NAo higashihama throws a no-hitter

The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks' right-hander, Nao Higashihama, achieved it in NPB. He threw a no-hitter in the game against the Seibu Lions to lead his team to a 2-0 win at Pay Pay dome on May 11.

The 31-year-old pitcher allowed just two walks with 97 pitches and retired just 27 batters with two double plays and six strikeouts, using his fastball around 93 mph, cutter, and sinker. After the game, he said, "I didn't think I could do it. Incredible." The victory brought him his 4th win (4-1) of the season.

Higashihama became the third pitcher to have a no-hitter in the Hawks history and the second player this season since Roki Sasaki of the Chiba Lotte Marines threw a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes on April 10.

Nao Higashihama from Okinawa was a pitcher leading his high school baseball team to a champion in the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2008. 
(NPB No.56  KAISPO No.1184)