◇Chiba Lotte Marines vs Fukuoka Softbank Game 24 (2nd, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Fukuoka Softbank's Kensuke Kondo hit his 32nd solo home run of the season to take the lead, marking his fourth consecutive game with a home run.

Kondo, who was in the starting line-up as the number three hitter again today, entered the batter's box with two outs and no runners in the first inning. He pulled a breaking ball on the fourth pitch for a solo home run near the foul pole to take the lead. He caught the opponent's starting pitcher, Haruya Tanaka, at the start of the game, homering in four straight games. All of them have been go-ahead shots, demonstrating his reliable performance.

This season, he has significantly updated his career high, and this marks his 108th RBI. He currently ranks second in the Pacific League, following teammate Ryoya Kurihara. It remains to be seen if he can continue to support starting pitcher Yugo Maeda, who is aiming for the most wins title.

◇Kondo's Comment
"I hit a fork. I reacted well and it caught the bat. I'm glad I could hit a go-ahead home run and support Yugo. I want to continue to be involved in scoring and provide support."

Text by Minagi Niwa