[Japan Series] Softbank manager Kokubo “was indecisive” – Otsu pitched five runs innings, and “pinch hitter Kondo” was the right choice
Sports Hochi
2025.10.29(水) 22:50
◆SMBC Japan Series 2025 Game 4: Hanshin Tigers 2-3 Softbank (29th, Koshien)
After losing the first game, Softbank won three straight games and was one step closer to becoming the Japan Series champions for the first time in five years since 2020. With a two-run lead in the sixth inning, with two runs and a runner on second base, Kondo, pinch-hitter for starter Otsu, who had pitched well with five scoreless innings up to that point, hit a RBI single. With the deficit narrowed to just one run in the eighth inning, the third run was crucial. Manager Hiroki Kokubo’s aggressive tactics paid off, securing a valuable win.
Otsu had plenty of energy left, throwing 59 pitches in the fifth inning. The manager said, “I was hesitant. Should I keep him in the game? But I decided to go for one more run. I had decided to pinch-hitter Kondo if he got into scoring position.” The main batter, who was suffering from a left flank injury, started on the bench for the second consecutive game at Koshien, where the DH system is not in place, but he lived up to expectations as a “trump card.”
In the 6th inning after extending the lead to 3 runs, Fujii, who was originally the “man of the 7th inning”, was put in. Hanshin Tigers The batting line was a good batting order from No. 3 Morishita. “I’m going to give it out of a good pitcher, and I’m not sparing to give it out,” the commander said. Yutaka Matsumoto made 2 runs in the 8th inning, but he was also addicted to the relay.
For Game 5, they will send in Arihara with only four days of rest. The ace right-hander, who gave up two runs in six innings and was lose pitcher in Game 1, will be entrusted with the game that will determine the No. 1 spot in Japan. “Of course. I’ll go into it with that feeling (of deciding with four straight wins),” he said, as they quickly grabbed the top spot.
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AloJapan.com