## Shota Imanaga and Ronel Blanco Combine for No-Hitter, Nate Pearson Expected for 2024 On August 27, 2023, Shota Imanaga and Ronel Blanco of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters combined for a no-hitter against the Saitama Seibu Lions, marking the first time a Fighters pitcher has achieved the feat since 2006. ### Game Summary * Imanaga started the game for the Fighters and pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out eight batters. * Blanco entered the game in the 7th inning with two outs and the bases loaded, but managed to escape the jam. * Blanco then pitched the final 2.1 innings, striking out three batters and allowing only one walk. ### Historical Significance * This was the first no-hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) since 2019 when Ryo Akiyoshi of the Hanshin Tigers threw one. * It was also the first combined no-hitter in NPB since 2015, when the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks' Sho Iwasaki and Dennis Sarfate combined for one. ### Noteworthy Performances * Imanaga has been a consistent performer for the Fighters this season, with a 3.45 ERA and 10 wins. * Blanco, a former closer for the New York Yankees, has been a valuable addition to the Fighters bullpen, posting a 2.75 ERA and 20 saves. ### Future Prospects * With the no-hitter, Imanaga further cements his status as the Fighters' ace pitcher. * Nate Pearson, a highly-touted prospect acquired by the Fighters from the Toronto Blue Jays, is expected to make his NPB debut in 2024. * Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox and Blake Snell of the Tampa Bay Rays are among the other pitchers who have been linked to the Fighters in trade rumors. ### Conclusion Shota Imanaga and Ronel Blanco's no-hitter is a historic achievement for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The team hopes to continue its success in the years to come with the help of Imanaga, Pearson, and other talented pitchers.
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