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Hokkaido Nippon-Ham pitcher Kitayama set to start against Lotte, aiming to extend winning streak
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham pitcher Kitayama Kouki will start against Chiba Lotte Marines on June 23rd, carrying a six-win season record and a three-game winning streak from the inter-league play. The 27-year-old expressed confidence in his physical preparation and mechanics while emphasizing the importance of reviewing game footage to prepare for the familiar opponent.



Quick Facts
Who
Kitayama Kouki
What
Kitayama starting pitcher assignment
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Escon Field Hokkaido
- Kitayama starting pitcher assignment
- Series-opening game
- Winning streak continuation
- Physical conditioning improvement
- Kitayama Kouki
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham pitcher Kitayama Kouki, 27, will take the mound on June 23rd in a matchup against the Chiba Lotte Marines at Escon Field Hokkaido. After finishing the inter-league season with a perfect 3-0 record, Kitayama has already recorded six wins this season. Starting as the opening pitcher of the series, he is conscious of his important role and aims to secure victory.
When asked about his physical condition heading into the game, Kitayama expressed confidence in his preparation. "My condition this week has been excellent, including my overall physical state since my last outing. My pitching practice has been very good, and I think I'll be able to go into this game well-prepared," he stated.
Although there is no mental shift despite the inter-league season ending, Kitayama acknowledges facing a familiar opponent requires specific preparation. "With six days of rest and the momentum continuing, there's no change in my mindset. However, Lotte is an opponent we've faced many times. As the opening pitcher of this series, I want to carefully review video footage from previous matchups and work on countermeasures," he explained.
Regarding improvements to his pitching mechanics, Kitayama described an ongoing process of refinement. "I have conditioning and mechanics goals I'm working toward over the year. Through trial and error—breaking down and improving my technique repeatedly—I've been searching for the right approach. This week, I found many clues and breakthrough moments in how I can make my movements more efficient. Based on this, I sense my physical condition is progressing in a positive direction for the long term."
The 27-year-old attributed his success to the support of his teammates. Despite his personal winning streak, Kitayama emphasizes gratitude toward the bullpen and position players. "I'm grateful to the relief pitchers and position players. Somewhere along the way, I need to be the one who saves the game," he remarked, acknowledging his responsibility as a key starter for the team.
Topics
Why This Matters
Kitayama's performance directly impacts Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's playoff positioning in a competitive NPB season. As a key starter carrying momentum from inter-league play, his ability to execute against familiar opponents like Lotte establishes consistency that could determine the team's postseason success. For baseball fans, this matchup highlights the importance of preparation and technical refinement in professional baseball.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireKitayama Kouki scheduled to start against Chiba Lotte Marines at Escon Field Hokkaido
Jun 23, 2026
WireInterview published in Doshin Sports