Trevor Bauer of the Yokohama DeNA BASS achieved his first win of the season with a relief appearance on the 4th.
Bauer started as the pitcher in the home game against the Hiroshima Carp at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, on the 27th.
Bauer, who played for a year in Yokohama during the 2023 season, aimed for a return to Major League Baseball (ML) after playing on a short-term contract in the Mexican League last year, but it fell through. This year, Bauer, who had signed another contract with Yokohama, was on a three-game losing streak to start the season.
On March 29, he recorded a loss in 6 innings allowing 1 earned run against Chunichi (Yokohama lost 0-1) and was removed from the first-team roster due to discomfort. After resting for over two weeks and returning, Bauer lost against Yomiuri on the 16th, allowing 5 earned runs in 5 innings (Yokohama lost 0-5). He recorded another loss against Hanshin on the 22nd, allowing 4 earned runs in 7 innings (Yokohama lost 2-4).
Bauer, who was on a three-game losing streak, returned to the mound after 4 days of rest, just like during his Major League days. He secured a victory against Hiroshima, allowing just 1 earned run over 8 innings. Facing 29 batters, he pitched 2 hits, 3 walks, and struck out 10. Bauer showcased various pitches including a fastball with a maximum speed of 154 km, a knuckle curve, a changeup, and a slider. He recorded his first win in Japan in 611 days since winning against Chunichi on August 25, 2023.
The first inning was shaky. He got the leadoff batter out on a ground ball to the second baseman, but after a walk and a single to right field, he faced a 1st and 3rd base situation. He allowed a stolen base and gave up the first run. After another walk that created a 1st and 2nd base situation with one out, he ended the inning with ground balls to the shortstop and third baseman. He threw 25 pitches in the first inning.
Bauer showcased powerful pitching from the second inning. He ended the inning with a pop-up to the shortstop, a groundout to the third baseman, and a strikeout. In the third inning, he easily dispatched the 1st to 3rd batters, recording two strikeouts and a pop-up to the shortstop. He continued his efficient performance in the fourth inning with a strikeout, a line drive to the pitcher, and a flyout to the left fielder. He ended the fifth inning with three strikeouts.
After allowing a walk with one out in the sixth inning, he had retired 15 batters in a row. In the sixth inning with one out and a runner on first, he allowed a stolen base and then a ground ball from the catcher left runners at second and third with two outs. He prevented a run by getting a flyout from the center fielder. In the seventh inning, he recorded another strikeout, ending the inning without allowing a hit.
In the eighth inning, after one out, he faced a crisis when he allowed a double to pinch-hitter Nakamura. Against the leadoff batter Tamura, he threw three consecutive knuckle curves and secured a swinging strikeout. He also struck out the second batter Hatzuki with a swinging strikeout on a knuckle curve (130 km) at 2 balls and 2 strikes, celebrating with a roar after the key moment. He escaped the crisis with his own efforts at a crucial juncture.
Following Bauer, Issei Daimu finished the game in the ninth inning with a quick three outs, securing a one-run victory.
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