◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks 5-7 Hiroshima (March 21, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks ・ Akira Nakamura infielder had a presence at 2 At Bat 1 hit

After undergoing surgery for a lumbar disc herniation last November, he continued rehabilitation, but gradually made his way back to the first team, including playing in farm team regular season. He entered the game at first base in the fifth inning and hit a single to center field in his second at-bat in the eighth inning with two outs.

At bat, he took aggressive swings, and in defense, he got a feel for the artificial turf that was introduced this season during fielding practice. The veteran in his 19th professional season reflected on his first day with the first team, saying, "I thought it was important to get a feel for the flow of practice and to talk with everyone. I was able to do that, so it was a good day."

Manager Kokubo also commented on Nakamura's performance, saying, "Even watching the farm team games, his performance and his timing with pitcher were not bad at all. I think he will be a valuable asset to the team." He will contribute to the team both offensively and defensively.