The Cuban left-hander Liván Moinelo achieved his fourth win of the 2026 season in Japan's Professional Baseball League (NPB) this Tuesday, showcasing one of the most commanding starts by a pitcher in the league, as reported by Pelota Cubana.
Taking the mound at Fukuoka's Mizuho PayPay Dome, Moinelo led the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks to a decisive 14-1 triumph over the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Moinelo pitched for six and one-third innings, allowing six hits and just one run while issuing two walks, hitting a batter, and striking out six opponents.
With this victory, the lefty from San Juan y Martínez improved his record to 4-1 and lowered his ERA to an outstanding 0.76 so far this season.
The statistics speak for themselves: across 35.1 innings pitched, Moinelo has given up a mere 18 hits and three earned runs, striking out 28 with a WHIP of 0.68.
Additionally, the Cuban pitcher has consistently completed at least six innings while allowing three earned runs or fewer in each of his five starts, marking five consecutive quality outings since rejoining the starting rotation.
This particular win was especially gratifying as it was a direct rematch against the same team that handed him his only loss of the season. On September 1, Moinelo fell 2-1 to Nippon Ham despite delivering eight quality innings, hindered by a lack of offensive support.
With the backing of 14 runs from his teammates this time, Moinelo left no room for doubt, and the NPB officially named him the winning pitcher of the game.
Adding to the significance of his current streak, Moinelo returned to SoftBank's main roster on August 12 after recovering from a left shoulder injury that sidelined him since mid-May.
Since his return, the pitcher from Pinar del Río has been unstoppable: initially blanking Chiba Lotte over six innings, then defeating Nippon Ham with just two hits allowed, followed by a complete-game shutout against Chiba Lotte, and now notching his fourth victory.
His current performance follows a historic 2025 season, where Moinelo posted a 12-3 record, a 1.46 ERA, and 172 strikeouts over 167 innings, earning him the Pacific League MVP award, making him the first Cuban to ever receive this honor in NPB history.
With five consecutive quality starts and an ERA placing him among the league's top pitchers, Moinelo is poised for another standout season in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liván Moinelo's Performance in Japan
How many wins has Liván Moinelo secured in the 2026 NPB season?
Liván Moinelo has achieved four wins in the 2026 NPB season.
What was significant about Moinelo's recent victory?
The recent victory was significant as it was a rematch against the team that previously handed him his only loss of the season.
What are Moinelo's key statistics for the 2026 season so far?
Moinelo has a 0.76 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.68 over 35.1 innings pitched this season.