◆ Takagi: "I think the difference in the players' mindset is what's creating this huge gap."

On the 12th, Softbank Hawks defeated Lotte 10-4, increasing their lead to 30 games above .500. In the 4th inning, with a two-run lead, leadoff hitter Yudai Shoji reached base on a throwing bad throw by the pitcher. He then advanced to second base on another wild pitch.

Regarding Shoji's excellent base running, Takagi Yutaka, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on the 12th, commented, "Watching this game today, I felt that the difference in the players' awareness is what created this big difference. It was such a fast ground ball to the pitcher, and Shoji ran at full speed and was safe." Commentator Oya Akihiko added, "Normally, you wouldn't run at full speed, especially since he made a mistake."

This play—base running—led to two runs for Softbank Hawks. Another commentator, Tomotaka Sakaguchi, said, “That’s why they’re so strong—they can pull off plays like this. In the case of Softbank Hawks, even the veteran players who are currently in the starting lineup run all the way to first base with a certain level of determination. I think this is naturally hitter ’s responsibility as well.“But the fact that they can do this so naturally—that even the young players can pull it off, and that the entire team is capable of it—is what makes them so strong. That’s probably why they can bounce back so quickly from a single mistake,” he said, base running praising their high level of focus.

Regarding the play where he advanced to second base, Mr. Oya analyzed, “Since catcher is dropping the ball right in front of him, I think runner needs to be watching with the mindset of ‘If it bounces, I’m going for it.’ Without that, you won’t have the courage to break for second.” Mr. Takagi agreed, saying, “runner—he stays focused even when he’s on base, doesn’t he?”When Mr. Sakaguchi praised him, saying, “It’s as if he’s looking for an opening—or rather, he’s always prepared,” Mr. Takagi marveled, “He really doesn’t have any openings—that’s why he’s so strong.”

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"