Fourth-year Home Run Sho Sho Fukunaga hits his long-awaited first professional home run! It was his first start in about a month.
Pacific League Insight
2025.9.29(月) 19:04
◇ Orix vs. Tohoku Rakuten 24th game (29th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)
Orix Sho Fukunaga The player was delighted to hit his first professional Home Run.
He started as the ninth batter and catcher for the first time since September 3rd. In the bottom of the second inning, with a one-point lead, Kosei Osato The player Walk, and with one out and a runner on first count, he was at bat for the first time. Howard He skillfully scooped up breaking ball thrown by pitcher, and the ball landed straight into the left field stands, scoring a valuable additional point with his first home run of the game, a two-run shot.
Although Fukunaga has been with the first team since the start of the season, he has made many substitute appearances and has not been able to produce good results with a batting average of .141. Will this hit be a turning point for him to improve his condition and make a big impact in the Persol CS Pacific League?
◇ Comment from Fukunaga
“I think I hit cutter. It landed nicely on the bat. I’m glad I was able to show what I’ve been practicing! (Regarding his first professional Home Run) I’m happy, but more than anything, I just want to win this game!”
◇Fukunaga’s first record
First appearance: April 10, 2022 against Chiba Lotte
First hit June 12, 2022 vs. Hanshin Tigers
First RBI March 30, 2025 vs. Tohoku Rakuten
First Home Run: September 29, 2025 vs. Tohoku Rakuten
Written by Yokazu Sonoda
・ Match details/video
AloJapan.com