In a thrilling display at Belluna Dome, Nippon-Ham has made history by achieving their first opening three-game winning streak in 63 years, thanks to a spectacular performance by cleanup hitter Nomura Yuto. On March 30, 2025, Nippon-Ham faced off against Seibu, and Nomura was the star of the show, hitting not one but two home runs during the game, solidifying his place as a key player for the season.
The game kicked off with a bang as Nippon-Ham took an early lead in the first inning. With two outs and a runner on second, Reyes delivered a crucial two-base hit that set the stage for Nomura. Following Reyes, Nomura stepped up to the plate and smashed a double to left-center field, marking his first RBI of the season in just his tenth at-bat. "It felt great to get that first hit and help the team," Nomura commented after the game.
As the game progressed into the third inning, the excitement reached a fever pitch. With the score tied at 1-1 and runners on first and second, Nomura unleashed a powerful swing against Seibu's Takahashi, connecting with a 150 km/h fastball that soared into the left-center field stands for a three-run home run. This marked his first home run of the season and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Nomura, visibly ecstatic, returned to the dugout where manager Shijo Kenshi greeted him with his signature 'X' gesture, a playful reminder of the manager's earlier directive to focus on hitting doubles rather than home runs. "I hit a straight pitch for my first home run and will aim for a two-base hit next time, as instructed by the boss!" he exclaimed, clearly enjoying the moment.
But Nomura wasn't done yet. In the fifth inning, with Nippon-Ham leading by two runs and two outs, he struck again. This time, he connected with a changeup from Takahashi, sending the ball deep into the left field stands for a two-run home run, making it a remarkable two-home-run game for him. This feat was particularly significant as it marked the third time in his career that he had hit two home runs in a single game, the last occurrence being on August 5, 2023, against SoftBank.
Nomura's impressive performance didn't just end with his home runs. He finished the game with three hits and a total of six RBIs, proving that he is ready to take on the challenges of this season after a tumultuous previous year where he faced three demotions and spent the season in the second team. His journey back to the top has been inspiring, especially after being unexpectedly appointed as the cleanup hitter during the fan appreciation event in November 2024.
"I’ve been working hard to improve, and it feels good to contribute like this," Nomura said, reflecting on his journey. His determination and focus have clearly paid off, and he is now living up to the expectations set by his manager, who had earlier challenged him to become the Pacific League’s king of doubles.
The victory was also a significant moment for Nippon-Ham, as they aimed for an unprecedented opening three-game winning streak without a draw. The team’s performance has been a welcome turnaround after facing struggles in previous seasons. The fans at Belluna Dome were treated to a thrilling display of baseball, with Nomura leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Seibu's struggles continued as they faced their third consecutive loss in the opening series, with their starting pitcher Takahashi Hikaruaki being knocked out in the fifth inning. The team will need to regroup quickly to turn their fortunes around, especially with the pressure mounting after such a disappointing start.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nomura and his ability to maintain this momentum. With the support of his teammates and the guidance of manager Shijo, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding Nippon-Ham. The fans are hopeful that this season could be a memorable one, especially with players like Nomura stepping up to the plate.
In other notable performances around the league, Yokohama celebrated their fourth Central League pennant in 19 years, achieving an impressive 20-game winning streak since last fall. Their consistent performance has set a high bar for the rest of the teams in the league.
As the Pacific League unfolds, the excitement is just beginning. With Nippon-Ham's historic start and players like Nomura making headlines, baseball fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. Will Nomura continue to shine, or will other players step into the spotlight? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 baseball season is shaping up to be unforgettable.
