◇Fukuoka Softbank vs Saitama Seibu Lions, Game 23 (6th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions' Taiga Kojima hit his 9th 3-run home run. He created the opening lead with an active performance of 4 RBI from the early stages.

In the first inning, with a runner on second and one out, Kojima hit a timely doble to score the first run. In the top of the second inning, he faced another opportunity with two outs and runners on second and third. On the fifth pitch, he caught a slightly sweet fastball. The sharp hit attacked right field and pierced into the stands in an instant.

Saitama Seibu Lions took a 4-point lead from the early stages. The game gap with the leader has widened to 7, and they are in a difficult situation with 3rd place Hokkaido Nippon-Ham closing in at a 0-game gap, but first, they want to stop the losing streak and accumulate wins.

◇Kojima Comment (Top of the 1st, timely doble)
"I hit a slider. I was cornered with 2 strikes, so I just hung in there. I'm glad I could bring the runner home."

◇Kojima Comment (Top of the 2nd, 9th 3-run home run)
"I hit a straight fastball. In a situation where we wanted additional runs, I'm glad I could hit it with two outs."

Text by Minagi Niwa