[Softbank Hawks] Hotaka Yamakawa, in the starting line-up for the first time since May 29th, struck out swinging in his first at-bat | Pacific League.com

[Softbank Hawks] Hotaka Yamakawa, in the starting line-up for the first time since May 29, struck out swinging in his first at-bat.

Sports Hochi

September 8, 2026 18:29

In the first inning with two outs and a runner on first, Hotaka Yamakawa struck out swinging (Camera: Haruna Onitsuka).

◆Pacific League Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (8th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa, who was appearing for the first time since the Hiroshima game on May 29th (Mizuho PayPay), was struck out swinging by the closer in his first at-bat.

He entered the batter's box with two outs and a runner on first, with the score at 2-0. Against the opponent's starting pitcher, Yamazaki, on the seventh pitch from a full count, he swung through a change-up and struck out.

This season, he was removed from the active roster on June 1st and continued his adjustments in the minor leagues. In the farm league, he recorded 12 Home Runs, the highest number in the Western Division, and rejoined the first team today. There are high expectations for a powerful hit from him.