◇ Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs Fukuoka Softbank 22nd Round (20th, Rakuten Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Fukuoka Softbank's Yudai Shoji hit a go-ahead 2-run timely triple.

In the top of the 2nd inning with no score for both teams, Fukuoka Softbank created a chance with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs through hits by Kenta Imamiya and Riku Ogata. Entering the batter's box here, Shoji caught the first-pitch breaking ball thrown by the opponent's starter, pitcher Ryota Takinaka. The ball split right-center field, and while the runners returned home, Shoji also used his speed to reach 3rd base. A timely hit followed from Tatsuru Yanagimachi, and the team took a 3-point lead.

In the previous game, Shoji had lacked brilliance in both offense and defense, with two errors leading to runs on defense and 0 hits in 3 At Bats. In this game, he hit the opening RBI, making up for the mistakes of the first game of the series with his bat.

◇ Yudai Shoji Comment
"I hit a two-seamer. Since I ended with a disappointing result yesterday, I entered the game today with a strong feeling of fighting back properly. I think the result of being able to swing decisively led to the timely hit. I want to continue supporting Otsu-san so that he can get the win."

Text by Aoi Nishijima