◇Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, Game 21 (16th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles scored 4 runs in the first inning.

In the top of the 1st, with one out, Yuya Ogo and Rui Muneyama chose a Walk, creating a scoring opportunity with runners on 1st and 2nd. Here, the 4th batter, McCusker, hit the first-pitch curveball well for a timely doble down the third base line to take a 1-point lead.

The following YG Yasuda got jammed by an inside fastball but managed to drop it into left field, bringing the 3rd base runner home. Furthermore, Itsuki Murabayashi successfully executed a squeeze, followed by a timely hit from Akira Shigenaga, resulting in a total of 4 points in the opening frame. This provided strong support for the starting Kosei Shoji pitcher.

◇McCusker Comment
"I hit a curveball. I was able to react well to the curveball that came in high. I'm glad I could hit it since they gave me a chance with runners on." (Grin)

◇YG Yasuda Comment
"I hit a sinker. The momentum was good when my turn came, so I'm glad I could get a hit. I'll do my best so we can win today as well." (With a smile)

◇Akira Shigenaga Comment
"I hit a slider. I was down in the count, so I just tried to hang in there desperately. I'm glad it turned into a timely hit." (With a serious expression)