◆パ・リーグ　日本ハム―ソフトバンク（１６日・エスコンフィールド）

Softbank Hawks ・ Taisei Makihara infielder hit a two-run home run doble in the seventh inning to take the lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied 2-2 and runners on second and third with no outs, he stepped up to the plate. On a 1-ball, 2-strike count, he connected with a fastball and sent it to left-center field. Two runners scored, and he himself easily reached second base. He raised both hands in response to the cheers from the dugout.

Hiroshi Makihara, mentioning Masaki—whom he “claims” is his rival—commented, “I had a strong determination to absolutely bring runner home when we had the chance to take the lead. I’m glad I managed to hang in there and that it led to a go-ahead hit. The fact that I can’t just rely on Masaki, and my determination not to lose, really spurred me on.”

In the same matchup on the 15th, he hit a two-run single to right field with the bases bases loaded and one out in the 9th inning, making him demonstrate his clutch hitting ability once again.