スポーツ｜中日が藤浪対策に左打者8人起用 / Sports | Chunichi employs eight left-handed batters to counter Fujinami.

Summary

The Chunichi Dragons employed a strategy against pitcher Shintaro Fujinami by starting eight left-handed batters in the lineup for the game against DeNA on the 31st. The only right-handed batter was Rodriguez, while their main slugger, Hosokawa, remained on the bench. This was Fujinami’s second appearance since transferring teams and his first time pitching at home at Yokohama Stadium. Chunichi took precautions against his pitching, particularly being wary of hit-by-pitches, by placing a greater number of left-handed batters in the lineup.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, the strategy against pitcher Fujinami is impressive! Using eight left-handed batters is something else!
Log: That’s true. Considering Fujinami’s pitching style, having more left-handed batters seems advantageous.
Chako: But I’m a bit worried that our main slugger Hosokawa is on the bench!
Log: Yeah, that’s a concern. Hosokawa has power, so we want him in the lineup when it really matters.
Navi: It’s often thought that Fujinami doesn’t perform well against left-handed batters. So, it makes sense that Chunichi might be using more left-handed batters.
Chako: I see! So that’s the plan to keep Fujinami in check!

Admin’s Note

The strategy the Chunichi Dragons are using to counter Fujinami is very interesting. It seems they plan to use a lot of left-handed batters to take him on. I think fans were particularly surprised by Hosokawa starting on the bench. I’m looking forward to seeing how this strategy plays out in future games. Since it’s Fujinami’s first start at home, it will be a significant game for him as well. I hope both teams do their best!