Hanshin Tigers Roar Back: 3 Consecutive V-Hits Keep Giants Within Reach
- Hanshin won the match against Chunichi (Bantelin Dome) 8-3, getting a new record of 12 points with the fifth consecutive victory. Outfielder Ukyo Maekawa (21) batted first against...
- Maekawa opened a breakthrough to defeat a tough opponent.
- "When the ball got into the (strike) zone, I tried to hit it aggressively.
Hanshin Central League – Chunichi 8-3 (September 18, 2024 Banterin D)
Hanshin won the match against Chunichi (Bantelin Dome) 8-3, getting a new record of 12 points with the fifth consecutive victory. Outfielder Ukyo Maekawa (21) batted first against Nakamae in the second inning. It was the final hit that opened a breakthrough against the difficult opponent, pitcher Hiroto Takahashi (22).
Maekawa opened a breakthrough to defeat a tough opponent. 0-0, 2nd inning, 1 out, 1st at bat from second base. With the count at 1-1, he took a 95-mile outside fastball from starter Hiroshi Takahashi.
“When the ball got into the (strike) zone, I tried to hit it aggressively. My opponent was a good pitcher, so I’m happy I was able to score first.”
The most devastating blow was the first to hit Nakamae. It was a special hit from the opposing ace, who had 8 wins and 1 loss in 11 games at the Vantelin Dome this season, had won 6 consecutive games and had a 0.57 ERA.
Maekawa was revived by the advice of director Okada. He has been suffering from poor batting since the end of August. A month later, on the 8th of this month, I was approached during batting practice at Jingu Shrine. From time to time, he was asked the reason for his inability to hit the ball while explaining his swing motion.
“I’m too caught up in my mind and my bat doesn’t come out the way I want it to.” The commander’s response was “That’s right,” but there was more to his words. “You’re too impatient. You’ve come this far as a first-team player and you have confidence.”
After receiving the golden words, I no longer hesitated. “I felt a strange tension go away.” Although he ended up with no hits in 4 at bats that day, after the 11th, when he pinch-hit, he bounced back with 7 hits in 15 at bats, 1 home run, and 4 RBI.
Even though the Giants’ leader tied and won the Magic 9 for the first time, the game difference was reduced to 1.5. “I will do my best to get results.” I hope for a return V. The number 58 uniform, which supported the team’s strong progress in September, will lead the Tigers’ batting lineup until the end.
Maekawa has hit the game-winning RBI in three consecutive games since the game against Yakult on September 15. It has been 8 years since Egoe set the Hanshin record in three consecutive games for Chunichi from August 12-14, 2016 (Kyocera Dome).
After the game, Manager Okada was asked about his victory over Chunichi’s Hiroshi Takahashi, a good pitcher, and he used a unique phrase to emphasize the magnitude of this victory. “I didn’t say a single word about who the pitcher is. I think we just need to win a game for Chunichi today. If we play pitcher, will we lose today? If the farm pitcher comes, we can hit.” .” Is that right?”
