[Pacific League CS] "I really want to play tomorrow. With this kind of spirit," says Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo, who is in high spirits after winning consecutive games and advancing to the final series for the second year in a row.

[Pacific League CS] “I really want to play tomorrow. With this kind of spirit,” says Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo, who is in high spirits after winning consecutive games and advancing to the final series for the second year in a row.

Sports Hochi

2025.10.13(月) 05:10

８回、レイエスの逆転打にベンチを飛び出す新庄監督（カメラ・豊田　秀一）

◆2025 Persol Climax Series first baseman First Stage Game 2 Nippon-Ham 5-4 Orix (12th, Escon F)

The second game of the first stage (S) of the 2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific League took place, with Nippon-Ham overcoming a maximum three-point deficit to win consecutive games against Orix, securing their second consecutive year in the final stage. Trailing by one point in the eighth inning, outfielder Franmil Reyes (30) hit a two-run home run to right field to decide the game. The final stage (Mizuho PayPay) against Softbank, which begins on the 15th, will be the same matchup as last season. Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (53) is riding high on the momentum and is aiming for revenge, saying, “I really want to play (the final stage) tomorrow. Keeping up the momentum.”

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Deafening cheers filled the stadium. Manager Shinjo jumped out of the dugout and made the “safe” gesture. At the same time, when home-base umpire ‘s arms spread out to his sides, he clapped them above his head and erupted in joy. With the score at 3-4 in the eighth inning and two outs and runners on first and second, Reyes swung a 156 km/h fastball from Iwasaki, hitting the right-field wall for a two-run, game-winning hit. Still ecstatic, the manager appeared at the press conference after the game, saying, “I’m still wobbly,” and basked in win, saying, “The thing that makes me happiest is that we were able to show The Fighters fans all over the country a game like this.” With the game-winning hit from their main batter, the team advanced to the final stage for the second consecutive year.

The double-title winning slugger’s reading was superior. With count at 3-2, the main batter caught a 156 km/h fastball on the outside corner. “Wakatsuki’s lead pitches are coming at the inside corner hard. I missed the one-bounce fork on the third pitch, and I was able to confidently think, ‘See? I got it,'” he said, perfectly reading through the opposing catcher ‘s characteristics and connecting it to the game-winning hit. The manager offered him the highest praise, saying, “If it were me, I would have been waiting for fork. It’s amazing that he caught the fastball. He’s truly RBI and home run king. He’s reliable.”

In his second year in Japan, Reyes shouted in Japanese on the stage, “Yesssssss! All the fans are still here!”, drawing the crowd into a frenzy. The Dominican never fails to greet the press every day in Japanese, saying “Good morning” and “See you tomorrow.” Interpreter Takahashi, who works closely with him, was impressed, saying, “He has incredible insight. He respects both Japanese culture and the culture of his home country, and is able to adapt to both.” “The most important thing is to think for yourself and become smart,” said Reyes. Reyes’s outstanding adaptability has led to his great success in Japan.

After two straight wins in the first round, the team will face defending champions Softbank on the road from the 15th. “I really want to play tomorrow. Keep it up,” said the manager in high spirits. He continued, “I think Manager Kokubo also approves. I want to keep Pacific League until the very end.” Last season, they were helpless after three straight losses, but this season will be different. “With the regret of last year in our hearts, how can we fight and come back here (to ESCON)?” Shinjo Ham, who have definitely become stronger since last season, have grabbed a ticket to a counterattack. (Kawakami Haruki)