On September 18, GG's Sato and T-Okada appeared as guests on the official Persol Pacific League TV YouTube channel 'Monday Goes to Patele Supported by DMM Kuji,' along with guest Toshiaki Imae. Fukuoka Softbank was highlighted as the presence of player number Tomoya Masaki as a key point to closer the game.

In the latter half of the program, the show explores how to closer Fukuoka Softbank, who won three consecutive titles with overwhelming strength at the Persol CS Pacific held in October. Various opinions were expressed, including viewers, but Imae, who also served as manager for Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, said that Masaki, who bats first, will be the key.

Masaki hit seven leadoff hitter homers this season, setting a new team record. Imae explained, "No matter what pitcher it is, it's always nerve-wracking at the start. From the pitcher 's perspective, Masaki is already the leadoff batter," making him an unpleasant presence from the 's perspective. The Hawks The bench also seems to be riding the momentum thanks to Masaki consistently delivering results from the leadoff spot.

GG also agrees on its importance, saying, "The leadoff batter's behavior is quite important. Sometimes it gives courage to the lineup." Imae-san added, "Like how to struck out," explaining that the leadoff batter's impact on the entire lineup, for better or worse, is significant.

Regarding Masaki's batting, Imae said, "The batting speed is insane." He described that power as follows.

"Not only can you hit the pull, but you can hit the opposite direction solidly, and when you think you're missing, your head speed is so fast (bounce that it goes over infield 's head. The ball is strong, the swing is strong, and even if you miss a shot, you can still get a hit with a powerful swing—that's not really my feeling...... But I don't have that kind of feeling. His swing speed is really fast."

Fukuoka Softbank boasted overwhelming scoring power with Masaki as the leadoff hitter and Ryoya Kurihara as the key player hitter. In the Persol CS Pa, the key will likely be how to shut down the key hitters like the leadoff and fourth hitters.

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Even on Mondays, when there are few games, the 'Monday Trip to Patele' event was launched with the desire to create a time for pro baseball and Pacific League fans to have fun. This week, it was delivered with the sponsorship of 'DMM Kuji,' a store lottery brand that guarantees no losses at retailers nationwide. Additionally, starting Friday, September 18, the '2026 Pacific League 6-Team Baseball DMM Lottery' is now on sale at stores nationwide. For details, click here.

LIVE Streaming Program 'Monday Goes to Patele'
・Streaming date: Every Monday at 21:00~ (scheduled to stream until October during the season)
・Streaming location: Persol Pacific League TV Official YouTube Channel
・Performers: Weekly rotating professional baseball alumni duo
(Ryota Igarashi & Sho Nakata / Ginji & Yuji Kaneko / GG Sato & T-Okada / Motonobu Tanishige & Tomoya Satozaki)

Next time, on Monday the 28th, Motonobu Tanishige and Tomoya Satozaki are scheduled to appear. Don't miss it!