◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Orix Buffaloes (16th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles Hideto Asamura ( ) hit a game-tying home run ( ) and contributed to the victory ( ). infielder grand slam win

Trailing by two runs in the sixth inning with one out bases loaded, Asamura perfectly connected with the first pitch—a fastball from Iwasaki—and sent it into the left-field stands. This was the seventh home run of the season for the team’s top slugger, who had been in a severe slump heading into the July game, with a batting average of .088 and no extra-base hits.It was his 10th career home run bases loaded—his first since July 4, 2023, against the Orix Buffaloes (Tokyo Dome)—and it helped him shake off his slump. “It was perfect for the first time in a while,” he reflected. “The manager has kept putting me in the lineup despite these numbers, so I stepped into the batter’s box determined to make something happen.”

Even for the team's slugger, who has accumulated over 300 Home Run, this was a special home run. "This might be the happiest moment for me," he said with delight. The reliable veteran has signaled his comeback.