◇Saitama Seibu Lions vs Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Game 24 (13th, Belluna Dome)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's Taiki Narama hit his 5th solo home run of the season to take the lead.

Narama, who was in the starting line-up as the 9th batter and hit a timely hit the previous day, was promoted to the 2nd spot for this game and stepped into the batter's box with one out in the first inning. On the very first pitch, he caught a fastball from the opponent's starting pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi and drove it to left field. The ball soared high, cleared the wall, and landed in the stands.

Although his overall batting average this season is in the mid-.200s, he matches up well against the Saitama Seibu Lions with an average of nearly .300 this season. He responded to his promotion to the top of the order with a home run.

Text by Mina Niwa