The Hanshin Tigers defeated the DeNA BayStars on Saturday at Koshien Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak in the same series for the first time this season.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning on a safety squeeze bunt by starting pitcher Hiroto Saiki, the Tigers extended their advantage in the sixth. With one out, infielder Teruaki Sato launched a 131 km/h sinker from DeNA’s Yuki Ishida into the left-center field seats, a one-handed golf swing that sent the ball over the fence.
It was Sato’s 10th home run of the season, the fastest in the Central League and marking his sixth consecutive year reaching double digits since his rookie season. The solo shot provided a crucial insurance run for the Tigers, especially after Sato had been intentionally walked in the previous two games, reflecting the growing caution opponents are showing toward him.
After the game, Tigers manager Kyuji Fujikawa praised his slugger. “We have to be patient, yes. He gets walked sometimes, but the batters behind him need to hit… This is a chance for each player,” Fujikawa said. “He continues to deliver outstanding results from the batter’s box on his own.” The manager acknowledged the pressure Sato faces while also viewing the situation as an opportunity for others in the lineup.
The Tigers now prepare for a two-game showdown against the league-leading Yakult Swallows starting on Monday, with their offense rallying around their star slugger.
