◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 8-2 Seibu Lions (11th, ES CON FIELD)

On the 11th, Nippon-Ham secured a decisive victory against Seibu Lions (at Escon Stadium) with a barrage of extra-base hits. This tied the series at 1-1 and brought them back into contention with second-place Seibu Lions, with no games behind. catcher Yuya Gunji (28), who started at starting line-up for the first time this season as the "number 6 hitter and first baseman," doble go-ahead double down the left-field line in the second inning with no outs and runners on first and second. After a slump at the plate and readjustment in the minor leagues, he immediately showcased his clutch hitting ability in his first home game in about a month.

Gunji swung brilliantly at a 150 km/h pitch on the outside corner. The powerful hit bounced down the left field line. In the second inning with no outs and runners on first and second, he connected doble from Seibu Lions 's starting pitcher, Takahashi Hikaru, for a go-ahead RBI double down the left field line. "I thought I might bunt, but the boss told me to hit, so I went for it with all my might, feeling inspired." He pointed to the dugout from second base and clapped his hands hard, and manager Shinjo in the dugout also applauded above his head.

It was a satisfying hit after a long time. It was his first RBI since being recalled to the first team on the 3rd, and RBI since June 9th. "I haven't been able to do much with runners in scoring position this year, so I was glad to hit a good ball in a good situation. It's also been a month since I played at Escon, so in that sense too." He displayed his original clutch hitting ability and made a strong impression with his return at home.

He started the season batting fourth, but his performance didn't improve, and he was sent down to the minor leagues on June 14th. "I've been trying to figure out why I wasn't hitting from a mechanical standpoint, and I think my performance is improving." He is aware that his position has changed since the start of the season. "I think I need to remember my original intentions and work hard, and I think I'm now in a position where I have to compete, so I want to contribute to winning while showcasing my abilities," he said, once again aiming to secure a regular position.

In the game against Lotte on the 7th (at ZOZO Marine Stadium), his 10th error of the season led to runs, prompting manager Shinjo to criticize him, saying, "We need to think about the third base position." Regarding his first start at first base this season, number 3 starting line-up spoke positively, saying, "I've been trying my best defense, but I made a mistake the other day. I'm trying to move on, but I want to continue practicing." He is aiming to regain trust both offensively and defensively as he heads into the crucial summer season. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)