Lotte's Raito Ikeda has played in 14 games since being recalled to the first team on April 25th, and has a batting average of .438 (7 At Bat 16 hit).

In the farm league, Ikeda had a great hit in four consecutive games from March 20th against Seibu Lions Lions' farm team to March 24th against Yakult Swallows' farm team, batting .450 with one Home Run and two RBI, earning a spot on the opening day roster. starting line-up started as the seventh batter and second second baseman in the opening game against Seibu Lions on March 27th, but went 0 hit At Bat. The following day, starting line-up again started as the seventh batter and second baseman, hit 0-At Bat-2. After going 0 At Bat hit 2 against Softbank Hawks on April 4th, he was removed from the first-team roster on April 5th. He played in 10 games before being recalled to the first team on April 25th, hitting .318 with Home Run and four RBI.

In an interview after pre-game practice on April 28, Ikeda said, "I think things will change once I get one hit, but until then, I'm thinking about a lot of things. My batting is not bad." Then, in the game against Rakuten Eagles that same day, Ikeda, who came in as defense first baseman base, came to bat in the 8th inning with no outs and a runner on first, with the score 3-0. He swung at the first pitch thrown by Shota Watanabe and the ball went through to center fielder field for his first hit of the season.

first baseman On May 1 against Seibu Lions, also on the way from defense in the first inning of an 0-10 ninth inning, Ryota Itokawa hit the fifth slider pitch from 2 balls 2 strike to left field in the first at-bat.

In the game Seibu Lions on the 2nd, the day after he came in as a At Bat, he went 0-hit 2 at the plate. However, in the game Seibu Lions on the 3rd, where he came in as a pinch runner, in his first at-bat in the 8th inning with one out and a runner on first base, hit a 133 km/h cutter thrown by Shinnosuke Hada on a 1-ball, 2-strike count to right field for a single.

In his first start since being recalled to the first starting line-up, against Orix Buffaloes on the 6th, in his first at-bat in the 3rd inning with one out and no runner on base, he hit the first pitch curveball thrown by Daiki Tajima to left field. In his second at-bat in the 5th inning with one out and no runner on base, he hit the second fastball thrown by Tajima after a 1-ball count for doble that wall, achieving his first multi-hit hit of the season.

In the game against Orix Buffaloes on the 16th, starting line-up start since the game against Orix Buffaloes on the 6th, he recorded two hit. What was particularly noteworthy about that day was that he got hit to center fielder field not only off his favorite pitcher, Tajima, but also off the substitute Kaito Iriyama Kaito.

Last season, his focus on doble and line drive drives paid off, and he continued working on that approach this season. When he was demoted to the minor leagues shortly after the season started, he reflected on what he had done last year, re-evaluated himself, and used that to help him recover.

Perhaps they are currently focusing on refining the skills they have already developed.

"Yes, that's about it. It can't be helped since I'm facing pitcher, but I think I'm able to do what I'm trying to do. In batting practice, I think what I've been working on each day is gradually coming out in the games."

Currently, Ryusei Ogawa, who is a regular starter at second baseman, has found his own direction and is putting it into practice. Ikeda also has a clear direction. All that's left is for him to continue to perform well in the opportunities he's given.

"I think it's important to keep doing the same thing every day, so rather than trying to increase the quantity of practice before or after practice, or finding time to do it in a way that I can be satisfied with."

Although registered infielder, he said, "It's difficult, but if I'm going to do it, I have to do it properly. I want to be conscious of turning batted balls that can be turned into outs, no matter what position I'm playing," and he's also trying out in outfield this season.

"If he can hit, he can secure his position." "When I get to play, I want to produce solid results and do my best to stay in the lineup as much as possible." He's currently in a difficult position where he's expected to produce results in every at-bat, but if he continues to produce results, he'll see an increase in playing opportunities and eventually become a regular player.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita