◇Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Game 22 (17th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Chiba Lotte Marines' Koki Yamaguchi hit his first-ever first-pitch leadoff home run.

Yamaguchi, starting as the leadoff hitter for the 7th consecutive game, swung at the first pitch thrown by opposing starter Tatsuki Koja pitcher—a high outside fastball. The moment he hit it, he knew it was gone as it sailed into the left-field stands. This 31st solo shot, his first in two games, gave the team an early lead.

Yamaguchi, who became the first Japanese player for the club in 40 years to record 30 Home Run during the September 15th game against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, has now hit three home runs in his last three games. His hot streak continues after recording a .302 monthly batting average and 10 home runs in August, earning him his first "Dai-ichi Life Monthly MVP Award."

◇Koki Yamaguchi Comment
"I hit a fastball. It's my first leadoff home run since the Phoenix League some time ago. (Ishigaki) Genki worked hard, and I just rode that good momentum."

Text by Tenmichi Shinae