◆Preseason game: Nippon-Ham 7-4 Yakult (23rd, ES CON FIELD)
Shinjo-Ham showed off their "Ace Combat Unrivaled" in the final game of the exhibition season. In the 8th inning, they caught up with a one-point deficit, and with two outs and runners on second and third, substitute Ishii hit a three-run home run to right-center field to take the lead. The bench was in a festivities as they took four points in one go. Manager Shinjo was in high spirits, saying, "They're strong, but I don't feel like we're going to lose. I thought, 'They're going to turn it around either way.'" They finished the exhibition season in sole first place with 10 wins, 3 losses, and 3 ties. They are undefeated in nine games at home, with 7 wins and 2 ties.
The depth of the team is even greater than last season, which speaks to their strength. Ishii, who decided the game, said, "The players who came on later were really enthusiastic, and it was a good atmosphere." On this day, all five players who came on as substitutes, including Ishii, Tamiya, Yoshida, Yazawa, and Wakabayashi, hit. The manager was pleased, saying, "The competitive spirit of all the players is leading to results."
When asked about the secret to their strength at the Ace Stadium, the manager said, "Being able to see bullpen is a big plus," pointing out the benefit of being able to predict the opposing relief pitchers from the bench. Last season, they also performed well there, with a winning percentage of 62.1%. Now in its third year since opening, the manager said, "The players have gotten used to this view. They're able to baseball calmly." Their overwhelming strength at home will support the Shinjo Ham Fighters as they aim to win their first league championship in nine years. (Kawakami Haruki)
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