Hotaka Yamakawa is the hottest hitter in Japan, and his torrid run at the plate during the Golden Week holiday period could signal a return to glory for the former home run king.
Yamakawa sent five balls over the fences during a six-game homestand at Belluna Dome last week, nearly matching the eight homers he hit in 54 games at the Seibu Lions’ home park last season.
“I did not really hit at all here last year or the year before,” Yamakawa said after a 5-1 win over the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters on Sunday. “So I especially wanted to hit here this time. I’m happy I hit five home runs.”