◆Pre-season game: Nippon-Ham 2-0 Seibu Lions (4th, Escon)

Nippon-Ham Fighters outfielder Yuma Imagawa hit a home run that made a strong case for him remaining in the first team.

The only games he has been scheduled to play in the first team are against Seibu Lions Lions on the 4th and 5th (ESCON). "I was laughing and talking with head coach (Hayashi) about whether I could continue playing after this if I could hit about three home run," he said. In a situation where he needed to make a strong appeal, he went into the game saying, "I'll do my best, risk my life."

However, in the 3rd and 5th innings, the at-bats he faced in runner scoring position were all empty swings struck out. Still, in the 4th at-bat of the 7th inning, Yoza's bat was broken, but he carried it to the left field bullpen and said, "Swing struck out 2, and I want one hit until now, and I think I can't stay unless I hit 3 home run, so I believe in what I've done at the end and swing the bat. I was glad I didn't give up."

Manager Shinjo also commented, "That hit was huge. He must have been very happy. I hope he can produce solid results at the end." He gave him his fourth at-bat after striking out on a chance, and praised the hit in a tight situation, saying, "I wanted him to show some determination at the end."