Fujiwara wins March-April Sayonara Award

Kyota Fujiwara of the Chiba Lotte Marines was named the Pacific League winner of Nippon Professional Baseball’s March-April Skipper! Sayonara Award on May 15, after a walk-off double on April 3 gave Lotte a 3-2 win over the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. NPB said the monthly award goes to the player judged to have delivered the most impactful walk-off hit during the period, and that winners receive 300,000 yen and a trophy. The April 3 hit came with two outs and runners on second and third in the bottom of the ninth at ZOZO Marine Stadium. Chiba Lotte had trailed 2-0 entering the inning before Takabe Akito cut the deficit to one run, and Fujiwara then drove a low fastball over the right fielder for a two-run double. Fujiwara called it his first walk-off hit as a professional and said it was memorable because the team won. (npb.jp) In comments released by the Marines, he said he was focused on the pitcher and the fastball after being attacked with straight pitches throughout the game, and said he realized it was a walk-off only after rounding first base. (marines.co.jp) ### Which play actually won Fujiwara the award? NPB identified Fujiwara’s April 3 double against SoftBank as the play behind the March-April honor. The league listed him as a first-time winner in the Pacific League, alongside Chunichi Dragons infielder Kaito Muramatsu in the Central League. The Marines’ account of the game said Fujiwara came to bat in a do-or-die spot with one out left and the tying and winning runs in scoring position. (marines.co.jp) His drive to right field cleared the outfielder’s head and ended the game immediately. ### How did the ninth inning unfold at ZOZO Marine Stadium? April 3 began as a pitchers’ game. (npb.jp) Pacific League game coverage said Lotte starter Kaito Mori worked seven innings and allowed two runs, while SoftBank starter Naoyuki Uwasawa held the Marines scoreless through eight innings. The bottom of the ninth turned after Neftali Soto opened with a single and pinch hitter Daito Yamamoto drew a walk. (marines.co.jp) Takabe then singled home one run, and after an infield grounder left two outs with runners on second and third, Fujiwara delivered the winning double for Lotte’s first walk-off victory of the season, according to the Marines. (sports.yahoo.co.jp) ### What did Fujiwara say about the at-bat? Fujiwara said in the club statement that he did not go to the plate thinking mainly about deciding the game himself. The stronger feeling, he said, was to be ready for the fastball because that was how he had been pitched all game. The 25-year-old also said he was unsure how to react when teammates rushed out after the hit because it was his first walk-off. (marines.co.jp) The Marines’ release added that Fujiwara is currently sidelined by injury, and he said he wants to focus on recovering without rushing in order to return as soon as possible. ### What does the award include? NPB said Skipper! Sayonara Award winners receive prize money of 300,000 yen and a trophy from Sky Perfect JSAT Corp. The award is presented monthly for the most impactful walk-off hit or equivalent game-ending play during the period. The March-April announcement named only two winners, one from each league. (marines.co.jp) Fujiwara was listed as the Pacific League selection and as a first-time recipient. ### What can fans expect next at the ballpark? The Marines said their museum store will open at 9 a.m. on May 16 and May 17, one hour earlier than usual. The club’s store calendar also shows the museum shop operating until 30 minutes after games, with a latest closing time of 10 p.m. on applicable game days. (npb.jp) The club’s stadium-hours pages list extended postgame operations on recent home dates, including May 14 and May 15. Those updates give fans attending the next home games a specific place to check operating times while Fujiwara’s award remains the latest team honor announced on May 15. (shop.marines.co.jp) (marines.co.jp)