Yakult Swallows Secure Dramatic Walk-Off Victory Over Hiroshima Carp, Extend Winning Streak
Yakult secured a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory against the Hiroshima Carp on Thursday, marking their fourth consecutive win and a first-of-the-season walk-off triumph. The win also represents the team’s third straight victory since a match against the Seibu Lions last season, concluding the first half of the season with a record of 28 wins and 50 losses, leaving them 22 games behind the league leader.
Late-Inning Heroics Seal the Comeback
The dramatic conclusion unfolded in the 9th inning, with the Swallows trailing 4-6. Koga, leading off for Yakult, sparked the rally with a center field hit against Hiroshima’s Hahn. Following two outs, a hit by Masuda further loaded the bases, setting the stage for a stunning finish. Pinch hitter Akabane then delivered a game-winning triple to left field, driving in three runs and completing the comeback.
Yazaki Earns First Win Since Transfer
Hiroshima’s fifth-draft pick, Yazaki, secured his first victory since joining the team. Starting pitcher Lambert delivered a mixed performance, pitching five innings with 109 pitches, allowing seven hits, five walks, and five runs, resulting in a no-decision. He previously secured a win against the Hanshin Tigers on July 11th, allowing three runs in five innings. His earlier outing against Hiroshima on May 20th resulted in a loss, conceding three runs in six innings.
Early Struggles for Lambert, Carp Take Lead
The Carp initially gained an early advantage in the top of the first inning. After walking Hazuki, Lambert managed two outs, but a double by Kozono followed by a timely hit from Fabian put Hiroshima ahead 0-1. The inning continued to challenge Lambert, as he walked Futamata with the bases loaded, though he managed to limit the damage with a strikeout, ending the inning with only one run conceded.
Swallows Battle Back, But Carp Extend Lead
Despite facing adversity, the Swallows attempted to respond in the bottom of the fourth. A walk for Osuna, followed by hits from Yamada and Sawai, loaded the bases. While a grounder by Koga was expertly fielded by Futamata, a runner was able to score, narrowing the gap to 1-2. However, opportunities continued to slip away, with runners left stranded on base.
The top of the fifth saw further struggles for Lambert, as Kozono reached base on an infield hit and subsequently stole second. A controversial call on a full-count pitch to Futamata resulted in a walk, and a subsequent three-run homer by Hayashi extended Hiroshima’s lead to 1-5. Lambert was relieved after five innings, having allowed five runs.
Yamada’s Homer Ignites Swallows’ Comeback
The sixth inning saw the Carp extend their lead to 1-6 with a timely hit from Kozono. However, the Swallows quickly responded. Uchiyama hit a double, and Yamada followed with his fifth home run of the season – a two-run shot – tying his career total of 304, equaling the team record held by former manager Ikeyama Takahiro, bringing the score to 3-6.
Seventh-Inning Rally Completes the Turnaround
The Swallows continued their momentum in the seventh. Ito led off with a hit, and after a pinch-hit appearance by Ota and Iwata, Akabane delivered a crucial hit, breaking a tie and giving Yakult a 4-6 lead.
Final Stand and Walk-Off Drama
Hiroshima failed to capitalize in the eighth, with Osuna, Yamada, and Sawai all being retired by Moriura. The stage was then set for the dramatic ninth-inning comeback, culminating in Akabane’s walk-off triple and securing a memorable victory for the Yakult Swallows.
