On October 28th, from 6pm to Koshien, the third game of the "SMBC Japan Series 2025" will be held between Hanshin Tigers and Fukuoka Softbank.

[Head-to-head record] Hanshin Tigers vs Fukuoka Softbank 1 win 1 loss

【Advance Starter】
Hanshin Tigers: Hiroto Saiki pitcher 24 matches, 12 wins, 6 losses, ERA 1.55 (1st place)
Fukuoka Softbank: Moinero pitcher 24 matches, 12 wins, 3 losses, ERA 1.46 (1st place)

Fukuoka Softbank, who are aiming for the first Japan in five years, lost by one run in the first game, but won the second game with a close pitching and hitting. With 1 win and 1 loss, they will board the visiting Koshien from the third game.

The preview starters are Hanshin Tigers Hiroto Saiki pitcher and Fukuoka Softbank Moinero pitcher. The best ERA pitcher from both leagues will throw each other on the big stage.

Hanshin Tigers Talent pitcher has been pitching well against Pacific League opponents, posting a ERA 0.00 in exchange matches in 2023. Fukuoka Softbank The batting line is no exception. In 2023, he scored 2 hit 7 struck out scoreless in 5 innings, and in 2024, he scored 1 run in 5 hit 9 struck out 7 innings, closer by pitcher Saiki. This season is the first match including an exchange match. As for Fukuoka Softbank, as in the second match, we want to attack at the beginning of the game and gain the upper hand.

Moinero pitcher went up to mound of Koshien in the "Japan Life Sepa Exchange Match 2025" on June 20th, and was undefeated in 6 innings, 8 hit 6 strike out 1 runs. Although Yusuke Oyama allowed timely hits, he did not allow No. 3 Shota Morishita and No. 4 Teruaki Sato to get on base, which was a factor in achieving a quality start on this day.

Will the MVP of the "2025 Persol Climax Series Pa" continue to pitch well in the "SMBC Japan Series 2025"? Sato, who has won two batting championships, is a must-see against the cleanup.

Text: Ayako Kikuchi