◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 3-0 Rakuten Eagles (12th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks 's offense and defense clicked, securing a series win.

In the first inning, leadoff Masaki reached base at Walk. After that, with one out and a runner on first, Kondo came up to bat. Rakuten Eagles 's defense formation set up a 'Kondo Shift' for pulling caution, with third baseman guarding between third and shortstop, short stop at second base right, and second baseman between first and second. Kondo caught Kosa's third pitch from the second ball, passed third baseman 's right field, and drove it to left. With this single hit, Masaki advanced to third base. With one out and runners on first and third, Kurihara hit a timely single to left, marking a brilliant opening moment.

Masaki said, "I'm always aiming for the next base, but I saw how the left fielder was chasing the ball and he wasn't charging that hard. I also considered defense ability," and he confidently reached third base after taking into account McCusker's position in left field and the force of the hit. outfield defense, base base running and strategy coach Takashi Onishi also praised him, saying, "I always tell him, 'You're the base running, so make sure you run with momentum.' It was a great run, especially considering he came at it without hesitation."

"Everyone on The Hawks is highly conscious of base running. Since I'm batting leadoff, I want to be even more conscious of it than everyone else," said Masaki. He has a batting average of .295, 11 Home Run, and 29 RBI. His on-base percentage is also .396, showing no complaints as a leadoff hitter. And yet, he doesn't neglect the finer details, such as base running. It was a moment that offered a glimpse into the team's ingrained determination to win.