◇Chiba Lotte Marines vs Fukuoka Softbank Game 24 (2nd, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Chiba Lotte Marines' Kota Inoue hit a game-tying 8th solo Home Run.

Starting pitcher Haruya Tanaka gave up the lead in the first inning, and the team entered the bottom of the 4th trailing by one run. With one out and no runner on base, Inoue did not miss the second pitch from opposing starter Yugo Maeda, a ball that hung high in the zone, and swung hard. The hit, which he knew was gone the moment he struck it, became his 8th solo Home Run to left field to tie the game.

Confident in the Home Run, Inoue pointed toward Katsuya Kakunaka in the on-deck box to show off. After returning to home plate, he high-fived teammates while holding a "face" board of Kakunaka. It was the best possible gift for the retiring veteran and starting pitcher Tanaka.

◇Kota Inoue Comment
"I hit a fastball. I was told we had to win no matter what today, so even though they scored first, I went into the batter's box thinking I had to catch up and overtake them, and that resulted in a good outcome. Since I am batting ahead of Kaku-san (Kakunaka), I will do my best to make sure he gets his turns in scoring opportunities."

Text by Minagi Niwa