Wednesday, Sept. 21st
Marines 13, Hawks 3
Ahead of Game 3 of a four-game series against the second-place Chiba Lotte Marines on Wednesday, SoftBank Hawks third baseman Tony Batista said: "We're all right. We'll keep doing the same things we've been doing throughout the year and will continue to do it in the playoffs."
"We'll get the wins if we stick to what we've been doing all year. We're strong all around, we have no weaknesses. Our starting pitchers have been doing the job and I'm happy with my own performance," he added.
Sure, confidence is a big thing. But overlooking own problem areas might prove to be even bigger.
When putting fastballs into play against rival Lotte this season, Batista indeed posted healthy numbers: going 11-for-32 for a .344 BABIP and .750 SLGBIP.
But it was a completely different story with other pitches. Batista managed only five measly singles on 35 breaking balls in play (.143 BABIP), while rolling a ton of grounders toward the left side of the infield.
(Photo source: Sports Hochi; quotes: Asahi Shimbun)
