◇ Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs Fukuoka Softbank 17th Round (2nd, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Fukuoka Softbank Kenta Imamiya hit a timely hit for the first time since Game The Giants on May 28.

Fukuoka Softbank tied the game in the top of the fourth inning with one out, runners on first and second, and an error. Next, Yudai Yamamoto's nigoro was scored by runner on third. After taking the lead, Taisei Makihara hit a timely hit to make it 3-1.

With two outs and a runner on first, Imamiya started for the first time in 11 games. count From 1-1, he skillfully handled a high inside fastball thrown by opposing starter Tatsuki Koja pitcher. The ball that went over third baseman 's head reached wall left field. Thanks to a good base running by Dai Makihara, he added another run.

Imamiya had long been active as a hawk short stop. Now in his 17th year as a pro, he served as the second baseman for the first time in the April 4 game against Chiba Lotte Marines and made his third baseman debut on July 11 against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles. In this game as well, he was used starting line-up as the 'No. 8 third baseman,' making his presence felt as a utility player.

◇ Comment from Imamiya
"The one I hit was fork. I just went to the plate determined to swing my own way and got to the plate. I think that led to timely hits. I'll do my best to keep winning and to keep contributing to the runs from here on."

Text by Ao Yokoyama