◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (13th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham Fighters catcher Yuya Gunji, making starting line-up first start as catcher this season, responded to the opportunity with an immediate home run.

In their first at-bat with two outs and runners on first and third, they took the lead with a “double steal”: first baseman runner, who had started running, stopped between first and second base, allowing third baseman runner to score between second baseman throw. Seibu Lions Seizing on starter Wainans’ moment of wavering, they piled on the pressure with a two-run homer to right field—his fifth of the season—and commented, “We want to win!”

Gunji had focused solely on playing as fielder this season, but in the game against Rakuten on the 8th (at Escon Rakuten Eagles), he made his first appearance as catcher in a game that was practically a last-minute decision. He resumed practicing as catcher on the 9th. Before the game, he said, "I'm not thinking about hitting at all today. Of course, I'll do my best when it's my turn at bat, but I can't think about hitting during the game today, so I think it's best not to expect too much." However, he made his presence felt with a magnificent home run.