◆Pacific League: Lotte 3-4 Softbank Hawks (2nd, ZOZO Marine)

Softbank Hawks pitcher Yugo Maeda (21) finished his final regular season appearance, falling short of his 13th win, which would have tied him for the league lead. In the 8th inning, his longest outing to date, he allowed a go-ahead two-run home run to Sato with two outs and a runner on first, then gave up a Walk to Inoue before being removed from the game with 3 runs allowed. He also missed out on the title for highest winning percentage, which required 13 wins. The offense rallied in the 9th inning while trailing by two runs, taking the lead on Yu Yamamoto's three-run homer and sparing him the loss. After the game, the left-hander maintained a calm expression. Reflecting on his career-high 122 pitches, he said, 'Physically, I felt like I could keep going. I think I've grown since the beginning of the season. Failing to be the closer at the end is my weakness. I just need to level up before the CS.'

"If only he had pitched to one more batter. But there's no use talking about 'what ifs.' If only he hadn't allowed a runner after that (Sato's two-run homer)... As for the title, he should just stay in the center of the rotation for the full year next season and earn it with his own ability," said Manager Kokubo, expressing his hope for the player's further growth next season.