[Orix] Ryoma Nishikawa hits triple off Hanshin Tigers 's Saiki for the first time in 29 at-bats, "I felt right" and volunteered to play in a second-division game

Sports Hochi

2025.3.26(水) 05:00

◆ Western League Orix 1-0 Hanshin Tigers (25th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Nishikawa of Orix has finally emerged from his long tunnel. With neither team scoring in the fourth inning, Nishikawa caught the second pitch from Hanshin Tigers 's Saiki and hit triple over right fielder 's head. It was his first hit in 29 at-bats since the The Giants game on the 8th (Kyocera Dome), and he looked hit, saying, "I was able to confirm a lot of things (and put them into practice). I felt like I had a good feeling." He also hit a single to right field off Saiki in the sixth inning, scoring his first multi-hit game of the season.

In his second year since the transfer, he performed poorly in the exhibition games, finishing with a batting average of 1.5. However, he said, "I found what I was looking for," and felt a sense of accomplishment towards the end of the game, volunteering to play in the second-division game that day. He kept the details to himself, saying, "It's difficult to explain," but gave a one-hit answer during his turn at bat in the "extra inning innings." Manager Kishida nodded and said, "His condition is visibly improving" ahead of the opening game on the 28th.

"Even though we haven't won much, there are people who support us. I want to do my best to win," said Nishikawa. He is more fired up than anyone else to fight back from the bottom of the preseason. (Nanbu Shunta)