In the top of the 7th inning, the score is 6-4. The visiting team, trailing by 2 runs, begins their comeback. There is an opportunity with one out and runners on second and third base. (At Tokyo Dome on the 7th, Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers)

Just one hit can narrow the gap to a single run. The ball count is tight at 2-2. It’s the 5th pitch. Pitcher Yuhei Takahashi’s fastball heads towards the batter. It’s a fastball clocked at 144 km/h.

Oh no! But it's too close. The batter is startled and tries to avoid it. However, it's unavoidable. The ball hits him squarely in the middle of the back.

The victim collapses on the spot. Rolling around, they writhe in pain. Some from the visiting team bench rush out. It’s the medical staff, the manager (Kyuji Fujikawa), and coaches.

In an instant, Tokyo Dome heats up. There is unusual commotion in the stands. Short screams, accusations, curses, and a buzz of murmuring fills the air.

Could it be? A bench-clearing incident? An ominous atmosphere envelopes the place. It almost got to that point. However, things do not escalate further. The players of the visiting team hesitate. They seem to have some understanding of the reason. They cast resentful looks toward the umpire.

The group of alleged aggressors(?) also react similarly. There are no further provocations.

Fortunately, the batter who collapsed gets up shortly after. He slowly walks toward first base.

The home team’s manager, Shinnosuke Abe, slowly emerges from the dugout. He has an expression as if nothing significant happened. Eventually, he notifies the umpire about making a pitching change. Eito Tanaka rushes out from the bullpen.

It seems this is not a simple accident. It’s not your typical hit by pitch.

There’s a backstory to this. We need to rewind the clock to the day before (the 6th).

It was the first day of a three-game series during the week. The home team, Yomiuri, lost their first baseman and cleanup hitter. He suffered a significant injury during defense. There was a collision with a runner who was coming home. His arm, which was wearing a glove, twisted, resulting in ligament damage. The diagnosis states he will need 3 months for recovery.

The aftermath is significant. Injured Kazuma Okamoto is a key player for the team. He had participated in every game since the opening (32 games). He firmly held the cleanup spot. He recorded a batting average of .308 with 8 home runs. His performance exhibited both accuracy and weight.

Moreover, they lost the game as well, suffering a crushing defeat of 1-7. It was their 5th consecutive loss at home to Hanshin. Because of that, they also relinquished their top position in the Central League.

There are many frustrating aspects. If we're to pinpoint the cause, much of the blame lies with third baseman Urata. His errant throw after fielding a bunt led to the collision between the first baseman and the runner.

But that’s an internal issue. The subject of venting frustration is typically something external. This is the suspicion of the Hanshin fans.

The batter who got hit by the ball that day is the second batter, Takumu Nakano (172 cm, 67 kg). He is the very person who caused the 'contact incident' with Okamoto (186 cm, 100 kg) the previous day.

Of course, it was not a deliberate collision. There was no room to avoid it. It was an unavoidable incident that occurred while running toward first base. He himself was almost involved in a significant incident.

He also feels apologetic. However, it’s not something to blame himself for. It’s just a matter of concern. Even on this day, he faced the plate to the sound of boos raining down from the crowd. It is understandable. The home fans must have felt quite upset about losing a key player.

Yet, ironically, he performs well in the game. Each time he comes up to bat, he troubles the opponent. He achieves a single, a base hit to center field, and another single to left field. The previous three at-bats went exceptionally well. He also contributed 2 runs. He is becoming increasingly detestable.

So, this is the story. On the previous day, he injured the cleanup hitter. Regardless of intent, he is the direct party involved in the accident. Then, the next day, he casually records 3 hits. From the home team's standpoint, it’s only natural to feel resentment.

As luck would have it, first base was open (1 out, runners on second and third). A pitcher with good control threw a fastball, clocked at 144 km/h, directly into the middle of the batter's back. There is a clear intent perceived here. This is the suspicion from the Hanshin side.

At that moment, Hanshin manager Fujikawa burst out of the dugout. He wore a very discontent expression. In response, the opposing manager (Abe) made some gestures. It was reported that he communicated, 'It’s not intentional. Don’t misunderstand.'

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