◇ Orix Buffaloes vs Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 9th Round (28th, Hotto Motto Field Kobe)

​Orix Buffaloes Keita Nakagawa supported the starting Alen Kuri pitcher with solid defense and a go-ahead hit.

In the top of the third, second baseman and Ryo Ota caught up to the ball that seemed to go through right field for the leadoff two, and got out. Next, player Daisuke Nakashima hit the right field, but Nakagawa successfully slid catch just above the ground. With three strong plays, he retired all three in order for the first time in the match.

Then, in the bottom of the third, Ryoma Yamanaka and Ota created chances with consecutive hits, resulting in two outs with runners on first and second. Nakagawa aggressively hit from a count with a 2-0 count lead and hitter advantage, and hit a timely hit that broke through the middle shortstop to score the first run.

Notably, he faced his opposing starter Masaru Fujii pitcher, who was his classmate from Toyo University, for the first time this season. Last season, they recorded 12 At Bat 5 hit in their encounters, and this time their compatibility has proven to be a clear success.

◇ Comment from Player Nakagawa
"It was slider who scored. Since Aren was working hard, I'm glad we managed to score the opening goal. I will continue to do my best."

Text by Minagi Niwa