Nippon-Ham Ham Fighters manager Shinjo says, “That’s hard to hit,” bowing to Seibu Lions starter Mitsunari Takahashi as they fall 2.5 games behind first-place Softbank
Sports Hochi
2025.9.13(土) 06:00
Pacific League Nippon-Ham 3-7 Seibu (12th, Escon F)
The counterattack was not enough. With the score at 3-7 in the ninth inning, with two outs and a runner on third, pinch hitter Mannami grounded out to second base and the game was over. The cheers of the Escon fans, who had been hoping for a major comeback, turned to sighs. Nippon-Ham Ham manager Shinjo took his hat off to Seibu ‘s starting pitcher, Takahashi, saying, “Today was the best I’ve ever seen Takahashi. It’s hard to hit that.” The team’s winning streak came to an end at two, and the gap with first-place Softbank, who had not played a game, widened to 2.5 games. Softbank ‘s magic number for the championship fell by one to 14.
Takahashi held them scoreless through the eighth inning with five hit, but Reyes, who was first up in the ninth, hit a solo home run to the second-tier seats in left field for his 29th home run, and from there, they scored three runs in two straight games, following the first inning of the game Orix on the hit (ESCON). Gunji, who had three hits, nodded and said, “The Fighters these days seem like they can do anything even if they’re behind. It made me feel like if they made one wrong move, they could pull off a comeback, so that will carry over to tomorrow (the 13th).”
They showed determination at the end, but concerns remain. Before the game, closer Yanagawa was removed from the roster due to discomfort in his lower back. In 37 appearances this season, he has 2 wins, 1 loss, 11 ERA 1.02. An emergency also occurred with the right-handed pitcher, who is tied for the most saves on the team, being sidelined. With 15 games remaining to come back and win the championship, Shinjo Ham continues their battle to not lose. (Kawakami Haruki)
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AloJapan.com