◇ Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, Game 19 (8th · Zozo Marine Stadium)

Chiba Lotte Marines took a 4-run lead in the first inning. Naonori Yasuda A player delivered the go-ahead hit, and Soto hit his 15th two-run homer.

Leadoff hitter Kyota Fujiwara reached base on a dropped third strike, and Misho Nishikawa and Player’s hit put runners on first and second. Naonori Yasuda Player’s timely doble that broke through to right-center field gave them the lead, and then Koki Yamaguchi the next player also capitalized on the momentum with a hit, putting runners on first and third. The following Toshiya Sato player was retired at struck out, and a failed stolen base resulted in double play, but with two outs and a runner on third, Soto hit a breaking ball—a pitch that was left up in the zone—to left field. The two-run homer brought the inning’s total to four runs.

Chiba Lotte Marines got off to a promising start by taking the lead. Yasuda, who had hit his fourth two-run homer the previous day, recorded multiple hits RBI for the second consecutive game, while Soto hit his second Home Run of August.

◇ Yasuda’s Comments
“I hit a fastball. It was a good opportunity, so I went for it! I’m glad we were able to take the lead. I’ll do my best next time, too.”

◇Soto’s Comments
“I hit a slider. Since it was a two-out situation strike, I went up to the plate determined to make something happen. The pitch floated up a bit, so I was able to drive it back solidly.”

Text by Kana Niwa