◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 6-4 Nippon-Ham (28th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Nippon-Ham infielder Yuki Nomura (25) made his first start of the season on the 28th against Softbank Hawks Hawks (at Mizuho PayPay Dome) and hit his first starting line-up run of the season in his first at-bat in the second inning.

He clenched his right fist slightly just before reaching third base, expressing his overwhelming joy. He was in the starting starting line-up for the first time this season as the "number 6 batter and left fielder." In his first at-bat of the season in the second inning with two outs, he connected with Haru Matsumoto 's slider down the middle, sending a go-ahead solo home run to left field. "There were no runner on base, so I was thinking of just going for it with my own swing. I was able to clear my head and have a good plan for the at-bat." The ball traveled at 162 km/h and 117 meters, a perfect hit that gave him plenty of confidence.

Last season, he batted fourth at the start of the season, but this season, amid fierce competition for a spot with players like Castro and Yamagata, he didn't get a chance to play in the opening game. "There were some frustrating parts, but when I stepped up to the plate, I was just trying to have a good at-bat. I was preparing for that, and it just wasn't the right timing (to play in the opening game)," he said, channeling his frustration into his bat. Manager Shinjo praised him by name, saying, "Nomura also got a hit." The slugger, whom the manager also has high hopes for, will make his presence felt from here on out. (Haruki Kawakami)