◆ Pacific League: Lotte 8-6 Orix Buffaloes (October 10th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

In an unexpected appearance on the mound, Lotte Marines pitcher Naoya Masuda (36) earned his first save of the season, putting him one win away from becoming only the fifth player in history to reach 250 career saves, a requirement for induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

In the ninth inning, with a four-run lead, closer Yokoyama took mound. Masuda was in bullpen but admitted he "hadn't prepared at all." However, Yokoyama, who had 24 saves this season, was struggling, putting runners on second and third with no outs. At this point, manager Saburo from the first base dugout instructed him to "let Masuda get ready," and he began preparing. His turn came with one out and a runner on first, with the score narrowed to a two-run lead.

The seasoned veteran quickly got his right shoulder ready, but he wasn't mentally prepared. In the short time he was in the relief car, he told himself, "Let's take a moment to compose myself and calm down," before facing hitter. He got Moritomo closer a foul fly ball for the second out, but then walked Ota, putting Walk on first and second. Kurebayashi hit a deep fly ball to right field, but it lost momentum near wall and Fujiwara catch to end the game. "It was quite a close call, but I think the wind at Marine Stadium helped me out in the end," he said, expressing his gratitude for the strong wind that is a hallmark of the home field.

"I never thought it would happen (to use me), but I was really encouraged that the manager would use me here. It really motivated me," he recalled. Manager Saburo revealed that this season, when he put Masuda on the mound when they were trailing, some of the younger players told him, "Please stop putting him on the mound in situations like that," but added, "I trust him because he pitches without complaining," showing his respect for Masuda. The manager also said, "I'll try to use Masuda again if the opportunity arises." It seems that the moment of triumph may not be far off. (Shunsuke Ami)