◇ Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Fukuoka Softbank 19th Round (26th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Fukuoka Softbank took the lead in the first inning for the second consecutive game. Three-hit hits hit to batter Kensuke Kondo 3rd, Ryoya Kurihara 4th, and Yuki Yanagita 5th.

Fukuoka Softbank attacked the opposing starter's long pitcher 's unstable start in the first inning. With two Walk and no outs, runners on first and second, Kondo came to bat. He skillfully handled the inside curve, and the ball bounced high in front of center fielder, allowing runners runner and Tomoya Masaki to take the lead.

With runners on first and second and no outs, Kurihara sharply pulled the inside fastball and broke through the gap between first and second bases, expanding the opportunity with a hit. From full base, Yanagita caught the first pitch, a low outside fastball, without going against the ball, and over short stop 's head, passing the right field of left fielder for a timely two-run doble. After that, Taisei Makihara hit a timely hit, and Ryuta Hirose connected with a sacrifice fly, bringing the total to five runs in the inning.

In the previous game, all players recorded RBI, forming a powerful lineup in the cleanup lineup. In the game Orix Buffaloes on the 22nd, both teams marked Home Run, increasing their presence toward the end of the season.

◇ Comment from Player Kondo
"What I hit was a curveball. I was determined to make the most of the opening opportunity. I was able to make good contact. I'm glad I was able to create a good form with the timely hit that took the lead."

◇ Comment from Yanagida
"I hit it straight. It was a bases loaded opportunity, and I just focused on swinging boldly. In the end, I jumped to a good spot, added runs with a long hit, and had a good offense from the first inning, which was great."

Text by Ao Yokoyama