◆パ・リーグ　オリックス０―７日本ハム（１８日・京セラドーム大阪）

Nippon-Ham infielder Kotaro Kiyomiya offered words of encouragement to his alma mater, Waseda Jitsugyo High School, after their fourth-round defeat. His alma mater lost to Komazawa University High School 3-7, missing out on their 31st appearance in the Summer Koshien tournament, their first in two years. "I'm sure the players are the most disappointed. But the friendships you make with your teammates over the three years at Waseda Jitsugyo are something special. I hope you'll continue to cherish those friendships," he said, offering warm words to his juniors.

He himself started in starting line-up game against Orix Buffaloes as the seventh batter and first baseman. In his second at-bat in the fourth inning, he hit a timely doble to left-center field, making his presence felt. "We're going into every single game with the intention of winning, so it's just a matter of repeating that." He will lead the team in their quest for a come-from-behind victory.