On September 7, Tokyo Dome witnessed a dramatic finish as Giants outfielder Okoye Rui secured a 3-2 victory over DeNA with a walk-off home run. This decisive hit occurred in the 12th inning of extra time, halting DeNA’s six-game winning streak.
With one out remaining to tie the game, Okoye Rui faced a 141 km/h fastball from DeNA pitcher Chihaya Sasaki. The pitch was met with precision as Rui drove the ball into the left-center field stands, marking his second home run of the season. This was also Rui’s first career walk-off home run in his nine years as a professional, a significant achievement that propelled his team to victory.
After the game, Giants manager Abe shared his disbelief, admitting that his earlier comment suggesting Rui should hit a home run had been made in jest. Abe humorously recounted his reaction, revealing he had lost composure and jumped out of the bench in surprise.
During the hero interview, Rui highlighted the special occasion, noting the team wore exclusive uniforms designed in collaboration with Tiffany. With a touch of humor, Rui expressed a desire to become a Tiffany ambassador next year, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He also spoke earnestly about his commitment to the team, stating that this was his first experience competing for a championship in his nine-year career, and he is dedicated to making a significant contribution.
This thrilling finish not only showcased Rui’s clutch performance but also marked a memorable night for the Giants and their fans at Tokyo Dome.