In a thrilling matchup on May 10, 2025, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters showcased their resilience and power at Escon Field, defeating the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 8-7. This victory marked the Fighters' third consecutive win, thanks in large part to the exceptional performance of outfielder Kazuya Manno, who delivered a stunning grand slam to turn the tide of the game.
The game began with both teams trading blows, but it was the Fighters who struck first. Manno, batting sixth and playing right field, made his mark early in the second inning. With no outs and a runner on first base, he launched a two-run home run, his eighth of the season, sending the ball soaring into the right bullpen. Manno later reflected on his approach, stating, "I was targeting a strike after the walk, and I was able to hit it perfectly." This early contribution put the Fighters on the scoreboard and set the tone for the rest of the game.
However, the momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Nippon-Ham's starting pitcher, Takayuki Kato, faced a challenging situation. He allowed a grand slam home run to Rakuten's Kazuki Murabayashi, putting the Fighters behind 4-6. The pressure was on as the Fighters entered the fifth inning trailing by two runs.
With no outs and the bases loaded in the fifth, Manno stepped up to the plate again. In a moment that would define the game, he connected with the pitch and hit his second grand slam of the day, this time to the left field stands. This dramatic hit not only flipped the score but also made history as the first time in Nippon Professional Baseball that two grand slams were hit in a single game by opposing teams. Manno expressed his delight after the game, saying, "I was able to capitalize on the fastball. I was just hoping to get a sacrifice fly, but I’m glad it turned out to be the best result possible." With this home run, Manno now leads the league with nine total home runs.
The Fighters continued to build on their lead as the game progressed, but it wasn’t without its challenges. In the sixth inning, veteran pitcher Takayuki Miyanishi made his appearance, tying the Japanese record for consecutive relief appearances at 879, a feat previously held by former Chunichi player Hirokazu Iwase. This milestone added to the excitement of the game and showcased the depth of talent within the Fighters' roster.
Despite the win, Nippon-Ham's manager, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, had mixed feelings about the close nature of the victory. After the game, he humorously remarked, "I don’t feel like we won, somehow... Is it just me?" He had described the previous day’s game as "nerve-wracking," and it was evident that the one-run margin against Rakuten kept him on edge. Yet, he couldn't help but chuckle at the thrill of the back-to-back nail-biters.
The match concluded with the Fighters securing their place at the top of the Pacific League standings, now boasting a five-game surplus in wins. Manno's outstanding performance solidified his reputation as a key player for Nippon-Ham, as he aims for his fourth consecutive season with double-digit home runs.
Looking ahead, the Fighters will seek to maintain their winning streak as they prepare for their next matchup. With Manno leading the charge and a solid pitching staff, fans are eager to see how far this team can go in the 2025 season.
This game not only highlighted the individual talent of Kazuya Manno but also underscored the competitive spirit of the Pacific League. As the season progresses, every game becomes crucial, and the Fighters are proving they have what it takes to contend for the championship.
