February 17 – Naha Spring Camp
On February 17 in Naha, the Yomiuri Giants faced the Chiba Lotte Marines in a preseason practice game.
The contest ended in a 3–3 draw, called early due to rain.
While the final score was even, several performances stood out.
■ Yoshihiro Maru Makes Immediate Impact
The spotlight naturally fell on veteran outfielder
Yoshihiro Maru.
In the third inning, Maru lined an RBI single to open the scoring.
Despite it being his first live game action of camp, his swing looked sharp and controlled. Rather than forcing pull power, he drove the ball smoothly up the middle — a classic “Maru-style” approach built on balance and timing.
For mid-February, his game readiness appears well ahead of schedule.
■ Rookie Kyohei Yamashiro Shows Poise
Another key performer was third-round draft pick
Kyohei Yamashiro.
Yamashiro’s Line:
- 2 innings pitched
- 0 runs allowed
- Solid velocity
- Calm mound presence
Pitching in his home region of Okinawa, Yamashiro handled the moment confidently. While he may not yet be in the immediate rotation conversation, he clearly inserted himself into the broader first-team competition.
For a young arm, two clean innings in live action is a strong early statement.
■ Lotte Responds Late
The Marines showed resilience, clawing back late to even the score before rain halted play. Even with a lineup heavy on younger players, their focus and competitiveness kept the game tight throughout.
For both sides, the draw served its purpose: sharpening real-game instincts without overextending workloads.
■ Manager Shinnosuke Abe’s Takeaway
From the perspective of manager
Shinnosuke Abe, three boxes were checked:
✔ No injuries
✔ Rookie contributions
✔ Veteran rhythm intact
At this stage of camp, development outweighs results. And on that front, the Giants can consider the day productive.
■ What’s Next?
Camp intensity now begins to rise:
- Pitch counts will gradually increase
- Position battles will grow sharper
- Young players will receive additional proving opportunities
Can Maru sustain his early form?
Will Yamashiro earn another outing to build momentum?
Spring camp is entering its most competitive phase — and the internal battles are just beginning. ⚾🔥
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