◆ Pacific League: Lotte vs. Softbank Hawks (2nd, ZOZO Marine)

Lotte outfielder Katsuya Kakunaka (39) will be in the starting line-up as the number six hitter and left fielder for his retirement game.

He is putting an end to his 20-year professional career, but before the game, he had a refreshed expression, saying, 'I don't feel lonely. I've already had my fill.' Since the Softbank Hawks starter is Yuu Maeda, who has 12 wins and ranks second in the league, he said with sparkling eyes, 'He might be the best pitcher right now. I'm grateful to have a serious showdown with such a pitcher at the end. I don't think I can hit him that easily, though.'

Katsuya Kakunaka: Born May 25, 1987, in Ishikawa Prefecture. 39 years old. After attending Nihon Koku Jishi (now Nihon Koku Ishikawa) and playing for Kochi in the independent league, he joined Lotte as the 7th pick in the 2006 university/adult draft. He won the Pacific League leading hitter title in 2012 and 2016, and the title for most hits in 2016. 180 cm, 85 kg. Throws right, bats left. Estimated salary for this season is 60 million yen.