Kikuchi’s Go-Ahead Homer Lifts Carp to Winning Start in Second Half

Veteran infielder Ryosuke Kikuchi delivered when the Hiroshima Toyo Carp needed him most, hitting the go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning to secure a 3–1 victory over the Chunichi Dragons.

Earlier in the game, Kikuchi struck out with a runner on third base in a key scoring opportunity. After the game, he admitted he was frustrated by the at-bat.

“I was really frustrated. I told myself, ‘I’m definitely going to get the next one.’”

That determination paid off in the eighth inning when he drove a forkball into the left-field stands for his fifth home run of the season.

Manager Takahiro Arai praised the veteran’s response after the game.

“It was a tremendous swing. I think he wanted to make up for his previous at-bat.”

Kikuchi also reflected on the challenges of the season and the mindset required to compete at the professional level.

“No professional baseball player takes the field without focusing. We all give our best, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s baseball.”

The victory gave Hiroshima a positive start to the second half of the season and kept the team moving forward in the Central League standings.