◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Chunichi exhibition game (17th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank Tomoya Masaki The player hit a go-ahead three-run homer.

He started the game as the "number 6 batter and right fielder." In the bottom of the 7th inning, trailing by one run, Tatsuru Yanagimachi player, Hotaka Yamakawa With runners on first and third with one out after a series of hits by other players, he stepped up to the plate. On the third pitch thrown by opposing starting pitcher Yudai Ohno, he hit a poorly placed fastball to the opposite field, and the ball landed just inside the right field foul pole. His first home run of the preseason was a go-ahead three-run homer.

In his fifth professional season, Masaki has struggled, hit 5-for-29 in 12 exhibition games for a At Bat average of .172 (as of before the game). He will be looking to improve his form to secure a starting position on opening starting line-up for the second consecutive year.

◇Masaki's comment
"I was able to connect with the ball straight. Coach Hasegawa advised me to maintain the same feel as in my first two at-bats, even when I had a chance, and I was able to swing with confidence as a result. With the open season drawing to a close, I want to make a strong impression with my results."