◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Orix Buffaloes Game 25 (27th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank's Kensuke Kondo hit a home run for the second consecutive game, reaching 30 Home Runs for the first time in his career.

In the first inning, after the leadoff hitter Tomoya Masaki drew a Walk, Kondo came to the plate with one out and a runner on first. On the first pitch thrown by the opposing starting pitcher Yasuto Takashima, a high fastball, he took a powerful swing and sent the ball straight into the right-field stands. With a certain hit, he added flair to Akira Nakamura 's retirement game.

With this opening two-run shot, his stats for this season stand at a .306 batting average, 30 Home Runs, and 104 RBI (as of the end of his first at-bat). Having already reached the required number of plate appearances, he is within range of achieving ".300, 30 HR, 100 RBI," which would be the first in the Pacific League since 2018. In his 15th year as a pro, he continues to set new career highs in RBI and Home Runs, and all eyes are on how far he will extend these records.

◇Kensuke Kondo Comment
"I hit a fastball. I was able to swing through it decisively. First of all, I'm glad it was a home run that gave us the lead, and that I was able to reach a number I had set as a goal. Also, today is (Akira) Nakamura-san's retirement game, and I want to send him off with a win in this special game."

Text by So Yokoyama