Lee Fails to Reach Base in Japanese Leadoff Debut

Chunichi’s Lee Byung-gyu failed to reach base in his debut at the leadoff position in Japan yesterday.

Lee was the first batter in the game against SoftBank that was held on Sunday at the Nagoyadome. He was usually the fifth hitter, but also played as the seventh or the eighth batter in the lineup as his hitting deteriorated.

His first game as leadoff batter was disappointing. He struck out in his first at bat. His second and third at bats ended in fly balls. He struck out looking in his last at bat. His batting average is now .256.

Chunichi lost, 2-9 and wound up losing two games in a row to SoftBank.

On Saturday, in his first game since he was sent to the minor leagues after a game versus Orix on June 5, he hit his 12th double of the year and reached home once.

Meanwhile, Lee Seung-yeop recorded one hit and two runs during a game versus Seibu as the sixth hitter on Saturday.

why@donga.com