◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Orix Buffaloes, Game 14 (August 1st, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' Chusei Mannami hit his 15th home run of the season, a solo shot.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, with a two-run lead, Manami stepped up to the plate for his third at-bat as the leadoff pitcher. On a 1-0 count, he connected with breaking ball from opposing starter Daiki Tajima, sending the ball towards left field. It was his 15th home run of the season, a solo shot that just cleared the stands, adding a crucial insurance run.

Manami had already hit a go-ahead RBI single with two outs and a runner on third in the first inning. He then hit his first home run in 10 games and his first since the league season resumed.

Written by Aoi Nemoto