Lotte outfielder Misho Nishikawa (22) took to the plate in the first live batting practice of the Miyakonojo camp on the 7th, and showed excellent form with three hit in 10 pitches. Facing last season's Pacific League Rookie of the Year, promising third-year high school graduate pitcher Yuto Kimura (20), he put on a "powerful hitting show" by hitting straight balls in three directions: to center field, to right field, and to left field.

"I hit it with a better feeling than I expected. I was able to hit it in all three directions, so I think that will be a positive thing." Manager Saburo (49), who watched, also expressed his confidence, saying, "He's hitting it well. I hope he'll just keep doing it normally."

He went to ask temporary coach Kazuo Matsui (50), former manager of Seibu Lions, about timing, and was told, "Your left foot goes to hit, so adjust it in this space." His batting form is somewhat reminiscent of "Shohei Ohtani, the right-handed pitcher." Nishikawa said enthusiastically, "Even when watching the majors, I think the pivot foot is very important. I've been doing it in my own training, so I want to continue doing it so that it becomes unconscious."

The learning curve continues, and on the 27th and 28th he will be in Nagoya for the Rugzas Samurai Japan Series 2026 Nagoya Chunichi game as a supporting member of the Samurai Japan team. I want to spend a rich and meaningful time to live my life," said Nishikawa. baseball I want to make the most of this time to live my life," said Nishikawa. With a strong desire to improve, he will break the jinx of his second year. (Hiroshi Kato)