◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Lotte (August 2nd, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo's player selections proved to be a resounding success.

In the first inning, Nomura, who was brought in as the same "number 3 hitter and designated hitter" in place of the heel-strained Reyes, hit a go-ahead solo home run, his second of the season, into the second deck of left field. He has now hit two home runs in the two games in which he has been in the starting starting line-up this season, living up to expectations.

Furthermore, Nishikawa, making his first start since returning to the starting line-up, hit a double doble the right field line in the second inning for his first hit since his return. With Nishikawa on second base, Narama, also making his first starting line-up of the season, blasted a two-run homer to the second deck of left field, almost the same spot as Nomura's home run.

The team had a tough start to the season, going 1-4 up to the 1st, but these two home runs bring their total to 15, demonstrating their overwhelming power hitting.