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

Fukuoka Softbank's Tatsuru Yanagimachi hit a game-tying RBI single. Starting with a hit for the third consecutive game, Taisei Makihara followed with his first triple of the season to drive in the go-ahead run.

Yanagimachi was used as the "No. 5 hitter" for the second consecutive night since the previous day's game. In the top of the 6th inning, trailing by one run, the lineup created a golden opportunity with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs following a hit by Yuki Yanagita and a Hit by Pitch. On a 3-ball count, he took a powerful swing at an outside fastball thrown by the opposing starter, Ryuhei Sotani pitcher. The ball soared high and struck the right-center wall directly, and despite it being a difficult hit to judge, 2nd base runner Yanagita's aggressive running tied the game.

Afterwards, following a sacrifice bunt by Akira Kawase, Makihara came to the plate with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. On a 2-1 count, he caught a low two seam fastball, stubbornly driving it over the head of the outfield playing shallow for a two-run RBI triple. While the magic-number-target team Seibu Lions were trailing 2 to 4 (as of the top of the 6th), they succeeded in taking the lead.

Yanagimachi has appeared in 75 games so far this season with a batting average of .252, but he has been in peak form in September with a monthly average of .400. With RBI hits in three consecutive games, he is leading the lineup during their 8-game winning streak. Additionally, Fukuoka Softbank scored a total of 4 runs in this inning, partly due to a wild pitch by the opposing pitcher.

*Yanagimachi's stats are as of before the game.

◇Yanagimachi Comment
"I hit a straight fastball. On a 3-ball count, I decided to go for it aggressively. I think that resulted in the RBI hit. I'm glad I could bat in a way that capitalized on the chance."

◇Makihara Comment
"I hit a fork. My only thought was to absolutely make the most of the opportunity. I think I was able to take a bold swing. I'm glad it led to the go-ahead RBI triple."

Text by So Yokoyama