Seibu Lions' Yutaro Watanabe Pitches Career-First Complete Game Shutout 'Maddux' Against Lotte
On September 6, 2025, in a Pacific League professional baseball game, Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Yutaro Watanabe achieved his first career complete game and shutout victory against the Lotte Marines. What was particularly remarkable about his performance was that he completed all nine innings with just 97 pitches and no walks, accomplishing the rare feat known as a "Maddux." From the first inning, Watanabe displayed stable pitching, giving the Lotte lineup no opportunities to gain an advantage. He held the mound for all nine innings, marking his career-first complete game and shutout with a "Maddux" that impressed baseball fans. After the game, a visibly excited Watanabe commented, "The adrenaline in the ninth inning was insane," as he was met with thunderous applause from the stands. Meanwhile, on offense, Aiya Nishikawa had an outstanding performance. He led off the first inning with a solo home run to put the Lions ahead, then added timely hits in the ...