runs crossing the plate. By the fifth inning, Ueda's woes reached a peak, as he allowed 4 more runs on 4 hits, culminating in his exit from the game. Ueda's final line for the day read 117 pitches thrown, 12 hits allowed, 4 walks, and a staggering 10 earned runs, which significantly inflated his earned run average from 1.69 to 6.89.
Reflecting on his performance, Ueda expressed his disappointment, stating, "I couldn't create a good rhythm, and I feel really sorry for the team." His frustration was evident as he lamented, "Many of the balls I threw were hit on the first pitch, and the pitches that got hit were all sweet. I regret not being able to pitch effectively inside and out." This sentiment underscores the challenges he faced on the mound.
This game marked Ueda's third start of the season, and it was a stark contrast to his previous outings where he had managed to pitch at least 5 innings while allowing no more than 2 runs. His last appearance prior to this game was on April 17 against Orix, where he had a much more favorable outing, giving up only 2 runs over 6 innings.
The team's performance overall was disappointing, as they suffered a significant defeat by a score of 10-0, leading to their third consecutive loss after a promising six-game winning streak. This defeat has raised questions about the team's consistency and performance as they navigate the season.
As Ueda continues to develop in his second year, this outing serves as a crucial learning experience. The pressure of playing at home in front of fans can be daunting, and Ueda's ability to bounce back from this setback will be key to his future success. The Seibu Lions will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, aiming to restore their momentum and confidence.
Ueda's journey reflects the ups and downs that young players often face in professional sports. With his talent and determination, fans will be eager to see how he responds in his upcoming starts. The team remains hopeful that he can channel this experience into future success, potentially leading to that elusive first win.
