◆ Pacific League Lotte 1-2 Orix (28th, Zozo Marine)
Orix had a reliable “Lotte killer”. It was 1-1 in the ninth inning with two outs and a runner on second. First-round draft pick Mugiya was fired up. “I’m definitely going to make it.” With count at 1-1, he caught Nakamori’s 151 km/h pitch and broke through the gap between first and second base. Kita, who was doble-running for Mori, who had just hit a double, also slid in headfirst and scored. The decision was not changed even after a replay review, and the team received a big win.
His first professional hit and first walk-off home run were against Lotte. He has 6 hit At Bat 15 at-bats, giving him a batting average of .400. His season batting average rose to .326 at one point, but before the game, his monthly batting average for May was .167. Even when he comes in as a substitute like on this day, he says he has no mental wavering and always imagines his turn to play.
He gives it his all in running, attacking and defending. To improve his concentration, he needs two pieces of xylitol gum. He’s a nice guy, loved by fellow outfield Nishikawa, who tells him, “It’s about time you hit home run.” His hard-working attitude is conveyed to the helpers, who quietly hand him a stick of gum made in the United States. “I want to aim higher and keep trying to get results.” Mori was also not seriously injured, and the team is now just one point behind the league leader, Nippon-Nippon-Ham. This talented player is becoming a real asset. (Osada Toru)
Related News
・ [Game Details] Lotte vs. Orix
・ [Orix] Tomoya Mori, who was substituted in the 9th inning, was not seriously injured and said, “I’m really fine.”
・ [Orix] First-round draft pick Yusuke Mugitani hits a winning run with two outs in the ninth inning… They’re now one point behind the leader, Nippon-Ham
・ [Lotte] Manager Yoshii: “We need to become a team that can score goals”… After a come-from-behind loss, Lotte tied the season’s record deficit of 11
・ [Lotte] The final innings’ fierce attack was not enough, and the team’s deficit fell to 11, tying the season’s record.
AloJapan.com