◇Orix Buffaloes vs Saitama Seibu Lions 21st Round (8th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Saitama Seibu Lions' Junichiro Kishi recorded his first career 4-hit game.

After Masayuki Kuwahara, who started the game, was substituted due to an accidental injury, Kishi entered the game in the bottom of the 2nd inning as the "No. 8 batter, center fielder." First, in his first at-bat in the top of the 3rd, he reached base with an infield hit to short stop. In his second at-bat in the top of the 5th, he hit a two seam fastball back to the center fielder, and in the top of the 7th, he recorded a hit that went through the hole between third and short. Furthermore, in his fourth at-bat in the top of the 9th, he pulled a fork to left field, recording his first career 4-hit game.

This was the first time Kishi recorded a three-hit game since the Orix Buffaloes game on May 25, 2024, about two years ago. Despite coming off the bench, he showed a performance that led the lineup and contributed significantly to the win for the team, which continues to fight in games they cannot afford to lose.

Text by Ryo Aritake