◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs Orix Buffaloes 15th Round (23rd, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

​Tomoya Masaki player of Fukuoka Softbank hit his go-ahead 14th two-run homer.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, trailing by one run, Masaki came up to bat with no outs and a runner on first, and struck a high fastball from Orix Buffaloes starter Leo Yamaguchi pitcher. Although the ball was somewhat blocked, it became a line drive shot in center fielder direction, reaching deep into left-center field.

After turning pro, he struggled with injuries and slumps, but in the previous day's game, he hit a Home Run from Daiki Tajima pitcher, marking a significant new career high this season. He had closer the young right-hander in the first two at-bats by swinging struck out, but finally won on their third encounter.

◇ Comment from Masaki
"I hit fastball. In my previous at-bat, I couldn't capitalize on the chances Yu-san created, which left me frustrated, but I felt a sense of revenge against Yuu-san's chances again, determined to hit again. I got stuck, but I managed to swing it well and got a home run. I'm glad I was able to get my revenge. I want to keep contributing to scoring from now on."

Text by Seiichi Nakagawa