I was sent down twice, and as I've come back up for the second time, I'm starting to regain that specific feeling. I hope to solidify that over these remaining ten-plus games and ultimately carry that momentum into next season.

Lotte's Ryusei Terachi spoke this way during an interview after pre-game practice on September 10th; although his batting average was .189 after the game that same day, he hit .327 for the months of September and October, finishing the season with a .224 average.

I wonder if the season was concluded in a way that will lead into the next one.

That's right. We made some gains, and I felt that hitting it this way makes it easier to get good results and increases the probability of success.

After the regular season ended, he participated in the Miyazaki Phoenix League, stating, 'The manager told me that things were going well, so I should go to the Phoenix League and keep it up.'

When interviewing Teraji, he often mentions timing, the coordination between his upper and lower body, and not leaning too far forward. It seems he will continue to work on those specific areas.

My stance had widened, and I was able to stabilize that toward the end, so I want to continue working on it.

Regarding his current form, he said, "Since I was able to finish the season in a good way, I hope to continue that through this fall and winter, and work so that I can be ready by spring training."

◆ Practice defense at third base

During the team's overall defense practice that day, he was playing not only third base but also second baseman. I wonder if he was positioned at second baseman due to the two-location fungo drill.

That's right, I went in with the image of being able to move my legs.

After that, he was practicing defense at third base. Regarding his defense at third, he said, 'I don't think it's possible to get better all at once, so I'm focusing on improving gradually.'

Even as his appearances in the infield increased, he continued to express his passion and commitment to being a catcher in interviews. One wonders if Terachi has now made the firm decision to compete as an infielder.

"That's right, for now it feels like I'll be at third base, so I hope to demonstrate the role the team has entrusted to me during the games." He intends to compete hard in the position the team requires of him.

While defense is important, what is expected of Terachi is his contribution with the bat. On this day as well, during individual practice, he was swinging the bat until the very end in the indoor practice facility along with Ryusei Ogawa and Yuya Sakurai. 'My batting form is gradually improving little by little, so I want to finish this camp without losing that and carry it through the winter.' Next season, he will continue to hit and contribute to the team's win.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita