Asukara Professional Baseball CS First Stage Players and Managers Discuss Their Aspirations

The first stage of the professional baseball and climax series will start on the 8th in both the Central and Pacific leagues.

In the ▽ Central League, 2nd place DeNA and 3rd place Hanshin,

▽ 2nd place Softbank and 3rd place Seibu will play against each other in the Pacific League.

The players and managers of the four teams facing each other held press conferences and talked about their aspirations.

Central League

In the first stage of the Central League's Climax Series, DeNA, who ranked second in the regular season, and Hanshin, who ranked third in the regular season, will face off at Yokohama Stadium.

At the press conference held on the 7th, DeNA manager Daisuke Miura said, "We couldn't win the league, but with that frustrating feeling, we will fight so that we can carry out the team slogan 'Yokohama counterattack'. I want to go. The first goal will be the biggest point, so I want to keep that in mind.”

In addition, Keita Sano commented on his impression of Hanshin, saying, "The starting pitchers and relievers are of a high level. I want to use the support of the fans at home to score as many points as possible."

On the other hand, Hanshin's manager Yodai Yano said, "It was a difficult season, but the players persevered and created a chance to fight at the end. I think it will be a tough match, but the point will be how much we can enjoy it." said.

Koji Chikamoto said, "I was hit well at Yokohama Stadium this year, and I was able to hold it down. Still, I want to win two times and improve from 3rd place to become the best in Japan."

At the press conference, the starting line-up for the 8th was also announced, and DeNA shota Imanaga, who achieved a no-hitter in June this year, and Hanshin won three titles this season: the most wins, the highest winning percentage, and the best ERA. As a result, pitcher Akihiro Aoyagi will be the starting pitcher.

Climax Leeds advances to the final stage where the team that wins two games first in the first stage will face Yakult.

Yakult Director Takatsu and pitcher Ogawa also participate online

At the conference, director Shingo Takatsu of Yakult, who will fight against the winner of DeNA and Hanshin on the final stage of the climax series, also participated online.

In this, Director Takatsu said, "Like last year, I want to clear the Climax Series and aim for consecutive victories. Now, I want the players to prepare themselves physically and mentally so that they can compete at 100% in the final stage from the 12th. I want to go," he said.

In addition, pitcher Yasuhiro Ogawa said, "DeNA has an image of an active batting line, with home runs coming from anywhere, and Hanshin has an image of being aggressive with their legs tied. Once again, we will be able to play a hot game at Jingu Stadium. I want to fight with gratitude," he said about his impression of both teams.

The final stage, where Yakult and the winner of the first stage fight, will be held at Jingu Stadium from the 12th of this month.

Pacific League

On the other hand, before the first stage of the Pacific League climax series started on the 8th, the players and managers of Softbank, who ranked second in the regular season, and Seibu, who ranked third in the regular season, held a press conference.

Among them, Softbank's manager Fujimoto said, "I want to show the frustration of not winning the championship with the whole team in the climax series. I want to continue with the feeling that if we lose, there will be no consequences."

Regarding Seibu, he said, "In terms of pitchers' ERA, and hitters' number of home runs, we're number one in the league. I want to cherish the feeling that pitchers don't get hit by home runs, and that the batting line is somehow connected."

Players' chairman Kenta Imamiya said, "I want to do my best so that I can do my job properly. There are many good pitchers against us, and it doesn't matter if it's unrefined, so I'll do my best to keep scoring goals."

In response, Seibu coach Tsuji said, "I want to challenge myself. I believe the players will put on a great game. I have nothing to lose, so I will do my best."

Regarding Softbank, he said, "It was difficult to win during the season. The batting line can score from anywhere, and I think it's a strong team with a thick player base."

Captain Genda Sosuke said, "As a team, the batter will stick to as many pitches as possible, and the defense will desperately try to get 27 outs. I hope we can play baseball like the Lions in a bright and carefree way. ', he expressed his enthusiasm.

Both teams will play at the PayPay Dome in Fukuoka City, the home of second-placed Softbank, and the first to win two games will advance to the final stage where they will face league champions Orix.