◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs Hiroshima exhibition game (21st, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank Hotaka Yamakawa The player hit his first two-run homer.

Yamakawa started as the No. 4 DH. In his third at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning with the score at 3-1 and two outs and a runner on second base, he skillfully spun the ball to bounce back the inside cutter thrown by pitcher Takahashi Takaya with a 2-0 count. The ball landed in the middle of the left-center field stands with confidence the moment he hit it. It was his first Home Run run of the season in the exhibition games.

In the 11 exhibition games, he had 4 hit in 26 At Bat bats, giving him a batting average of .154 (as of the start of the game). He hopes to use this as an opportunity to improve his condition for the opening game.

◇ Comment from Yamakawa
"I hit cutter. I was able to rotate it nicely and hit it. I don't feel happy that it was a home run run. I'm just thinking about opening the season and getting a hit. I'll keep working hard towards that goal."

Text by Aoi Nishijima

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