◆ Strong competitive spirit in crucial moments

"As you can see from my batting average with runners in scoring position, it's really low, so I think I need to hit more."

Lotte's Koki Yamaguchi gave a critical self-assessment of his hitting in crucial situations during an interview after practice before the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 21st, but he led his team to win with two hit, including the game-winning home run, and five RBI.

His batting average with runners in scoring position was .250 before the game, but on May 31, in the game against Hanshin Tigers, with one out and runners on first and second in the 8th inning with a 2-2 lead, in his third at-bat, Moretta hit a game-winning two-run single to right-center on the fifth pitch thrown from 1-2 strike, a 134 km/h slider to right-center. Then, in his third at-bat on June 14 against DeNA with two outs and two bases loaded outs in the 2-2 inning on June 14, Yuya Sakamoto hit a 1-2 strike threw the fourth pitch change-up from the start, he said, "It's just my feelings," and for the game-winning two-run hit, he said, "This is the moment!" He showed his clutch strength in that moment.

In the game against the Rakuten Eagles on the 21st, with the score 0–1 in the first inning, Toshiya Sato hit an RBI single to tie the game. Then, in his first at-bat with two outs and runners on first and third,“It was a great opportunity. I think it’s thanks to Mr. Toshiya (Sato) for running so hard,” said Masaru Fujii as he hit the fourth pitch—a fastball—thrown by from a 2-ball, 1-strike count, sending it over the right-field fence for a two-run doble. In his second at-bat in the third inning with the score 3–2 and one out, runners on first and third, he hit a 148-kilometer fastball thrown by Uchi Seiryu from a 1-ball count, sending it to right field for a sacrifice fly.

In his fourth at-bat of the game—with the score tied at 4–4 in the eighth inning, no outs, and a runner on first—Ren Kajiya, after a ball, threw the second pitch, a fork, which Yamaguchi sent soaring into the left-field stands with a “typical Yamaguchi” rocket line drive. This marked Yamaguchi’s first double-digit home run Home Run in three years.

In an interview after pre-game practice, he said his batting was "normal," but in the post-game hero interview, he emphasized, "I think my batting is good."

◆ Suitable for fast fastball

Looking at Yamaguchi's hitting this season, he's been able to hit fastball exceeding 150 km/h with ease.

In the game against DeNA on June 12, in the second inning with one out and no runner on base, Irie Taisei hit a 153 km/ fastball, the fifth pitch of the at-bat after a 2-ball, 2-strike, into the center field stands for his eighth home run of the season. Then, in the game against DeNA on June 14, in the fourth inning with one out and no runner on base, Shuto Ogata hit a 156 km/h fastball, the third pitch of the at-bat after a 2-strike, into right-center field for a doble. He has become more resistant to powerful fastball.

When asked about the reason, Yamaguchi self-analyzed, "I think I've changed my stance and it feels good, with no unnecessary movements and I'm able to swing without using unnecessary force."

Hitting coach Kenta Kurihara also praised Yamaguchi's hitting, saying, "He's been able to hit fastballs with more power this year, so I think that's a real sign of his growth." He continued, "He was always good at hitting breaking ball and half-speed pitches. Now that he can hit fastballs, his range has broadened, and I think he has more composure at the plate."

◆ Mental

Yamaguchi had spoken about "switching gears" mentally during his self-training in January, and since the season started, he has said, "I think I'm doing that properly. I'm trying to move in a positive direction and not a negative one," showing that he is approaching baseball positively every day.

"I think it's been working out well so far," he said, suggesting that his ability to control his mental state is one of the factors contributing to his good results.

Not only is his mental game important, but he also diligently prepares for achieving results, such as silently practicing long batting practice from the third base dugout towards the left field foul pole before team practice.

He's become stronger, able to hit back fastball and change his mental game. Previously, his biggest challenge was his inconsistent performance, but since being recalled in May and December, he's been displaying stable hitting for over a month. There's no doubt he's moving from a "promising power hitter" to a "true power hitter." It's a bit premature, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how close he'll get to his goal of 30 Home Run by the end of the season, or even if he'll hit 30 or more.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita