"If I can't hit it, I'm prepared to commit seppuku." Nippon-Ham No. 4 hitter, Yuya Gunji, went 0-for-8 in two games, but still earned himself four RBI | Pacific League

“If I can’t hit it, I’m prepared to commit seppuku,” said Nippon-Ham ‘s fourth batter, Yuya Gunji, who went 0-8 in two games but still lived up to his calling with four RBI.

Sports Hochi

2025.10.18(土) 05:40

１回１死一、三塁、郡司が先制の右犠飛を放つ

◆2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific Final Stage Game 3 Softbank 0-6 Nippon-Ham (17th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

In the third game of the final stage (S) of the 2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific League, the struggling Nippon-Ham Fighters defeated Softbank Hawks to finish the series 1-3 (Softbank had a 1-0 advantage). Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (53) appointed catcher Yuya Gunji (27), who had been hit and slowing down until Game 2, as the fourth batter and third baseman. He lived up to expectations with a leadoff sacrifice fly in the first inning and a three-run doble in the seventh inning, scoring four RBI.

Nippon-Ham Gunji’s batted ball hit the left side of center fielder. In the 7th inning with a 3-run lead, 2 outs bases loaded, and the doble of sweep from Hikaru Kimura, who replaced 2nd place. No. 4, who decided the game, said, “‘I hit yesterday’. Opportunities are coming to me.” 8 At Bat draws hit until the second game. He faced the reality of repeatedly squandering opportunities and overcame the pressure.

He responded to Manager Shinjo’s wishes. “Honestly, Gunji’s poor performance was such that he thought he might be taken out,” he said. However, the manager decided to return him to the number four position, a position he had held since batting seventh in Game 2, a position he had held until the end of the season. “Last night, I got a direct mail message from my boss. He told me once again that ‘what would have happened this year without Gunji?’ I accepted that resolve and went into the game with great enthusiasm.” With one out and runners on first and third in the first inning, he sacrifice fly to take the lead for the first time in this series. He performed his job as the number four hit two RBI and four RBIs.

This season, the key player has played multiple positions while playing a central role, leading manager Shinjo to say, “It would have been difficult this year without this player,” and said, “I hope this will be a springboard for us to go all out. Although The Hawks have some leeway, I think there is pressure. I hope we can continue to maintain an aggressive attitude.” Believing in a miraculous four-game winning streak, they will show their competitive spirit when it matters. (Yamaguchi Yasushi)

Gunji’s final CS of the season

Game 1 (4th batter, third base): 0 hit in 5 At Bat-bats, 2 struck out. He hit into double play play with no outs and a runner on first in the 3rd inning, and grounded out to third base with two outs and a runner on third in the 5th inning, allowing Moinelo to pitch a runs 7th inning.

▪ Game 2 (7th, left field) 3 At Bat no hit. In both cases, he was out of the game with two outs and a runner on third with two outs in the fourth inning and one out bases loaded in the sixth inning, both 0-0. He was unable to attack Arihara, and was unable to support Fukushima, who pitched well.