Hitachi, Ltd. outfielder Takeuchi Shota (竹内 翔汰) has been working to regain his confidence ahead of the Japan Championship Kanto regional qualifier, showing strong form in the adjustment period following the summer qualifiers and in exhibition games. He will face JFE East Japan in the opening game on 1 October at Todoroki Stadium.
After completing the summer Intercity Baseball Tournament qualifiers, Hitachi, Ltd. outfielder Takeuchi Shota (竹内 翔汰) decided to take an objective look at his strengths and spent time searching for the cause of his struggles. He reaffirmed his determination to trust himself and take on the challenge in order to overcome his weaknesses.
As a factor behind his batting slump, he cited being unable to step into the batter's box with 100% confidence, reaching the conclusion that he should “trust myself and give it a go.” As he continued his daily training, his anxiety gradually diminished and his condition recovered.
His batting performance showed signs of recovery in September exhibition games, and he again recognized his quick reaction time at the plate as one of his strengths. In an at-bat against Ryuta Nagaya (長屋 竣太), he demonstrated the technique to drive a fastball approaching 150 kph to right field on a line drive.
The team is aiming to qualify for the Japan Championship through the Kanto regional qualifier, and is scheduled to face JFE East Japan in the opening game (second round) on 1 October at Todoroki Stadium.