◆パ・リーグ　日本ハム―ソフトバンク（１９日・エスコンフィールド）

Nippon-Ham Fighters outfielder Yuma Imagawa hit a pinch-hit three-run homer that dispelled the negative atmosphere.

Starting pitcher Hosono was pulled from the game in the middle of the fifth inning after giving up six runs. The offense was closer by Softbank Hawks starting pitcher Uwasawa, and the stands remained silent.

In the fifth inning, with the score 0-6, Castro and Isohata hit consecutive singles with one out, putting runners on first and third base. Imagawa was called in as a pinch hitter for Shindo. On the second pitch, after a ball, he perfectly timed Uwasawa's inside two-seam two seam fastball. The ball went towards the left field foul pole and disappeared behind the escalator for his second home run of the season, a three-run shot. Manager Shinjo couldn't help but cheer, and the stands erupted in cheers.

His catchphrase, which is well-known among fans, is "tenacity," and he commented, "The flame of tenacity has not yet been extinguished. We will win!" His words completely changed the atmosphere of the entire stadium.

A power hitter prospect from his hometown of Hokkaido, the 29-year-old, in his sixth year as a pro after playing in college and the corporate league, was promoted to the first team for the first time this season on the 14th, and made a strong impression with a pinch-hit home run in the game Orix Buffaloes on the 16th (Kyocera Dome). Last season, he was sidelined due to injury just as he was starting to find his rhythm. Some fans were moved to tears by this home run from a player who has overcome many hardships.