Watch out, Hsu Jo-hsi! DeNA slugger Shugo Maki returns with back-to-back homers

Taiwanese pitcher Hsu Jo-hsi of the SoftBank Hawks faces a significant challenge in his upcoming start on June 7 against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. His primary concern will be DeNA's star slugger, Shugo Maki, who has made a powerful return from injury.

Maki, back in the lineup since June 4, has been on fire. In his last three games, he boasts an impressive .545 batting average, including two home runs. His recent performance saw him hit a two-run pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning on June 6, narrowing the deficit in a 6-3 loss to SoftBank.

DeNA manager Daisuke Aikawa acknowledged Maki's fighting spirit, stating, "Although it was only one at-bat, and he was a pinch hitter, he showed the attitude of fighting until the very last moment." Aikawa confirmed that Maki, who has been a regular for the Japanese national team, will be in the starting lineup for the final game of the three-game series against SoftBank.

Maki's return is a significant boost for DeNA. He was a national team member in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2024 Premier12 tournament. The team had previously adjusted his captaincy to Yoshitomo Tsutsugo due to Maki's preparation for the WBC. Maki had been sidelined with a right hamstring strain but has immediately impacted the team's offense since his return.

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Although it was only one at-bat, and he was a pinch hitter, he showed the attitude of fighting until the very last moment. I think he truly expressed that never-give-up spirit.