Softbank Hawks won the slugfest with two consecutive three-run homers from Kondo. "This season has been a mix of good and bad, so I want to keep hitting with this momentum," the talented hitter said proudly in his post-game interview. In the fifth inning with no outs and runners on first and second, he sent his 14th home run into the right field stands, and in the sixth inning with two outs and runners on second and third, he launched his 15th home run to left-center field.

In the first inning, he drove in the first run with a ground ball to the shortstop with no outs and runners on second and third, and his seven RBI in a single game are a personal best. He is now just three RBI behind Kurihara, who leads the league. His batting average is exactly .300, and his on-base percentage of .414 is the best in the league. He struggled in the WBC this spring with the Japanese national team, going hit in 14 at-bats, but his hitting has finally become unstoppable, with six home runs in the last eight games.

The team won a high-scoring game 10-7, securing their first victory since the league season resumed. "Kondo's two consecutive home runs were crucial," said manager Kokubo. The number three hitter 's bat will be a reliable weapon in their pursuit of league leaders Seibu Lions. (Koichiro Shimao)