March 17, 2024 6:00 Chunichi vs. Hanshin Top of the 4th inning, Manager Okada on the bench (Photo by Koichi Morimoto)
Although it was an open game, 30,510 people attended the Vantelin Dome. The atmosphere was similar to that of an official match, but from the Hanshin team’s point of view it seems to me that it was a relaxed match. In the ninth inning, Chunichi keeper Martinez scored a run to excite the atmosphere, but overall it was a bit heavy.
I think one of the reasons I feel this way is clear. That’s because Hanshin’s batting lineup had no extra-base hits. Chunichi, whose long-hitting ability was an issue until last season, wowed Dragons fans by hitting two home runs in the expansive dome. On the other hand, Hanshin had 10 hits, more than Chunichi, but they were all singles. I feel like we lost not only in terms of the result of the match, but also in terms of pageantry.
It might be rude to say it’s not unreasonable, but there’s a reason. Shota Morishita and Teruaki Sato were not only removed from the starting lineup, but they didn’t even participate. It was a fact that few batters would have to hit long hits.
Morishita, right wing player n. 3, first baseman no. 4 Yusuke Oyama and third baseman no. 5 Teru Sato. From training camp to open games, coach Akifu Okada has said and done several things to stimulate the team, but once the season starts, these three will be the first to clean up.
Since last fall at the Ginoza spring camp and the early stages of the open tournament, promising names like Kodai Inoue and Kyosuke Noguchi have emerged, but it’s tough being a pro. Even though Ukyo Maekawa shined with two hits in this match, including a timely hit by Martinez, I don’t think it will be easy for him to keep up with those guys this season and be able to play a big role right away.
One of the keys to Hanshin’s batting lineup is the trio of left-handed batsmen of Koji Chikamoto, Takumu Nakano, number one and number two, and Seiya Kinami, number 8. But beyond that, if they clean up their act, they will be able to play a match that convinces the Tigers and win.
This is why it is important for these three people to be aware. Aside from Oyama, I want the other two to have a more solid feel. Regarding his absence, Okada said: “I didn’t use it. I wouldn’t have liked it if they asked me to use it. ”
This was also the first time this year where it was difficult to make changes as the game went from a night game to a day game. However, apart from Oyama, who will be given the number 4 anyway, Okada is devising a plan so that the two young players can do well. I hope it goes well. (Honorific title omitted)[Hisao Takahara](Nikkan Sports.com/Baseball column “Tiger, tiger, be a tiger!”)
Chunichi vs. Hanshin Teru Sato greets the nine in front of the dugout after the end of the second inning (Photo by Ya Kato) Chunichi vs. Hanshin Hanshin Morishita practices before the game with special equipment in hand (Photo by Mitsuru Maeda) This column contains Ci they are back issues.
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