[Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo on the struggling setup man: "He's still not able to perform consistently," "But he only got four hit"

Sports Hochi

2025.4.15(火) 21:49

◆ Pacific League Softbank 1-2 Rakuten (15th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank is now back to being one behind. Their winning streak, which included one draw, came to an end at five. Their home game this season is now one win and six losses. Hernandez, who pitched in the 10th inning, pitch erratically. They were in a pinch after Muneyama hit Walk to left field and Franco walked. With the opponent's failed sacrifice bunt, there were runners on first and second with two outs, but they allowed Asamura to hit the winning run. After runs in two consecutive games, the left-hander allowed no runs in two consecutive games Orix on the 9th and 10th (at Kyocera). Manager Kokubo calmly reflected on the game, saying, "I thought he was getting better the other day, but I don't think he's yet able to stably perform to his full potential."

The batting line-up had four hit and one run. Rakuten 's starting pitcher, Fujii, pitched well until the seventh inning. "He pitched well. He kept the ball low and focused," said the manager. Hirose Takashi hit a tying run in the seventh, but he said, "We should have caught up there. But it was only four hit. It's hard to win with just one run," he said, explaining the biggest reason for the loss. With one out and a runner on first in the ninth inning, Yanagimachi was sent in as a pinch hitter for Hirose Takashi, who hit a timely hit, but it was double play the pitcher. "I didn't expect double play," he said with a wry smile.