◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Saitama Seibu Lions, Game 20 (13th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Yuya Gunji hit his 5th home run of the season, a two-run shot.

In the bottom of the first inning, with two outs and runners on first and third base, Castro and Tatsuki Mizuno attempted a double steal to score the first run. With two outs and a runner on second base, Gunji stepped up to the plate and, on a 3-1 count, hit breaking ball from opposing pitcher Wynans into the right field stands for his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot that extended the lead to 3-0.

Gunji, playing as the "number 5 batter and catcher," made his first start in six games since August 6th, and his first time starting line-up plate as a starter this season. He responded to the opportunity with his batting from the first inning.

Written by Aoi Nemoto