[Lotte] starting line-up catcher Ko Matsukawa hits the go-ahead RBI in the 2nd inning. He said of his hit to support the rookie left-handed pitcher, "I just tried my best to hit it."

Sports Hochi

March 27, 2026 19:30

In the second inning with two outs and a runner on second base, Ko Matsukawa hit a go-ahead RBI single to center field and celebrated with a fist pump (Photo by Jun Imanishi).

◆ Pacific League League: Lotte vs. Seibu Lions (27th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte's catcher, Ko Matsukawa (22), started starting line-up as the "number 8 hitter and catcher." In the second inning, with two outs and a runner on second base and the score tied 0-0, he hit a go-ahead RBI single to center field off Seibu Lions starting right-handed pitcher, Watanabe.

"I just tried my best to hit the ball. I'm glad we were able to score the first run," he said, his voice filled with excitement after hit in the first team in two years, which was a timely hit.

In his rookie year in 2022, he got off to a good start, even becoming starting line-up catcher as a high school graduate, but his playing opportunities drastically decreased from 2023 onwards. Matsukawa, who once shone as "Roki Sasaki's sweetheart," has gotten off to a promising start.

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