Shuta Ishikawa held Japan's most potent offense to one run over eight innings in the SoftBank Hawks' 4-1 win over the Pacific League-leading Seibu Lions on Thursday.
Having scored nine or more runs in their five previous games, all wins, the Hawks turned the starting duties over to Ishikawa (3-1), who had the Lions swinging wildly. The 26-year-old right-hander struck out seven, while giving up three hits and a walk. He hit one batter.
"I only focused on what I needed to do," Ishikawa said when asked about facing the Lions. "I pitched this game with same emotion I always do."