◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 2-5 Seibu Lions (12th, ES CON FIELD)

Riding on the pleasant breeze of the northern land, Seibu Lions 's Kojima's hit soared into the front row of the right-center field stands. In the 7th inning, with the score tied 2-2 and runners on second and third with one out, he connected with Shimamoto's 130 km/h slider, which he said he "had in mind," and hit a go-ahead, game-winning three-run homer, his sixth of the season. It was the first game of the season played with the roof open at an away stadium during a night game. With the wind on his side, he smiled and said, "I think it turned out to be a good roof-open day."

Watanabe, a year older than him and often goes out to eat with him when they're on road trips, will be out of action on the 10th due to a "fracture of the left orbital floor." "He's in a situation where he wants to play baseball but can't. I hope I can make up for it by going all out ground," he said, swinging his bat with all his might, carrying the hopes of his teammates with him.

The team has won both of their head-to-head matches, maintaining their second-place position. Kojima, who says he "always aims to be a clutch hitter," has hit three game-winning home runs out of his six Home Run this season. This rookie, who lives up to his words, is making his presence felt day by day. (Ayami Onaka)