[Seibu Lions] Noboribetsu-born third-round draft pick Shun Akiyama breaks his bat with determination at the ESCON game, saying with a wry smile, "I've hit about four or five..." | Pacific League

[Seibu Lions] Noboribetsu-born third-round draft pick Shun Akiyama shows his determination in the ESCON game by breaking his bat, saying with a wry smile, "I've hit about four or five times..."

Sports Hochi

March 5, 2026 22:50

With two outs in the 9th inning bases loaded, Toshi Akiyama breaks his bat and brings the ball to second baseman (Camera: Masahiko Ikeuchi)

◆Pre-season game Nippon-Ham 3-4 Seibu Lions (ESCON)

Seibu Lions managed to turn the game around thanks to a hit by third-round draft pick outfielder (22) from Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, who is from Chukyo University.

With his family in attendance, he stepped up to bat in the ninth inning with two outs and the bases bases loaded, trailing by one run. On the first pitch, he hit Tamai's fork, snapping his bat and sending it flying, causing second baseman to make an error, allowing two runners to score.

　北海道・登別市出身の右投左打の外野手。エスコンフィールドは「大学の時も（試合を）やった」という思い出の球場で、「ここでやるとテンションも上がるし、他の球場とは違った雰囲気もあるので非常に楽しかった」と笑顔で振り返った。

　とはいえ、ここのところバットを折られることが多く「４、５本くらいいってるんじゃないですかね…。予備もちょうどなくなった」と苦笑い。それでも「調子も日を追うごとに良くなっている。これからなかなかチャンスは多くないと思うけど、今日みたいな形の時にしっかり１本出せるように準備だけはしっかりやっていきたい」と開幕１軍入りへ必死に食らいつく覚悟だ。

Akiyama joined Seibu Lions as the third pick in the 2013 draft from Chukyo University. This spring, he completed the first-team camp in Miyazaki and Nango, and played in all four exhibition games.