◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Softbank Hawks (August 1st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

It was a stunning shot that energized Softbank Hawks 's V-Road. In the 3rd inning, with two outs and a runner on first, Masaki's bat produced a powerful detonating sound. According to NPB+, the ball was hit at 183.5 km/h, at an angle of 17 degrees, and 10 meters high. A low-trajectory line drive flew into the left field home run zone. "I thought I had crossed the left field line and was about to run at full speed, but it went in. I was surprised myself," he recalled with an innocent smile on his 16th two-run homer, marking the opening goal.

Although he is 26 plate appearances short of the required number, Home Run run total is a respectable 6th in the league. In the game Orix Buffaloes on June 24th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), he recorded a batted ball speed of 188.5 km/h, comparable to Shohei Ohtani's. Yamakawa's batting is showing signs of improvement in the minor leagues, but his return to the first team seems unlikely because it would limit the range of roles that Masaki, who plays both first base and outfield, can be used in.

The gap between them and second-place Seibu Lions has widened to a season-high six games, and they could clinch their third consecutive league championship as early as the 4th. Their strength is undeniable, and now the final, most formidable piece of the puzzle is being added. Moinelo, who had been adjusting in the minor leagues after participating in the WBC with Cuba, showed signs of recovery in the game against Orix Buffaloes on July 31st (at Tama Chikugo). Manager Kokubo confirmed the ace's return to the first team, stating, "He'll pitch in the majors next," making a start in the three-game series Seibu Lions starting on the 7th (at Belluna Dome) highly likely. With their pitching and hitting both solid, the champions' march continues. (Koichiro Shimao)