Orix Buffaloes ・ Sho Fukunaga catcher (26) showed guts both offensively and defensively. With the score tied in the seventh inning with one out, he hit the game's first solo homer over the left field fence off Lotte's Nakamori. "I'm glad it turned out to be the best possible result." In defense, in the sixth inning, he chased a foul fly and threw himself into the first base dugout, crouching on the spot but continuing to play. "Even at the plate, I have to take defense and hit the ball in a position. That desperate effort led to home run," he said, wiping away sweat from his satisfaction.

This was his eighth start behind the plate this season. He never neglected his preparations to get results. On June 16th and 17th, when the team had a day off after the interleague games, he played in a farm league game against Softbank Hawks (at Tamasta Chikugo) despite being a member of the first team. "I wanted to get a feel for it so that I would be ready whenever my turn came. It was a valuable time," he said, and his steady efforts have paid off.

The team has secured a winning percentage of over 50% for the first half of the season. "I want to continue playing with all my might until the very end." In his fifth year as a professional, he is not content with being a backup to Wakatsuki and Moritomo, and is determined to take on the challenge. (Shunta Nanbu)