◇ Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs Saitama Seibu Lions 9th Round (22nd, Tokyo Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions Seiya Watanabe hit his sixth solo home run to take the lead.

In the first inning, both starters got off to a perfect start with three consecutive struck out, but in the bottom of the second, the starter Kaima Taira pitcher was 2-Walk. Although he hit a runner, he got through with line drive double play and other turnouts, and then immediately followed in the top of the third inning. Seiya Watanabe entered the bat first, caught the sixth pitch, a high center fastball, and sent it to the left field stands. He took the lead with his sixth solo homer in his second consecutive game.

Then, with a timely doble by Shinya Hasegawa players, Saitama Seibu Lions added 2 points and led by 3. The team has taken the lead in six consecutive matches.

◇ Comment from Watanabe
"The ball I hit was fastball. I was able to catch the fastball that floated up firmly. I'm glad we were able to score first."

Text by Minagi Niwa