DeNA pitcher Higashi Katsuki (東克樹) recorded 5 double plays in Game 3 of the Japan Series and delivered a strong 7-scoreless-inning performance despite allowing runners on base. The 5 double plays set a new record in Japan Series history.
DeNA starter Higashi Katsuki (東克樹) recorded 5 double plays against SoftBank in Game 3 of the Japan Series, setting a new Japan Series record. In the first inning, he escaped a situation with a runner on first and no outs with a double-play grounder, and in the third, he escaped a one-out, runner-on-second threat with a double-play grounder to second. In the fourth, he allowed the leadoff hitter to reach with one out and a runner on first, but escaped by holding Yamakawa to a double-play grounder to the pitcher.
In the bottom of the seventh, with one out and a runner on second, he held Yamamoto Yu (山本祐) to a line drive back to the pitcher, then threw to second to record two outs. Although he often had runners on base, he held the opposition scoreless through 7 innings and pitched deep into the game.
As a left-hander, Higashi showed consistency in the Japan Series, and his 7-scoreless-inning performance indicated that he could contribute to a DeNA victory. The article presents the key points of the game factually, focusing on the number of double plays and the circumstances surrounding hits allowed and runs conceded.
The Japan Series live score can be checked via the separate link. Although the article text refers to future developments and follow-up reports, this summary sets out only the key facts.