Hanshin Tigers vs. Saitama Seibu Lions Open Game (10th, Koshien)

Saitama Seibu Lions Seiya Watanabe The player hit a timely two-base doble to tie the game.

With the team trailing by one run in the top of the fifth inning, Watanabe stepped up to bat for the third time with one out and runners on first and second. With count at 1-1, he swung at a fastball from pitcher Yasunari Kudo, sending the ball down the right field line. This hit tied the game.

In his first at-bat, Watanabe struck out on four pitches. In his second at-bat, he was hit into double play play with one out and runners on first and second base. In his third at-bat, he hit a timely doble, leaving a positive result. Last season, despite being a rookie, he secured a starting starting line-up in the opening game and played in 109 games. This season, he is also doing well, batting .313 (as of the start of the game) in six exhibition games.

◇ Comment from Seiya Watanabe
"I hit a fastball. I was able to catch the fastball that pitcher is good at, and I'm glad I was able to tie the game."

Written by Aoi Nemoto