◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Chiba Lotte Marines 16th Round (12th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

​Fukuoka Softbank Tomoya Masaki player scored his fifth lead hitter goal of the season.

In the top of the first inning, starter Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher retired all three batters in order, showing a smooth start. Then, in the bottom of the first, Masaki, who had come in as the leadoff hitter starting line-up for this game, came up to bat. count On the fifth pitch from 2-2, he caught a fastball that entered the middle of the center, and the moment he hit it, he was sure it hit and flew straight into the middle section of the left field stands.

This season, Masaki has had a fulfilling season with 18 home runs, far surpassing his career high. Leadoff pitcher hitter Home Run is his fifth home run of the season, and as the leadoff hitter, he leads the team as a leadoff man with a .286 batting average and a .386 on-base percentage (pre-game).

◇ Comment from Masaki
"I was able to perfectly catch fastballs. Above all, as the leadoff hitter, I wanted to create a batting position that would energize the team. In the end, I think we got off to a good start with a home run. From here on, I'll do my best to contribute to scoring and lead to victory."

Text by Minagi Niwa