◆パ・リーグ　オリックス４―１２日本ハム（１５日・京セラドーム大阪）

The "Chi-battery," both from Chiba Prefecture, led their team to win, closing the gap to second-place Seibu Lions to zero games. Nippon-Ham starting pitcher, Takashi Kato, allowed 7 hit 2 runs through 6 innings, earning his 11th win, a career high and putting him at the top of the league. His catcher, Gunji, also recorded three hit, earning a multi-hit game. Despite the career high, Kato said, "I was really happy about that. But in those 6th innings, I absolutely had to closer runs allowed to the minimum."

This season’s first battery pairing resulted in a serendipitous coincidence.At Koshien, about 15 kilometers from Kyocera D, Takashi Kato’s alma mater, Takushoku University Koryo, faced off against Gunji’s alma mater, Sendai Ikuei. Gunji, who led the team effectively by making good use of his slow curveball, said, “We briefly mentioned the matchup yesterday, but I really want them to win.With his 11th win—a career high—I think he’s feeling refreshed. I’ll make sure they win.” Perhaps his wish was answered, as Sendai Ikuei advanced splendidly to the quarterfinals.

They share a commonality: they're both from Chiba Prefecture. Regarding the damage caused by the heavy rains, Takashi Kato, who hails from Minamiboso City, said, "I'm worried." Gunji, who hails from Ichihara City, added, "My house is fine, but the nearest river overflowed, and there were apparently power outages, so I'm worried." Gunji, who calls his partnership with Takashi Kato "Chiba Battery," will fight hard on both offense and defense, carrying his feelings for his hometown with him. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)