◇ Orix Buffaloes vs Chiba Lotte Marines Game 23 (6th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Chiba Lotte Marines' Kota Inoue hit his 4th solo Home Run, a personal career high.

Inoue, who was in the starting line-up as the "No. 7 left fielder" for the first time since August 29, entered the batter's box with two outs and no runners in the top of the 2nd inning. After a long battle, he swung hard at the 8th pitch. The ball reached the left-field stands for a solo Home Run, providing the opening run for starting pitcher Lucchesi, who is aiming for his first win in Japan.

Since August 4, he appeared in 9 games with the farm team and recorded 2 Home Runs. After being promoted back to the first team on the 20th, he went hitless in 7 At Bats over 2 games, but today he responded to his first starting line-up appearance in 5 games with a single swing.

◇ Kota Inoue's Comment
"I hit a fastball. The manager has been watching my practice closely, so I prepared for my first at-bat with the determination to somehow get a result in my first start in a while, and that led to this good result. I will continue to do my best."