◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Softbank Hawks (8th, Belluna Dome)

A win would move Seibu Lions up to second place, and in the bottom of the 8th inning with two outs and a runner on second base, rookie catcher Taiga Kojima (22), who was in starting line-up as the "number 2 hitter and catcher," hit a go-ahead two-run homer, his fifth of the season.

Seibu Lions offense had been closer scoreless with just five hit against Softbank Hawks 's starting right-hander Kamichatani through seven innings. In the eighth inning, leadoff hitter Genda hit hit to left field, and although Kish's bunt attempt failed, Kojima hit a go-ahead two-run homer to right field, his fifth of the season, sending the home crowd to their feet.