◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 10-2 Softbank Hawks (June 6th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions infielder Natsuo Takizawa has become a "fearless number 9."

He started the game as the number 9 batter and second baseman. In the second inning with one out and runners on first and third, he hit an RBI single to center field, followed by another single to center hit in the third inning with one out, a single to right field as the leadoff hit in the sixth inning, and an RBI single to left hit with two outs and runners on first and second in the seventh inning, getting a hit in all four of his at-bats. He went 4 At Bat-4 with RBI hit, raising his batting average to .271.

Even so, he said modestly, "It was just a fluke. There were days when I couldn't hit, but I didn't have a bad feeling about it, so I guess I just happened to hit it on my favorite course today." With an eight-run lead in the third inning, he made a spectacular defense leap to the side and hit a sharp fly ball catch to keep the ball in play. defense I'm going to make a rhythm and connect it to my batting," he said, reflecting on his fumble with one out bases loaded in the eighth inning. I think I'm expected to play a role in connecting with the top batting lineup, so I'm just trying to get on base. I'm expected to be able to get on base at the right time, and that includes bunting and getting on base when I need to. I hope I can contribute in every game by connecting with the top batting lineup. The reliable No. 9, hitter, is supporting the team's strong performance.