◇Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs. Saitama Seibu Lions, Game 9 (22nd, Tokyo Dome)

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's Naoki Sato had a great performance with 2 hit 2 RBI.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, immediately after falling behind by 3 runs, the offense created a scoring opportunity with no outs and runners on first and second base. Sato stepped up to the plate and connected with the first pitch from opposing pitcher Kaima Taira, sending it to left-center field for a timely doble that brought in one run. Later in the game, in the bottom of the 7th inning, with one out and runners on first and second base, he hit a timely single, temporarily creating a chance to take the lead.

Sato has been in good form, recording two hit in each of his last three games. Having joined the team this season through the active player draft, he has become an indispensable part of the lineup, batting .282 with Home Run in his new team.

◇Comment from Sato (RBI doble in the bottom of the 3rd inning)
"I hit a slider. I was given a chance to go for it, so I went for it with all my might. I'll do my best in my next at-bat too (with a determined expression)."

◇Comment from Sato (timely hit in the bottom of the 7th inning)
"I hit fastball. I just want to win, that's all. I'll play my best until the very end (with a determined expression)."

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa