Murakami’s Masterstroke: How a Change in ‘Alone Time’ Led to Seventh Win and a Timely Turnaround
Hanshin Central League – Chunichi 8-3 (September 18, 2024 Banterin D)
Hanshin’s Murakami persevered and earned his seventh win. In the run-up to the championship, he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs in 5 innings in a game he couldn’t give up. Although he gave up 2 runs in the 4th inning with a 3-run lead, he was able to defend his teammates and earn his first win in his third pitching battle of the season with opposing starting pitcher Hiroshi Takahashi.
“I think we were good until the third inning, but we got runs after drawing an unnecessary walk, so we need to do better in those areas.”
He took full advantage of a super slow ball that could not be measured. From the first pitch, he threw a loose ball with no speed indication to Okabayashi, who was at the top of the first inning. He grounded out the second pitch, and then threw a slow ball to Fukunaga and Calliste with no speed indication from the first pitch, forcing all three to retire. He started well and remained hitless until the third inning.
At bat, in the 4th inning with a 2-run lead and two outs and at second base, Hiroshi Takahashi timely hit a low, 150 km fastball to right field. He showed his ability to play with two weapons, also scoring the third.
“I had to be brave. It’s a stadium where home runs don’t happen that often, so I was able to put that to good use. I was able to do that while having a lot of discussions with (Mr. Sakamoto).”
He hasn’t had the luck to win early and has had a tough time on the mound, but he has a way of resetting things. His right-hand man left the dorm this season and started living on his own, but he appreciates his “alone time.” “The time I spend relaxing and doing nothing is very important to me. I feel pretty calm when I lie down and don’t watch TV.” Even if I keep losing, I won’t take that home. By separating himself from baseball and thinking, “I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about this too much,” he can head to the next mound with a fresh mind and pitch well.
The right-hander led the team to their 70th win last season, and also contributed to the team’s 70th win today. His condition looks good, having won three games in a row against China and Japan. If No. 41 pitches well, the team will gain momentum.