◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Lotte (16th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions first-round draft pick, catcher Taiga Kojima, hit a game-tying sacrifice fly off opposing starting pitcher Mori, who was his classmate at Meiji University.

Determined to "inflict a loss on the opponent today," he started the game as the "number 3 batter and catcher." In the 6th inning, trailing by one run, he stepped up to the plate with defense loaded and no bases loaded, thanks to a defensive error by the opposing team. He swung hard at Mori's high 142 km/h fastball, sending the ball a shallow fly to outfield. Thanks to a good base running by third runner Canario, it became sacrifice fly that tied the game.

Prior to the match, the team had faced Mori three times this season, with a record of 0 wins and 2 losses. They managed to snatch a crucial run from an opponent who had closer.