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

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's YG Yasuda scored the go-ahead runs twice.

YG Yasuda, who was in starting line-up lineup as the "number 2 DH," stepped up to the plate as the leadoff hitter in the top of the 4th inning with the score tied. On the second pitch from opposing pitcher Takayuki Kato, he sharply pulled a high-floating breaking ball. The ball he swung through flew into the right-field stands for his 3rd home run of the season, Home Run that gave his team a temporary lead.

The game was tied again in the bottom of the 7th inning, but in the top of the 8th inning, hit by Rui Muneyama put a runner on second base with two outs, creating a scoring opportunity. YG Yasuda then hit a timely doble over center fielder fence on a 3-2 count to take the lead.

YG Yasuda responded to the opportunity by recording multiple hit for the third consecutive game. Although the relief pitchers couldn't hold on and the team narrowly lost the game, he made his presence felt with two go-ahead runs. With this, he has appeared in 9 games in July and boasts a high batting average of .424.

◇ Comments from YG Yasuda (4th inning, 3rd solo home run)
"The pitch I hit was cutter. I was just lucky to have a good reaction. Let's definitely win today too."

Written by Ao Yokoyama