Hiroki Kuroda was back on the mound in Hiroshima for the first time in eight years on Sunday, when he retired all 13 batters he faced in a 1-0 exhibition win over the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

“From the standpoint of results, it was a success,” said Kuroda, who struck out three batters before leaving the mound at Mazda Stadium, where a crowd of 22,942 came to welcome him back after seven seasons in the majors.

“I’ve come back to Hiroshima after a long time. I went to the mound with so much support and was able to pitch comfortably. I made some of my best pitches as well as some bad ones. I want to make a few more good pitches next time.

“I wasn’t really thinking too much, just pound the zone and put pressure on the batters. There were times when I was able to dominate. I want to build on that next time.”