The Swallows are aiming to tighten their grip on first place by taking down last season’s champions, the Tigers. Yakult will host a critical two-game series against second-place Hanshin (one game back) at Jingu Stadium starting on the 12th. Manager Takahiro Ikeyama expressed his determination ahead of the direct showdown.
“If we don’t beat Hanshin, we won’t move up. We have to go in with the mindset of learning from them,” Ikeyama said.
The key will be to avoid falling behind early. In their previous three-game series against Hanshin at Jingu (starting April 28), the team that scored first won every game. “We need to focus on not allowing the first run. Since we’re the home team, the basic approach is to build rhythm through solid defense,” Ikeyama explained.
For Game 1 on the 12th, season-opening starter Yoshimura will take the mound, while Yamano, who leads both leagues with five wins, is set for Game 2 on the 13th. With no game scheduled on the 14th, the manager noted, “Having an off day allows us to use our relievers earlier if needed.” The two starters, expected to be pillars of the rotation, aim to establish momentum, and the reliable bullpen is ready to keep the scoreboard clean.
Hanshin will counter with Nishi on the 12th and Takahashi likely on the 13th. In their last meetings, Nishi allowed two runs over five innings, while Takahashi threw a complete-game shutout. Takahashi has been particularly dominant, recording three consecutive complete-game shutouts. “We need to discuss thoroughly how to strategize against him. His tempo and timing are hard to read, and he has sharp movement,” Ikeyama emphasized.
Yakult have lost two consecutive series to Hanshin this season, going 1-2 in each. “In this league, we can’t afford to develop a weakness or a losing streak. We need to break the pattern at some point,” Ikeyama said. To change the tide, the skipper highlighted intangible factors such as team atmosphere and cohesion. “(Murakami’s move to the White Sox) was a big piece of the puzzle, but everyone is stepping up to fill that gap and trying to create an even bigger piece. The players are really giving their all now.” The Swallows, chasing the Central League title, aim to avoid developing a mental block against the defending champions and secure consecutive wins.
