◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Game 23 (8th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank's Ukyo Shuto hit his 3rd 2-run home run.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, the lead-off batter Tomoya Masaki reached base on a Hit by Pitch, creating a situation with no outs and a runner on 1st. On a 1-1 count, he caught an inside-high cutter thrown by the opposing starter pitcher Sachiya Yamasaki, and the ball soared high into the right-field stands near the pole. With his first home run since August 11th, he got the team off to a good start by scoring the opening runs.

With this home run, Shuto has now recorded a hit in four consecutive games. He has shown good compatibility against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, with a batting average of .301 (as of before the game).

◇Shuto Comment
"I hit a cutter. I went into the batter's box intending to connect the play to the 3rd and 4th hitters in a good way. In doing so, I feel like the result of my swing just happened to become a home run. Anyway, I'm glad I was able to get those important opening runs."