Kosei Yoshida, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters' first pick in last year's NPB draft, got the win in his professional debut Wednesday as the Fighters beat the Hiroshima Carp 2-1 in interleague play.
Taishi Ota blasted a solo homer and Haruki Nishikawa added an RBI single to help 18-year-old Yoshida clinch his maiden victory against the Central League leaders at Sapporo Dome.
"I'm really happy. The cheering from the fans was really loud, and I drew strength from it," said Yoshida, who became a household name for leading unheralded Kanaashi Nogyo High School to the final of the National High School Baseball Championship last year.