◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Game 8 (August 2nd, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank Hotaka Yamakawa The player hit his sixth home run of the season, a solo shot, hit in 32 at-bats.

Yamakawa had been struggling, going hit in 31 at-bats since his first at-bat against Orix Buffaloes on April 19th. In the bottom of the 4th inning, with a 4-run lead and one out with no runner on base, he stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat. On the fifth pitch of the at-bat, with a 2-2 count, he connected with breaking ball from opposing starter Urena. His confident hit soared into the left-center field stands for Home Run since the game against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles on April 16th.

◇Comment from Yamakawa
"I hit slider. I was able to execute my own batting. From here on, I just need to prepare thoroughly so that I can make hits that lead to wins for the team."

Written by Aoi Nishijima