Lin An-ke returns to active roster, goes hitless with 2 Ks as Lions lose to SoftBank

(CNA) Lin An-ke, an outfielder for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, returned to the active roster today. In his first game back, he started as designated hitter, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. The Lions' offense was stifled, and they ultimately lost to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 0-6.

Lin was sent down to the minor league team at the end of May but has been performing well recently. In 15 games played so far in the minors, he has accumulated 15 hits in 51 at-bats, including 6 home runs. He has hit 4 home runs in his last 4 minor league appearances, showing good recent form, and was called back to the active roster today.

The Lions played the Hawks at Tokyo Dome today. Lin batted fifth as the designated hitter for the Lions. Facing Hawks starting pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa, Lin struck out in both the second and fourth innings. In the sixth inning, he hit a ground ball to first base for an out.

In the ninth inning, Lin faced Hawks relief pitcher Yuusuke Ito and hit a fly ball to left field for an out. Lin's return to the active roster today saw him go hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts. His batting average after the game is .193.

Neither team scored in the first three innings. In the bottom of the fourth, the Hawks' Ryo Kurihara drew a walk, and Taisei Makihara hit a single to advance him. With one out, Yuki Yanagita hit a single to load the bases. Ryuji Umeno hit a double to drive in 2 runs, and another run scored on an error. With two outs, Ukyo Shuto hit a single to drive in the team's fourth run.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kurihara hit a solo home run for the Hawks, and they added another insurance run in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory. Hawks starting pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa threw 93 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and striking out 8 batters without giving up any runs to earn the win. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150630

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