◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 8-5 Orix Buffaloes (24th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks secured a victory against Orix Buffaloes had been on a four-game losing streak.

Taisei Makihara recorded hit in four consecutive games and also marked multi-hit hit in two consecutive games. In the sixth inning with two outs and runners on first and second base, he made a spectacular diving catch of a ball hit by Kurebayashi. Tomoya Masaki gave the team momentum with a hitter Home Run in the first inning and showed good base running on his right-field single in the sixth inning with one out and a runner on first base. The hero interviews at the home stadium with the two players who contributed to the team's win are as follows.

[Makihara's Q&A]

—What were your thoughts during your second at-bat?

"I did ground out in my previous at-bat, but our cleanup hitter got hit by a pitch, so I went in with the feeling that I wanted to somehow keep the momentum going, and I'm glad it worked out well."

—What was it like when you hit the ball in the second inning?

"It was just the tip of the bat, so I thought it might get caught, but I'm glad it got away."

—This makes it four consecutive games with a hit. How do you reflect on your performance so far?

"We put our all into every single match, so I'm glad it's showing in the results."

—Regarding the spectacular play that saved pitcher Tsumori in the 6th inning.

"If they had scored there, it would have put us in a bad position, so I'm glad we were able to cover for it with defense."

—Yanagida was shouting loudly in front of the dugout.

"I think it was good."

Regarding the double to right doble in the 7th inning, I recall what hitting coach Hasegawa said before the game: "He can handle both hard-hit balls and easy pitches, and he can handle being behind in the count this season."

"Yes... I'm happy."

—A heartfelt message for your fans.

"I will continue to do my best to contribute to the team's win, and I will also do my best not to lose to the Keio brothers."

[Masaki's Q&A]

—What were your thoughts going into the game against Orix Buffaloes, a team you've been struggling against this season?

"Yesterday we conceded the first goal and lost, so we had a meeting today to say that we absolutely had to score the first goal, and I'm glad we were able to do that."

—What was your mindset going into your first at-bat?

"My primary focus was getting on base. The best-case scenario is an extra-base hit, so I aimed for that and swung with all my might."

—How did it feel when you hit it?

"I thought I had hit it far, but it was a close call whether it would be a foul or home run, so I'm glad it turned out to be home run."

—You swung with both hands firmly, didn't you?

"I injured my right hand last year and can't let go, so I'm swinging with both hands."

—Regarding the excellent base running in the 6th inning.

"That base running was possible because first base coach Honda told me to go, so I owe it all to Coach Honda."

—You've been entrusted with the leadoff spot for 30 games now. What are your thoughts on becoming a permanent leadoff hitter and establishing yourself in the first team?

"When I was called up to the team, I never imagined I'd be batting leadoff, but since I've been given this opportunity, I want to continue contributing to the team as the leadoff hitter."

—Yanagi-san said before the match, "Masaki is amazing."

"I was injured last year and was in rehabilitation. When I watched the first team games on TV and saw Tatsu-san (Yanagimachi) doing so well, I thought I couldn't be left behind and it motivated me to work hard. I want to work hard together with him."

—Finally, a message.

"I want to do my best to win tomorrow so that we can take the series and I can perform well as the leadoff hitter again. Please support us."