[Orix Buffaloes] Ryoma Yamanaka had a great game with 5 RBI, including bases loaded slam. “It was the best result,” he said, taking over first base in Tonmiya’s absence. | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Ryoma Yamanaka had a great game with 5 RBI, including bases loaded slam, saying, “It was the best result,” and volunteered to play first base in Tonmiya’s absence.

Sports Hochi

February 22, 2026 19:00

◆ Practice game between Orix Buffaloes and JR Kyushu (22nd, SOKKEN) = Rained out after the top of the 5th inning =

Orix Buffaloes catcher Ryoma Yamanaka (25) has entered the battle for a starting position at first base. On the 22nd, he started as the seventh batter and first baseman in the practice game against JR Kyushu (SOKKEN). With the score at 1-4 in the first inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, he swung at the opposing left-hander’s first cutter and hit a grand slam to right-center field to temporarily take the lead. “It was a chance, so I went for it. It turned out to be a great result.” In the third inning, just after the game was tied, he hit sacrifice fly to give the team the lead, earning five RBI.

In his first season as a pro last year, he had a batting average of .122 with one Home Run and three RBI in 19 games. “I wanted a hit too much, so I ended up just going along with it,” he reflected, and during the offseason he made it his theme to “swing through even when the ball is jammed.” He stayed behind every day during camp for batting practice. “I really hit the ball the way I wanted to. I’ll use that as confidence and carry it forward,” he said, expressing his satisfaction.

catcher Also registered, his goal is to be a regular at first base, outfield. With Tonomiya, a regular first baseman out with an injury, he was determined to fight, saying, “It’s not because someone else is out, I’m just going to do what I can do to the best of my ability. (Shunta Nambu)