◇Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, Game 24 (28th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's Kota Yazawa made a series of great defensive plays.

Yazawa, who started as the "No. 1 center fielder," saw the lead-off hitter Misho Nishikawa hit a line drive toward right-center in the first inning. Kota Yazawa charged forward, reaching out with all his might to make the catch, taking a break-fall in a forward-roll motion. Furthermore, in the bottom of the third with two outs and a runner on first, Nishikawa hit another ball toward right-center. Utilizing his natural speed, Yazawa retired him with a backhand fly catch.

Having been promoted back to the first team on September 26th, he recorded 3 hits in 3 At Bats in that day's game. In this game, he is showing his presence with great defense to support pitcher Ren Fukushima, who is making his first start since July 12th.

Text by Kanako Fukushima