[Softbank Hawks] Ryoya Kurihara makes a great defensive play in a bases loaded jam. After making two errors the previous day, he said, "I'll do defense," and immediately put that into practice, saving Haru Matsumoto | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Ryoya Kurihara makes a great defensive play in a bases loaded jam. After making two errors the previous day, he said, "I'll do defense," and immediately put that into practice, saving Haru Matsumoto.

Sports Hochi

March 28, 2026 15:13

With one out in the 5th inning, bases loaded, Chusei Mannami hits catch and gets a three-run homer double play. third baseman, Ryoya Kurihara (Camera: Hidenori Baba)

◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (28th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks... Ryoya Kurihara infielder made a good pinch hit for bases loaded with one out in the 5th inning of an 0-2 game.

Starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto allowed infield hit to Kiyomiya Yuki with one out, then hit Reyes with Hit by Pitch, and Gunji was bases loaded by an error by shortstop Imamiya, loading the bases. Manami was at bat. On the third pitch of a 1-1 count, he pulled change-up hard. The ball went down third base line, but Kurihara made a great catch. He quickly got up, stepped on third base, and then threw to first base to complete double play.

In the opening game against Nippon-Ham on the 27th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), he committed two errors. At bat, he recorded two RBI At Bat Home Run hit the game, he expressed his frustration with just one word: "I'll do my best defense." He immediately put his words into action and saved the team.

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