◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Chiba Lotte Marines 10th Round (4th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Chiba Lotte Marines Kyota Fujiwara took off the first pitch hitter Home Run. He scored the opening run with his third solo homer.

The opposing starting pitcher was Hokuto pitcher, a developmental 8th pick rookie who was registered under the roster on the 2nd and made his professional debut. Leadoff player Fujiwara attacked the start. Hokuto pitcher sharply pulled a high inside shot that soared high and landed on the right-field home run terrace.

Fujiwara, who had been sidelined with a right anterior subluxation of his right shoulder joint, returned to the first team on June 30 and subsequently appeared in the starting line-up as the leadoff hitter and center fielder in four consecutive games, showing he was in perfect condition. The team's key player, who had played 35 games and led the lineup with a .297 batting average (before deregistration), made his presence felt as the leadoff hitter Home Run in the first inning.

◇ Comment from Fujiwara
"I hit it fast. Yesterday, he was hitting straight in, so I was planning to tighten it and swing well from the very first pitch. I'm glad we were able to take the lead."

Text by Ao Yokoyama