◇Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Game 17 (23rd, Belluna Dome)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' Yuki Nomura hit a go-ahead 3-run homer, his 13th of the season.

Trailing by one run in the top of the third inning, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham created a golden opportunity with runners on first and Chusei Mannami Manami and Kengo Kengo Yoshida. At this point, Nomura connected with a poorly thrown breaking ball from opposing pitcher Chihiro Sumida. The ball soared into the left field stands for a massive home run, giving them the lead.

This was Nomura's 13th home run of the season, tying his career high set in 2023. He has been in excellent form in July, batting .333 (as of before the game). This was his first home run in about a week since the game against Fukuoka Softbank on the 15th, and it turned the game around.

Text by Kanako Fukushima