◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (12th, ES CON FIELD)

Seibu Lions managed to take the lead in the 7th inning by scoring five runs in a row after trailing by two runs.

In the 7th inning, trailing by one run, leadoff hitter Yamamura reached base with a single to center field hit and, aided by an opponent’s error, set up a prime scoring opportunity with runners on second and third with no outs. Sosuke Genda infielder, stepping up to the plate, powerfully drove Tanaka’s 149-kilometer fastball down the right-field line, delivering a two-run doble that tied the game. Genda said, “It was a big moment, so I went up to the plate with an aggressive mindset. I’m glad I was able to bring runner home. Yeah!” as he clenched his fist vigorously on second base.

Canario followed with a single to right hit, putting runners on first and third with one out. Then, first-round draft pick Taiga Kojima, catcher, hit his sixth home run of the season, a three-run shot that landed in the front row of the right-center field stands, giving his team the lead. He was greeted with boisterous celebrations when he returned to the dugout.

He hit runner in front of the opposing starter Kitayama every inning through the fifth inning, but struggled to get home plate. Trailing by one run in the sixth inning, leadoff Kojima chose Walk and advanced between the third batter and the slugger Nevin's grounder to shortstop. With one out and a runner on second, they advanced to scoring position, but Hirasawa flew out to center and Tsuyoshi Nakamura swung and missed, struck out, and they couldn't tie the game.