◇ Orix Buffaloes vs Saitama Seibu Lions 13th Game (3rd, Hotto Motto Field Kobe)

​Natsuo Takizawa Saitama Seibu Lions player hit two timely hits.

Takizawa started as the second batter and short stop. In the top of the third inning, trailing by one run, with two outs and runners on first and second, he took advantage of a good opportunity with two outs and runners on first and second, count a low breaking ball from opposing starter Tai pitcher to Takashima from 1-0, and hit a timely single to tie the game. Then, in the top of the fifth inning when trailing by three runs, he hit a timely single past the first baseman.

Takizawa, renowned as a master defense, committed an error in the bottom of the second inning with a short stop defense. However, by the fifth inning, he had recovered with a 3-hit 2-RBI strike.

◇ Comment from Player Takizawa (Top of the 3rd inning, timely hit)
"The one who hit was sinker. It was a chance situation, so I came to the plate with the mindset of trying to do something. I'm glad I was able to turn runner around."

◇ Comment from Player Takizawa (Top of the 5th inning, timely hit)
"The one who hit was cutter. We were able to make the most of the chances created by Hiruma and Nishikawa to add another run."

Text by Aoi Nishijima