[Orix Buffaloes] Soichiro Yamazaki, who gave up a heartbreaking home run, made no excuses: "He finished me off in one go. It's my loss. It's my fault for giving up the hit." His first hit allowed to right-handed hitter this season was a game-winning three-run homer. | Pacific League - NPBHUB

[Orix Buffaloes] Soichiro Yamazaki, who gave up a heartbreaking home run, made no excuses, saying, “He finished me off with one hit. It’s my fault for losing. It’s my fault for giving up the hit.” His first hit allowed to right-handed hitter this season was a game-winning three-run homer.

Sports Hochi

April 4, 2026 18:30

In the 7th inning with two outs and runners on first and second base, Soichiro Yamazaki gave up a three-run Home Run to Yuki Nomura, and was ordered to leave the game by manager Mamoru Kishida (Photo by Ryota Miyazaki).

◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 6-3 Orix Buffaloes (April 4th, ES CON FIELD)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Soichiro Yamazaki, who gave up a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning, showed no hesitation. With the score tied 3-3 and two outs with a runner on second base, he intentional walk walked Kiyomiya. Manager Mamoru Kishida chose to face the right-handed Nomura. Nomura had been in good form since the start of the season, and before the game hit in eight At Bat against right-handed hitter (hit one in five At Bat against left-handed hitter). On a 1-ball count, he threw a powerful fastball on the outside corner, but it was hit over the right field fence.

“Ideally, I would have liked to get a foul ball and make it 1 ball and 1 strike,” the 160 km/h right-hander reflected. As one of the players expected to pitch in close games in the future, he looked ahead, saying, “He really finished it off with one swing, so I think it was a nice hit. It’s my fault for giving up the hit. I lost. It’s really important to move on. I’ll reflect on it properly and pitch next time.”