◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 5-2 Rakuten Eagles (28th, Hotto Motto Kobe)

Orix Buffaloes 's Nishikawa threw his bat down in confidence. "I'm glad it led to the best possible result," he said happily, referring to the seventh inning when his team was trailing by one run. With Rakuten Eagles out and the bases bases loaded, he hit a go-ahead grand slam over the right field fence off Rakuten's Nakagomi, his third home run of the season and his first as a professional. Having grounded out in his previous two at-bats with runners in scoring position, he showed his determination by saying, "I was determined to make up for it..."

He transferred from Hiroshima as a free agent in 2024, and this is his third year playing in his hometown of Osaka. Every year since turning pro, when he hit his first home run of the season, he has received a bouquet of flowers from his former homeroom teacher at Chikko Junior High School. "Even though it's been many years since I graduated, he's still watching over me. I think these flowers also mean, 'Keep up the good work!'" This dramatic home run is also a way of repaying his respected mentor.

The team made its debut at “Hotto Kobe,” where 3,000 fireworks were set off win, ending its losing streak at three games. Riding a wave of momentum with 14 consecutive games hit, No. 7 number vowed to “do my best to hit the ball,” promising another explosive performance. (Shunta Nanbu)