[Nippon-Ham] Taiki Narama is in top form with a powerful hitting performance… He hit a game-tying RBI triple in the 6th inning… He aims to secure a regular position: “If I’m going to play, I want to be in the starting starting line-up.”
Sports Hochi
April 6, 2026 06:05
◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 8-2 Orix Buffaloes (May 5th, ES CON FIELD)
On the 5th, Nippon-Ham won their second consecutive come-from-behind victory against Orix Buffaloes (at Escon Stadium). With four straight wins, they have now achieved a positive win-loss record for the first time this season. infielder Taiki Narama (25), who started at starting line-up base and batted eighth, had a great game with three hit. In the fifth inning, he saved starting defense Arihara with his excellent defense, and in the sixth inning, he hit a game-tying triple to left-center field, thrilling the packed stands. So far this season, starting line-up has started in three games, with 6 At Bat 10 hit bats and 4 RBI. The infield defensive specialist is aiming to quickly secure a regular starting position.
Narama accelerated even more as the ball passed past the glove of center fielder, who dove for it. Reaching third base with the momentum of a running bullet, he smiled and raised both arms toward the bench. just after getting within one run, with two outs in the sixth inning, the 213-centimeter right-hander Jerry, the Orix Buffaloes starter, gave up the tying run in left-center triple. After two games starting line-up and three hit in one RBI “I don’t know pitcher why, I went to bat with an offensive attitude, and I remembered to attack,” he said. I nodded.
He also created rhythm with his strong defense. In the fifth inning with two outs, he made a diving catch of a sharp ground ball hit by Nishikawa to the gap between second and short that looked like it would get through to center fielder, then instantly got up and made a great throw to first base. His big play, getting the runner out at the last second, was highly praised by manager Shinjo, who said, “That was a great play. I don’t think Narama is the only one who can make a play like that.” Narama proudly stated, “I was able to play good defense, so I was able to create good momentum from defense.”
Good physical condition supports good play. He reviewed his diet during the off-season and said, “People say I’ve slimmed down this year, but my weight hasn’t changed.” The swelling has gone down and his muscle mass has increased. “I’m conscious of the timing of my meals and the amount of carbohydrates I eat. I eat more in the morning so I don’t run out of energy. I’m aiming for a body that doesn’t lose weight during the season.” He eats 450 grams of rice in the morning. He feels the results are showing, saying, “I can move the way I want to move.”
On the 2nd and 3rd, he started in starting line-up and performed well with 3 hits and 3 hit in 6 at RBI At Bat, but he was left out of starting line-up on the 4th. Manager Shinjo smiled wryly and said, “He was a little down after being left out yesterday, so I thought I’d use him so he wouldn’t get too depressed.” Narama said, “I want to play in the games, and if I’m going to play, I want to be in starting line-up.” Last season, he was often used as defense substitute and played in 86 games, but he is a specialist with zero errors. He will continue to impress both offensively and defensively in the fierce competition for a regular position. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)