◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Tokyo Yakult exhibition game (April 4th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank Tatsuru Yanagimachi The player hit Home Run.

He started the game as the leadoff hitter and left fielder. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, immediately after giving up 2 runs, with two outs and no runner on base, he came up to bat for the second time. He connected with the first pitch, a curveball thrown by opposing pitcher Shunsuke Shimokawa, sending the ball into the right field stands. He immediately scored a run.

Last season, Yanagimachi reached the required number of at-bats for the first time, had the highest on-base percentage, and was named to the Best Nine. He is currently in good form, hit in three consecutive exhibition games. He hopes to lead the batting lineup this season as well.

◇ Comment from Yanagimachi
"We had a hard time getting runner on base, so with two outs I stepped up to the plate with the intention of scoring and hitting a long ball. I was able to pull the curveball in well and get it in one swing. During the season, it will be important to hit a home run that can change the flow of the game, so I would like to improve my reliability in scoring with one swing."

Written by Yokazu Sonoda