◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Fukuoka Softbank 16th Round (25th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions came from behind with a fierce attack scoring six points in one go.

In the top of the sixth, trailing by one run, starter Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher gave up 3 runs, narrowing the gap to 4 runs. It seemed the game was decided in the middle inning, but the lineup immediately followed in the bottom of the 6th, starting with opposing starter Ryosuke Otsu pitcher, a consecutive Walk and Taiga Kojima hit to bases loaded the lineup. At that moment, Yuta Nakazo, who was promoted the previous day, hit a timely single to get the lead back to the first run.

With no outs bases loaded, pitcher was substituted, and the opponent was Hernandez pitcher. Manaya Nishikawa was jammed but infield hit and added one more run. Natsuo Takizawa followed with a timely hit, and Kazunari Ishii hit sacrifice fly to tie the game. A balk put runners on second and third, and An-Ko Lin added a go-ahead sacrifice fly, and the second balk added his sixth run of the inning.

This season, Otsu pitcher has struggled with three losses in three games and a ERA of 0.86, but in this game, they scored 6 runs. In their pursuit of first place, the offense showed their ability to keep up the gap in a game they couldn't afford to lose.

◇ Comment from Player Nakazo
"The one who hit was cutter. I'm glad I was able to deliver results in a chance moment."

◇ Comment from Player Nishikawa
"The ball I hit was fast. No matter what shape it takes, I pushed forward with the mindset of turning the runner back, and as a result, the ball flew to the right spot."

◇ Comment from Player Takizawa
"I hit fastball. I came to the plate with the mindset of never losing."

◇ Ishii's Comment
"The one I got hit was cutter. I was able to do the bare minimum."

◇ An-Ko Lin Player Comments
"I hit fastball. runner Since it was a runner on second and third bases, I hit with the mindset of scoring extra runs no matter how it took me. I'm glad I was able to get runner back."

Text by Minagi Niwa