Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo: "I didn't think the results would be like this" -Nippon-Ham core trio named for comeback victory | Pacific League

Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo: “I didn’t think the results would be like this,” names Nippon-Ham core trio for comeback victory

Sports Hochi

2025.9.24(水) 05:40

レギュラーシーズン最終戦を終えファンにあいさつする新庄剛志監督（右から３人目）（カメラ・池内　雅彦）

Pacific League Nippon-Ham 0-7 Rakuten (23rd, ES CON FIELD)

The atmosphere of a complete defeat was instantly brightened. It was the final game ceremony at the home stadium of the Rakuten. With a microphone in hand, Nippon-Ham Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (53) led his players around ground. “The Fighters lost, but we shouldn’t be happy about it. Softbank lost too. We haven’t given up even a little bit,” he said, drawing laughter. At a press conference afterward, he explained his intentions, saying, “If we just lined up and did the same thing as the other teams, it wouldn’t be like The Fighters. It’s my job, after all. I want to make everyone happy and smile.”

Hopes are alive. Despite two consecutive shutout game losses, Softbank was swept four times in a row by Orix. “You never know what’s going to happen. And we’re not doing too well (laughs). To get the excitement going, we just have to keep winning.” With six games remaining, the deficit is 2.5 points. It’s getting tough, but “It would be nice to have a climax with a win. Even if we reach the climax from second place, it would be a letdown.” He is determined to win.

The only time he showed a look of regret was when he revealed the existence of a surprise he had prepared for the celebration at home. “All my plans are ruined. A lot of things happened, it’s surprising. I thought this would be talked about all the way to Europe,” he said with a laugh. It’s impossible to do it on enemy territory, and it won’t happen even if they win the Japan Series. “Winning the league championship is the most important thing. I don’t know yet. I really don’t know,” he said, shifting his focus to the celebration at enemy territory.

There are six away games remaining. The manager said, “From now on, it’s Kiyomiya, Mannami and Nomura, these three. I want them to get a spark and explode,” naming the three players he has had high hopes for since he became manager. “It’s frustrating. I didn’t think we should have these results.” With the players he has nurtured over the past four years, he will put on a historic final sprint. (Yamaguchi Yasushi)

0…Manager Shinjo analyzed the factors behind the breakthrough. In the first half of the season, he used eight starters while giving them a rest by eliminating them from the lineup. However, only Ito continued to pitch six days in a row, “Twice this year, the coach asked me to give Omi a rest, but I told him no. He said, ‘Let Omi pitch. He said, “Only Omi should pitch, because we won’t become a strong team unless he leads all year long. Last time, he pitched four days out of the day.” He thanked the ace for meeting his expectations. fielder He also mentioned Gunji’s name, saying, “Gunji-kun’s utility. This will triple your salary,” he said.