Softbank Hawks ・ Isami Nomura infielder (29) vowed on the 15th to play the full game once league play resumes. Since the game against Hanshin Tigers (Mizuho PayPay) on the 9th—starting line-up, where he hit two home runs Home Run, including his first of the season—he has been in top form, hitting four home runs in five games with a .444 batting average. “I wasn’t getting any playing time at all in the first half of the season.“I want to prove myself at shortstop once again,” he said, determined to reclaim his starting position.

The team finished the interleague series in second place with a record of 14 wins and 4 losses. While they still have a chance to win their 10th interleague championship depending on the outcome of their game against the Hanshin Seibu Lions at Hanshin Tigers Koshien on the 16th, Nomura's mind is already focused on the resumption of the regular season. "I want to play in every game from here on out," he said emphatically.

The league season will resume with a three-game series against Nippon-Ham starting on the 19th (at Escon Stadium). They are an opponent against whom they have won all eight games this season. "I don't want to lose when I'm on the mound." With that determination, he aims to bring win to his team. (Tosei Moriguchi)