Masanao Yoshida of the Major League Red Sox participated in an exhibition game held in the Dominican Republic as the No. 5 designated hitter and had one hit in two at bats, with one walk.
Major League Baseball is planning open games and official games around the world this season in order to gain new fans around the world.
As part of this effort, an exhibition game was held in the Dominican Republic on the 9th between the Red Sox, to whom Yoshida belongs, and the Rays.
Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, who are from the Dominican Republic and played for the Red Sox, appeared to throw out the first pitch.
Yoshida, who started this game as the No. 5 designated hitter, chose a walk from a full count in his first at-bat of the 1st inning with two outs and runners on first and second base, expanding his chances and leading to the first point.
In his second at-bat of the 3rd inning, with one out and runners on first and second base, he faced pitcher Waguespack, who was a teammate of his in the Orix era in professional baseball and signed a minor league contract with the Rays this season. I was able to score points.
In his third at-bat in the 5th inning, he had one out and was on first base, and after being forced into a foul ball, he held on and delivered his 11th pitch, a changeup, to left field, creating a chance with a hit.
Yoshida has one hit in two at-bats and one walk, and his batting average in exhibition games is .263.
Looking back on his batting, Yoshida said, ``I tried to hit hard, but I think I missed some balls.''
Regarding the fact that the game was held in the Dominican Republic, he said, ``I had a positive image of it, but I thought baseball and the city would remain that way.Many players from those countries are now active in the major leagues, so I think it's a good experience for me to be able to play there."