[Rakuten Eagles] New foreign player McCusker hits a two-run doble to overcome tough opponent Miyagi: "I'm relieved to have gotten a hit" | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] New foreign player McCusker hits a two-run doble to overcome tough opponent Miyagi: "I'm relieved that I got a hit."

Sports Hochi

March 27, 2026 19:07

In the first inning, with one out and runners on second and third base, Carson McCusker hit a two-run doble the left field line to give his team the lead. (Photo by Haruko Yoshimura)

Pacific League Orix vs. Rakuten (27th, Kyocera D Osaka)

Rakuten Eagles took the lead against a tough opponent thanks to the bat of outfielder Carson McCusker. In the first inning, with one out and runners on second and third, he swung hard at a low inside fastball and sent it down the left field line. After the two-doble, he grinned and said, "First of all, I'm relieved to have gotten a hit in the opening game. Tatsumi got on base (with Walk), and Luke (Boyd) got a hit, so it was a good opportunity for Shoji to get the first run." The nice guy was all smiles on second base.

They got off to a good start by taking the lead against their nemesis, Miyagi, who had closer them to a 0-2 record with a 1.93 ERA in five games last season.