◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Lotte (5th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo hit his second home run of the day, a three-run homer, in the fifth inning. This was only the third time this season that he has hit two home runs in a single game.

Stepping up to the plate with the score 3–2 and one out, runners on second and third, he swung at the seventh pitch thrown by Yagi from full count. The ball made a crisp sound as it flew straight into the right-field stands. This home run, coming on the heels of his three-run shot in the first inning, extended the lead to four runs.

This marks his second time reaching 20 home runs, the first being in 2023 when he won Home Run title (26 Home Run). "I was able to hit fork perfectly. I was just focused on bringing the runner home when we had a chance. I'm glad it worked out perfectly with home run when we needed an extra run. I want to continue to be involved in scoring and help us win," he reflected.