[Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "Today's game was decided by that play" - The momentum was changed by his junior from Aoyama Gakuin University, Misho Nishikawa

Sports Hochi

2025.3.28(金) 22:05

◆ Pacific League Softbank 2-8 Lotte (28th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank lost their opening game for the first time in nine years. Starting pitcher Arihara hadn't allowed a single runner until the fifth inning, but things changed in the sixth. They allowed the opposing team to take the lead with four consecutive hits from the leadoff hitter, losing six runs in one go. In the third inning, with two outs and runners on first and third, Yamakawa hit a timely doble to right-center field. They took the lead, but despite getting runner in scoring position every inning, they couldn't pull away. In the fourth inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, Shuto hit a single to left field, but Downs was out, trying to score. He was blocked by a good throw from left fielder Nishikawa.

Below are the main questions and answers from manager Hiroki Kokubo after the match:

- Arihara had an outstanding start.

"It was only in that inning (the sixth inning). But Nishikawa's defense was the key today. Just when we thought we had scored the second point, that play was huge in today's game. As a rookie, it was his first time in the opening starting line-up."

- The base coach should not hesitate to put his hands on the ball.

"Well, I'll definitely spin it."

-Did anything change for Arihara in the sixth inning?

"It didn't feel like that. It was the opening game, and I'm sorry for the fans that it was a one-sided game, but one loss is one loss."

- Tanigawara will be starting line-up catcher.

"It was my first time in the starting starting line-up for the opening game. I walked two Walk, and up until the fifth inning, I was doing exactly what I'd discussed with Arihara."

- When did you decide?

"I put on the mask last week (in the exhibition game where Arihara pitched). That's when I made the decision."