After the game against Orix Buffaloes (Kyocera Dome), Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo sent his support to Kensuke Kondo, At Bat 0-for-Walk with 1 hit in two games for WBC Samurai Japan.

"I went to sleep after watching Yuki's final play," he said, having thoroughly checked the game against South Korea on the 7th, including Shuto's super catch with one out in the ninth inning. He then added, "Kondo is batting in a tough spot (batting second after Ohtani), but it was Kondo who drew Walk there (with two outs and runners on first and third in the seventh inning with the score tied). It's not a matter of when he hits, but in what situation he hits. I want him to just do it without worrying about it," he said, referring to his team's genius hitter is batting against the pressure of the Japanese flag as manager of the 2017 WBC team.