On the 26th, Lotte's Raito Ikeda starting line-up as the third batter and second baseman in the friendly match against the Czech Republic national team, ``GLOBAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES 2026,'' and had one hit, two RBI, and one stolen base.

Ikeda got the second batter with two outs bases loaded in the 3-1 2nd inning, and Novak hit a 136 km fastball pitch, the third pitch he threw from 1 ball 1 strike, for a double center fielder in front of base running and advanced to second base while center fielder was throw at home.

On this day, in the first inning with two outs and no runner on Hit by Pitch, Ikeda got on base with a hit-by stolen base on the first hit to Kota Inoue, and scored the first run on Inoue's single to right field, demonstrating his determination to aim for "the next base" even when base running.

◆ This season is important

Last season, Ikeda's fourth year as a professional, starting line-up started as the third batting order during the interleague games and played in a career-high 83 games, finishing with a batting average of .238, Home Run, and 20 RBI.

Last season, focusing on "doble" and "line drive-like hits" proved effective, and he has not changed his direction for this season.

During his off-season training, he said, "When I'm trying to hit line drive, I've been trying to be conscious of the angle of the bat." When asked if this is in addition to what he has been working on up until now, he replied, "Yes, I'm using the same things I've been working on up until now as a base."

In interviews with Ikeda, he often spoke about "hitting the ball in the sweet spot" last season, in addition to mentioning "line drive drives." Regarding the sweet spot, he said with conviction, "I think it's starting to solidify," and revealed, "After doing it for a whole year last year, I was able to see the good and bad parts, so I think what I'm doing is not wrong. I've gained confidence. I've been changing various things in my batting until now, but I'm sticking to what I've been doing with Saburo-san all along as the core of my game."

Last season, he had 11 walks in 249 Walk appearances, but he showed his characteristic aggressiveness and also showed more tenacity in at-bats even when behind in the count. Does he have any intention of increasing Walk count this season?

"I'd like to increase my walks, but if I focus too much on Walk, I won't be able to swing at the plate. First and foremost, I want to swing at Walk as a result."

Regarding defense, he mainly plays second baseman, third first baseman, and first base in infield, and also plays in outfield in external games. During the Miyakonojo spring training camp, he said about defense, "When I'm called in, I'm conscious of getting an out."

Ahead of the practice games and exhibition games, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I want to make a good impact when I get the chance to play. I want to do my best to get results." He hit Home Run in the practice game against Hanwha of South Korea on February 22nd, and had one hit and two RBI in the friendly game against the Czech Republic on the 26th. He is currently on a three-game hit in games in starting line-up has started.

"Assuming I'll be in the first team for the whole year, I want to produce results when I play and increase the number of games and at-bats I get." In order to play in the first team for the whole year, it's important for him to continue producing results with the bat.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita