[Lotte] 4th round rookie Yuya Sakurai records his first professional hit in the 7th inning, pumping his fist toward the first base dugout | Pacific League.com

[Lotte] Fourth-round rookie Yuya Sakurai recorded his first professional hit in the 7th inning, pumping his fist toward the first-base dugout.

Sports Hochi

October 2, 2026 20:23

In the bottom of the seventh with two outs, Yuya Sakurai hit his first career professional hit to center field. (Camera: Aki Takematsu)

◆ Pacific League: Lotte vs. Softbank Hawks (2nd, ZOZO Marine)

Lotte's fourth-round draft pick, infielder Yuya Sakurai (19) from Shohei, appeared in the starting line-up batting eighth and playing third base. In the 7th inning with two outs and the score tied 1-1, he recorded his first pro hit with a shot to center field off Softbank Hawks starting left-hander Yu Maeda.

He was registered for the roster on this day and made his first appearance in the starting line-up. Although he struck out swinging in four consecutive plate appearances since his debut game, he recorded his first hit in his fifth plate appearance. He made a fist pump toward the cheering first-base dugout.