◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Chiba Lotte Marines Game 21 (11th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank's Hotaka Yamakawa hit his 10th 2-run home run.

In the bottom of the 7th inning with a 7-point lead, Yamakawa, who was in the starting line-up as the "No. 6 first baseman," entered his fourth at-bat. Catching a breaking ball from pitcher Hayate Miyazaki on a 2-1 count, the ball flew toward the center fielder. It pierced straight into the batter's eye, marking his 10th 2-run home run since May 10th.

Yamakawa was removed from the roster after the game against Hiroshima on May 29th, promoted on September 8th, and selected for the starting line-up, but went 0-for-3 At Bat. Nevertheless, he recorded his first hit since the promotion in the previous game and marked an insurance home run in this game.

◇Yamakawa's Comment
"I was able to catch the two-seam fast ball perfectly. It's been a while since I've been able to perform my own batting on the first-team stage. I'm glad I could add more points with a home run."

Text by Aoi Nemoto