◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Fukuoka Softbank 15th Round (24th, Belluna Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank ・ Ryoya Kurihara reached 30 home runs this season, the fastest among all 12 teams.

Starter Taiga Kamichatani pitcher gave up the go-ahead home run to Nevin, leading the series 0-1 in the top of the fourth. Leadoff pitchers Ukyo Shuto and Kensuke Kondo created opportunities with consecutive hits, and the fourth batter Kurihara got the turn to bat. On the first pitch, catcher requested a high inside pitch, which went into the middle, and the ball shook through the stands to center left for a go-ahead homer.

With this single shot, he reached 30 home runs, the fastest among the 12 teams. This season, he has already set a career high in Home Run games, and RBI is just shy of his personal best of 87 RBI in 2024. Home Run leads the league by 8 home runs, and RBI is also competing for the top spot with teammate Kondo.

◇ Comment from Player Kurihara
"I got a perfect opportunity to spin and was determined to make the most of this moment. I think I was able to swing my own perfectly. I didn't expect it to go all the way to the stands, but I'm glad I got the best form home run."

Text by Minagi Niwa