◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, Game 15 (25th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' Tatsuki Mizuno hit his first career Home Run home hitter in the first inning, giving his team the lead with an early run on the first pitch.

fielder’s choice is often used as the starting shortstop and short stop leadoff, showed his defense stability in the first inning by handling two ground balls to the shortstop with ease. In the bottom of the inning, he faced opposing pitcher Kosei Shoji as the leadoff hitter. The showdown was decided on the first pitch, when he connected with a low outside fastball without forcing it. His perfect hit to the opposite field went over left fielder 's head and landed in bullpen. He is bringing momentum to the team both offensively and defensively.

fielder’s choice 's go-ahead home run marked his third consecutive year hitting a home run, tying his career high with Home Run seventh of the season. He was also selected to the All-Star fan vote for the second time in two years this season, and has played in 88 games so far, achieving an excellent batting average of .290 (as of before the game).

Written by Ao Yokoyama