◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 4-3 Rakuten Eagles (25th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham ・ Taiki Narama infielder (26) jumped and shared a passionate embrace with the nine. In the 9th inning, with the score tied 3-3, one out and a runner on second, he pressed on Tai's low change-up and walk-off doble over the defense center field. "Today, I was a rare pinch hitter, so I was seriously determined to do it." In the 7th inning of the 1-2 game with one out and a runner on third, he came as a pinch hitter to tie the sacrifice fly. In the 9th inning, he scored the game with his second dramatic hit of the season, and his smile lit up.

He fulfilled his promise to manager Shinjo. The team's top defense player received advice from the manager in a New Year's direct message: "This year, focus on hitting the ball squarely." This season, he has thoroughly embraced that theme, marking a career-high four Home Run. "Last year, I didn't really have that perspective. I received good advice and I'm now conscious of it," he said, making his presence felt at the plate. The manager also smiled, saying, "He kept his promise and hit the ball squarely." The team has extended its lead to 11 games and is on a two-game winning streak, with one game remaining in the first half of the season. They will finish with this momentum. (Haruki Kawakami)