◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 7-2 Lotte (5th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks 's Ryoya Kurihara hit his 24th home run of the season in the 8th inning, putting him at the top of both leagues.

He stepped up to the plate with one out and a four-run lead, and connected with Masuda's first pitch. His powerful swing sent the ball soaring into the right-center field terrace seats. Having gone hit in his previous three at-bats, he said with a satisfied expression, "I really wanted to get a hit. It turned out to be home run, so I'm glad I got one."

On this day, Kondo had a spectacular game, hitting two Home Run and driving in six RBI for the third time this season. Home Run total also reached 20, and he looked at his "rival" who is steadily closing in on him with admiration, saying, "He's an incredibly great hitter. There are so many things about him that I admire, so I hope to catch up to him and beat him in at least one thing."

When Kurihara hit his solo home run, he returned to the dugout and gave a fist pump towards Kondo. "He was closing in, so I'm glad I was able to pull away," he said with a smile. The two players, who are also competing for a title, will lead the batting lineup while competing with each other.