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, pitcher Yuto Kimura (20), he knocked a fastball in three directions: to center field, to right field, and to left field, putting on a "powerful hitting show."

"It's a plus that I was able to hit the ball in all three directions." He went to ask temporary coach Kazuo Matsui (50), former manager of Seibu Lions Lions, about timing, and was told, "Your left foot goes to hit the ball, and you adjust it in that time." His batting form is somewhat reminiscent of "Shohei Ohtani, the right-handed pitcher." Nishikawa said, "Even when I watch the majors, I really think the importance of a pivot foot. I've been working on it in my own training," and is determined to continue.

On the 27th and 28th, he will serve as a support member for Samurai Japan in Nagoya. "It's not something to be taken for granted that you can see Seiya (Suzuki) and Ohtani up close. I want to make it a fulfilling time that will live baseball life," said Nishikawa. With a strong desire to improve, he will break the second-year jinx. (Kato Hiroshi)