◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Orix Buffaloes 17th Round (2nd, Belluna Dome)

Rakuto Wakabayashi of Saitama Seibu Lions excelled both offensively and defensively. In the bottom of the fifth, his first hit since the transfer was created, creating a comeback drama.

Wakabayashi was used starting line-up in the second consecutive game batting ninth and center fielder. Let's start with defense. In the top of the 4th, Ryo Ota hit a powerful fly ball to the center fielder. He ran his back to the long-range ball and finally attempted a diving catch. He catch with a backhand, but didn't let go of the ball. His dynamic play excited the stands.

In the bottom of the fifth, trailing one run, Seiya Watanabe hit a doble with one out and runners on second. He faced his second at-bat in a crucial moment. The opposing starter, Taito Takashima pitcher, threw a high inside fastball. The hit that swung through the bat was jammed but still went over the second baseman 's head. Expanding the opportunity, the team then succeeded in taking the lead with timely doble by Takuya Hiruma.

On July 30, Wakabayashi returned to his former team for the first time since 2024 via trade from The Giants. On the 31st, he posted 3 hit 2 RBI in the farm team, and from the following day, he joined the first team. A happy first hit since joining in his sixth at-bat. Expectations are high for his performance in saving the outfielder, who have been sidelined by injuries.

Text by Ao Yokoyama