[Softbank Hawks] Manager Hiroki Kokubo praises Kenta Imamiya 's hitting in starting line-up in three games: "Kenta's hit was significant" | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Manager Hiroki Kokubo praised Kenta Imamiya 's hitting, who was in starting line-up for the first time in three games: "Kenta's hit was significant."

Sports Hochi

April 1, 2026 17:57

In the 6th inning, with one out and runners on second and third base, Kenta Imamiya hits a timely single to right field (Photo by Kento Yamazaki).

◆ Softbank Hawks 6-1 Rakuten Eagles (August 1st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile)

Softbank Hawks Hawks infielder Kenta Imamiya made starting line-up start in three games as the number nine hitter and shortstop, and in the sixth inning with one out and runners on second and third base, he hit a two-run RBI single to right field. After the game, manager Kokubo reflected, "Kenta's hit was huge. He had a good hit in his second at-bat as well. If that hit in the sixth inning hadn't gone in, Hsu Jo-Hsi wouldn't have had such a smooth time either. Kenta's two-run RBI single was crucial."

starting line-up started at shortstop for the first two games of the season, followed by Kawase in the third game and Nomura in the fourth.