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

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's Kotaro Kiyomiya recorded a career-high 19th Home Run.

In the top of the 6th inning, after a big play by the opposing center fielder Manaya Nishikawa resulted in one out, Kiyomiya stepped up to the plate. On the 4th pitch with a count of 2-1, he perfectly caught a breaking ball that hung over the plate and drove it back toward right field. The ball landed in the stands in the blink of an eye, serving as a shot that regained the momentum for the lineup.

With this, he surpassed his 2022 record of 18 Home Runs, reaching a personal best of 19 Home Runs. He looks to continue showing growth as a core player of the team.

Text by Mina Niwa