On May 9, 2025, the DeNA baseball team triumphed over Hiroshima with a thrilling 4-3 victory at Yokohama Stadium, marking their first sayonara win of the season. The game, attended by 31,806 fans, showcased a dramatic finish that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
DeNA's Hayashi Toshiki, a 24-year-old infielder, played a pivotal role in this victory. After entering the game as a pinch runner in the eighth inning, he made an incredible diving catch in the tenth, crashing into the camera stand on the third base side to secure a crucial out. With one out and a runner on second base in the bottom of the tenth, Hayashi delivered a timely hit to left-center, clinching the game for his team.
After the match, Hayashi was visibly emotional, reflecting on the presence of his maternal grandparents in the stands. “Today my grandpa and grandma came to watch, and my grandma has health issues, so she said it might be the last time she could come,” he shared, his voice trembling with emotion. He also remembered his paternal grandfather, who had passed away earlier this year. “I’m glad I could hit,” he added, fighting back tears.
DeNA manager Miura praised Hayashi's performance, calling it a significant turning point in the game. “If that had been a foul, I don’t know what would have happened,” Miura remarked, highlighting the importance of Hayashi's defensive play that contributed to the victory.
The game had its ups and downs, particularly for DeNA's starting pitcher Trevor Bauer, who took the mound after five days of rest. Bauer pitched effectively through eight innings, despite allowing three runs in the fourth inning due to a tying hit from Fabian and a go-ahead two-run homer from Suekane. After the game, Bauer reflected on his performance, acknowledging he felt slightly under the weather but still managed to contribute to the team's success. “I think I did my job to some extent,” he stated, expressing regret over the runs he allowed.
Despite not achieving a shutout victory following his previous performance against the Giants, Bauer was elated with the team’s dramatic win. “There’s no joy like a sayonara victory,” he exclaimed, capturing the thrill of the moment.
The game was particularly intense, with DeNA tying the score in the ninth inning thanks to a timely hit from Austin. This comeback set the stage for Hayashi’s heroics in the tenth. The victory not only brought DeNA's winning percentage back to .500 but also halted Hiroshima's four-game winning streak.
Hiroshima's pitching strategy came under scrutiny after the game. Manager Miura had previously praised their starting pitcher Morishita, who performed well until the eighth inning. However, the decision to replace Morishita with Kuribayashi proved costly as the relief pitcher struggled to maintain the lead.
As the game concluded, the atmosphere in Yokohama was electric, with fans celebrating DeNA’s first sayonara win of the season. Hayashi’s journey from a substitute player to a game-winning hero resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the emotional highs and lows that define baseball.
In a season filled with challenges and opportunities, Hayashi's performance serves as a reminder of the personal stories that unfold on the baseball diamond. Every game is more than just a contest; it’s a chance for players to connect with their families, their fans, and their own aspirations.
With the victory, DeNA looks to build momentum as they continue their season. The team’s ability to rally in pressure situations will be crucial as they aim for success in upcoming games. As for Hayashi, his heartfelt performance will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.
As the fans poured out of Yokohama Stadium, the excitement lingered in the air, with everyone eagerly anticipating the next chapter in DeNA's season. Will they continue to rise in the standings? Only time will tell, but for now, they celebrate a hard-fought victory that brought joy to many.
