◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 3-1 Seibu Lions (August 2nd, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks secured their first three-game sweep against Seibu Lions this season.

Starting pitcher Otsu continued to pitch well, allowing only one runs, and the offense came up in the fifth inning. Leadoff hitter Yanagimachi drew Walk, and then with one out and runners on first and second, Shoji stepped up to the plate. He was down 1 ball and 2 strike in the first three pitches, but he watched the close pitches and count 2-2. From full count, he fouled off a high outside pitch and drew Walk on the seventh pitch.

With one out (bases loaded), Masaki hit a two-run single to left field, successfully putting the team ahead. The manager praised the young player—who is aiming to secure the starting shortstop position—saying, “A hit is certainly ideal, but he did what he needed to do to set up the next batter. Even when he’s in a tight spot, he knows how to work the count. If he keeps building on this, his standing will continue to rise.”