◇Orix Buffaloes vs Fukuoka Softbank Game 23 (17th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes' Kotaro Kobayashi hit a 16th solo Home Run to take the lead. This marks his 5th Home Run of the season against Fukuoka Softbank, the most against any single team.

Kobayashi, serving as the core of the lineup as the "No. 5 hitter, short stop," stepped into the batter's box as the lead-off hitter in the top of the 2nd inning. On a 1-0 count, the second pitch thrown by the opponent's starting pitcher, Haru Matsumoto. Without losing his form against a curveball commanded low, he swung through, and the ball flew in a straight line into the left-field stands.

This is a match where Fukuoka Softbank's league championship could be decided depending on the result. With his first shot since the Chiba Lotte Marines game on the 5th, he brought in a precious opening point. Additionally, he has recorded a hit in all three games of this series. Although he has been in a slight slump in September with a monthly batting average of .222 (as of before the game), can he continue to improve his condition in the final stages of the season?

◇Kobayashi Comment
"I was able to catch the breaking ball perfectly! I'm glad I could somehow get the opening run!"

Text by So Yokoyama