◆2025 Persol Climax Series first baseman First Stage Game 1 Nippon-Ham 2-0 Orix (11th, Escon F)
The first stage (S) of the 2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific League kicked off on the 11th, with Nippon-Ham, led by manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (53), defeating Orix Buffaloes and putting them one step closer to advancing to the final S for the second consecutive year. The manager used a clever strategy of entrusting legendary pitcher Nao Miyanishi (40), who made his 900th appearance this season, to pitch a shutout game relay. On this day, outfielder Chusei Mannami (25), who was re-promoted from back pain, hit the winning run, and the batting line responded by scoring two runs against the formidable Yamashita.
Despite losing his balance, Nippon-Ham 's Mannami stretched both arms and pulled in the outside fork. When the ball broke through the gap between third base and shortstop, he clenched his fist and shouted. In his first at-bat in the second inning with one out and a runner on third base, he hit a timely single to left field off Orix starter Yamashita to take the lead. When it was pointed out that he had lost his balance, he praised himself, saying, "It's impossible not to throw a ball that's a 158 km/h fork pitcher (laughs). I think I hit it well."
He trusted his instincts and it paid off. When he took his turn at bat to hit the first run, he was holding Martinez's "torpedo bat." "I borrowed it to practice swinging before the game and it felt really good, so I used it for my first at-bat," he revealed. However, in his second at-bat, doble the left field line with a regular bat. "It was just a hunch (laughs). I just felt like that was better," he said, making the bold decision to quickly change the bat that had produced results, and he recorded two consecutive hit.
He was removed from the roster on September 27th due to back pain. There were concerns about his game sense, but he entered the CS showing signs of improvement, with 3 hit in 6 At Bat-bats in the Red vs. White game on the 6th and 7th. "I was able to make an impact in my first game since returning. Above all, I'm glad I was able to hit the home run that directly led to a win. I hope I can get on a good streak from here," he nodded.
He is the "CS man" who hit the tying home run in the ninth inning in the second game of the first series of the CS last season, saving the team from elimination. Manager Shinjo also smiled and said, "I have high hopes that he may become a key player in this series." Manami, standing on the podium, raised his voice and declared, "Let's win tomorrow, decide the outcome, and go to Fukuoka." With consecutive wins accelerating their momentum, they will head to the enemy territory where the champions await. (Yamaguchi Yasushi)
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