◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Orix Buffaloes 8th Round (23rd, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

​Orix Buffaloes Kenya Wakatsuki player hit the first solo home run to take the lead.

The top of the third inning was tied 0-0. Wakatsuki, starting as the catcher batting ninth, will come to his first at-bat. count From 1-1, he caught the breaking ball of the opposing starter Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher, and the ball was hit to left field. He then entered home run Terrace and became the first solo to take the lead.

The lineup was held up by pitcher Uwasawa's strong pitching and struggled with no hit until two outs in the third inning. Wakatsuki's goal marked the team's first hit.

◇ Comment from Wakatsuki
"I think slider was the one who hit it. I'm just glad we got to take the lead! I'll keep working hard from now on so I can somehow turn it into a win."

Text by Aoi Nemoto