◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Fukuoka Softbank 17th Round (26th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions Mitsunari Takahashi pitcher pitched an impressive 3-runs 8 innings.

Despite giving up Walk in the first inning, he got up with no runs and went hit pitch the fourth inning after that. In the top of the fifth, he handled a ball hit by leadoff player Yudai Yamamoto with a barehand, showing nimble fielding. However, after allowing the Keita Yamamoto player to hit first, they faced a bases loaded with one out. Tomoya Masaki player sacrifice fly and player Ukyo Shuto timed triple gave the team three runs first.

He retired the team in order in the 6th and 7th innings, and in the closer and 8th innings, he also pitched. He scored struck out against Masaki and Kensuke Kondo, and finally got Yuki Yanagita out to fly out to right with runners on first and second with two outs. The result was 110 pitches in 8 innings, 4 hit 4 Walk 3 strike out 3 runs. His pitch in the 5th inning was regrettable, but he made sure to play well.

Text by Minagi Niwa