DeNA BayStars' Toshiro Miyazaki Hits Historic 20-Pitch Homer, Lauded as 'God-like' Despite Loss

On the 21st, Yokohama DeNA BayStars' Toshiro Miyazaki displayed incredible tenacity in the bottom of the 7th inning against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, hitting his 5th two-run home run of the season on the 20th pitch, close to the left-field foul pole, in an at-bat that neared a professional baseball record. Although the team lost 2-5, Miyazaki's determined hit was lauded by fans as 'god-like' and 'superhuman,' offering significant hope even in defeat.

A Grueling Hit Nearing a Professional Baseball Record

In the bottom of the 7th, with his team trailing by two runs, Miyazaki stepped up to the plate. On the mound for Hiroshima was pitcher Taichi Ko. The confrontation between the two was an intense, nail-biting battle. Miyazaki fouled off pitch after pitch from Ko, remarkably extending the at-bat to 19 pitches. Then, on the 20th pitch, Miyazaki swung with all his might, sending the ball just inside the left-field foul pole for his 5th two-run home run, a desperate last-gasp effort. This hit changed the score to 2-5, preventing the team from being shut out.

This hit after a 20-pitch at-bat is an unprecedented achievement in NPB history. Furthermore, the dramatic turn of events where his first hit of the at-bat was a home run truly made it a memorable moment in history. The fact that pitcher Ko threw approximately 30% of his total pitches that day to Miyazaki alone highlights the extraordinary tenacity of the batter.

A Ray of Hope Amidst Defeat: Fans Praise Him as 'God-like' and 'Superhuman'

Although the game resulted in a BayStars loss, praise for Miyazaki's play flooded social media. Expressions of surprise and emotion like 'Toshiro Miyazaki is a god,' 'Is he a monster?', and 'That's not humanly possible' abounded. Many posts conveyed how deeply this single hit moved fans, with comments such as, 'It's rare to lose a game and not feel defeated like this,' 'I can be a person again tomorrow,' and 'I could eat 10 bowls of rice.' After the game, Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and Tyler Austin were also seen approaching Miyazaki, offering a glimpse into the deep trust he commands from his teammates.

One fan expressed hope that 'all players should emulate him,' expecting Miyazaki's perseverance to positively influence the entire team. Indeed, it was an at-bat that highlighted his veteran grit and exceptional batting technique, truly embodying 'the pride of Yokohama.'

Miyazaki's hit holds value far beyond a mere two-run home run. Even in defeat, it delivered profound inspiration and hope to fans, undoubtedly serving as a crucial hit that will fuel future battles.

The Context

This article reports on a significant event in Japanese professional baseball (NPB). Toshiro Miyazaki, a veteran slugger for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, achieved a historic feat by hitting a home run after an unprecedented 20-pitch at-bat against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Such a long at-bat culminating in a hit, especially a home run, is exceedingly rare in baseball history. The intense battle between batter and pitcher, lasting nearly two dozen pitches, captivated fans and highlighted Miyazaki's exceptional tenacity and skill. Despite the BayStars' loss, this particular hit became a symbol of hope and determination, earning widespread praise from fans on social media, who used terms like 'god-like' and 'superhuman' to describe his remarkable effort.