
AI-generated summary
Takateru Watarai is a 24-year-old outfielder who joined DeNA in first place in the draft among three competing teams. Until now, while his batting sense has been praised, it has been pointed out that he has issues with his defense and concentration. This season, he practiced early under the guidance of coach Naonori Suzuki, and has been the number one batter since August. He played in 134 games, the most on the team, and recorded a batting average of .274, 8th in the league, in his first regular at-bat.
(10th, Professional Baseball Climax Series 1st Stage Yokohama DeNA Baystars 2-1 Yomiuri Giants)
DeNA's Takateru Watarai ended the suffocating pitcher's battle with one swing.
With one out in the ninth inning, 1-1, he pulled a high fastball of 152 kg thrown by Martinez, the Giants' guard, and the ball flew into the front row of the right-center seats. Looking back on the game-winning solo, he said with excitement, ``My opponent was a top-class pitcher among the 12 teams. I went at it with the spirit of a challenger.''
He is the "No. 1 left winger" and is his first starting member in CS. He didn't get a hit until his third at-bat, so he asked Yasutaka Tobashira for advice on the bench. The answer I received was, ``I'm not the type of person who can think things through. Just go with my instincts.'' Those words pushed me back.
A 24-year-old who joined the team in first place in a draft of three competing teams. Up until now, everyone has recognized his batting sense, but he has had issues with his defense and has been criticized for having a ``difficulty concentrating for long''.
This season, his third year, the person who patiently supported him was batting coach Naonori Suzuki. He is a senior at Yokohama High School.
The two of us worked together to practice early. In July, due to poor performance and the rise of rivals, he spent many days on the bench, but continued to practice with the aim of getting back in shape. Coach Suzuki said, ``He has to become a player who has no choice but to use him.''
Since August, it has been ranked number one. He played in 134 games, the most on the team, and reached his first turn at bat, ranking 8th in the league with a batting average of .274. His batting average in scoring position was .35, which was 5th in the same league.
In 2024, when the team went from third place in the league to number one in Japan, he was a rookie and couldn't join in the joy. "We all believe that we can win CS no matter what and become number one in Japan." Can you lead your team to a reenactment of "Gekokujo"?
East (D) Good pitching with 1 run allowed in 7 innings. ``We were able to create a solid game in order to make it a one-point game.''
Maki (D) First solo from Inoue, who has not had a hit in 13 at-bats this season. ``It was a short, decisive game, so I was conscious of not missing any sweet pitches.''
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
DeNA wins the second CS stage and advances to the Japan Series
Likely · Within days
Takateru Watarai will continue to show stable hitting production as the No. 1 batter.
Possible · Within weeks

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