CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD

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Charleston’s Akihito Matsuo Sets Record for Most Games Appeared by Pitcher in a Season
Updated: October 4th, 2031 – 1:25 PM

By Howard Heskin, Gnats Beat Writer and ESPN PEBA Correspondent – Twitter @HowardHeskin1

It might not have been the most memorable season for Charleston in 2031, but for Akihito Matsuo his name will live forever in the PEBA record books as he set the season record for appearing as a pitcher in 121 games this season. The previous record was 109 games set by Yuma’s Andrés Vázquez in 2012.

Akihito Matsuo was drafted in the 2019 first-year player draft (Round 5, Pick 1, 50th overall pick) by the Neo-Tokyo Akira. He has pitched for Palm Springs and Amsterdam before signing with Charleston in 2030 as a free agent. Appearing in 2 games as a starter this season, Akihito was the workhorse of Charleston bullpen with 139 innings pitched. For the season Akihito earned a 5.70 ERA; surrendered 27 home runs, struck out 96 and walked 67. His WHIP was 1.52.

Akihito is well known for keeping to himself while working on his craft. Charleston Head Scout Christopher Gaines is quoted as stating, “Martsuo either internalizes or is just impersonal – either way we love him.”

Not only did Akihito put in his time to help Charleston this season but the entire bullpen earned their salaries this season. Lance Fields notched 113 games this season to now hold second place all time for games appeared in for a season. Not also be to be out done – Kokei Yamashita appeared in 101 games to now hold the record for 5th overall and Dave Coley appeared in 97 games to be tied with 2 others for 8th overall in a season.

Another notable record this season was set by Hartford’s Tom Patton who stole 6 base on September 5, 2031 against San Antonio. Also, joining the records books was Danny ‘Hitman’ Burton who hit 3 home runs in a game now with two different teams – one time with Florida in 2030 and now with San Antonio on August 3, 2031 with San Antonio.