[Softbank] Sudden stop against a favorite opponent: Manager Kokubo: “They won’t let us win easily” – Stuck at M7 for two consecutive days
Sports Hochi
2025.9.22(月) 05:00
Pacific League Softbank 1-2 Orix (21st, Mizuho PayPay Dome)
Softbank came to a sudden halt in the final stretch of their road to victory. It was their first loss of the season against their favorite team, Orix, and their first consecutive loss at their home stadium, Mizuho PayPay, since May 1st. The magic number remains at seven for the second day in a row. “They won’t let us win easily. With young players coming up and in the championship race, we’re realizing how important each play is,” manager Kokubo said calmly, as if to convince himself.
It was a series of clumsy attacks. He was scoreless in three bases loaded innings, including a no-out bases loaded in the eighth inning. In the ninth inning chasing two runs, he returned one run with consecutive hits, but No. 1 Nomura still scored a strong attack on second base with no outs, struck out. With a big fly ball from 1st and 2nd base to Yanagimachi’s left field, 2nd base runner Sasakawa could not return, and the curtain ended with an unexpected double play.
With the second game of the nine-game series now over, there are 10 games remaining. The gap with second-place Nippon-Ham has narrowed to 2.5 games, but the team remains overwhelmingly favored. (Shimao Koichiro)
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AloJapan.com