On the 29th, Orix pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (24) expressed his enthusiasm for his “first hit as a pro.” If the rotation for the interleague games starting on June 3rd goes as planned, he is expected to start in the Central League games against Hanshin Tigers on the 8th (Koshien) and Yakult on the 22nd (Jingu). Having only had one at-bat in 2011, he said, “I’m really looking forward to it. First of all, I want to hit the ball,” as he practiced hitting the batting machine at Maishima in Osaka that day.
Last year, he broke the hook of his right hand during batting practice for the interleague games, and underwent surgery in October. The left-handed pitcher said that he admired former Hanshin Tigers Toritani as a child. “It’s a challenge I’ve been given. I want to hit a home run,” he said, imagining himself hitting well despite the injury.
He is also very motivated in his main job. “Hitting is not the most important thing. I want to pitch well.” He made a great pitching performance in his final appearance before the interleague games Seibu on June 1 (at Hotto Kobe).
(Shunta Nanbu)
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AloJapan.com