◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Saitama Seibu Lions Game 22 (5th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank's Ryoya Kurihara reached 100 RBI for the season, the fastest in both leagues. This is the first time a player from the club has reached this milestone in 8 years, since Yuki Yanagita in 2018.

Ryoya Kurihara, who served as the "4th batter and third baseman" in this game as well, came to his first at-bat in the bottom of the 1st inning with a good opportunity at 1st and 3rd base with 1 out, after Ukyo Shuto and Kensuke Kondo recorded a hit. He skillfully scooped up a breaking ball for a somewhat shallow center fly, but the 3rd base runner, Shuto, managed to score the opening run.

After that, with neither team scoring and the game at 1-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning, Kurihara came to the plate again in a scoring opportunity with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 3rd. With a count 2-2, he caught an outside-low fork thrown by the opposing starter, pitcher Chihiro Sumida, as if sweeping it away, and the ball became a timely doble that broke through left-center field.

With his first RBI in 5 games, Kurihara reached the major milestone for the first time in his career. Although he lacked brilliance in both offense and defense in the previous series, he is fully fulfilling his role as the cleanup hitter in this important battle for the top spot. Will he be able to maintain this form and win his first batting title?

◇Comment from Kurihara
"I hit a fork. I just wanted to take advantage of the chance and get an additional run. I'm glad it turned into a timely hit that provided a big insurance run while Otsu was holding firm. I'll do my best so we can win somehow."

Text by So Yokoyama