On the 18th, Chunichi Dragons manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami (55) announced his intention to step down at the end of this season, taking responsibility for the team’s poor performance. The team has finished last in the league for two consecutive years since taking over, and the team’s slump has continued into this season, the final year of his three-year contract.

When interviewed after the game against Hanshin at his home stadium, Vantelin Dome Nagoya, he explained the reason for his performance, saying, “I wasn’t able to produce results when I needed to.”

This season, the team has struggled due to a lack of scoring power, and after losing today, they have fallen to the bottom of the league with 54 wins, 72 losses and 8 draws. He is scheduled to take charge for the remaining nine games. (Kyodo News)