Giants Pitcher Yamazaki Returns After 45 Days Out
Listen to the story
Giants pitcher Iori Yamazaki returned to the mound on October 2, after 45 days away from games.
He was the starter in a match against the Yakult Swallows, and he pitched well in his comeback.
Yamazaki shared his strong feelings about the game. He said, "I really want to win, that's all."
He also said, "I want to put my spirit into this and do my best."
The Giants took an early lead in the game thanks to a home run from Richard.
A home run happens when a player hits the ball so well that he can run around all the bases and score.
Taking an early lead can help a team feel confident during a game.
The Giants have been trying hard to improve their results this season.
Before this game, Yamazaki had joined the team's first-team practice again, preparing for his return.
Acting manager Hashigami said the team should do work that "leads to wins."
This shows that the coaching staff wants every player, including Yamazaki, to help the team succeed.
Fans were likely happy to see Yamazaki pitching again after so many weeks away.
His return is seen as important for the Giants, who hope for a strong finish to the season.
The team will continue playing more games as the season continues.
Vocabulary10 words
- pitcher
- a player who throws the ball to the batter
- starter
- the first pitcher who plays in a game
- spirit
- strong feeling and energy inside a person
- home run
- a strong hit that scores a point right away
- comeback
- returning strongly after being away or losing
- lead
- being ahead of the other team in points
- practice
- training to get better at a skill
- acting manager
- someone leading the team for a short time
- season
- the period when a sport is regularly played
- confidence
- a feeling of trust in oneself or the team
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Quiz
Answer key
1. 45 days 2. A home run from Richard 3. Work that leads to wins
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Giants pitcher Iori Yamazaki returned to the mound on October _____, after 45 days away from games.
He was the _____ in a match against the Yakult Swallows.
Yamazaki said, "I really want to _____, that's all."
He also said, "I want to put my _____ into this and do my best."
The Giants took an early _____ in the game thanks to a home run from Richard.
A home run happens when a player hits the ball so well that he can run around all the _____.
Before this game, Yamazaki had joined the team's first-team _____ again.
Acting manager Hashigami said the team should do work that "leads to _____."
His return is seen as important for the Giants, who hope for a strong _____ to the season.
The team will continue playing more games as the _____ continues.
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