◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Saitama Seibu Lions Game 24 (22nd, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank's Taisei Makihara hit a go-ahead 5th home run, a two-run shot.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning with the score 0-0 and a runner on first with no outs, Makihara caught the first pitch, a breaking ball from the opponent's starter Sou Sato, and sent it to right field. The perfect hit went straight into the right-field stands for a go-ahead 5th home run, a two-run shot.

Makihara provided a welcome opening score for the team, which aims to establish a 10-game lead over second place to meet the conditions for the advantage under the new Persol CS Pa rules. As of before the game, he has appeared in 14 games in September with a strong batting average of .370. This season, he has cleared the regulation number of plate appearances for the second consecutive year, recording a .291 batting average in a career-high 127 games and 483 plate appearances, ranking 6th in the league.

◇Taisei Makihara Comment
"The pitch I hit was a slider. Since it was my first time facing this pitcher, I focused on swinging aggressively no matter what. I think the fact that I was able to swing hard from the first pitch led to the home run. Anyway, I'm glad I could hit the go-ahead home run and support Kamichatani."

Text by Aoi Nemoto