#Japan #Tokyo #Orix Buffaloes #Yakult Swallows #Sky PerfecTV!

July's 'Sky PerfecTV! Walk-Off Award' Winners Announced

The 'Sky PerfecTV! Walk-Off Award,' established in 2012, aims to boost professional baseball by recognizing players from the Central and Pacific Leagues who have made impactful walk-off plays each month. This award is accompanied by a trophy and a prize of 300,000 yen, given by Sky PerfecTV!

On August 15, the award winners for July were revealed: Yuhiro Akabane of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows from the Central League and Keita Nakagawa of the Orix Buffaloes from the Pacific League. Both players were celebrated in award ceremonies held at their respective stadiums.

Winners’ Reactions

Yuhiro Akabane (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)

"I am truly delighted to receive this wonderful award. Despite being behind in the score, I focused on doing my best to help the team. I believe the hard work and advice from my coaches and seniors have paid off. Standing on this stage is thanks to my family and the amazing support from the fans. I look forward to your continued support!"

Keita Nakagawa (Orix Buffaloes)

"I’m very happy that my hit contributed to the team's victory. At that moment, I felt like a miracle happened. I think this success came from approaching my batting naturally and without overthinking. The warm support from our fans gives me great strength. I will work hard to achieve more walk-off hits!"

Overview of Award-Winning Plays

Central League - Yuhiro Akabane (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
Akabane scored his first award on July 21 during a match against the Hiroshima Carp at Jingu Stadium. With two outs and runners on first and third in the ninth inning, with a score of 4-6, Akabane hit a dramatic three-run walk-off home run that struck the left pole, leading the team to their first four-game winning streak of the season. The game had previously seen the Swallows fall behind early in the match, with the score standing at 1-5 after five innings. However, following a resurgence led by other players, Akabane’s hit not only marked his first walk-off home run but also significantly contributed to initiating a turnaround for the team.

Pacific League - Keita Nakagawa (Orix Buffaloes)
Nakagawa earned his first award on July 16 in a match against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Kyocera Dome Osaka. With the game tied 0-0 and two outs in the ninth, Nakagawa hit a walk-off home run into the left field stands, concluding a pitching duel that had dominated the game. Prior to his moment at bat, the match saw both teams locked in a tense standoff, culminating in Nakagawa’s crucial hit that secured the team's seventh walk-off victory of the season.

About the 'Sky PerfecTV! Walk-Off Award'

(Official Site: Sky PerfecTV! Walk-Off Award)
The 'Sky PerfecTV! Walk-Off Award' was created to honor players who made the most impactful walk-off plays each month. This initiative aligns with Sky PerfecTV!'s mission to broadcast all official games in Japanese professional baseball, ensuring fans enjoy the thrilling moments until the very last play. Since its inception in 2006, Sky PerfecTV! has remained committed to enhancing the spectator experience of professional baseball and contributing to its development by awarding players who demonstrate exceptional performances under pressure.