◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 3-2 Seibu (29th, Belluna Dome)
On the 29th, Nippon-Ham won the Seibu match (Berna D) 3-2 in a extra inning match to open the season. Yuya Gunji catcher entered the game starting line-up at No. 5 and catcher, and in addition to a good lead, he contributed to the offense and defense with a timely hit and a doble that was the starting point for the winning run hit 1 RBI. Koji Fukutani pitcher, who entered the game in the ninth inning, closer retired three batters in the 1st inning and earned his first win in his career after the bats advanced in the 10th inning.
Fukutani was not aware of his right to be winning pitcher. "When I was coming down from the locker room with two outs (just before the end of the game), someone said from behind me, 'You're winning pitcher.' I was like, 'Me?'" he said with a laugh. He struck out all three batters in the ninth inning. After transferring from Chunichi as a free agent, he smiled humbly in the hero interview following his first appearance and first win, saying, "I'm happy we won, but I'm not the hero."
The team was also rallied by the others. Koga Yu hit the ball to the left of the second second baseman, who was a sharp hit. Kamikawabata handled it elegantly and got the first out. "After all, it was the first out, especially the first out of the season. I think it was a big thing for the team to get it with such a good play, and I'm really grateful." After that, they got into a rhythm and got three outs.
The right-handed pitcher, who said he wasn't particularly nervous, also commented that win on his first appearance was "an unforgettable day in baseball career." Fukutani, who had pitched in 278 games up until last season, has added another experienced and reliable piece to the young team aiming to be number one in Japan.
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