◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 1-7 Softbank Hawks (18th, ES CON FIELD)

It was a performance dedicated to his mentor. Softbank Hawks 's Kondo, an alumnus of Yokohama High School, contributed to win that reduced the magic number for winning the championship to 27 with three hit, including a game-winning two-run doble in the third inning. "I think I am where I am today because of my three years in high school, so I think I was able to give him good news. I want to do even better and repay him for everything," he said, reflecting on Motonori Watanabe, the former manager of Yokohama High School who passed away on the 17th.

Defying his father's objections, he entered Yokohama High School through the general entrance exam. His talent was recognized, and he was given the opportunity to play in games from May of his first year. He was deeply impressed by the coach's words, which likened climbing Mount Fuji to "the goal governing each day." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "They helped me grow not only technically, but also as a person."

He extended his league-leading RBI RBI to a career-high 89, and his batting average of .313 has narrowed the gap to just 0.05 behind Nippon-Ham 's Reyes, who leads the league. With the teachings of his legendary manager in his heart, the talented hitter is leading his team to their third consecutive championship. (Koichiro Shimao)