◆ Pacific League Lotte 0-8 Softbank (12th, Zozo Marine)

With five straight wins, including one draw, Softbank paid off their five-game deficit in one go. They racked up 15 hit, tying the season record. Nao Sato recorded his first multi-hit game in his sixth year as a pro, with three hit and two RBI, including the game-winning hit. Takashi Hirose, who was used as first baseman for the first time this season, also had three hit, including his first home run, a two-run homer. Yanagida was removed from the player roster before the game, but the players hoping to get a chance to play made their presence known. Starting pitcher Ozeki gave up two hit and no runs in seven innings, earning his first win of the season.

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

--Ozeki pitches well

"Even though we were scoring a lot of points, he kept pitching at his own pace and it was a tight game."

- Nao Sato in action

"That's right. With Yanagi gone, if you can hit, you can play in the game. It's that simple. I want outfield to make an impact."

- The lineup changes daily depending on the opposing pitcher.

"Yes, I do. Hirose hit home run at a good time, and I was watching the opposing pitcher. I don't really want to do that, but I have no choice because of the situation."

- The DH usage has changed, giving infielder a chance

"That's right. We have six games in a row next week, so Yamakawa might be the designated hitter for two or three games, but I haven't decided yet. It comes down to choosing the player who is in the best condition at first base."

-Masaki is substituted during the game

"I can't comment on the exact tactics, but we weren't doing what we were all doing together. It wasn't a question of whether we should hit or not, but rather, it didn't seem like we were doing the preparation we needed before the match."

-Makihara continues to make great plays

"These three games in a row. He's been on fire every day. That's how good he is."

- Do you feel a sense of momentum with players in their 20s doing well?

"But it's still only 50%. It's not bad, but I've got a long way to go. If I don't keep going, I'll never be able to stand on my own."

Related News

・ [Softbank] 5 consecutive wins, paying off 5 debts. Despite the shock of Yanagi's departure, Naoki Sato, Ryuta Hirose, and Taisei Makihara had 15 hit including great hits.
・ [Softbank] Naoki Sato gets his first professional multi-hit game with two timely hits, "I want to respond with results" Kondo and Yanagi make an appeal in their absence
・ [Softbank] Yuki Yanagita "right tibia contusion" aiming for return in early May. Manager Hiroki Kokubo "can't walk"
・ [Softbank] Keita Yamamoto, who was registered as a controlled player, made an emergency move from Osaka. He was notified late at night the day before and said, "I woke up because of that phone call."
・ [Softbank] Yuki Yanagita, who is injured in his right foot, has been removed from the roster. Keita Yamamoto is registered as a controlled player, will immediately be replaced by the first team.