◇Orix Buffaloes vs Chiba Lotte Marines Game 22 (5th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Chiba Lotte Marines scored 3 runs in the top of the 2nd inning while trailing by 1 point. They succeeded in a comeback against the formidable opponent, pitcher Espinoza.

Chiba Lotte Marines, suddenly chasing one point. After Toshiya Sato reached base with a hit with one out in the top of the 2nd inning, the following player Ryusei Terachi hit a game-tying RBI doble that broke through right-center field. After that, with two outs and a runner on second, Kyuto Ueda stepped into the batter's box. On a 1-1 count, he caught an outside high two seam fastball without resisting it, and the line drive hit went to left field. Terachi stepped on home plate for the go-ahead run.

Furthermore, in this inning, Tsuyoshi Yamasaki also produced an RBI hit to take a total of 3 runs, capturing the start of pitcher Espinoza, who had a matchup ERA of 1.93 (as of before the game). While Ueda marked an RBI hit for the second consecutive game, Terachi and Yamasaki each recorded their first RBI of September.

◇Terachi Comment
"The pitch I hit was a slider. I think I was able to hit it with a good feeling while being conscious of somehow connecting the play. I'm glad we were able to catch up immediately."

◇Ueda Comment
"The pitch I hit was a shootball. The flow was good, so I'm glad I was able to hit it while thinking I would follow suit."

◇Yamasaki Comment
"The pitch I hit was a slider, I think. I'm glad I could get a hit in scoring position. Without letting my guard down. I'll hit the next one too."

Text by So Yokoyama