[Nippon-Ham] Yuya Gunji "It's a deadly disappearing hit. It disappeared just as I intended," he said, leading the team to two consecutive wins to start the season with two hit.

Sports Hochi

2025.3.30(日) 07:05

In the fourth inning, with one out and runners on second and third, Yuya Gunji hit a timely single to left field (photographer: Masahiko Ikeuchi)

◆ 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.

Gunji's hit, which was high, bounced in front of the left wall and went over wall. In the 10th extra inning, with two outs and no runner on base, the ball was lost by left fielder Watanabe Sei, resulting in a valuable earned doble. Regarding the hit that led to Kamikawabata's game-winning hit, he said with a grin, "It was a 'deadly vanishing hit'. It disappeared just as I intended it to." Looking back on the Belluna D's fly ball to left field, which is said to be difficult to hit in the twilight hours, Gunji said, "Let's just say I was aiming for it (laughs). I'm joking, but the official record is everything. It was good."

starting line-up first start of the season was as the fifth batter and catcher. In his second at-bat in the fourth inning with a one-run lead and runners on second and third, he hit a powerful left-field hit that went right next to Genda, who was defense forward, widening the lead. "If I can hit, it'll be easier for me, and if I don't hit in scoring position, there's no point in me being out there." While he held up the starting pitcher with only two runs allowed until the ninth inning, he also showed his presence with two At Bat and RBI hit.

Last season, he was selected for the All-Star Game as third baseman, but this season he has appealed and played as catcher since camp. "When I look at the team objectively, I think catcher is the one who can play the most." He is a self-proclaimed "hitter." Still, he is proud of his job, saying, "It catcher who can show his strengths when playing defense." Last season, playing third base allowed him to "look at catcher objectively," and he gained a lot from the aspects of setting up and calling out to the others. On this day, he led pitcher with his own unique pitching style, including a slow curveball on the first pitch of the first inning, saying, "I was sure it would be a hit."

At the moment, the biggest "enemy" is not a rival, but pollen. "Today was relatively good, but last night was really bad. I want to go back to Hokkaido soon." This is the first time since 2012, when they won the championship, that they have started the season with consecutive wins. They will extend their winning streak by one more and return to Hokkaido in a good mood. (Yamaguchi Yasushi)