DeNA’s Shugo Maki hit a game-tying 19th solo homer in the third inning and celebrated with a jumping high-five with Tsutsugo after his “thank-you shot” for winning the Monthly MVP award.
DeNA’s Shugo Maki came to the plate with 2 outs and a runner on second in the third inning against Chunichi, crouched to catch up with Wakui’s low curve and drove it into the left-field stands for a game-tying solo homer. The ball took him around the bases and brought the game back to level.
After touching home plate, Maki, the heart of the team’s offense, immediately jumped to high-five the next batter, Tsutsugo. “I was able to pick it up well and make good contact. There’s still a lot of baseball left! I’ll stay focused in my next at-bat as we aim to take the lead,” he said.
Maki won the July Monthly MVP award that day. His batting average had fallen since the start of August, but this hit served as a “thank-you shot” that hinted at a return to form.