Pacific League Rakuten 3-2 Seibu (4th, Rakuten Mobile)
pitcher Shoma Fujihira took to the mound in the ninth inning, allowing two hit but not runs, closer his 12th save. This runs the 28th consecutive game since the July 11th game against Softbank (Rakuten Mobile). He now ties the team record set by pitcher Sora Suzuki in 2012. "I realized it when I was told around the 25th game," he said, emphasizing, "As a relief reliever, my number one job is to keep the score at zero (runs). I think it's a sign of my growth that I was able to keep the score at zero in such tense situations. I still have a chance to improve, so I'll do my best to set a record that no one will ever surpass."
After the game, there was a retirement ceremony for outfielder Takero Okajima, who announced his retirement. "My record was on the line, but I was determined to come back with zero runs, even if I let runner on base or died," he said, reflecting, "I pitched with the mindset that I couldn't allow any runs this season." Okajima had invited him out to dinner and listened to him on many occasions when he was struggling with his time at the farm team. "He's a former catcher, so he understands how pitcher feel. Even when I ask Take-san (Okajima) when he's having a hard time, he never shows any signs of weakness. It made me realize once again that I want to be a player like him. I'm really glad I met Take-san," he said.
Related News
・ [Scoreboard] Rakuten vs. Seibu
・ [Rakuten] win for Takero Okajima, who announced his retirement! Rui Muneyama 's game-winning sacrifice sacrifice fly gives the team a third consecutive win
・ [Rakuten] Manager Hajime Miki win Okajima's "retirement game": "I think it was a memorable game for him."
・ [Rakuten] Teammates make a nice gesture: Using Takero Okajima 's entrance songs from past years ahead of his retirement ceremony
・ [Rakuten] Takero Okajima, who will have his retirement ceremony after the game, is registered in the first team. "I'll do my best if I can play. For now, I just want to hit the ball."
