[Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo tells Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo, “I won’t be surprised no matter what you do” in the final showdown between the two strongest teams in Pacific League
Sports Hochi
2025.10.15(水) 05:00
Softbank Kokubo lowered his eyes as if he were a challenger. Although he was on the receiving end as the reigning champion of the league, “I take pride in the fact that we are the two baseball teams that made Pacific League such a great event. He spoke from an equal standpoint and assumed a fierce battle. He recognized the rivals, who had battled it out for the championship until the final game on September 27, as the “top two,” saying, “It’s not how it started but how it ended that matters.
This season, the team’s record against them is 13 wins and 12 losses. 14 games have been decided by a single point. He is also well aware of the skills of manager Shinjo, who is the same age as him, saying, “I tell the players and management that I won’t be surprised no matter what they do, and I feel the same way.” He has also established the foundation for remaining calm and composed. Imamiya, who is suffering from left calf pain, and Shuto, who has a back injury, have joined the team. Shuto has not played in a game since September 20th, but the manager has decided to register him as a player, saying, “He is a valuable asset to the extent that he can.” Masaki, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder in April, has also been called up as a batting player only. Kondo, who is suffering from left flank pain, will be absent, but the team is making an effort to understand the condition of each player, and is sending out a carefully selected lineup, saying, “There are many positives.” (Ando Osamu)
Related News
・ [Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo: “I’m proud to be the two teams that made the game exciting.” In the final match against Shinjo-Ham, “I won’t be surprised no matter what they do.”
・ [Orix] Manager Mamoru Kishida calls for a fall of “competition” and “no rushing”… One day after the CS defeat, “everyone should carry this regret with them”
・ [Softbank] The battle for the hitter title between Taisei Makihara and Tatsuru Yanagimachi. Manager Hiroki Kokubo says, “Let’s settle this fair and square.” He gives them equal opportunities to bat.
・ [Orix] 10-runs defeat leaves them with 7 wins, 16 losses and 2 draws against the Hawks this season… Manager Mamoru Kishida says “We have to go for the win” against the champions waiting in the final round of the CS
・ [Softbank] 9th interleague championship postponed, breaking the record for most victories. Manager Kokubo remains in M1, but “Our goal is to win the regular season”
AloJapan.com