Yomiuri Giants slugger Richard hit a decisive two-run home run, a moment he described as a miracle, according to Yahoo!ニュース. The blast backed pitcher Shohei Togo, who earned his first win since returning to the mound.
Togo said he told himself before taking the field that he wanted to pitch well at the end, and felt he managed to show a bit of that, Yahoo!ニュース reported. The win marked his first since his comeback.
According to a separate report cited by Yahoo!ニュース, Togo made a surprising decision two days before the start, switching his pitching mechanics back to his previous form. Pitching coach Sugiuchi explained the choice by saying Togo simply picked the approach that felt better to him.
In the same game, Hiroshima avoided a shutout when Sho Naruse hit a solo home run with two outs in the ninth inning, according to Yahoo!ニュース. Hiroshima manager Arai, speaking about the home run surrendered by pitcher Shogo Tamamura, said the pitch was hit to a spot where the batter simply overpowered it, Yahoo!ニュース reported.
The results carry weight in the Central League standings as the season moves toward its final stretch. Togo's form and Richard's bat will be worth watching in the Giants' remaining games.
