[Nippon-Ham] Yuki Nomura, who is trying out at second base, hits his first home run of the open season: "I was able to react well to breaking ball" | Pacific League

[Nippon-Ham] Yuki Nomura, who is trying out at second base, hits his first home run of the preseason: "I was able to react well to breaking ball."

Sports Hochi

March 17, 2026 19:34

In the second inning with two outs and a runner on first base, Nippon-Ham Yuki Nomura (right) hit a game-tying two-run homer over left field and exchanged a high-five with Martinez (Photo by Kento Yamazaki).

◆Exhibition game: Nippon-Ham vs. DeNA (17th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham infielder Yuki Nomura hit his first home run of the preseason.

Starting as the seventh batter and second starting line-up, in the second inning with two outs and a runner on first, trailing by two runs, he connected with slider from DeNA starter Duplantier. The ball soared into the left field bullpen for a game-tying two-run homer, his first of the season. "I timed my swing early, which allowed me to react well to breaking ball" he said proudly.

On this day, starting line-up started at second base, a position he's been trying out since spring training. He handled ground balls to second base smoothly in the second and third innings, impressing manager Shinjo with his offensive and defensive skills.