◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Chiba Lotte Marines 18th Round (15th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa player showed strength on both offense and defense, including a tie-breaking hit and fine play.

In the bottom of the fifth, after conceding the lead early in the game and trailing by one run, Takizawa created a chance with two outs and runners on third after the leadoff reached base and the next hitter hit a base, and then it was his turn to bat. He had been struck out consecutively against the opposing starter Jackson pitcher, but on the second pitch, he timed the ball to center fielder the cutter, resulting in a timely hit that tied the game.

Then, in the top of the sixth, he caught up with a sliding hit by leadoff Koki Yamaguchi that seemed to pass through the gap between second and shortstop, and quickly throw a backhand catch ball to first base for an out. He showcased a fine play by not letting the flow he pulled with his bat.

◇ Comment from Player Takizawa
"The ball I hit was straight. I was able to repel it with strong determination. I'm glad I was able to turn runner around."

Text by Ryo Aritake