“I wonder if it’s okay for me?” DeNA Yasutaka Tobashira: The taste of a veteran shines in a short decisive battle

(11th, Professional Baseball Climax Series 1st Stage Yokohama DeNA Baystars 4-1 Yomiuri Giants)

"I wonder if it's okay with me?" Yasutaka Tobashira, a 36-year-old veteran who led DeNA to pass the first stage of CS, repeated this in a hero interview in enemy territory.

In the 7th inning, with two out and 3rd base, the Giants' left-handed pitcher, Shunya Morita, pitched a fork that was floating high, and it was stubbornly deflected by Sanyuma. The lead increased to two points, and ``It was a great result in an important game.'' The team, which had been unable to score additional points despite taking an early lead thanks to Takateru Watarai's leadoff hitter, regained momentum.

``I was only thinking about defense,'' he said, showing his good lead. Based on the latest matchup data and the goals of the opponent's batting lineup, he had starting pitcher Yutaro Ishida throw a lot of sinkers. In the first inning, with one out and runners on first and third base, he forced No. 4 Takuzo Oshiro into a double play with this winning pitch. He encouraged five pitchers, including preventing a stolen base in the fifth inning, and held the Giants' batting lineup to just one solo home run.

With the number of starters such as 22-year-old Shion Matsuo, who is rapidly growing, and 24-year-old Takashi Furuichi increasing, they only appeared in 42 games this regular season. Spend a lot of time on the bench. Still, his presence is by no means small, with his follow-up to young players and his sincere approach to practice. One of his strengths is his competitive strength, which allowed him to hit two walk-off hits even though he had a batting average of .216. Manager Aikawa, who used to be a catcher, also says, ``He has a lot of experience and I rely on him.''

He was named the best player in the 2024 CS, where he rose from 3rd place in the league to the best in Japan. The important thing in a short-term battle is to ``do what we've always done, even in a unique atmosphere.'' Holding back his pride, he entered Koshien.

Director Aikawa: ``He showed his ability''

Coach Aikawa (D) ``Just like this season, everyone prepared to win and showed their abilities.''

Maki (D) Hits a solo home run for the second consecutive game in the 8th inning. Looking ahead to the match against Hanshin, he said, ``Last year we lost in straight sets.We'll show that this year it won't be that easy.''

Watarai (D) Following up on the winning arch from the previous day, he hit a home run for the first batter. "I thought it would be important going into the game (into the match). I was focused going into the game."