Even in a season that's shaping up to be the Year of the Pitcher, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ace Yu Darvish still stands out among the crowd.
Darvish has been Japan's premier hurler for years, almost seamlessly taking over upon Daisuke Matsuzaka's departure in 2006. Still, the run the 25-year-old has been on in recent weeks is Herculean even by his standards.
Since a surprising Opening Day loss to the Seibu Lions, during which he gave up seven runs in seven innings, Darvish (8-1) has won eight straight starts in mostly dominating fashion.